FAQ – EquiResp® Nebulizer Systems
Why Nebulize?
Horses develop many of the same respiratory conditions as humans, including allergies, asthma, COPD, and Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Disease (bleeders). Nebulizing delivers medication directly into the respiratory system—right where it is needed—for more targeted and effective treatment.
Why use EquiResp instead of other nebulizers?
EquiResp systems are designed for ease of use with just three primary components—fewer parts mean fewer breakages. We offer two systems:
- Elite: Proven to reach the lungs and ideal for serious conditions or multiple horses.
- EquiMist: Advanced battery-operated system using MicroMesh technology.
What is the difference between the Elite and the EquiMist?
Elite: A powerful jet nebulizer specifically engineered for equine lungs (56–58 liters vs. 7–8 liters in humans). Built for barn durability with dual cooling fans and an adjustable pressure gauge to accommodate viscosity, temperature, and elevation. Proven to reach the lower airways and lungs.
EquiMist: A compact, battery-powered system utilizing MicroMesh technology that pushes medication through 3,000 micro-holes for extremely fine particle size. Charges like a cell phone and is ideal for upper airway applications.
What comes with an EquiResp system?
Everything needed to begin nebulizing your horse. No additional components are required to get started.
What are the residual costs of owning a unit?
The only recurring purchases are medicine cups or Silvaplex®. Orders typically ship the next business day with tracking provided.
What are the warranties on the systems?
Elite & Mask: 3-Year Warranty (longest in the industry)
EquiMist Controller/Battery: 2-Year Warranty
Can you use a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) with the mask?
Yes. An MDI fits perfectly into the mask just as the medicine cups do.
What about cleaning?
Each system includes PURE disinfectant, a hospital-grade solution that kills over 400 viruses including MRSA. It has no odor, which is important when managing respiratory conditions.
Can you use Essential Oils in a nebulizer?
Aromatherapy is not respiratory therapy. Essential oils are extremely potent and often produced in uncontrolled conditions. The manufacturer provides detailed guidance explaining why essential oils should not be used in nebulizers designed for respiratory treatment.
What solutions can be used?
Prescription medications such as antibiotics, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids must come from your veterinarian. Many medications require dilution (a dilution chart is available from the manufacturer).
Each system includes Silvaplex®, a chelated silver solution that is antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal.
What is the difference between Chelated Silver and Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal silver is typically 10–15 ppm and can be produced outside lab environments. Chelated silver must be manufactured in a lab and is typically 100–110 ppm. EquiResp’s chelated silver is produced in an FDA-approved lab and bottled in an FDA-approved facility with a certificate of analysis for each batch.
Why are parts per million (ppm) important?
Smaller particles (microns) penetrate deeper into the respiratory system. Higher ppm and finer particle distribution allow medication to reach deeper airways more effectively.
Particle Size Distribution:
Nasal passages: 10+ microns
Upper airway/trachea: 5–10 microns
Lower airway/lungs: 2–5 microns
Do veterinarians use EquiResp?
Yes. Many veterinarians use and recommend EquiResp because it is durable, easy to use, and allows for effective delivery of a wide range of medications.
What scientific data supports EquiResp?
A nuclear scintigraphy study conducted by Dr. Nathan Slovis, DVM, DACVIM, CHT (Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY) demonstrates that the Elite system delivers medication deep into the lower respiratory system.
Are there instructions for use?
Yes. Full instructions are available for each system:
Questions? Contact us at 1-800-365-1311 or
service@sstack.com.
