Using Steam Steam Sterilizers For Our Airway Clearance Devices

Feeling confident about how we sterilize our airway equipment is crucial and it's great to see more people finding methods that work for them, whether it's boiling, using baby bottle sterilizers or alcohol soaks.

However, an often overlooked aspect of this process is the importance of properly drying our airway clearance devices.

Drying is just as critical as sterilization, but it presents unique challenges. We can't actively dry devices by hand because skin cells can contaminate them and manual drying could damage their delicate components.

Here are some tips to ensure effective drying:*

✨Make sure to shake out all the water in your pieces thoroughly before air drying. Be mindful of the humidity in your environment, as it can significantly affect drying time. For instance, if you're cooking or showering nearby, the increased humidity will slow down the drying process.

✨When using a baby bottle steam sterilizer, shake out your device components before placing them inside. Baby bottle steam sterilizers differ on the temperature and length of their drying cycle so it’s up to us to make sure our devices are dry. It’s very likely that depending on the room's humidity, they might not be completely dry after one cycle.

✨I recommend running a second dry cycle to ensure they are completely dry before storage. Afterward, perform a simple test by shaking each piece and checking for any remaining moisture.

✨Consider storing your devices disassembled to allow better air circulation, ensuring they remain dry.

✨If you air dry and are looking for a more efficient drying solution, consider investing in a UV sterilizer and dryer.

Do you live in a humid climate? How do you dry your devices?

*Heat sterilization is for devices that can withstand high heat