These things may work without nebulizing silver, but once it gets in my chest, I've found that along with the other things described in this article, I really need to nebulize the silver. for me it's been 100% effective. I got my local pharmacy to sell me one without a prescription though I'm not sure if they are supposed to. Maybe your doc will prescribe one though. I have found it to be worth every penny! I've been able to avoid Antibiotics this way.