Lung Matters Protocol

Research confirms that baby bottle steam sterilizers effectively kill pathogens, but there are additional steps we can take for best practices.

- **Drying the Sterilizer**: It's essential to ensure the sterilizer is completely dry after each use.

- **Post-Sterilization Drying**: If your sterilizer lacks a drying function, shake off excess water from the device components before placing them on a paper towel to air dry. This step is crucial to ensure they are thoroughly dry before storage.

*My Sterilization Routine*

1. **Pre-Cleaning**: I start by soaking the device components in warm, soapy water. Agitating the water helps remove any medication residue or bacteria.
2. **Rinsing**: After soaking, I rinse the components thoroughly to eliminate any soap residue.
3. **Sterilization**: I shake out the components and place them in the sterilizer.
4. **Extended Drying**: I run a 45-minute drying cycle, followed by an additional 60-minute cycle to ensure complete dryness.
5. **Unassembled Storage**: I store the devices unassembled in a small drawer, allowing for air circulation and preventing moisture buildup.

These straightforward practices can make a significant difference. I hope you find them helpful.

Best regards,

Linda Esposito

Which sterilizer do you use that has a sufficient sterilization cycle?

The Bololo. But all of the devices tested got the job done.

Thanks! Do you know why the Lung Matters Protocol doesn't advise the baby bottle sterilizer method for sterilization? Has anyone informed them that Dr. Falkinham has tested and found that they kill MAC?

Dr Chuck Daley, Chief of the Division of Mycobacteria and Respiratory Diseases and National Jewish Health has also repeatedly endorsed them as has the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

What’s most important is that we each decide what works for our particular lifestyle and preferences.

I use the steam sterilizer when at home, I boil when we rent a vacation condo for a couple of months and I use the microwave bags when on a road trip or visiting family. Not depending on access to a stove opens up lots of ways I can continue to care for myself and at the same time travel and have fun.

@becleartoday Could you please clarify exactly how you would use microwave bags (and what kind) to sterilize an aerobika and neb cup when traveling? Do you do it daily or weekly?

I always bring multiple sets and follow the instructions on the microwave bag. Sterilizing frequency would depend on my travel schedule and whether I feel the need to sterilize sooner than I normally would because the device has been in my purse for the day. Also, I would try to make sure there was enough time for the device components to dry before needing to pack up and move on. I have found that when I travel I have to relax my standards because traveling throws off my daily practices. But, I love exploring so I try not to focus on the challenges.

I used Dr Brown's Baby bottle sterilizer bags before I got my electric sterilizer. There are instructions on the bag. Each bag can be used 30 times and there is a place to mark each use right on the bag. You will need to dry everything after.

Thanks for the study link. Saw that the nebulizer tubing is not mentioned as something that needs to be sterilized. Do you have any insight into special handling of the tubing?

Yes, tubing is not something you can clean or sterilize. If there is moisture left in it after you neb, run the compressor for a few minutes to dry it out. Replace the tubing every 2-6 months, depending on what the pulmonologist recommends - your neb cups need to be replaced too, and they come with new tubing.