A portable nebuliser provides an easier way to administer respiratory medication. They're great for children or those who struggle to take medication orally, but with so much variety on the market, it's tough to know which device will be suitable for your intended use.
This article is here to share advice on everything from particle size and nebulisation rate, to battery type, noise emissions and medicine tank capacity. To make it even easier for you to choose the right machine, we've reviewed the 10 best portable nebulisers in the UK currently available through Amazon, Argos and Boots.
Different sized particles will travel to different areas, so it's essential to choose the right size in order to administer the medicine correctly. The optimal particle size is 1 to 5 µm as anything smaller than this will not adhere to the walls of the respiratory tract, and anything larger is likely to remain in the upper tract and not treat the lower areas adequately.
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The nebulisation rate will determine the volume of medicine administered per minute. A lower nebulisation rate, up to around 0.15 ml per minute, is smoother and less intense, making it ideal for children or for soothing mild irritation.
Most adults or patients with severe conditions who need higher doses of medicine will benefit from a higher nebulisation rate. Rates between 0.15 and 0.25 ml per minute should be sufficient for most cases, but aim for something higher if you need stronger doses.
Portable nebulisers depend heavily on batteries to keep them up and running while you're on the go. Many are powered by standard AA batteries, which are a convenient choice if you want something that's easily replaceable. Plus, you'll be able to keep a spare set with you. Inbuilt rechargeable batteries tend to last longer, but you'll need to make sure you have somewhere to charge the device if it dies while you're out.
The portability of your device will also be impacted by noise emissions. After all, you won't be able to use your nebuliser in public spaces or quiet areas if it emits huge levels of noise. Noise output is measured in decibels (dB) and nebulisers tend to range between 20 and 60 dB. For a quiet machine, you should look for the lowest number possible, but keep in mind that even 60 dB machines will only be as loud as an average electric toothbrush.
Keep replacement batteries on hand in case of emergency.
The ideal machine will be as small and lightweight as possible, so that it won't be a burden to carry. Most portable nebulisers range between 100 and 300 grams, but anything below 200 g is considered lightweight.
A compact machine is always preferable if you prioritise portability, but smaller nebulisers often come with smaller medicine tanks, too. If you only need to administer a few millilitres throughout the day, a 6 - 8 ml tank should be sufficient. However, for more prolonged or intensive use, opt for a tank with a 10 ml+ capacity.
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For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Omron | 2 ![]() FEELLIFE | 3 ![]() Arozk | 4 ![]() FEELLIFE | 5 ![]() VXDAS | 6 ![]() FEELLIFE | 7 ![]() KKmier | 8 ![]() VXDAS | 9 ![]() Beurer | 10 ![]() Beurer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | MicroAir U100 Portable Mesh Nebuliser | Air Mask II Portable Inhaler | Rechargeable Portable Inhaler | Portable Inhaler | Handheld Ultrasonic Mesh Inhaler | Portable Inhaler | Portable Steam Inhaler | Portable Inhaler Machine | Portable Nebuliser | Portable Nebuliser With Travel Pack |
Features | A Multi-Position Pocket-Sized Nebuliser With Almost No Noise Emissions | The Most Compact Nebuliser on the Market Weighing Just 72 g | A 0.4 ml/min Nebulisation Rate to Administer Stronger Doses and Treat More Serious Symptoms | Variable Nebulisation Rates to Cater For Mild to Moderate Symptoms | Eliminate the Need for Constant Refills With Huge 25 ml Tank | A Child-Sized Tank With Low Nebulisation Rate and Inbuilt Speaker | Use for up to 3 Hours Accumulatively Without the Need to Recharge | Replaceable AA Batteries and a Large Tank Make for a Reliable Portable Machine | Interchangeable Masks for Adults and Children | 6.0 µm Particles to Target Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions |
Price | £105.00 | £42.99 | £36.98 | £41.99 | £22.99 | £42.99 | £30.99 | £26.99 | £78.56 | £77.00 |
Particle Size | 4.5 µm | 5.0 µm | 5.0 µm | 2 - 5 µm | 4.0 - 5.0 µm | 5.0 µm | 2.3 µm | 3.7 µm | 4.12 µm | 6.0 µm |
Nebulisation Rate | 0.25 ml/min | 0.9 - 0.15 ml/min | 0.4 ml/min | 0.9 - 0.15 ml/min | 0.25 ml/min | 0.9 - 0.15 ml/min | 0.2 ml/min | 0.25 ml/min | 0.25 ml/min | 0.25 ml/min |
Battery Type | 2 x AA | Internal | Internal | Inbuilt | Internal | Internal | Internal | 2 x AA | Internal | 4 x AA |
Noise Output | 20 dB | 40 dB | 25 dB | 40 dB | 25 dB | 40 dB | 50 dB | 25 dB | - | 36 dB |
Weight | 200 g | 72 g | 299 g | 111 g | - | 105 g | 102 g | - | 222 g | 228 g |
Maximum Dosage | 10 ml | 6 ml | 10 ml | 10 ml | 25 ml | 6 ml | 8 ml | 10 ml | - | 6 ml |
Dimensions | 13 x 4.5 x 6 cm | 7.25 x 6.75 x 5.05 cm | - | 5.5 x 4 x 9.2 cm | - | 5.3 x 5.2 x 14.1 cm | 5 x 6.6 x 10 cm | - | 11 x 6.2 x 4.7 cm | 14.6 x 5.1 x 8.5 cm |
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This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£105.00
Particle Size | 4.5 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.25 ml/min |
Battery Type | 2 x AA |
Noise Output | 20 dB |
Weight | 200 g |
Maximum Dosage | 10 ml |
Dimensions | 13 x 4.5 x 6 cm |
£42.99
Particle Size | 5.0 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.9 - 0.15 ml/min |
Battery Type | Internal |
Noise Output | 40 dB |
Weight | 72 g |
Maximum Dosage | 6 ml |
Dimensions | 7.25 x 6.75 x 5.05 cm |
£36.98
Particle Size | 5.0 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.4 ml/min |
Battery Type | Internal |
Noise Output | 25 dB |
Weight | 299 g |
Maximum Dosage | 10 ml |
Dimensions | - |
£41.99
Particle Size | 2 - 5 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.9 - 0.15 ml/min |
Battery Type | Inbuilt |
Noise Output | 40 dB |
Weight | 111 g |
Maximum Dosage | 10 ml |
Dimensions | 5.5 x 4 x 9.2 cm |
£22.99
Particle Size | 4.0 - 5.0 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.25 ml/min |
Battery Type | Internal |
Noise Output | 25 dB |
Weight | - |
Maximum Dosage | 25 ml |
Dimensions | - |
£42.99
Particle Size | 5.0 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.9 - 0.15 ml/min |
Battery Type | Internal |
Noise Output | 40 dB |
Weight | 105 g |
Maximum Dosage | 6 ml |
Dimensions | 5.3 x 5.2 x 14.1 cm |
£30.99
Particle Size | 2.3 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.2 ml/min |
Battery Type | Internal |
Noise Output | 50 dB |
Weight | 102 g |
Maximum Dosage | 8 ml |
Dimensions | 5 x 6.6 x 10 cm |
£26.99
Particle Size | 3.7 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.25 ml/min |
Battery Type | 2 x AA |
Noise Output | 25 dB |
Weight | - |
Maximum Dosage | 10 ml |
Dimensions | - |
IH60
£78.56
Particle Size | 4.12 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.25 ml/min |
Battery Type | Internal |
Noise Output | - |
Weight | 222 g |
Maximum Dosage | - |
Dimensions | 11 x 6.2 x 4.7 cm |
IH55
£77.00
Particle Size | 6.0 µm |
---|---|
Nebulisation Rate | 0.25 ml/min |
Battery Type | 4 x AA |
Noise Output | 36 dB |
Weight | 228 g |
Maximum Dosage | 6 ml |
Dimensions | 14.6 x 5.1 x 8.5 cm |
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
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