ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We assessed the dynamic characteristics of 16 nebulizer/compressor combinations currently available in Korea. METHODS: The 16 nebulizer/compressor combinations(Pariboy Type 38/Long life, Pariboy Type N/ Long life, Pariboy Type N/Salter 8900, Pariboy Type N/LC, Devilbiss pulmoaid-LT/Hudson, Devilbiss pulmoaid/Hudson, Mesmed neb-300/Own, San-up 3040/Hudson, Midas(Basic)/Own, AirJolie 2/ Hudson, Thomas 1127/Salter 8900, Noel NE-2000/Salter 8900, Omron CX3/Hudson, Chang Woo CWN-100/Salter 8900, Voyage/Mefar, Chang Woo ASI-Pro/Medel jet pulse) were evaluated in terms of particle size and mass output. In addition, we determined the effects of nebulizer fill volume on mass output. RESULTS: Pariboy Type N/Long life has the highest respirable mass of 0.184 mg/min and Mesmed Neb-300/Own has the lowest 0.019 mg/min. Pariboy Type N/Long life has the highest mass output of 0.68 mg/min and the shortest mass median aerodynamic diameter(MMAD) of 3.76 m. All combinations other than Pariboy Type N/Long life produced a MMAD of over 5 m. MMAD over a 5 min nebulization ranged 3.76 to 9.83 m. There were no significant effects of fill volume on mass output. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there is a wide variation in performance of nebulizer/compressor combinations. The characteristics of nebulizer/compressor combinations should be considered in selecting products.