The 5 Best Nebulizers for Kids

Asthma attacks are a difficult thing to deal with, even for adults. As a parent, it’s painful to see your child have one. When you can ease their breathing and coughing problems with a nebulizer, you would want the best nebulizer for your kid.

Nebulizers are considered easier to use than inhalers as medicine is supplied straight to the lungs. As such, let’s look at exactly what a nebulizer is and 5 of the best ones for your kid.

What is a nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a machine used by asthma patients and those with similar conditions to breathe easily. When someone is having trouble breathing, they can inhale the mist from the nebulizer into their airways to open it up for free passing of oxygen. The nebulizer is also used by the patient from time to time according to the doctor’s instruction, so the asthma attacks can be stopped beforehand.

Liquid medicine is converted into mist and delivered directly to your child’s airways through the nebulizer.  They don’t have to hook the machine to their bloodstream for it to work. Instead, they inhale the medicine mist through a mask or nebulizer cup.

A nebulizer is also used to treat congestion, cystic fibrosis, wheezing, etc.

Children also have an easier time with nebulizers than inhalers. The inhalers require a higher level of coordination, while the nebulizer just requires them to wear a mask and turn on the machine. At most, they might feel restless for the short time the medicine is administered.

What are the parts of a nebulizer?

A nebulizer usually involves the main machine, a medicine cup where the liquid medication is kept, a hose to connect the medicine cup to the machine, and the mask connected to the medicine cup so your child can inhale the medicine through their nose.

Pressurized air is released from the machine to the tube, which leads to the liquid medicine transforming into a mist.

Your child will have to wear the mask for about 5 to 15 minutes, based on your doctor’s instructions. After that, they can breathe normally while wearing the mask. They can even go about their regular activity such as reading a book.

How to choose a nebulizer for kids?

From a mechanical standpoint, there isn’t any difference between nebulizers for kids and adults. However, keeping certain things in mind while shopping for a nebulizer will help you find one your child is most comfortable with.

Appearance

Children don’t particularly enjoy the idea of using a strange-looking machine. Most adults don’t, much fewer children who don’t necessarily understand why they need to use a nebulizer.

A nebulizer with a child-friendly appearance is more likely to appeal to kids. For example, there are nebulizers with cars, toys, and animals printed on them. These make the machine less scary from the perspective of a child.

They are more likely to use the nebulizer and continue their treatment on time.

Noise Level

Asthma attacks don’t announce when they are coming. However, it can well be in the middle of the night.

Sometimes doctors might also advise using the nebulizer at regular intervals for one to two days straight. This is a way to stop the symptoms from getting worse.

Kids won’t like using a model that makes too much noise. It defeats the purpose of using a nebulizer, especially since asthma attacks would make it harder for them to sleep through the night. A quiet nebulizer would also be good for the family.

Quality

More than anything, you should go for a nebulizer that is of high quality. It might cost a little, but it’s worth the efficient medicine delivery.

Amid a serious attack, you want the medicine to enter your child’s airways as soon as possible so they can breathe properly again.

Portability

Your child will not be stuck home all day unless they are particularly sick. They must go to school, the hospital, and sometimes simply go out to play with their friends. You might also be planning a big trip with your child.

You will need a nebulizer you can carry with you no matter where your child goes.

So, look for nebulizers that are easily portable. Especially if you are traveling, you should have a nebulizer you can pack in your travel bag.

Insurance

If your child needs a nebulizer, you will have to buy one no matter the cost. However, it does not hurt to check if some of the cost of the nebulizer can be covered with insurance.

The cost of a nebulizer can range anywhere from $50 to $200 without insurance. As such, if insurance coverage is possible, it is always a good idea to opt for it.

5 Best Nebulizer For Kids

After carefully considering the best nebulizer for kids, we have picked out the ones that are most likely to appeal to them. These nebulizers have an adorable appearance and are of high quality. They are also on the quiet side. Let’s take a look.

1.   Trek® S Portable Aerosol System

The Pari nebulizer system is a relatively low-cost affair. However, it is of a plastic build, so the company recommends you replace the nebulizer every 6 months or so. They also suggest disinfecting the nebulizer as often as you can.

This one works with a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is blue and would generally appeal to a child’s senses. Moreover, the main compressor is shaped like a small toy and weighs 1 pound at most. The colors used are navy blue and bright yellow. The kind of nebulizer your child won’t mind, especially if your child is a little older and doesn’t like nebulizers. It looks mature enough for older kids but has color appeal for children of all ages.

This is also an excellent portable option. It has a power adapter system for home and car use. It also comes with a rechargeable battery, so if you are traveling, you can just charge the nebulizer and take it with you.

2.   Philips Sami the Seal Compressor Nebulizer System

Philips has excellent quality masks and nebulizers for adults. They do not disappoint when it comes to nebulizers for kids either.

One look at the Sami the Seal nebulizer, and you know why this is a good choice for your children.

The main machine is a blue seal with an adorable smile. Your child might not realize this is even a machine at first glance. However, this one comes with a 5 year warranty, so any money you invest in it is worth it.

Even the mask is designed after a turtle. So, your child does not feel wary of the machine at all. If your child is particularly young, they might even enjoy using the nebulizer on their own.

This is also a conveniently small nebulizer. You will be able to get it inside most travel bags. Despite being light, the bottom of the machine is weighted, so it stays stable. The nebulizer is compatible with most medicine usually prescribed for respiratory issues.

3.   Drive Devilbiss Penguin Nebulizer System

This one’s an instant favorite for most children. It’s impossible for them to not associate this penguin-shaped nebulizer with their favorite animation like Happy Feet. It even comes with a red travel bag

Your child would love the colorful penguin nebulizer machine when you sit them down for a small dose.

Even the mask and tube used for the nebulizer are pretty and shaped like toys. The air filter must be replaced regularly to ensure optimal performance. It is best if you buy 10 of them at once, so you don’t have to worry about it.

4.   Sweluxe Portable Nebulizer for Kids

The Sweluxe portable nebulizer for kids is one of the most portable nebulizers you will come across. While the mask does not have an innovative, child-friendly design, the actual compressor more than makes up for it.

The main machine is a yellow, cylindric figure which requires an AA battery to keep it running. There is no need to connect it to a power source. In fact, this one is like an inhaler, except it has a mask, so you don’t have to worry about coordination.

The machine has the face of an animated duck carved onto it. Because of its plastic build, your child is likely to think of it as a small toy.

You get a storage bag with the nebulizer which is convenient for all the batteries and other small items. The nebulizer and mask itself can be kept inside your small handbag without an issue. This is extremely good as this means you can take it with you anywhere while traveling with your child.

The nebulizer machine also has 3 adjustable speeds. This will make the entire system of delivering medicine to your child’s body easier. You can settle on a setting according to your doctor’s instructions. However, in the event of an asthma attack, choosing a speedier setting would make things better quicker.

5.   MEDQUIP PANDA NEBULIZER SYSTEM

Medquip is doing a wonderful job when it comes to creating nebulizers for kids. The compressor is shaped exactly like a panda, with eyes and color scheme matching a panda. 

The tube attachment section is to the back of the panda compressor. Your child can maintain the illusion of playing with a children’s toy rather than using a nebulizer.

Even the mask, filter cap, and connector stick as much as they can to the child-friendly theme.

There are two types of delivery options for this nebulizer machine. Your child can either use the mouthpiece or they can use the mask. Some children prefer the mouthpiece as it takes less space on their face. Others prefer the mask because they don’t like the mouthpiece. Overall, this nebulizer machine from Medquip lets your child choose.

You can also get an igloo carry case with the panda nebulizer. However, you will have to buy it separately. Though, if you search online, there are stores that might sell both as part of a single package.

Final Thoughts

It's important to keep in mind that the respiratory machines employ liquid medication, which can occasionally splash out and move around. If the machines aren't cleaned frequently, its presence may result in the growth of germs. It is advised that you regularly clean and sanitize the nebulizer.

Why not let your children look at the ones described here as the best nebulizer for kids? Then, you can purchase the option that best appeals to them and their needs.