1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Cleaning + disinfecting nebulizer and aerobica

Posted by sara10 @sara10, Jan 20, 2022

Diagnosed with bronchiectasis several years ago. No antibiotics so far but 2x airway clearance with aerobica and nebulizer recommended. Some MAC bacteria was found.
Finding all sorts of info how to properly clean and disinfect but none agree with the other. Should both be cleaned each time and is it good enough to disinfect once a week? Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or boiling best option?
Finding the whole process very tedious especially if cleaning 2x per day was necessary.
Does anybody have experience with Evenflo silicone steam sanitizing bag for disinfecting? Or, what baby bottle cleaner and dryer can you recommend?

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sallyb827 | @sallyb827 | Aug 21, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "Hello Donna, Under my Medicare supplemental insurance, the Aerobika is covered if I get it from..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hello Donna, Under my Medicare supplemental insurance, the Aerobika is covered if I get it from the doc as part of an office visit. If I go to but one, I pay.
If you get one from the doc, ask to have correct use demonstrated, it made a huge difference for me. My original pulmo had a fabulous nurse who was good about demonstrating. My current one actually has a respiratory therapist on her clinical staff who is awesome. She also gave me some new tricks for getting the mucus up last spring.
Sue

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Sue,
I have researched the Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida areas and there are no respiratory therapists. I told my eye Doc about it and she even asked around and could not find one.
Any helpful tips would be appreciated for those of us that have no access to a respiratory therapist.
Thanks,
Sally

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 21, 2023
In reply to @sallyb827 "Sue, I have researched the Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida areas and there are no respiratory therapists...." + (show)
@sallyb827

Sue,
I have researched the Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida areas and there are no respiratory therapists. I told my eye Doc about it and she even asked around and could not find one.
Any helpful tips would be appreciated for those of us that have no access to a respiratory therapist.
Thanks,
Sally

Jump to this post

Hospitals, especially those that have surgical departments, have RT's. You maay need to connect with a big hospital -especially one that does heart and lung surgery.
Have you tried there?
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
sallyb827 | @sallyb827 | Aug 21, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "Hospitals, especially those that have surgical departments, have RT's. You maay need to connect with a..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hospitals, especially those that have surgical departments, have RT's. You maay need to connect with a big hospital -especially one that does heart and lung surgery.
Have you tried there?
Sue

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Sue,
I have tried every hospital in Jacksonville. I go to Mayo and they have a respiratory therapist that only tells you what equipment to buy but not how to use it.
Thanks,
Sally

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 21, 2023
In reply to @sallyb827 "Sue, I have tried every hospital in Jacksonville. I go to Mayo and they have a..." + (show)
@sallyb827

Sue,
I have tried every hospital in Jacksonville. I go to Mayo and they have a respiratory therapist that only tells you what equipment to buy but not how to use it.
Thanks,
Sally

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As a Mayo patient, I think you need to contact the Office of Patient Experience for help. I believe there is a respiratory or cardiopulmonary therapy staff.

Or you can start here:
https://www.healthgrades.com/find-a-doctor/florida/best-respiratory-therapy-in-jacksonville
Sue

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janedee | @janedee | Aug 21, 2023

I have two steam sterilizers, both acquired on Amazon: Nanobebe Microwave Steam Sterilizer & Evenflo Silicone Steam Sanitizing Bag. The Nanobebe is small enough for most microwaves. I used it when I was using Aerobika connected to nebulizer for 7% saline. It's roomy enough to sterilize the nebulizer parts plus the Aerobika. At home, after every use I 1) disassemble & wash nebulizer & Aerobika parts in hot soapy tap water, 2) soak for 15 minutes, 3) rinse with tap water, 4) steam sterilize using distilled water, 5) air dry in a clean small colander that I only use for this purpose. I use the Evenflo steam sterilizer when camping in my RV or traveling. For either sterilizer, pay attention to the amount of water to use, & to the microwave time which is based on the watts of the microwave.
Lately I've changed to use the use the nebulizer first, then Aerobika. Since I only exhale through the Aerobika when I use it separately, I sterilize it less frequently. Otherwise, same drill as above: disassemble, hot soapy wash, 15min soak, rinse, steam sterilize, air dry. I wash the Aerobika mouthpiece every use, steam sterilize the entire Aerobika weekly.
I've had trouble gettting advice on these procedures until I landed on this website today. As to whether my routine "is enough" I don't know what an expert would say, but am talking with a respiratory therapist tomorrow. With my original nebulizer, the parts could not be steamed or boiled, but I now have Pari nebulizers: ProNeb Max for home, & Trek S for travel, as it accepts dual voltage & has a rechargeable battery option. Pari nebulizer parts & Aerobika can be boiled or steamed without damage.
I'm about to go on a trip where I may not be able to get distilled water or vinegar or microwave access, so sorting that out now. Any input would be welcome.

REPLY
squire123 | @squire123 | Aug 22, 2023
In reply to @sallyb827 "Sue, I have researched the Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida areas and there are no respiratory therapists...." + (show)
@sallyb827

Sue,
I have researched the Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida areas and there are no respiratory therapists. I told my eye Doc about it and she even asked around and could not find one.
Any helpful tips would be appreciated for those of us that have no access to a respiratory therapist.
Thanks,
Sally

Jump to this post

Would be extremely helpful if the pulmonologists had one in their practice. I'm in Ponte Vedra Beach and have quizzed all my retired friends. No help.

REPLY
greentree | @greentree | Aug 28, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "@sara10, this question is a perennial favorite in the MAC group. Allow me to link you..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@sara10, this question is a perennial favorite in the MAC group. Allow me to link you to previous discussions that have loads of wisdom and tip that you're looking for about cleaning and sterilizing besides the tips you've already gathered here from @gardiner @pop55 and @raney.

@thumperguy, started this one:
- Living Dangerously - Nebulizer Cleaning https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-dangerously/

@128128terry11t started these two:
- Is it okay to microwave nebulizer or in baby bottle sterilizer? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/microwaves-and-nebulizers/
- Aerobika/nebulizer cleaning question https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cleaning-question/

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I have limited space and am unable to find a smaller baby bottle electric sterilizer. Any recommendations?
HD

REPLY
formergardener | @formergardener | Aug 1 3:38pm
In reply to @becleartoday "Hi Sara and Mayo friends, I agree- sterilizing our nebulizing equipment is tedious –and extremely important...." + (show)
@becleartoday

Hi Sara and Mayo friends,
I agree- sterilizing our nebulizing equipment is tedious –and extremely important. After years of dealing with this drudgery every other day, I bought additional sets of Aerobikas and cups to make my life easier. My preferred sterilization process is to boil my equipment. However, the manufacturer does provide cold sterilization options.

I use the Medela baby bottle bags when traveling. They are reliable. Many people use baby bottle sterilizers. I heard the Avent brand is good. Be sure to get one with a dryer.

Also, remember to change your tubing regularly and check your filter to see if it needs to be changed.

Most importantly, create a sterilization plan that works for you and your lifestyle. Do not let the tedium of sterilizing sideline you. I credit airway clearance and strict sterilizing protocol with one of the main reasons I was able to clear MAC. Now my goal is to keep it from coming back and to prevent other infections.

Best,
Linda Esposito

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Linda, I remember reading a post from you before about a particular pot that you use to boil your equipment. I believe it came with a strainer insert, that you purchased it through Walmart, and it was not expensive. I have been issues with my Aerobika ceasing to consistently flutter after having used them for about a month. I do boil them twice daily. Could you please provide the link to the pot that works for you again? Do you boil your Aerobika twice daily? Thank you so much. The Aerobika is too expensive to replace monthly.

REPLY
2 replies
becleartoday | @becleartoday | Aug 1 3:50pm
In reply to @formergardener "Linda, I remember reading a post from you before about a particular pot that you use..." + (show)
@formergardener

Linda, I remember reading a post from you before about a particular pot that you use to boil your equipment. I believe it came with a strainer insert, that you purchased it through Walmart, and it was not expensive. I have been issues with my Aerobika ceasing to consistently flutter after having used them for about a month. I do boil them twice daily. Could you please provide the link to the pot that works for you again? Do you boil your Aerobika twice daily? Thank you so much. The Aerobika is too expensive to replace monthly.

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Hi former Gardner! I agree! I actually use a bololo Baby bottle steam sterilizer. Also, if you message me, I’ll tell you how you can get your devices replaced. Warm regards,
Linda

REPLY
irenea8 | @irenea8 | Aug 2 7:35am
In reply to @formergardener "Linda, I remember reading a post from you before about a particular pot that you use..." + (show)
@formergardener

Linda, I remember reading a post from you before about a particular pot that you use to boil your equipment. I believe it came with a strainer insert, that you purchased it through Walmart, and it was not expensive. I have been issues with my Aerobika ceasing to consistently flutter after having used them for about a month. I do boil them twice daily. Could you please provide the link to the pot that works for you again? Do you boil your Aerobika twice daily? Thank you so much. The Aerobika is too expensive to replace monthly.

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I think that was me regarding the pot from Walmart which works well for boiling neb cups
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Stainless-Steel-4-Quart-Steamer-Pot-with-Glass-Lid/3697953702?athbdg=L1102&from=/search

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