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.
Quick List - Top Portable Nebulizers
Omron
A Multi-Position Pocket-Sized Nebuliser With Almost No Noise Emissions
Arozk
A 0.4 ml/min Nebulisation Rate to Administer Stronger Doses and Treat More Serious Symptoms
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
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.
Try some teas for colds to relieve minor sinus irritation.
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.
Add some essential oils to a facial steamer to clear your airways.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Omron MicroAir U100 Portable Mesh Nebuliser | ![]() | A Multi-Position Pocket-Sized Nebuliser With Almost No Noise Emissions | |
2 | FEELLIFE Air Mask II Portable Inhaler | ![]() | The Most Compact Nebuliser on the Market Weighing Just 72 g | |
3 | Arozk Rechargeable Portable Inhaler | ![]() | A 0.4 ml/min Nebulisation Rate to Administer Stronger Doses and Treat More Serious Symptoms | |
4 | FEELLIFE Portable Inhaler | ![]() | Variable Nebulisation Rates to Cater For Mild to Moderate Symptoms | |
5 | VXDAS Handheld Ultrasonic Mesh Inhaler | ![]() | Eliminate the Need for Constant Refills With Huge 25 ml Tank | |
6 | FEELLIFE Portable Inhaler | ![]() | A Child-Sized Tank With Low Nebulisation Rate and Inbuilt Speaker | |
7 | KKmier Portable Steam Inhaler | ![]() | Use for up to 3 Hours Accumulatively Without the Need to Recharge | |
8 | VXDAS Portable Inhaler Machine | ![]() | Replaceable AA Batteries and a Large Tank Make for a Reliable Portable Machine | |
9 | Beurer Portable Nebuliser|IH60 | ![]() | Interchangeable Masks for Adults and Children | |
10 | Beurer Portable Nebuliser With Travel Pack|IH55 | ![]() | 6.0 µm Particles to Target Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions |
Omron's MicroAir nebuliser is nearly silent at 20 dB. It works in any position, even while lying down, and the compact size will fit right in your pocket. It won't weigh you down either, at just 200 g!
The 4.5 µm particle size allows for even distribution of medication throughout the entire respiratory tract. Plus, the 0.25 ml/min nebulisation rate will be strong enough to treat most symptoms without being too overwhelming.
There's a range of nebulisation rates available, from 0.9 to 0.15 ml/min. This makes it useful for a range of mild to moderate symptoms, and can be used by children and adults alike. Best of all, the machine will automatically shut off after 10 minutes, so you won't need to worry about forgetting to switch it off.
It's surprisingly lightweight considering its large capacity, and it only emits noise of up to 25 dB while running. The internal battery power means it will last for hours before needing to be recharged, and it also features a 20 minute auto-shutoff feature to save power and reduce the risk of overheating.
This compact machine weighs just 111 g when fully assembled and comes with inbuilt lithium batteries for up to 1 full hour of running time on a full charge. When not in use, the battery will be preserved for even longer, thanks to the 10-minute auto shut-off function.
The 2 - 5 µm particles are the optimal size for even distribution and You can choose your own nebulisation rate from 0.9 to 0.15 ml/min. A great option for those with limited mobility, with a 10 ml tank capacity, you can be sure one refill will go a long way.
The 4.0 - 5.0 µm particles are distributed at 0.25 ml/min, which is strong enough for most adult requirements. With a 20-minute shutdown feature and long-lasting internal batteries, this is an energy-efficient choice that's sure to impress.
Unfortunately, the tank has a maximum capacity of only 6 ml, so you may need to refill it a few times throughout the day. For smaller child-sized doses, however, this may not be an issue. You may even prefer a smaller tank, so that your child isn't able to take too much medication at once.
At 50 dB, it is the loudest machine on our list. So, if you're looking for something quiet, there are better options on the market. For reference 50 dB is about the same noise level as a refrigerator motor, so this may not be an issue if you're not too sensitive to noise.
The exact size and weight of this device are unclear, so if you're after a specific size, you may be better off choosing another product. Even so, there are a lot of features that make this nebuliser more practical than others for mobile use.
Unfortunately, there has been no maximum dose specified for this device. So, if you know you'll need a certain tank size to correctly administer your medication, it may be best to opt for another model.
Just be aware that the 6.0 µm particle size is a little larger than the suggested 1.0 - 5.0 µm range. This means the particles aren't as likely to reach the lower respiratory tract as they are with other machines. However, if you're treating an upper tract condition, this will be ideal to precisely target the problem area.
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
No. 1: Omron|MicroAir U100 Portable Mesh Nebuliser
No. 2: FEELLIFE|Air Mask II Portable Inhaler
No. 3: Arozk|Rechargeable Portable Inhaler
No. 4: FEELLIFE|Portable Inhaler
No. 5: VXDAS|Handheld Ultrasonic Mesh Inhaler
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games