10 Best Portable Nebulizer Machines for Medication Delivery [2023]

Updated: January 11th, 2023

The Power Neb Ultra is one of the lowest-priced jet nebulizers on the market and is best-selling. The jet compressor reduces medications to a particle size of 0.5 µm to 5 µm, the best in the top 10 ranking nebulizers. It offers hands-free operation with a built-in neb kit holder. The packaging includes a disposable neb kit with an optional reusable kit available.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 10
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 30
• Particle Size (Microns): 0.5 to 5
• Airflow (LPM): 8
• Medication Capacity (mL): 10
• Noise (dBA): 63

Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 100.17
• Width (Inches): 5.3
• Length (Inches): 6.3
• Height (Inches): 3
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 3.2
• Carrybag/Handle: Optional Shoulder Bag #18031
• Power Options: AC

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Drive Medical
• Country of Manufacture: China
• Compressor Warranty: 5 Years

Weighing less than one pound, the Pari Trek S is a favorite of travelers. Its attractive design and easy use make it a formidable competitor. It is ready for domestic travel with AC, DC, and battery operation. Plug it into your car, boat, or RV power receptacles. It operates at a nominal pressure of 14.5 PSI, higher than all but one of the top 10 nebulizers. The Pari offers a small particle size of 3.8 µm, and the compressor weighs less than 1 pound. A shoulder carry bag provides a separate compartment for accessories. 

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 14.5
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 35
• Particle Size (Microns): 3.8
• Airflow (LPM): 4
• Medication Capacity (mL): 2.5
• Noise (dBA): 50

Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 27.56
• Width (Inches): 1.75
• Length (Inches): 4.5
• Height (Inches): 3.5
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 0.8
• Carrybag/Handle: Included Shoulder Bag
• Power Options: AC, DC, Battery

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Pari
• Country of Manufacture: Mexico
• Compressor Warranty: 3 Years

Salter Aire Elite is available in several different configurations that include a TEE adapter, a reusable mouthpiece, a disposable mouthpiece, a pediatric mask, or a carry bag. It employs a jet compressor offering the highest nominal operating pressure of 25 PSI, well beyond any other top 10 devices. The Elite offers an anti-drool feature not available with the other competing models. The power requirement for the Elite is AC only, restricting its use to domestic wall outlets. A handy shoulder bag provides portable transport from one location to another. Treatment times are around 7 minutes, but the medicine reservoir is one of the smallest at only 3 mL. A built-in handgrip offers easy handling. The manufacturer, Salter Aire, acquired by SunMed, does not disclose the particle size atomization. Also, Salter Labs does not disclose the noise decibels during operation, but many complaints exist in product reviews about the sound level.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 25
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 30
• Particle Size (Microns): N/A
• Airflow (LPM): 6
• Medication Capacity (mL): 3
• Noise (dBA): N/A

Portability

1. Size (Cubic Inches): 168.04
2. Width (Inches): 4.4
3. Length (Inches): 5.7
4. Height (Inches): 6.7
5. Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 4.3
6. Carrybag/Handle: Shoulder Bag Included
7. Power Options: AC Only

Dependability

• Manufacturer: SunMed
• Country of Manufacture: China & Mexico
• Compressor Warranty (Years): 5

InnoSpire Go is an impressive mesh nebulizer with a stunning treatment time of only four minutes. It offers the smallest size and the lowest weight of any of the top 10 nebulizers. The InnoSpire Go from Philips comes with an 8 mL reservoir and produces particle sizes down to 5 microns. It offers the lowest amount of noise during operation at only 35 decibels. This device operates off AC or battery power, making it travel-ready; while there is no storage or carrybag, but fitting it into your luggage should not be an issue because of its small size. Manufactured in the United States by Philips, this device comes with a short warranty of 2 years, typical of mesh nebulizers.

Performance

• Type: Mesh
• Operating Pressure (PSI): N/A
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): N/A
• Particle Size (Microns): 5
• Air Flow (LPM): N/A
• Medication Capacity (mL): 8
• Noise (dBA): 35

 Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 26.71
• Width (Inches): 2.8
• Length (Inches): 1.8
• Height (Inches): 5.3
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 0.25
• Carrybag/Handle: None
• Power Options: AC and Battery

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Philips
• Country of Manufacture: United States
• Compressor Warranty: 2 Years

The Traveler Nebulizer is a jet system offering one-touch operation with treatments of 10 minutes. Manufactured by Drive Medical, the Traveler weighs less than a pound and includes a shoulder bag for easy transport. An optional battery along with AC and DC compatibility makes it travel-ready indeed. This device comes with a 3-year warranty.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 8
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 30
• Particle Size (Microns): 5
• Air Flow (LPM): 4
• Medication Capacity (mL): 6
• Noise (dBA): 54

Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 38.48
• Width (Inches): 3.3
• Length (Inches): 5.3
• Height (Inches): 2.2
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 0.8
• Carrybag/Handle: Shoulder Bag Included
• Power Options: AC, DC, and Optional Battery

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Drive
• Country of Manufacture: China
• Compressor Warranty: 3 Years

The low-priced Omron NE-C801 is a jet compressor that can reduce particle size to 3 microns but has a surprisingly low 2.8 LPM airflow which may not be suitable for high-viscosity prescriptions. Its medicine cup has an ample capacity of 7 mL. The Omron is the fourth-smallest device in the top 10 products and offers the second-lowest weight for easy portability. Offering simple, one-button operation, the NE-C801 comes with a handy storage bag.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): N/A
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): N/A
• Particle Size (Microns): 3
• Air Flow (LPM): 2.8
• Medication Capacity (mL): 7
• Noise (dBA): 52

Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 62.91
• Width (Inches): 5.63
• Length (Inches): 3.88
• Height (Inches): 2.88
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 0.62
• Carrybag/Handle: Storage Bag
• Power Options: AC Only

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Omron
• Country of Manufacture: China
• Compressor Warranty: 3 Years

InnoSpire Elegance is the second product from Philips Respironics that made the top 10 rankings. The device is a jet compressor outputting a nominal operating pressure of 10 PSI and a max pressure of 35 PSI. It reduces particle size to 5 microns and provides an airflow of 13 LPM, one of the highest airflows of the nebulizers compared in this ranking. This durable machine complies with international safety standards and comes with a shoulder bag for easy carrying. It is made in the United States and comes with one of the most extended warranties of 5 years.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 10
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 44
• Particle Size (Microns): 5
• Airflow (LPM): 7
• Medication Capacity (mL): 8
• Noise (dBA): 58

Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 177.45
• Width (Inches): 6.5
• Length (Inches): 6.5
• Height (Inches): 4.2
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 3.3
• Carrybag/Handle: Shoulder bag
• Power Options: AC Only

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Philips
• Country of Manufacture: United States
• Compressor Warranty: 5 Years

The Pulmo-Aide is one of the top-performing compressors offering 10 PSI nominal operating pressure with a max PSI of 35. It provides one of the highest airflows at 13 LPM. The device comes with a T-adapter and is not made with natural rubber latex for allergy-sensitive patients. Manufactured by DeVilbiss, the Pulmo-Aide is a durable compressor with a 5-year warranty.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 10
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 35
• Particle Size (Microns): 5
• Air Flow (LPM): 13
• Medication Capacity (mL): 10
• Noise (dBA): 62

Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 216.00
• Width (Inches): 7.5
• Length (Inches): 7.2
• Height (Inches): 4
• Weight (Pound ~Compressor): 3.8
• Carrybag/Handle: Integrated Carry Handle
• Power Options: AC

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Drive
• Country of Manufacture: China
• Compressor Warranty (Years): 5

Drive Compact is an AC-powered jet device offering 10 PSI of operating pressure with 8 LPM airflow. It features a reusable JetNub Plus and a disposable neb kit. The reservoir capacity is 5 mL for home delivery of aerosol medications. The Drive Compact is highly durable, dishwasher safe, and comes with a 5-year warranty. Powered by AC, the Compact comes with an integrated carry handle. This device is suitable for both adult and pediatric use. On the negative side, the Compact is one of the loudest devices in this study, emitting 63 decibels.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 10
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 30
• Particle Size (Microns): 5
• Airflow (LPM): 8
• Medication Capacity (mL): 5
• Noise (dBA): 63

Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 158.18
• Width (Inches): 7.5
• Length (Inches): 5.7
• Height (Inches): 3.7
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 3.2
• Carrybag/Handle: Integrated Carry Handle
• Power Options: AC

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Drive
• Country of Manufacture: China
• Compressor Warranty (Years): 5

The Drive – DeVilbiss combination has five compressors that made the top-ten rankings. The PumoMate is the fifth machine. It offers a built-in carry handle and is the only device with an integrated storage compartment. The PumoMate has a low price, and like most Drive-DeVilbiss machines, it carries a 5-year warranty. It has one of the highest air flow ratings of 13 LPM and the highest maximum operating pressures at 35 PSIG. It also has one of the highest medication capacities at 10 mL. For its downsides, it is the heaviest device at 5.3 pounds and the largest at over 345 cubic inches. However, its large size is somewhat offset by its internal storage capacity.

Performance

• Type: Jet
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 11
• Max Operating Pressure (PSI): 35
• Particle Size (Microns): 5
• Airflow (LPM): 13
• Medication Capacity (mL): 10
• Noise (dBA): 57

 Portability

• Size (Cubic Inches): 7
• Width (Inches): 13
• Length (Inches): 3.8
• Height (Inches): 5.3
• Weight (Pounds ~Compressor): 5.3
• Carrybag/Handle: Integrated Carry Handle
• Power Options: AC Only

Dependability

• Manufacturer: DeVilbiss
• Country of Manufacture: N/A
• Compressor Warranty (Years): 5

Jet Nebulizers

Jet devices utilize a compressor to break fluid medications into tiny aerosol droplets. Some models incorporate breath-actuated jet nebulizers that sense the patient's inspiratory flow and deliver the aerosol only on inspiration to decrease drug waste. This method can improve treatment times. These devices offer the lowest-priced solution.³

Ultrasonic Nebulizers

Ultrasonic nebulizers work using a piezoelectric crystal vibrating at high frequencies (commonly 1-3 MHz) to produce aerosol medications.⁴ Ultrasonic devices are the least common type on the market.

Mesh Nebulizers

Mesh nebulizers force liquid medications through a mesh plate that aerosolizes the treatment. These devices offer silent operation using household or battery power. They provide consistent dispersal, less waste, and greater efficiency. The flow rate is adjustable for the differing viscosities of drugs. They offer better medication delivery to patients but at a higher cost.⁵

Nebulizer Types⁶

Advantages

Disadvantages

Jet

Ease of Use
Large Brand Selection
Low Price

Significant Medication Waste
Requires Compressor
Requires Additional Tubing

Utlasonic

Ease of Use
Large Brand Selection
Low Price

Significant Medication Waste
Not Compatible With Viscous Liquids
Degradation of Heat-Sentive Materials
Few Products

Mesh

Ease of Use
Large Brand Selection
Low Price

High Price
Difficult to Clean
Not Compatible With Viscous Liquids
Not Compatible With Crystalizing Medications
Short Product Lifespan

Parts of a Portable Nebulizer Kit

1. Medicine Cup or Reservoir – contains the medication for administration
2. Cap – covers the reservoir
3. Mask or Mouthpiece – delivers medication directly to the patient
4. Tubing – a conduit between compressor and mouthpiece or mask
5. Compressor – required for jet nebulizers
6. Power Connection – AC & DC adapters, battery
7. Carry Case– shoulder bag or storage case