Is it okay to microwave nebulizer or in baby bottle sterilizer?

Posted by terryb1 @128128terry11t, May 17, 2017

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

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@bayarea58

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.

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I personally would not take the time to appeal - nebulizer cups and tubing are considered "consumables" by most policies, just like many diabetic supplies, and are not covered. My nebulizer supplies, bought on-line from med supply companies, cost less than $100 per year.

One thing you learn with the stuff we need, that works best for us, is that insurance coverage is limited either to the cheapest models, or in how often they pay for replacements. In the grand scheme of things, in general fighting is not worth the effort - you would do better for your health by taking an extra walk.

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@bayarea58

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.

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Yes, I’ve heard that from one of my “mentors” about the baby bottle sterilizer re contamination. I think that came from another group. I initially started out just boiling and drying in the Bololo. Then I decided to do both. Two reasons, that’s what my friend does and if there’s a thought of contamination from just drying in the Bololo, why not just sterilize and dry. The boiling also might be overkill, but it isn’t difficult unless you forget to put water in the pot! That’s just my comfort level.
From all my reading it’s mind boggling because there are people that didn’t even know they are supposed to clean, never mind sterilize the equipment to those who sterilize everything every use. It’s quite the rabbit hole. I know probably more than most about clean vs sterile. I’ve worked surgery and the medical world most of my life. I have to turn that mind off for at home because I’ll go crazy. I would definitely recommend the AeroEclipse XL nebulizer.
My new decision how long to I use the tubing before replacing. Another all over the place answer from one week to never!
Like I was told, it all becomes just another everyday routine once you get into it.

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@pacathy

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.

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It certainly is time consuming to nebulize. When I was talking to my pulmonologist about nebulizing the albuterol, she said I could use the albuterol aerosol spray. I get albuterol sulfate HFA inhalation Aerosol. I take two puffs which actually equals to 15 minutes of nebulizing the albuterol solution. It seemed hard to believe that it had the same benefit. It became so much easier for me. I carry it in my purse if I’m out at the time I normally take it. It made my life a little easier. Just a thought for you.

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The AeroEclipse XL cups are green and can be boiled or put in a baby bottle sterilizer. I use the Bololo for both sterilizing and drying. I feel confident about this approach. I like this device compared to others because the sterilizing cycle is 15 minutes and others can be as short as 8. But what’s most important is that each one of us feels confident with our choices. Sometimes going the extra yard can help someone to relax and we know how important that is especially when we have congestion.

To the bronchi-sister who is getting a cup a coffee… be sure not to drink coffee ( I’m also a coffee lover!) before or while doing your clearance. As we know, airway clearance can cause a lot of coughing and we certainly don’t want to aspirate anything into our lungs.

Enjoy the day everyone,
Linda Esposito

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@rbl

Can you interchange different neb kits with different compressors? This stuff is all so confusing for us newbies

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I have used different neb kits with different compressors. The aeroEclipse wouldn’t work with the Omron, probably because it’s psi is too low (16 or 17). It works fine with Proneb max.

Others here have been at this much longer and may have additional input.

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@pacathy

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.

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Good to know! You have me leaning toward getting the Proneb Max for sure! Post an update please to let me know after you try it on Friday.

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@pacathy

I have used different neb kits with different compressors. The aeroEclipse wouldn’t work with the Omron, probably because it’s psi is too low (16 or 17). It works fine with Proneb max.

Others here have been at this much longer and may have additional input.

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The Omron at NJH pharmacy that was recommended at NJH when I was there comes with the AeroEclipse.
I take it you have a better experience with the Proneb Max with the AeroEclipse.??
Barbara

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@blm1007blm1007

The Omron at NJH pharmacy that was recommended at NJH when I was there comes with the AeroEclipse.
I take it you have a better experience with the Proneb Max with the AeroEclipse.??
Barbara

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My Omron was the little 801 and was only one I could find locally when I returned from Mayo. It’s small and lightweight. The Proneb max is a heavier machine and is absolutely faster.
These are the only 2 I’ve owned and I’ve only had Proneb a brief time. I wouldn’t have known if Omron wasn’t putting out as it should’ve since it was first one. It just made sense to me that it was difference in psi. That’s why I said maybe others with more compressor experience would share.

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I will never use the disposable ones. breath actuated neb cups are so much better. I wash them in warm soapy water (dawn and alcohol) for 30 minutes or so. Then rinse and put in new water and let simmer for 10 minutes. Air dry. I use a baby bottle machine to DRY but not to sanitize. Same with my toothbrushes (I now have 10 because I brush many times a day). And I use use an ultrasound machine for retainer after washing with sterile water each morning.
I have 10 breath actuated neb cups. They are so much more effective than the others. Cost more but you get maybe 3 times the medicine.

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@becleartoday

The AeroEclipse XL cups are green and can be boiled or put in a baby bottle sterilizer. I use the Bololo for both sterilizing and drying. I feel confident about this approach. I like this device compared to others because the sterilizing cycle is 15 minutes and others can be as short as 8. But what’s most important is that each one of us feels confident with our choices. Sometimes going the extra yard can help someone to relax and we know how important that is especially when we have congestion.

To the bronchi-sister who is getting a cup a coffee… be sure not to drink coffee ( I’m also a coffee lover!) before or while doing your clearance. As we know, airway clearance can cause a lot of coughing and we certainly don’t want to aspirate anything into our lungs.

Enjoy the day everyone,
Linda Esposito

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Linda, I am not the coffee drinker, but I was wondering what amount of time before AC you stop eating and drinking. I hadn’t thought about aspiration with AC but of course it makes perfect sense to be cautious in this regard.

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