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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@bayarea58

Really? That is both surprising and interesting. I have pulmonary rehab on Monday and will asks my therapists how to get a more precise explanation on this subject. I will report back.

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Thanks! It would be great to have clarification regarding the issue. Info that has some analysis or trustworthy research would explain why they say one is equal to the other. My concern is that the lesser dose with the puffer would not penetrate the airways (even the smallest airways) adequately to open them like the nebulizer would.

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One other issue with inhalers is that the user’s technique is very important in getting dose into lungs.
People have to remember exhale completely, time their breath to pressing inhaler, hold it and not exhale too quickly. Spacers have helped a lot, but getting the med in with inhaler is a little trickier than with nebulizer..

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@cwal

bayarea58
Surprising yes. I would like to know a definitive answer about using the inhaler vs the nebulized version of albuterol. I'm not sure how the inhaler could equal the nebulized version when the dosages are different? It would be great if it is the same because it would cut down on our time spent nebulizing!

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@cwal, @batare58, @scoop and all who hve begun asking which is better, inhaler or nebulizer? I have started a new discussion with a single reference article:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/which-delivers-medication-better-a-nebulizer-or-an-inhaler/
Stop in and contribute, please. Especially @scoop - you are so good at research, and my ability to stay at the keyboard is still limited. I know there are studis - can you find them?

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@cwal, @bayarea58, @scoop and others - There always seems to be some confusion about which is better - albuterol or levalbuterol. And the answer is the ever-annoying "it depends".
So here is a new discussion to address the issue:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lets-compare-albutrol-and-levalbuterol/

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