Nebulizer mask vs mouthpiece
I would like some input on this subject as to whether your medications are less effective if you use a mask vs. using the mouthpiece.
There was one medication I am on that left me shaky and in worse shape after I took it than I was before. I decided to try a mask with that med. With the mask, I don't experience any of this shakiness and breathlessness.
For my other two meds I use the mouthpiece, but I decided to try the mask this morning for those also. The treatment is definitely so much more pleasant and relaxing with the mask, and I actually do feel better this morning than I have in days. However, I'm not ready to put that down to using the mask over mouthpiece. I've learned with this disease it's just all over the place.
I take a total of 8 treatments every day, and 9 if I have to use my albuteral. Am I sacrificing the effectiveness of the medication by using the mask?
Hi again, Nikilet, and thanks so much for bringing up this excellent and interesting topic. First. as you said, COPD can affect everyone differently. As well, the efficacy of medications can also vary (sometimes, widely), from person to person.
To get to the heart of your concern, in the most general of terms, a mouthpiece is preferred over a mask, if only to protect one's eyes and face from exposure to the medication. But, for the administration of aerosol medication, there is no downside to using either one (except for what I've already mentioned - some folks would need to shield their eyes from certain aerosolized medications).
However, masks can certainly be used for patients who, for whatever reason, cannot use a mouthpiece effectively. Having said that, I don't believe there is any apparent reason why you would refrain from using a mask. So many of my patients use masks, simply because they are more comfortable for them to use.
This seems to be reflective of your circumstances as well. It is puzzling (to me), why you had the reaction you did while using a mouthpiece but did not have the same reaction when you used the mask. That, too, would support your use of a mask over a mouthpiece.
You may want to discuss this further with your prescribing physician. He/she may have a recommendation for you as well.
I do hope this brief explanation was helpful for your concern.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I have used both but when i went to do spirometry test to see what stage copd i was in by the way my results were stage 4 the lady suggested i use hand held because i would get all medicine in my lungs she said with mask some is going out of holes in mask and yes i sometimes feel anxious after from the albuterol mine is prescribe every 4 hrs or as needed thank goodness i have good and bad days so i do not have to use it everyday
Hi bhernandez, and thanks for joining in this conversation based on the article about the use of a mask or a mouthpiece for nebulizer treatments. We appreciate you sharing your own personal experiences here with the community. We value your input.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Since I've started using the mask, along with the SideStream reusable nebulizers, my treatments are only taking about 5-6 minutes and now I'm worried that I may not be getting enuf medicine to my lungs because the treatments are so short.
I have both the Pari Vios (green) and the Pari Vios Pro (black). I switched back to my green machine since it has less power. Before I started with the mask I was using the Pari Star nebulizer.
Am I worrying for nothing?
Hi again, Nikilet, and thanks for offering this new concern for consideration, it's a very good question!
First off, I would tell you not to be worried at all! Here's why.
It's well known that nebulizer systems can nebulize medications at different rates (time-wise). Some of this is based on flow rate, some is based on the design of the compressor, and some is related to the design of the particular nebulizer being used. We see this in the hospital setting and also in the home setting, as well as for patients using portable units.
One's main concern should be that the entire dose of medication is completely nebulized for the patient during the treatment. There shouldn't be any solution left in the nebulizer vial once the treatment is ended. Another way of saying that is, the treatment should not be stopped until all the medication has been delivered to the patient via the nebulizer.
Perhaps some of the other moderators / team members with clinical backgrounds / experience will weigh in with their points of view as well.
I do hope this brief response has provided you with the information you need to put your mind at ease. What do you think?
Wishing you the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)It's our pleasure, Nikilet.
We're so glad to have you as a participating and active member of our online community.Please know, you are always welcome here!
Best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)There is a good drop left in my medicine cup. Should it ALL nebulize?
This one is really effective! Masks can certainly be used for patients who, for whatever reason, cannot use a mouthpiece effectively
Hi again, GlaceSoundRacer, and thanks for your comment here as it relates to the use of a mask or mouthpiece for nebulizer treatments.
Do you have a preference of one over another device?
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
