How do I choose the best nebulizer???

[RattieQuin]

I'd like to buy a nebulizer for my rats.  I have a prescription, so I have the option of going to a medical supply store.  I'm not really sure if their nebulizers are better than ones that you can get elsewhere without a prescription but I guess it's good that the option is open.

Anyway, I am wondering what I should look for in a nebulizer.  I have read on the board something about the size of the drops being smaller than 4 microns (or something like that).  Is there anything else I should look for in a nebulizer?

[scout]

My recommendations are that you get one that's portable so you can take it to where the rat is easily. One that's as quiet as possible is nice, too, since some rats seem to be frightened by the noise. Be sure you can get spare cups if needed, filters and whatnot that need replacing frequently. Having to use mail order for 99 cent filters is a pain in the backside.

I had an Omron Elite, which I really liked. I got it because at the time, I could get it at a drug store without a prescription (not always possible depending on your location) and I could get it in a hurry. I don't know if this particular brand or model is still available, however.

[Scubbs]

I have the Mabis Minicomp nebulizer - it works really well and I have no problems with it    You can see it here.

[jeepharm]

I use the DeVilbiss.   Without running to look, I think that's the right model!
 
I'm curious as to how everyone else uses their nebulizer.  Our vice president came up with a nebulizing box made with one of those storage totes that has the 2 piece hinged lid.  Small holes are drilled about 2" from the bottom, about 6 on each side, then a large hole at the top (one side only) for the "breathing" part of the nebulizer.
 
And, because the tote has those divisions, he cut cloroplast dividers so if you have more than one rat that needs nebulized, and they aren't cage mates and don't get along, you can still nebulize them together and save $$$ on meds!
 
Our vet LOVES it!  In fact, he loved it so much he had us make him some of the boxes and he uses them for all small animals and even cats who will tolerate being 'closed in'. 
 
The boxes also save on meds as we can "pulse" the meds (as per our vet).  Since the meds stay contained in the box, instead of keeping the nebulizer running for the full 15 minutes (our vets standard), he either has us do 5 minutes on, five minutes off, 5 minutes on or 7½ minutes on and 7½ minutes off.  The box stays 'misty' the whole time, so you know they are getting the meds!
 
And no, your rat will not suffocate!  Those hinged totes do not seal tight, AND, remember, there are more than a dozen ¼" holes drilled around the bottom of the box!
 
Ann & my gorgeous boys Nobel, Figlewitz, Ridley, D'Marco, Gino & Nunzio!
Enjoy the yogie bar Efram!
Co-founding Partner/Secretary
Pittsburgh Rat Lovers Club & Rescue

[scout]

Jeepharm, can you post a picture of your box? I'd love to see the setup.

I use a kritter keeper with a towel over it. I wrap the mouthpiece with the end of the towel and hold it right up to the grid on the kritter keeper. It's worked very well for rats that tolerate being in the keeper.

[Nokithis]

please post pics!!!

[Scubbs]

This setup was recommended to me by my vet, and it's easy and extremely cheap.  You put a carrier inside of a garbage bag and then put the rats in the carrier.  The nozzle/mouth piece is wedged between the bars in the front of the carrier.  Close off the end, and start the nebulizer; the end.