Medicine container
The nebuliser's built-in medicine reservoir volume is a crucial consideration. It's important to align this parameter with medical guidelines for the prescribed treatment. A too-small capacity may require frequent refilling, disrupting the treatment process.
Also, knowing the volume of the reservoir and the nebulization rate (see below), it is possible to estimate the operating time of the nebuliser on a single refill.
Noise level
The nebuliser's maximum noise level during normal operation is a crucial factor for user comfort, especially in situations where loud sounds are undesirable, such as when treating children or during nighttime use. It's important to note that the relationship between decibel levels and actual perceived noise is not linear. For instance, a 3 dB increase corresponds to a doubling of noise, and a 20 dB increase equals a 100 — fold increase in noise. Comparative tables are often used to assess the actual loudness of inhalers, and here are some relevant values for modern devices:
30 dB — comparable to a whisper, the maximum permissible noise level in residential premises at night according to sanitary standards;
35 dB — talking in an undertone;
40 dB — normal speech at a distance of about 10 m;
45 dB — conversation in a normal voice;
50 dB — a conversation is slightly louder than usual, it is considered the maximum noise level that does not cause noticeable inconvenience;
55 dB — car engine;
60 dB — TV at medium volume;
65 dB — loud conversations at a distance of up to 1 m.