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the best practice of how often to replace nebulizer tube?

Posted by @ling @wangling, Mar 12, 2024

Hi everyone,
As I am reading the postings about this topic, I see different practices of the frequency of replacing the tube. Since we are all in this, it would be good for us to know how often people replace the tube and it has been safe for to do so. The manufacturer instructions say every 6 months to replace it. I understand that how often you use it will play a role here too. we can say " generally speaking" ...... Thanks for sharing.
Ling

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irenea8 | @irenea8 | Mar 17, 2024

Under the NJH general instructions for the Pari LC Sprint it says to replace the tubing every 2 weeks but no reference to CF. So I have always replaced that often but sounds like I am the only one!

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Tina Sims | @tinaesims | Mar 17, 2024
In reply to @blm1007blm1007 "I am glad this question came up here. This site means the world to me and..." + (show)
@blm1007blm1007

I am glad this question came up here.
This site means the world to me and thank all.
HELP......Thoughts and corrections if needed, please. to my method and understandings.

I am in this for less than a year, fairly new at this, and just trying to find the best ways, methods and timing of tasks and still have a bit of free time. 🙄
I am confused, somewhat after reading the above posts.
Are we talking about the long term pale green (not the one used in the hospital that is made for short term usage) Eclipse cup itself ? or are we talking about the tubing between the compressor and the Eclipse Cup?
I believe we are addressing the tubing between the compressor (Ombra) and the tubing.?
MY METHOD FOR DISINFECTING and UNDERSTANDINGS:
I nebulize two times a day.
I use all (Aerobika, Eclipse, Tubing all at the same time.
After usage in the A.M. I then remove the mouth piece to rinse and let the mouth piece dry for the P.M. usage.
I run the Ombra compressor for 3 to 5 minutes to clear the tubing after usage.
I cover the Aerobika and Eclipse with cheese cloth while in place on the Ombra slot until the P.M. usage.
At the end of the day, the P.M. usage, I disinfect by using 180 degree boiled tap water (boiled for 10 minutes) every day for the soapy cleaning water and then afterwards use, as well, boiling clean water, for the rinse of it all.
During both times I use a stainless steel tong to swish all part indivdually in the water after letting them sit in the boiling for a bit. Max time for the Eclipse plastic 3 minutes and 5 minutes for the Aerobika type of plastic per mfg. instructions.
I let all dry out and don't use it for the next day.
I use a second set of Aerobika and Eclipse the next day while the previous one dries out. I cover all with paper towel while drying out.
REPLACEMENT:
I am replacing the tubing every four months.....yet the mfg. tells 6 months.
I understand that as long as you are disinfecting and using 3 to 1 vinegar and water once a month to demineralize you can continue to use the Aerobika for at least a year as long as the Eclipse and Aerobika continue to work properly.

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I change mine the first of every month.

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scoop | @scoop | Mar 17, 2024

Not sure if this increases the longevity or sanitation of tubing but I remove the nebulizer from the tubing while the compressor is still running. Moisture in tubing has not been an issue at least that I can see. I'm in the every 2 months or so camp.

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@ling | @wangling | Mar 17, 2024
In reply to @irenea8 "Under the NJH general instructions for the Pari LC Sprint it says to replace the tubing..." + (show)
@irenea8

Under the NJH general instructions for the Pari LC Sprint it says to replace the tubing every 2 weeks but no reference to CF. So I have always replaced that often but sounds like I am the only one!

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Since the tubing is plastic, do we need to worry about the particles in it? In that sense, frequent replacement may not be good, because that exposes us to more particles. (if we don't think about where the plastic tubing ends up, I bet we all do.) I would love to find a safe time zone that we can use as long as we can. That is why I raise this question. I hope together, we can find that safe zone.
Many thanks to everyone.

Ling

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blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Mar 17, 2024
In reply to @wangling "Since the tubing is plastic, do we need to worry about the particles in it? In..." + (show)
@wangling

Since the tubing is plastic, do we need to worry about the particles in it? In that sense, frequent replacement may not be good, because that exposes us to more particles. (if we don't think about where the plastic tubing ends up, I bet we all do.) I would love to find a safe time zone that we can use as long as we can. That is why I raise this question. I hope together, we can find that safe zone.
Many thanks to everyone.

Ling

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Interesting thought " frequent replacement may not be good, because that exposes us to more particles." We can also possibly feel that the longer you use it the plastic weakens and particles break off. Go figure. So much has been said about what plastics have done to the environment and us. What to do, what to do? I guess replace it no less than six months (per the mfg. Monaghan ) or sooner if you think it best and in line with your thoughts or according to NJH, Mayo etc. etc. ? What a learning curve this is for those of us new to all that is associated with a Bronchiectasis diagnosis.

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