Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing the nebulizer for use. This may prevent germs from getting into your lungs. .
Prepare the machine. Place the machine on a hard surface. Check to see if the air filter is clean. If it is dirty, rinse it using cold water and let it air dry. Plug in the machine.
Prepare the medicine. If your medicine is premixed, open it and place it in the nebulizer medicine container. If you have to mix medicines, place the correct amounts into the container using a dropper or syringe.
Add saline if needed. You may need to add saline (saltwater) to your medicine container. Buy sterile normal saline at a pharmacy. Do not use homemade saline solution in a nebulizer.
Connect the container. Connect the medicine container to the machine using the tubing. Connect the mask or mouthpiece to the top of the container.
Place the mouthpiece between your teeth. Close your lips around it. You may instead, place the mask on your face.
Turn on the machine. Keep the medicine container in an upright position. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply through your mouth until the mist is gone. The treatment is over when all the medicine is gone or there is no more mist coming out. The whole treatment may take up to 20 minutes. The machine may also make a sputtering noise when the treatment is done.