Nebulizers in pulmonary physical therapy: market overview and selection criteria
Authors: Diadiun T. V. , Volkova A. V. , Kononenko N. M. , Teterych N. V. , Sevriukov O. V. , Simonian L. S. 
Published: December 2024

Aim. To analyze the market of nebulizers used to provide physical therapy for patients with pulmonary diseases in Ukraine.
Materials and methods. The study was based on scientific publications, data from the State Register of Medical Devices of Ukraine, data from the websites of pharmacy chains, and the results of a survey of pharmaceutical professionals. The research methods were scientific generalization, comparison, graphical and mathematical analysis, and questionnaires.
Results. The data on the technical characteristics of modern nebulizers and the peculiarities of their use in physical therapy of different groups of patients were summarized. The analysis of the range of nebulizers in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine showed that the dominant models were compressor-type models (almost 68 % of the range). The share of ultrasonic and mesh nebulizers was insignificant – 26 % and 6 %, respectively. Among the manufacturers of compressor nebulizers, the main share in the assortment belonged to models made in Ukraine (28 % of the subgroup assortment). In general, this type of nebulizers was supplied to the market by manufacturers from 10 countries. The share of domestic models in the ultrasonic nebulizer assortment was 23 %, while the remaining 6 countries accounted for 77 % of the range, respectively. Mesh nebulizers were available from 3 countries (Germany, Japan, China). It was found that the inhaler with the best reviews among doctors was the ArhiMED MESH Pro mesh nebulizer model (Poland), the second place was occupied by the B.Well pro-115 ultrasonic model (Switzerland), and the third place was occupied by the Medisana IN 525 compressor-type model (Germany). The analysis of price characteristics of nebulizers showed that the greatest fluctuations in cost indicators were experienced by the Medisana IN 510 compressor-type models (Germany) – the value of the price growth index was 2.4. Based on the calculations of the affordability index, it was determined that the Beurer IH 21 nebulizer (Germany) with an affordability index value of 1.43 was the most affordable during the period of analysis. The results of the survey of pharmacists involved in the selection of nebulizers for pharmacy visitors showed that compressor-type nebulizers were in the greatest demand, and the price category from UAH 1000 to UAH 1500 was acceptable for consumers to purchase this type of medical equipment.
Conclusions. The results of the analysis indicate the physical availability and a wide range of nebulizers for providing physical therapy to patients with pulmonary diseases. However, it has been determined that to ensure the affordability of these devices, it is necessary to implement government measures and programs for the relevant groups of patients. In addition, it can be argued that developing and implementing standardization of criteria for assessing the effectiveness of various types of nebulizers, as well as determining the long-term impact of nebulizer therapy on patients with respiratory diseases, is relevant.