March 17, 2026, 3:04 am | Read time: 4 minutes
When your nose is blocked, your cough is persistent, and every breath is a struggle, an inhaler promises relief. But how effective is an inhaler really in acute illness? For FITBOOK, I tested three popular devices—not in a lab, but in the midst of a cold, with surprisingly clear results.
Key Takeaways
- For the nose and throat, steam inhalation may suffice if the goal is moisture and mucus relief.
- For the lower airways, you usually need a nebulizer, as warm steam often doesn’t reach deep enough.
- The mouthpiece or mask determines where the mist lands, and thus whether you are inhaling effectively.
- Regularly clean the inhaler, or you risk breeding germs directly in the equipment.
Also of interest: Cold or flu? The differences
How I Tested
I tested the inhalers not in a lab, but in everyday life during a cold and early-stage bronchitis over two weeks. It was crucial not only whether they relieved my symptoms but also how easy they were to set up, use, and clean while sick.
Important to me were quick setup, understandable operation, and comfort during use—such as the fit of the mask or nasal piece, ease of handling, and noise level. Naturally, the devices should work efficiently to provide noticeable relief from cold symptoms. The nebulization performance plays a key role, as it can shorten inhalation time and better transport active ingredients into the airways.
Top Performer in Practical Test: Beurer IH 28 Pro
The Beurer IH 28 Pro impresses in everyday testing primarily due to its reliability and high nebulization performance, resulting in relatively short inhalation times. The device is robustly built and comes with extensive accessories that can be conveniently stored within the device. The soft silicone masks and nasal attachments are comfortable even on irritated mucous membranes.
Drawbacks include the high noise level, making it less suitable for nighttime use, as well as its size and weight, which limit it to stationary use. Overall, however, it is well-suited as a powerful home inhaler.
Compact but Uncomfortable: Medisana IN 500
The Medisana IN 500 is more compact and easier to store than the Beurer and operates reliably with extensive accessories.
However, the device falls short in terms of user comfort: The nasal piece is hard, and the mask is less comfortable due to the wire frame—especially with an irritated nose. This makes everyday use less comfortable. Overall, the Medisana is a functional, compact device but cannot match the comfort of competing models.
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Quiet Idea, Weak Execution: AU YAT Inhaler
The AU YAT inhaler seems ideal on paper: It is lightweight, compact, cordless, and very quiet, making it practical for use in bed or on the go.
However, it disappointed in everyday testing: The nebulization performance is weak, resulting in long application times with little noticeable effect. Additionally, the device showed poor workmanship. After only four uses, the mouthpiece holder broke, rendering it unusable.
Despite the relatively low price, the device does not impress in terms of performance and durability and is hardly recommended for regular use.
Click here for the full test from BILD Kaufberater.
What an Expert Says About Inhaling
“Inhaling can be beneficial when mucous membranes in the nose or upper airways are swollen, such as in the bronchi,” explained Dr. Arndt Möllers, an ear, nose, and throat doctor from Münster, in response to a previous FITBOOK inquiry. As a pure preventive measure, however, it is of little use to repeatedly reach for the inhaler without a specific reason.
Note: If symptoms in the sinuses or airways have already progressed to a pronounced (inflammatory) cold, it is better to avoid inhaling. Increased blood flow and additional irritation can worsen the condition and potentially exacerbate inflammation.
For only mild sinus congestion, the doctor recommends warm steam. It can loosen stubborn mucus and help the mucous membranes open better. Whether to add something to the water is more a matter of personal preference but should be discussed with an ENT doctor beforehand. Möllers advises enriching the water heavily with salt. “Chamomile can irritate the eyes and airways,” he warns. However, chamomile, like eucalyptus oil and similar additives, is generally perceived as soothing.