Ultrasonic inhalers

These inhalers from the Hippomed brand were developed specifically for horses and have proven themselves for years in numerous veterinary clinics, among others.

They are supplied with all the necessary accessories and can be operated either with a connection to the mains (Air One) or mobile with a battery (Air One Flex). If necessary, the mobile battery version can also be used stationary with a longer hose, but this must be ordered separately.

Respiratory diseases (e.g. fatigue, acute cough, chronic bronchitis, COB, equine asthma) are the second most common form of internal disease in horses after colic. The causes of the cough can be diverse: they range from poor feed quality to hay dust allergies to viral infections. In any case, the extent and cause of the illness should first be clarified by a veterinarian. Regardless of whether they are infectious or allergic, acute or chronic, one of the possible and highly successful forms of therapy for respiratory problems is inhaling with an inhalation device for horses. > Application video

As part of inhalation therapy, the prescribed substances (medications, table salt, brine and other water-soluble substances) are atomized very finely using a nebulizer. The nebulized particles are inhaled by the horse and thus reach the horse's deep respiratory tract, i.e. exactly into the area to be treated, without putting strain on the entire body.

The ultrasonic inhaler “Air One” from Hippomed was developed specifically for use in horses by the Hanover University of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Maastricht and the manufacturer Hippomed. A patented process is used here in which not only the particle size of the inhalant but also the ventilation amount is adjusted. The Air One inhaler is the only ventilation-dependent inhaler. This means that the deeper the horse breathes in, the more nebulizer power the inhaler provides. It produces approx. 15 ml per minute (approx. 3 -5 ml per inhalation)

Ideally, the particle size is in the range of 1 to 5 µm. If the particles are smaller, they are simply exhaled again; if they are too heavy, they settle in the upper respiratory tract and only have an effect against diseases in this area, but without reaching the deep lung tissue. In the Air One, the size of the aerosol particles is between 0.47 and 6 µm, so that the entire lung volume is reached down to the alveoli.

But it's not just the particle size that's important; correct application also determines the effectiveness of inhalation. You should always make sure that all valves are closed properly and that the seal on the breathing mask is secure. When using the long hose, condensed inhalant may collect in it. Therefore, it should always be raised slightly so that the inhalant can flow back into the nebulizer cup and be nebulized again.

With the Air One Flex mobile device, it is also possible to move the horse at a walk during the application if necessary. When resting and moving slowly, the horse breathes deeply and evenly, which is necessary for inhalation to be as effective as possible. However, if the horse moves faster, it breathes more frequently, but also more shallowly, so that the aerosols only reach the front airways because they need slow-flowing air currents to penetrate deep into the lungs.

The question of whether it is better to inhale before or after training or even before and after depends on the individual case. Inhaling after training is often cheaper because the exercise means the respiratory organs are better ventilated and well supplied with blood. Since the mucus liquefies during movement and is transported away more easily, the mucous membranes are freer afterwards so that anti-inflammatory agents can accumulate better. If you inhale these before riding, they will immediately be coughed up with the secretion. For chronically ill horses, it can also make sense to inhale a bronchodilator before riding and the anti-inflammatory agent after training so that it remains in the lungs and can take effect.

Saline solution alone is often not sufficient because it liquefies the mucus somewhat but is not effective against inflammatory hypersensitivity. To do this, active ingredients must be inhaled regularly. The Air One /Air One Flex can be used to nebulize saline, brine, cortisone and other water-soluble medically approved substances (but not essential oils, as these can damage the lungs). Compared to the isotonic 0.9% saline solution, brine has a higher salt content, which removes water from the tissue. This can liquefy stuck mucus and encourage it to be coughed up.

The consumables supplied (medication cup, contact liquid and disinfectant solution) are sufficient for a horse for approx. 1 - 1.5 years. All spare parts can be delivered later. The housing is splash-proof and impact-resistant. The individual parts are removable and therefore easy to clean. To do this, the device is rinsed with hot water after each use and then disinfected with the disinfectant solution provided. Please do not use descalers or acidic cleaning agents under any circumstances! The break-proof housing ensures a high level of safety. The breathing mask has an optimal fit thanks to the soft, supple silicone seal in different sizes. The device is also easy to use.