Improved Nebulizer for Voice Professionals

Voice professionals undergo long, strenuous sessions singing or speaking, therefore running risks of damaging their throats due to their vocal folds drying out. They benefit from existing nebulizers in that they are able to hydrate their throat by delivering atomized liquid particles to the vocal folds. However, we have discovered that voice professionals have unmet needs, wanting a more portable nebulizer with an easy user interface. These unmet needs give rise to the necessity of our work. We have designed a mini-nebulizer that is small, light-weight, easy to hold, long lasting, efficient, easy to clean, and relatively inexpensive product that will be accessible to anyone from beginner to experienced voice professionals. We are utilizing an atomization module that vibrates at roughly 110 kHz, which will allow for isotonic saline to be converted into tiny liquid particles that can be inhaled and delivered quicker than the slower-release atomizers available. It also has added functions for altering the frequency of atomization, in the case the user wants to slow the delivery of liquid. Water will be placed in a reservoir, which contacts the atomizer, and provides feedback on the atomization rate. This device was made by 3D printing a housing of ABS, with separate components for the reservoir and circuitry. Buttons increase or decrease the rate, and the atomizer module is placed in the reservoir compartment, directly contacting the liquid. By comparing the nebulization rate, or the rate at which each device atomized a controlled amount of liquid, we have found that our device delivers atomized particles at a statistically significant rate above the market devices, proving an increased inefficiency. This work benefits any voice professional who wishes not to jeopardize their health while pursuing their passions.