How to Test a Heated Nebulizer

Nebulizers are a type of medical equipment that turn liquid medication into a vapor. The patient wears a mask that's connected to the nebulizer and inhales the vapor during breathing treatment sessions. Nebulizers are used to treat breathing- and lung-related ailments like asthma. Many nebulizers are equipped with a heating mechanism that warms the mist. To test the heated nebulizer, use a small amount of water instead of medication. If it works properly, it will produce a warm steam.

Things You'll Need

• Nebulizer
• Teaspoon
• Water
• Sterile gauze

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Instructions

• 1

  Plug in the nebulizer.

• 2

  Attach the nebulizer tubing to the compressor and attach the mouthpiece. Ensure that all of the tube connections are secure.

• 3

  Open the nebulizer's lid and access the bowl region where you place the medication prior to a treatment.

• 4

  Place 2 tsp. of water inside the nebulizer bowl.

• 5

  Turn on the heating mechanism. There will be a dial or switch on the side of the nebulizer labeled with "Heat" or similar.

• 6

  Turn on the nebulizer's compressor.

• 7

  Feel the mist that's emerging from the nebulizer mouthpiece. If it's working properly, the mist will be warm.

• 8

  Turn off the nebulizer heater and compressor. Use a bit of sterile gauze to absorb the water in the nebulizer bowl. Insert your medication and perform a breathing treatment, or store the nebulizer until you're ready to perform a treatment.