Nebuliser vs Steam Inhalation for your Vocal Health by Olivia Sparkhall

Hydration plays a key role in vocal health, and there are two main ways to hydrate the vocal tract: systemic hydration and topical hydration. While drinking plenty of fluids supports systemic hydration, topical hydration involves adding moisture directly to the vocal tract. Two common methods for topical hydration are inhaling steam and using a nebuliser. Although steam inhalation seems simple and accessible, nebulisers offer distinct advantages that might make them a better choice for maintaining your vocal health.

Steam inhalation from A Young Person's Guide to Vocal Health by Olivia Sparkhall

Understanding Systemic and Topical Hydration

Before comparing nebulisers and steam inhalation, it helps to clarify the difference between systemic and topical hydration.

• Systemic hydration means the whole body is well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is the key to this.

• Topical hydration adds moisture directly to the vocal tract by breathing in nebulised isotonic saline solution or steam from nearly-boiling water.

Why Steam Inhalation Seems Like an Easy Solution

Steam inhalation is a popular home remedy. It involves boiling water, pouring it into a bowl, and inhaling the rising steam by placing your head over the bowl with a towel draped to trap the moisture. This method is appealing because it requires minimal equipment and is easy to do at home.

People often use steam inhalation to relieve congestion or soothe irritated airways. For singers it can feel comforting and temporarily add moisture to the throat.

The Risks of Using Steam for Vocal Hydration

Despite its popularity, steam inhalation has some drawbacks and risks when used to promote vocal health:

• Risk of scalding: Handling very hot water and steam close to the face can cause scalding, especially if the water spills or the steam is too hot.

• Uncontrolled temperature: Steam from nearly boiling water is extremely hot and can irritate the vocal tract. The water can cool quickly, though, and stop producing steam before you're finished.

• Inconsistent moisture delivery: Steam particles are large and uneven in size.

  
  

How Nebulisers Work and Their Benefits

A nebuliser is a device that turns saline solution into a fine mist that can be inhaled into the lungs and vocal tract. For vocal health, isotonic saline solution is used to provide gentle and effective topical hydration.

Advantages of Nebulisers for Vocal Health

• Safe temperature: Nebulisers produce a room-temperature mist, eliminating the risk of scalds or irritation from hot steam.

• Fine particle size: The mist particles are small enough to inhale comfortably and hydrate topically.

• Controlled delivery: Nebulisers allow control over the amount and concentration of saline solution inhaled.

• Ease of use: Modern nebulisers are portable, easy to clean, and quick to use, making them convenient for supporting your vocal care routine.

More on Nebulisers

Nebulisers provide a safe and effective way to add moisture directly to the vocal folds, supporting vocal performance and recovery. If you want to learn more about nebulisers, check out the blog post Essential Nebulisers for Optimal Vocal Health by Olivia Sparkhall.