Connect
Is it okay to microwave nebulizer or in baby bottle sterilizer?
Was calling some number today to order a few more nebulizers so that if I go away, I won't have to keep cleaning/sterilizing (great suggestion obtained from the forum). I happened to ask the question: "Is it all right to microwave nebulizer in steam bags or in baby bottle sterilizer equipment?" The gal replied an emphatic "no". I was not clever enough to ask why ... suppose plastic might melt or give off something toxic?? Person went on to say that they only recommend boiling (for 5 minutes) or soaking in 1part white vinegar to 3 parts water for at least 30 minutes. I wish that I could find the number that I called but anyone may verify by going on internet and calling a number or live chatting with someone from a reputable nebulizer company. Please advise if you get a different response. Hope that this is helpful.
Terry
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
The nebulizer looks to be disposable. It should have come with directions for cleaning, etc. What do they say?
There are other nebulizers that are boil-able and will do a better job. Insurance typically sends an "elcheapo" model.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThat particular nebulizer cup and mouthpiece, which are typically sent when you buy a compressor, looks exactly like the disposable ones used in the ER or hospital. You can contact the company or look on justnebulizers.com for reusable ones. There are many types, so you might want to order a few to see which suits you best.
@scoop @formerggardener and @pacathy might have suggestions for you on their favorites
When I started the hypertonic saline, my little Omron compressor took forever and I ordered a Proneb Max which come with a pari sprint neb cup. It was so fast I was afraid I wasn’t getting all the med (might have just been the change from super slow). I ordered an Aeroeclipse and it works well with Proneb max compressor. I’m thru the albuterol in less than 10 and the hypertonic saline in about 30. I do have to take breaks with the saline to drink something.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI received the same set up and it came with a reusable, but do not sterilize replace every 6 months and disposable nebulizer kit (single use for one month).
I returned it and bought an Ombra that comes with two AeroEclipse XL nebulizers that can be boiled. I also bought the Bololo. Your options if you don’t want to return is to buy the AeroEclipse XL nebulizers to use with the Drive compressor that you can boil and keep the others for back up.
I had lots of guidance from new friends on here.
I fretted over it all.
My routine is run air through compressor tubing to clear, attach nebulizer to tubing, add med or saline, run until empty. It gets easier when you learn to relax. Remover nebulizer and run air through tubing again to flush out moisture even if not visible, wash and soak nebulizer parts in Dawn and warm water, rinse and air dry. After two sessions I boil both sets (no tubing) for 10 minutes, shake off water using tongs and put in Bololo. Some people just run the dry cycle. I run the sterilize and dry (overkill?). I leave everything in the Bololo and take out when ready to use.
This is my routine, if anyone has better ideas or if I’m doing something wrong, please share.
I did wait 20 minutes last night for my pot of water to boil only to discover it didn’t have any water in it! I even had my husband check if it was boiling yet and he’s not blonde!
Do you use the Aeroclipse on breath actuated and get done that in that amount of time?
I am using breath actuated mode and am definitely getting albuterol done in that time. I think I’m doing the saline in < 30, but will check for sure on Friday when I do full vial of 5 ml again. (I’m trying half a vial 2 days then a full-my own idea). I tend to get restless while nebbing and go get cup of coffee, etc. and could be underestimating. It’s light years faster than Omron though.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionCan you interchange different neb kits with different compressors? This stuff is all so confusing for us newbies
So confusing! Grateful for the guidance of this group.
Thank you so much for your feedback! It’s seems clear I need a different style of nebulizer kit. You boil AND sterilize in Bololo? Why both? Is it insufficient to simply sterilize in the Bololo? I was worried about drying in the Bololo as I thought I read somewhere, maybe in the study of the baby bottle sterilizers, that there was concern about contamination with using the baby bottle sterilizer dry function. Of course, now that I try to find that discussion I cannot locate. Grrrr.
Thanks Sue. Yes, I don’t know what makes one version of this style disposable and one not disposable but mine was clearly marked “not disposable, replace in 6 months”. Though it also said “do not sterilize”. I am not sure how that all adds up for someone with a MAC infection, but as cwal said, it’s likely just the cheapest option automatically pushed out by insurance. I am going to call the company that sent me the set up to me and see what my options are for a nebulizer that can be sterilized and if my insurance won’t cover another option, well, I will file an appeal on that decision, and in the meantime get myself a better system elsewhere.