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For the Acapella, the function of the vibratory pieces degrades over time. I was amazed at how much when I did my first replacement - the old one was on the highest setting, and I had to back off to just over half. Now, when I get to the highest setting, I know it will soon be time to order a new one.
For the Pari cups, or any other nebulizer cups, the repeated boiling (or alcohol) degrades the plastic over time. Recommendations for replacement vary from 2 to 6 months. Microscopic cracks and pits for in the plastic, giving bacteria fun places to hide. In addition, I become concerned about whether microscopic particles of plastic are finding their way into my lungs as it wears. So, I wash with HOT water and soap after every use, sterilize after 6-8 uses or weekly. And I discard after 10-12 sterilizations.
All that said, I use sidestream nebulizers from the hospital supply house, not Pari Sprint or AeroEclipse types, so they are not that expensive in the grand scheme of things - around $10 each with new tubing.
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@sueinmn In re-reading this I have a couple of questions.
Is this it..Respironics SideStream Reusable ? I tried to find detailed information but couldn't find detailed info.
I take it, it comes apart, mouth piece from cup etc. for cleaning?
Is it a continuous flow nebulizer cup?
Do you still sterilize after 6-8 uses or weekly?
Do you still discard after 10-12 uses?
I would imagine it has gone up in price from 2024.
If one is using one nebulizer cup, are my calculations correct, that would be using it 180 times and 180 sterilizations if doing it daily for 6 months with the same nebulizer cup etc. Am I seeing that correctly?????
Curious if you have made any changes and in consideration of the EflowErapid.
I was thinking of making an inquiry with a local hospital pharmacy about nebulizer cups.
I am looking forward to Dr. Hond's and Dr. Faulkinham's study on their reviewing the cleaning methods in consideration of MAC etc.
Barbara
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thank you Sue. Yes microscopic plastic particles are worrisome, I agree. I have been wondering about switching to mask, not sure yet. I am allergic to all kinds of plastic unfortunately, so the mask would not be better in that respect. However I seem to develop a tongue irritation from all those nebulizer cups, so the mask could help with that. It takes time to find the right path.
Also, I read about your success story with NAC and 10% saline. My doctors do not push NAC at all, they say it is a cough suppressant and they want me to cough. Also I read online that NAC can trigger bronchial bleeding, so that is a bit scary to me. Have you ever experienced that?