Rating of the best inhalers for bronchial asthma for 2020

Inhalation therapy is prescribed under a variety of circumstances, ranging from the need for standard prevention of the common cold to the constant relief of symptoms of severe lung disease. Bronchial asthma is a chronic airway disorder in which the bronchi become sensitive to irritants. As a result of bronchial inflammation, a person is regularly exposed to attacks of suffocation.

People suffering from a similar disease cannot live comfortably without medicines and special inhalers, which at the moment prevent an attack and make breathing easier. In a matter of seconds, the inhaler delivers the medicine into the respiratory tract, where rapid absorption occurs. A huge number of models for asthmatics are presented on the market today, they differ in type of design, appearance, size and active drug.

This review will tell you in detail about the principle of operation, as well as the advantages of different types of inhalers, will tell you how to choose a productive model for the treatment of bronchial asthma, as well as a number of other diseases of the pulmonary system.

Types and features of inhaler operation

The main advantage of inhalation therapy is the absence of age restrictions and is used to treat both young children and adults and the elderly. In addition, the method of inhalation, that is, spraying the active substance directly onto the mucous membrane of the throat, bypassing the digestive system, provides rapid absorption and instant relief of an attack of coughing or suffocation. It is much safer than oral administration of drugs that can have a negative effect on the functioning of the liver and other organs.

Inhalers come in different types, each with a different operating principle. The most common types are compressor inhaler (classical nebulizer), mesh (mesh technology), steam and ultrasonic. All, with the exception of steam, belong to the type of nebulizers, which implies the effect of an aerosol, they form a stream of small particles of a drug substance. The type of device is selected based on the type of disease and the focus of inflammation, the requirements for its operation (weight and dimensions), as well as the type of drug. So, not all presented types are universal and "support" all types of drugs, some can spray only essential oils and mineral mixtures, and hormonal drugs and antibiotics will be ineffective and even dangerous.

• Compressor type

It is the most widespread and popular due to its reliability and ease of use.The principle of operation of this device is to transform the medicine into a pleasant aerosol cloud using the built-in compressor, which produces a large air flow through a small hole inside the chamber with the solution. Thanks to this technology, the drug is sprayed into the smallest particles, about 3.5 microns in size, and quickly reaches the affected areas of the body at all levels of the respiratory tract. This is a universal and safest type of inhaler, since it is suitable for treating people of any age (special accessories may be included in the kit), and also, due to its design, does not affect the medicinal solution due to the lack of heating, so it can add any active ingredient. The device provides for operation in different modes, they differ in the type of particle division, from large to the smallest, and are selected depending on the area in need of treatment.

The only significant drawbacks of this device are its dimensions and the presence of noise effects - the device is quite large and suitable only for home use, it will be extremely impractical to carry it with you.

• Ultrasonic devices

They work due to the vibration of the built-in piezoelectric plate, vibrations are created that break the solution into small particles. Such a scheme of work has the highest productivity, in the minimum amount of time - about 10 minutes, up to 25 ml of the drug is injected into the body, which ensures the maximum effectiveness of the treatment of the disease. Ultrasonic models are compact, lightweight and quiet. This is very convenient, since you can always take it with you and carry out procedures anywhere, lying on the couch at home or while visiting.

Not all drugs are compatible with this type of inhaler, for example, antibiotics and hormones tend to break down when exposed to high frequencies, however, the list of substances approved for use is quite wide.

• Mesh inhalers (nebulizers) or devices with MESH technology

They are modern analogues of ultrasonic devices. The method of operation is similar to the method of its predecessor, only low frequencies are used instead of high frequencies. Mesh appliances are lightweight and lightweight, and they do not make any noise at all, which is a great advantage - you can take them everywhere with you. The efficiency of using this type of inhaler is quite high - in 3 minutes, a full-fledged inhalation is carried out with a minimum amount of the drug - 0.6 ml.

• Steam inhaler

It is the simplest and most uncomplicated type, suitable for home use. The technology of its work consists in converting the medical solution into steam, which penetrates into the upper respiratory tract and affects the inflammation focus. A special temperature control is built into the design, which does not allow the vapors to become too hot and burn the mucous membrane, the likelihood of burns is minimal due to a special sealed chamber. This device can also be used for skin steaming and cosmetic manipulations.

The disadvantage of a steam inhaler can be considered low efficiency - it does not supply the required amount of a substance to the body due to the transformation of the substance only into large particles, it warms up more and accelerates blood circulation, so the result is achieved extremely slowly and is comparable to the result of a standard physiotherapy procedure. In addition, such inhalation cannot be carried out in the presence of a temperature above 37 degrees, and the range of drugs used is narrowed, since most of them are destroyed under the influence of temperatures.

Criteria for choosing an inhaler for bronchial asthma

So, having decided on the type of device and having studied its principle of operation, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics that will help you make the final choice in favor of one or another model based on your requirements:

• Reliability;

When choosing any equipment, and especially medical equipment, the reliability and durability of the purchased unit is taken into account so that it will serve for a long time and does not require repair. Reliability is determined by the quality of the material from which the product is made; it must be durable and airtight. It is also worth paying attention to the manufacturer, it is desirable that he occupy a strong position in the market, specialize exclusively in the production of medical equipment and be in demand. Having decided on the type of device and choosing a suitable model, you should look at customer reviews for this product in online stores and on other sites, so you can get acquainted with the nuances of the operation of equipment, get recommendations and advice. It is important that the model has a positive response - then you can safely take it.

• Functionality and ease of use;

Some models perform not only the basic functions inherent in an inhalation device, but also have other useful features. For example, there are models with several operating modes that control the spray rate and regulate the air flow temperature. A big plus will be the presence of additional accessories with the device, such as a mask for an infant, replaceable attachments. This makes it easier to use and allows the device to be used to treat all family members. It is also worth adding to the convenience the possibility of automatic spraying, this allows you to inhale the medicine without making unnecessary manipulations and without synchronizing the inhalation with the moment of spraying.

• Efficiency;

The patient's recovery time directly depends on the efficiency of the device, and therefore a model with high productivity is selected. The unit should remove as much of the treatment solution as possible in the shortest possible time, thus, the procedure time will be significantly reduced, and the result will still be pleasing. This is an important criterion when buying an inhalation device for a young child, so the baby will be less capricious and will be able to use the device at any time.

• Cost;

Price is a very individual and important criterion, because not everyone is able to shell out a lot of money for an ordinary inhaler. There are models on the market with the same technical capabilities and various price tags, so you can find suitable budget options at any time. The price depends, first of all, on the type of device and its productivity. It is worth noting that you should not save on your health and purchase an unpopular option because of its cheapness, so you can easily stumble upon a low-quality product and aggravate your health. The best choice would be a device with an average price.

• Versatility;

Versatility should be understood as the possibility of using all types of drugs in the inhaler, including hormonal ones. A general purpose device is usually more expensive, but it can be used for all forms of disease and circumstances. Thus, the purchase of another device is not required, the universal inhaler will serve for many years for a variety of purposes.

• Appearance and dimensions.

In the case of various forms of asthma, it is necessary that the inhaler is always at hand and at the right time it could be used to ease the attack. There are effective models for home use only, they are medium to large in size, have a decent weight. Such devices cannot be taken with you, although they help to cope with the disease, therefore, in the chronic form of the disease, it is necessary to purchase compact and laconic models that can easily fit in a small purse. In addition, the appearance of the inhaler plays an important role, if it is purchased for children, then you should choose an apparatus with a cute or unusual design so that the procedure is fun and interesting, and the child is not afraid.

The best inhaler models for asthmatics

This is a list of the most popular models of inhalation devices for asthma. Here, their main parameters will be described in detail, as well as all the advantages and disadvantages.

AND CN-231

This is a nebulizer type compressor inhaler that is in great demand in the market and has many positive reviews from customers. It is reliable and convenient to use, it has adult and children's masks, an additional mouthpiece and a convenient case for storage and transportation. The device operates in several modes: it is capable of spraying the substance into large (10 μm), medium (4 μm) and small (0.5 μm) particles, which increases the efficiency of use. There is a container for a medicine up to 13 ml, the time of continuous operation is 30 minutes. The device has impressive dimensions and a weight of about 1500 g. In addition, the device is designed for water-based preparations only, which limits its use.

• Nice price;
• Strength and durability;
• Good efficiency;
• Availability of accessories;
• Has several modes of operation.

• Large size and weight;
• Suitable only for water-based preparations.

Omron Comp Air NE-C24 Kids

Another popular model of a compressor nebulizer, which is designed for procedures for children of different ages. The fun, cartoonish design will make the device a pleasure for any child. The device supports a wide range of medicines, practically does not make noise and is portable, its weight is only 270 g. The set includes several masks, including for babies and an adult, a case for storage and transportation, as well as children's accessories. The device is capable of spraying a substance on an average (3 micron) and maximum (5 micron) particle size, has a 7 ml chamber and is capable of continuously operating for 20 minutes. Additional features include a breath-activated camera. It is easy to clean and disinfect with boiling water or chemicals, and is equipped with V.V.T. technology, which eliminates the need for silicone breathing valves.

The device has an economical consumption of substances, which increases the effectiveness of therapy.

• Economical consumption;
• Cheerful design;
• Acceptable cost;
• Availability of additional accessories;
• Silence;
• There are several modes of operation;
• Ease of use;
• Safety;
• Compactness and portability;
• There is an activated camera.

• Not found.

B.Well PRO-115_N

This is a compressor unit with a cute design in the form of a small train, which will appeal to children. It has two spray modes for medium (3 microns) and large (5 microns) particles, an 8 ml medicine cup, and is also capable of continuous operation for 30 minutes. The device is powered from the mains, it is not easy to carry - the weight is about one and a half kilograms. The set includes a set of masks for children of different ages and an adult. In addition, there are nozzles for the nose and mouth, nasal douche, storage bag and cute stickers. This inexpensive and functional model will help prevent ARVI and alleviate other chronic lung diseases.

• Beautiful appearance;
• Good price;
• Accessories are present;
• There is a nasal shower and nozzles for the nose;
• There are two modes of operation.

• Impressive dimensions.

Flaem Nuova Boreal F400

This model of compressor inhaler has a laconic design and a pleasant cost. It has several particle adjustment modes, from the largest (10 microns) to the smallest (0.8 microns), a breath-activated chamber and a 9 ml drug container. The weight of this device is 2 kg, which makes it quite heavy. The kit includes a mask for an adult, mouth and nose attachments, and a convenient storage case. Continuous work time is 1 hour.The device has a 5-year warranty, which is a big plus, and there are no restrictions on the solutions used, which makes it universal.

• Nice cost;
• Accessories available;
• Functionality;
• Long-term quality guarantee;
• There is an inhalation-activated chamber;
• Versatility.

• Makes noise;
• Great weight.

B.Well WN-114 child

A compact and portable mesh nebulizer renowned for its quietness and manufacturability. It can be charged both from the mains, and you can buy special batteries to always take with you, the operating time with them is more than 1 hour. The model has three modes of operation, the largest particles are 5 microns, and the smallest - 0.5 microns. The volume of the medicine container is 8 ml, the continuous working time is up to 20 minutes. The set includes several masks for children and adults, a storage case and batteries. Customers like the model due to its diminutiveness and ease of use, with it you can take any position, for example, lie at an angle. Some people note the difficulties in regularly cleaning the device, because it must be done regularly and very carefully.

• Compactness and lightness;
• Silence;
• Battery powered;
• There are several modes of operation;
• Availability of accessories;
• Ease of use.

• It requires constant cleaning and maintenance.

Additional Information

Name	Rating on Yandex-Market	approximate cost
AND CN-231	5.0	RUB 2,811
Omron Comp Air NE-C24 Kids	5.0	RUB 3,822
B.Well PRO-115_N	5.0	RUB 3,000
Flaem Nuova Boreal F400	5.0	RUB 3,700
B.Well WN-114 child	4.5	RUB 4,663

Drug inhalers

Nebulizers are a well-known and common type of inhaler for bronchial asthma, but there are other types, which we will discuss below.

Liquid aerosol inhalers

The name of the species describes how it works. In a special aerosol can, a liquid is under pressure, namely a drug mixture, which, if necessary, is sprayed by pressing a button, or by pushing the can itself towards the nebulizer.

• Compactness;
• independence from the power grid;
• the opportunity to take advantage anywhere.

• It is not enough just to “splash”, it is necessary to control breathing and correlate it with pressing a button / balloon, so small children and persons with coordination problems cannot use the device without assistance.

Important! Do inhalation (injection) strictly on inhalation, otherwise, if spraying occurs on exhalation or at the time of a respiratory pause, the medicine will settle on the walls of the larynx, which is fraught with the development of allergies.

Popular aerosol inhalers:

• Foster;
• Berodual;
• Ventolin.

Powder inhalers

The name of this type of device was formed from the nature of the drug, it is contained in the form of a powder. The use of powder eliminates the need for breath control, which would be required if a liquid aerosol is used.

Powder models are very compact, some do not exceed the size of a powder compact. The function indicator shows the powder consumption.

Determine what a powder inhaler will allow the buyer to use the terms "haler", "multidisk", "novolizer" contained in the title.

• When spraying, you do not need to control inhalation / exhalation, the use of the product is out of sync with breathing;
• Compact and aesthetic appearance;
• Independent of the power supply.

• The device is not affordable for everyone.

The most famous and effective powder options:

• Symbicort;
• Formisonide;
• Relvar Ellipt.

This was the rating of the best inhalers for the treatment of bronchial asthma, which are in demand on the market, have a wide range of positive qualities and provide the most effective therapy.