Vibrating mesh/membrane nebulizers
Price range: $$$
Though still relatively simple in function, vibrating mesh nebulizers offer higher efficiency than pneumatic jet nebulizers and waste less drug than pneumatic nebulizers, with the exception of breath-actuated devices that conserve medication when the patient is not inhaling. Examples of vibrating mesh nebulizers include the Aerogen Ultra and Aerogen Solo devices. PARI’s eRapid nebulizer system is an example of a vibrating mesh device.
Ultrasonic nebulizers
Price range: $$$
These nebulizers have a significant limitation in that they can only be used with solution formulations and may thermally degrade formulations containing large molecules, though they do have the benefit of reduced drug waste. They are currently being superseded by other types of device, in particular breath-actuated jet and vibrating mesh/membrane nebulizers. Examples include Omron’s NE U17.
“Smart” nebulizers without breath control
Price range: $$$$
This category includes nebulizers that use a variety of methods, in particular vibrating orifice/mesh/membrane technology, to generate aerosol droplets but incorporate electronic controls to coordinate medication delivery to the optimum inhalation portion of the tidal breathing cycle. Pneuma Respiratory’s Pneumahaler BDI, which is currently in development, is one example.
“Smart”
nebulizers with breath control
Price range: $$$$$
These devices contain additional electronics that can learn and control the inhalation profile of the patient to optimize further the timing of medication delivery as well as the regional location in the lungs to which the medication is delivered. Vectura’s Akita Jet is a smart nebulizer with breath control.
