Public health sources give these general steps: wash your hands, assemble the parts, add the medicine as prescribed, sit upright, breathe normally until the cup is empty or the mist stops, switch off, then clean. The instructions supplied with your exact model take priority over all of them. Below are the steps with their sources, then what changes on a portable mesh device.
The general steps, source by source
NHLBI, part of the National Institutes of Health, publishes a sheet of “general steps” and says to follow the instructions that come with your nebulizer. The list below combines NHLBI, MedlinePlus and the American Lung Association. All three describe a machine linked to the cup by tubing or a hose.
- Wash your hands. All three sources start here.
- Put the parts together as your instructions show. NHLBI lists the machine, tubing, medicine cup and mouthpiece or mask.
- Add the medicine your prescriber specified. NHLBI says to put the prescribed amount into the cup. What goes in, and how much, is for your prescriber and pharmacist to decide.
- Sit upright and relaxed. The American Lung Association advises this, with normal breathing through the mouth.
- Seal the mouthpiece or fit the mask. NHLBI says to close your lips around the mouthpiece, or to fit a child’s mask snugly over the nose and mouth. MedlinePlus adds that small children usually do better with a mask.
- Turn it on and breathe. NHLBI says you should see a light mist, then take normal breaths through the mouth until the cup is empty or the mist stops.
- Switch off. NHLBI says to take out the mouthpiece (or remove the mask) and turn off the machine.
- Clean the parts. NHLBI says to wash the cup and mouthpiece or mask with warm water and mild soap after each treatment, then air dry. Mesh devices can have their own cleaning rules, so follow your manual and see our cleaning guide.
Sources: NHLBI: How to Use a Nebulizer; MedlinePlus: How to use a nebulizer; American Lung Association: ABCs of Using a Nebulizer.
What changes on a portable mesh device
MedlinePlus describes jet nebulizers as using compressed air and mesh nebulizers as passing medicine through a tiny mesh. That changes several steps. For a fuller comparison, see mesh vs compressor nebulizers.
| Step | Compressor machine | Portable mesh device |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Plug in the compressor and turn it on. | Built-in or replaceable batteries. Mayluck’s MY135 and MY139 have a built-in rechargeable battery; OMRON’s NE-U100 takes two AA batteries. |
| Tubing | Tubing links the compressor to the cup. | No tubing listed. The MY135 and MY139 kits have masks, a mouthpiece, a cable and a manual; OMRON’s mask adapter fits straight onto the main unit. |
| Position | Jet nebulizers call for an upright position. | Depends on the model. OMRON says to tilt the unit slightly to start, so the liquid covers the vibrating element. |
| Timers and auto-off | Not covered in the sources. | Varies. OMRON’s device turns off automatically after 30 minutes; the Mayluck MY139 lists 10- or 20-minute timer settings. |
Sources: the three above for the compressor column; OMRON: MicroAIR NE-U100 instruction manual, as listed in October 2026; Mayluck product pages.
Why operating position matters
On OMRON’s NE-U100, the manual says that with the unit slightly tilted, the vibrating element sits in the medication and nebulization starts when you power on. It adds that in some positions nebulization may stop after a short while, and a brief tilt re-immerses the element. It also cautions against operating the device when the medication container is empty. Other mesh models may differ, and the American Lung Association says to hold the nebulizer in the position the manufacturer recommends.
For a Mayluck device
For your model’s operating position, fill limit and cleaning steps, use the instructions supplied with it. We do not give them here. If you cannot find them, start with finding your model and the find-instructions page on Mayluck Care.
Charging, lights and controls
- ChargingRules on using a device while it charges differ by model. Mayluck Care says not to use a Mayluck device while charging unless your model permits it. Not charging or turning on
- LightsOn OMRON’s NE-U100, an orange light flashes when the batteries are low. The FDA says to learn what your device’s alarms and error messages mean.
- ControlsThey differ even within one brand: the Mayluck MY135 lists two mist settings, while the MY-131B has a press-and-hold manual mist.
Sources: OMRON NE-U100 manual, linked above; FDA: Home Healthcare Medical Devices checklist.
First-use checklist
Before the first session
Common mistakes
- Skipping the manualNHLBI warns that incorrect use means you will not get the medicine you need.
- Ignoring the operating positionOMRON notes nebulization can stop in some positions. If mist stops partway through, check the position in your manual.
- Poking the meshOMRON warns against pushing or poking the mesh with a cotton swab or pin. Mayluck Care also says not to poke the outlet or mesh.
- Carrying liquid in the cupOMRON says not to carry or leave the medication container filled. Mayluck Care says not to leave liquid in the cup for travel unless expressly permitted.
If mist never starts or keeps stopping, work through our portable nebulizer not working checks. MedlinePlus says to contact your provider or device supplier if you have trouble using your nebulizer. If you struggle to breathe, follow your care plan and get medical help.
Sources: NHLBI and OMRON, linked above; MedlinePlus: How to use a nebulizer.
Quick answers
How do I use a portable nebulizer for the first time?
Read the manual for your exact model, clean and dry the parts as it directs, charge the device, then follow the general steps above and the checklist.
Does a portable nebulizer have to stay upright?
It depends on the model. The American Lung Association says jet nebulizers call for an upright position and some other types have different requirements. OMRON’s mesh manual says to tilt the unit slightly to start so the liquid covers the vibrating element, and notes that mist may stop in some positions. Follow your own manual.
Can I use a portable nebulizer while it is charging?
Manuals differ. Mayluck Care says not to use a Mayluck device while it charges unless your model permits it, so check the instructions supplied with yours.
What do I put in the cup?
Only what your prescriber or pharmacist tells you. NHLBI says to put the prescribed amount of medicine into the cup, and Mayluck kits include no medicine or saline.
