Top 3 Best Handheld Mesh Nebulizers In 2022

Madeline Miller

Senior Product Researcher at The Reviews Lab

Updated 1st Mar 2022

Asthma attacks are unpredictable. As an asthma sufferer myself, I am all too familiar with my life hitting a big fat pause every time my chest begins to tighten, followed by wheezing, and relentless panic as I desperately try and fail to take a deep breath.

Till now, nebulizers have been a game-changer when it comes to effectively curbing my asthma attacks. But they aren’t without flaws — as many of you with respiratory illnesses may know, standard nebulizers are cumbersome, loud, and not very portable. So, when I levelled up, I opted for a handheld mesh nebulizer model which has significantly improved my quality of life.

This guide is the result of testing 48 different handheld mesh nebulizers. It aims to allow you to quickly find the best handheld nebulizer in the market today so you don’t have to waste time or money on weak, inefficient products that won’t work when it matters the most. Towards the end of the guide, you will also find answers to the most frequently asked questions people have about handheld mesh nebulizers.

Let’s dive right in!

RANKED # 1

Click to redeem $30 OFF

NebPlus™ Handheld Mesh Nebulizer

With NebPlus, asthma does not control my daily routine. I am always in control since it works so very quickly to help me breathe easily.
  • FDA Approved
  • Whisper-quiet operation (less than 25dB)
  • Dispenses medications in just 5 minutes
  • Multi-size nozzles for kids and adults
  • Compact and very portable
  • Battery-powered device but also comes with a USB charging cable for more flexibility
  • 3-5 Days Free Shipping From USA🇺🇸
  • Accept HSA / FSA cards

9.8

Our Top Pick!

Atomization Rate

Capacity

Ease-of-use

Noise-Cancellation

Portability

Safety features

Value For Money

UPDATE: NebPlus is quite affordably priced for its compact design and sophisticated features. It costs $89.00 but the brand is running a limited-time $30 off promotion, bringing the price down to just $59.00 (they’ve discounts available if you buy more than one!) .

$59 VISIT STORE

NebPlus Mesh Nebulizer is easily the most efficient, ergonomically perfect, and the lightest option I have found. As someone that is always on the go, finding a model that is convenient to carry is immensely important to me. NebPlus checks that box since I can throw it in my purse, and it does not take much space at all.

Most importantly, while many nebulizers can take anywhere from 7 to 15 minutes to completely dispense the treatment into your lungs, this gets the job done in just 5 minutes. This is extremely helpful if I’m having an asthma attack and need the treatment in me fast. It breaks down the medication into super-fine particle sizes (1-5μ) so it can permeate the bronchi and lungs without any problems. The medication is propelled at a blazing fast speed of 0.2ml/min, which meets the industry standard!

One more— underrated— feature I love about NebPlus is its design simplicity. It only has one button beautifully positioned at the center of the handheld device. When you are panicking, unable to breathe, having just one button to turn on or off is very helpful.

#2

$68 VISIT STORE

APOWUS™ Portable Handheld Mesh Nebulizer

APOWUS’ handheld mesh Nebulizer is quite popular with those suffering from respiratory illnesses. From my personal experience, its performance was comparable to NebPlus, but it missed the mark in reliability. It ceased operation multiple times during treatment, and this doesn’t seem to be a problem isolated to just one unit. I’ve heard other users having the same problem too.
  • Very lightweight at just 0.2 lb
  • Operates quietly
  • Dispense medications in the form of a very fine mist for easy absorption
  • Affordable pricing
  • Occasionally stops mid-treatment making it a bit unreliable
  • Treatments take 3 times longer than the NebPlus

8.5

Our #2 Pick!

Atomization Rate

Capacity

Safety features

Noise-Cancellation

Design

Portabilty

Value For Money

APOWUS operates quietly, making it easy to use in work or school without disrupting your surroundings. On the design front, it’s sleek and lightweight.

My one qualm with this Nebulizer is that each treatment session can take between 13 to 20 minutes, which can be a little inconvenient for people with busy lifestyles.

This nebulizer is quite affordable at just $68 making it a good entry-level option for those just entering the world of mesh nebulizers. But make sure you have a backup just in case it stops working mid-session.

#3

$199 VISIT STORE

Philips™ Respironics InnoSpire Go Portable Mesh Nebulizer Kit

Philips’ Innospire was one of the most impressive high-end handheld nebulizers I got to test. It’s virtually silent in its operation and dispenses medications in just 4 minutes (very similar to NebPlus). Its long-lasting battery can give you 30 treatments in one full charge.
  • Elegant and portable design
  • Ultra-Quiet operation
  • Gives 30 treatments on a full charge that lasts up to 120 minutes
  • Comes with a case
  • Expensive for a model with standard features
  • Requires a US prescription to purchase

8.3

Our #3 Pick!

Atomization Rate

Ease-of-use

Portability

Noise-Cancellation

Capacity

Safety

Value For Money ​

The mesh filter of Philips’ Innospire has 1000 microscopic holes that break the medication into tiny particles, making it easier to enter deep into your lungs. When the treatment is finished, it alerts you with a musical tone.

Its small built and quiet operation is both kid and adult-friendly in that you can easily watch a video during the treatment. Being Philip’s product, you can be confident this will last you a long time but note that they advise changing the mouthpiece every 12 months to maintain the device’s performance.

My only gripe with this nebulizer is that it’s expensive and at $199, it’s out of budget for a lot of people. Also, you do need a prescription to purchase this product, restricting its accessibility further.

Mesh nebulizers are hand-held devices that are typically as small as an iPhone. They’re designed to fit a purse or even pockets. Mesh nebulizers convert liquid medication into aerosol droplets by forcing the medication through a vibrating mesh cap that has microscopic holes drilled across its surface. This mechanism helps dispense medication into tiny aerosolized particles that can easily be deposited into the airways.
These are usually prescribed to patients with lung disorders such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis. A physician may also recommend a nebulizer for a small child who is suffering from a respiratory infection.
Mesh nebulizers are highly portable and discreet, making it possible for you to use them at home, work, or school without bothering anyone. Mesh nebulizers are an efficient method of getting the medication deep into your respiratory system and leaving behind little to no drug by the end of the treatment. They are also perfect for those who have trouble using other aerosol dispensing devices due to impaired coordination or dexterity. Also, because the treatment time is quite short, mesh nebulizers are ideal for children who have trouble sitting still while taking medication, or adults with busy lifestyles.
A nebulizer is a type of breathing machine that lets you inhale medicated vapors. While not always prescribed for a cough, nebulizers may be used to relieve coughs and other symptoms caused by respiratory illnesses. They’re especially helpful for younger age groups who may have difficulty using handheld inhalers.
Consult with your healthcare provider about what’s the right medication and dosage suitable for inhalation to treat your respiratory illness. Most mesh nebulizers will work with bronchodilators, antibiotics, and sterile saline solution.
The most common inhalation regimen is twice a day. Certain medicines are used three times a day. If you need to use saline or mineral water, the frequency can be increased up to 4 times. The course of inhalation is prescribed by a doctor depending on the medication used and is limited to 5-15 days. For example, inhalation of ambroxol is limited to 5 days, and the procedure with mineral compounds is continued until the symptoms of the disease disappear.
The medication cup should be cleaned after every usage. Every manufacturer has its own cleaning instructions, so please make sure to refer to the user manual.
It is essential to clean and disinfect nebulizer handsets and other respiratory equipment that has been in contact with mucous membranes and sputum to prevent lung infections. Bacterial contamination can be reduced by regular cleaning and following the manufacturer’s instructions on when to replace the nebulizer.
No. Nebulizer handsets are labeled as single patient (one person) use only. To reduce the risk of spreading infection, please do not share nebulizer handsets with others.

Features to consider when purchasing a nebulizer

Design: tabletop or handheld device?

The choice of nebulizer design is a matter of convenience, and of knowing where and how you are planning to use the nebulizer. Some nebulizers contain compressors which weigh several pounds, while others are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand! To choose the best product size, first determine if you will be using the nebulizer primarily at home, or if you want the option of being able to take it with you to a friend’s home or on a trip. Some users with severe asthma find that traveling with a nebulizer is a necessity. If this is the case for you, selecting a nebulizer capable of being carried on active adventures will direct you toward portable models.
Helpful tip: When traveling by airplane, remember to inform TSA of your nebulizer and medication, which you are legally allowed to carry on so long as the device is packed appropriately and all liquid medications are stored in 3 oz. containers.

Noise level

Less of a logistical necessity, and more of a personal preference, is the nebulizer’s noise level. If you are planning on using your nebulizer at night, perhaps while falling asleep (and particularly with a child), be aware of how the larger the compressor, the louder the sound. For optimal comfort, factor your nebulizer’s noise level in amongst the other considerations you’ll be making as you choose the best nebulizer.

Speed of medication delivery

When you are in the midst of an asthma attack, the speed and efficiency with which you receive your medication is crucial. A nebulizer’s capacity to deliver medication can range anywhere from 4-8 liters per minute, and specific airflow rates can be found in any nebulizer product description.

Helpful tip: You can enhance this speed by keeping the nebulizer filter clean!

UPDATE: The NebPlus Store now offers a special discount code for new customers to get $30 OFF right now. Check if the promo is still available.

CHECK THE NebPlus STORE SITE