1. Aerosol particle size
How finely can nebulizers spray medicines?Nebulizer model | Average particle size (MMAD), µm | Respirable fraction |
B.Well MED-120 | 2,9 | 71,1% |
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic | 3,0 | 72% |
AND CN-234 | 3,0 | 70% |
Microlife NEB 200 | 2,83 | 71% |
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 | 2,9 | 77% |
Particle size is a key characteristic of the nebulizer, which determines how deeply the medicine enters the respiratory system. The optimal range is considered to be 2-5 microns. In such an aerosol, more than 50% of the droplets of the specified diameter are present, and the rest will be smaller or larger. This allows the drug to be evenly distributed throughout the respiratory tract, from the nasopharynx to the pulmonary alveoli, and to have a strong therapeutic effect. According to this parameter, all nebulizers fit into the desired range, differences of 0.1-0.2 microns are not significant for the effectiveness of treatment.
The second key parameter of inhalers for home use is the respirable fraction. It is measured as a percentage and shows what proportion of particles have a size of less than 5 microns. The respiratory fraction determines the effectiveness of the device for the treatment of diseases of the bronchopulmonary system. The higher this setting, the better. The undisputed leader was the Philips nebulizer, which outperformed its competitors by 6-7%. It will be an ideal solution for the treatment of lung diseases.
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00
The safest
2. Noisiness
How loud are the models in comparison?Nebulizer model | Noise level, dB |
B.Well MED-120 | 44 |
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic | 45 |
AND CN-234 | 55 |
Microlife NEB 200 | 52 |
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 | 58 |
Noisy operation is a feature of all compressor nebulizers, which may cause problems with their use in children. Adults pay less attention to an unpleasant hum, but with frequent use it also begins to annoy.
The B.Well nebulizer became the leader in this indicator. This is the quietest appliance on the comparison list and is suitable for use by the whole family. The sound of the operation of such an apparatus is compared with the noise of a fine rain. Omron approached the B.Well nebulizer as close as possible. These two devices are ideal for regular inhalations with dry cough, rhinitis, allergic diseases, including in young children. The rest of the models lose to the leaders: they make loud unpleasant sounds.
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic
Economical
3. Performance
How powerful are nebulizers?Nebulizer model | Aerosol supply rate, ml/min | Time of continuous operation, min |
B.Well MED-120 | 0,3 | 30 |
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic | 0,25 | continuously |
AND CN-234 | 0,25 | continuously |
Microlife NEB 200 | 0,4 | 30 |
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 | 0,15 | continuously |
How long the inhalation lasts depends on the rate of aerosol supply.This is an important moment for adults with an active rhythm of life and children who find it difficult to sit still for a long time for the procedure. The first position in terms of speed is occupied by Microlife - new spray technologies reduce inhalation time by 2 times.
In terms of spraying speed, Philips turned out to be an outsider, but the manufacturer has introduced a new SideStream technology for uniform aerosol supply to compensate for this moment. Therefore, the duration of inhalation on this device is comparable with the indicators of B.Well, AND and Omron.
Since the standard procedure time does not exceed 10 minutes, the continuous operation time is of secondary importance when choosing. The standard cycle includes 30 minutes of operation and 30 minutes of pause, however, some devices in the rating can supply aerosol continuously.
Microlife NEB 200
Universal
4. Equipment
What accessories are included?Nebulizer model | Children's mask | adult mask | Mouthpiece | Spare filters |
B.Well MED-120 | + | + | + | 5 |
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic | + | + | + | 5 |
AND CN-234 | + | + | + | 10 |
Microlife NEB 200 | + | + | + | 5 |
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 | + | + | + | 4 |
All devices have a similar configuration. They are designed for home use by the whole family, so the box contains a replaceable mask for an adult, a mask for a child, and a mouthpiece for inhalation through the mouth. The price includes replaceable filters for the nebulizer, without which the correct operation of the product is impossible. In addition, all manufacturers pack the compressor itself and its components in a carrying bag for easy storage and transportation of the product if necessary.
AND CN-234
durable
5. Dimensions
What are the body sizes of nebulizers?Nebulizer model | Dimensions | The weight |
B.Well MED-120 | 100x54x51 mm | 0.16 kg |
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic | 85x43x115 mm | 0.119 kg |
AND CN-234 | 120x450x850 | 1.2 kg |
Microlife NEB 200 | 103x160x140 mm | 1.3 kg |
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 | 165x165x108 mm | 1.5 kg |
The size and weight of the inhaler are important for people who plan to take the device with them on business trips or on vacation. This is especially true for families with children who may catch a cold or experience an exacerbation of chronic lung disease from minimal climate change.
In our comparison, 2 portable compressor nebulizers are presented: B.Well and Omron. They do not take up much space in the pocket of a travel bag, and are useful for the treatment of incipient dry cough, allergic rhinitis and other typical travel problems. B.Well has an additional advantage - it works from USB, so the device can be connected to a Power bank and inhaled anywhere in the world, even without an outlet at hand.
The remaining models of inhalers are intended for home use only. They are larger and heavier, so they create difficulties during transportation.
6. Price
What price should be expected when choosing?Nebulizer model | price, rub. |
B.Well MED-120 | 2690 |
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic | 2840 |
AND CN-234 | 3030 |
Microlife NEB 200 | 3090 |
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 | 4000 |
The leading position is occupied by B.Well MED-120, which has excellent characteristics and the lowest price among competitors. Omron, AND and Microlife nebulizers show good value for money. But buying a Philips inhaler is an expensive pleasure, because it will cost a third more than its competitors.
Compressor nebulizers are in the middle price segment. They are not cheap compared to simple steam inhalers, but for most patients, such a purchase will be affordable. Do not forget that a good nebulizer will last 3-5 years or more, is suitable for use by the whole family, will help to cope with a runny nose, dry cough, allergies and other problems. With the right choice of device, the purchase will justify itself in a short time.
7. Comparison results
Which nebulizer has become the best in terms of average rating?It's time to determine the winner of our comparison. The compressor inhaler B.Well MED-120 became the best, which won in half of the nominations and showed high results in all respects. It's quiet, portable, powerful and affordable and can be used by the whole family. B.Well MED-120 has the best price-quality ratio, besides, it has received a lot of positive feedback from users and doctors. The Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic, which is notable for its low noise level, compact size and good performance, is not much behind him.
AND CN-234 and Microlife NEB 200 are in the middle of the comparison. These are noisier units, but they give good particle size aerosols, are complete and have a long service life.Microlife NEB 200 is the most powerful inhaler recommended for busy people for a quick procedure.
The Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 came in last place in the comparison due to loudness and high cost. However, it shows the best aerosol parameters for the treatment of the lower respiratory tract, has a long warranty, good build quality and many positive user reviews. If the price does not stop you, do not exclude this option.
Name | Rating | Number of wins by criteria | Winner in nominations |
B.Well MED-120 | 4.85 | 3/6 | Noise, Dimensions, Cost |
Omron Comp Air NE-C20 basic | 4.77 | 1/6 | Noisiness |
AND CN-234 | 4.40 | 1/6 | Equipment |
Microlife NEB 200 | 4.60 | 1/6 | Performance |
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance HH1336/00 | 4.38 | 1/6 | Particle size |