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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Sue,
How often do you take apart and clean the shower heads, kitchen sink sprayer and bathroom faucets? Since u r a success story, your details are VERY helpful!

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@sueinmn

Let's start with washing - it's a good idea to wash and rinse to remove med remnants, oil from fingers handling etc. Some here rinse with boiled water, others with (.2 micron) filtered water. I wash the Aerobika the same way. I am odd man out here - I don't boil every time- it takes biofilm time to form, so I wash every time and boil once or twice a week.
The neb cups that warp with boiling are disposable ones, meant to be used once or twice and discarded.
You can buy reusable ones on many sites like "just nebulizers" or "nebology" - they can be washed, sterilized and reused for 3-6 months. They usually come with new tubing, and most are interchangeable to most nebulizers.
When I first started this journey in 2018, I ordered one each of several types to find the one I liked. After several including the Aeroeclipse, I settled on a generic one and buy them 5 at a time.
I also melted a few early on, and learned to use a round silicon trivet or hot pad in the bottom of the saucepan, and keep the burner just high enough for a gentle boil. No need to use sterile water there, the boiling takes care of any germs. Others use microwave or counter top baby bottle sterilizer instead.

There is a benefit to nebbing first and then using the Aerobika and doing airway clearance IF you have a hard time clearing mucus - the time lapse allows better penetration. But if you feel "all cleaned out" after a session you're probably doing okay. You can double check with your pulmonologist.

Are you also being treated for MAC?

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Sue - I had been ordering the cups Aeroeclipse and tubing combination from Save Rite Medical. You said: "After several including the Aeroeclipse, I settled on a generic one and buy them 5 at a time. "
A quick question before I start searching, if you can: Ordered from which supplier...and what is the generic brand name of the cup????
Thanks,
Barbara

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@sarahlynn1960

Sue,
How often do you take apart and clean the shower heads, kitchen sink sprayer and bathroom faucets? Since u r a success story, your details are VERY helpful!

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Never. My kitchen water is filtered through .2 micron filters which trap NTM and changed regularly. Years ago my house water was tested and no NTM was found, so I never got into cleaning shower heads and faucets. My pulmonologist says if my NTM comes back she will push me to do it (or test again) but for now, I don't.

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@blm1007blm1007

Sue - I had been ordering the cups Aeroeclipse and tubing combination from Save Rite Medical. You said: "After several including the Aeroeclipse, I settled on a generic one and buy them 5 at a time. "
A quick question before I start searching, if you can: Ordered from which supplier...and what is the generic brand name of the cup????
Thanks,
Barbara

Jump to this post

I think my last order was Just Nebulizers. There was no name on them or the clear, sealed plastic bag packaging, just "reusable nebulizer kit." But I am an equal opportunity shopper - wherever I get the best price on any given day. Once it was even the local medical supply store where I was picking up a brace, they had some discontinued ones on sale.

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@sueinmn

Never. My kitchen water is filtered through .2 micron filters which trap NTM and changed regularly. Years ago my house water was tested and no NTM was found, so I never got into cleaning shower heads and faucets. My pulmonologist says if my NTM comes back she will push me to do it (or test again) but for now, I don't.

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I am surprised to learn you have a kitchen .2 micron filter. What is the brand? I guess I figured since you are one who turned water heater up over 130 and according to J. Falkinham there are few NTM in cold water.

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@scoop

I am surprised to learn you have a kitchen .2 micron filter. What is the brand? I guess I figured since you are one who turned water heater up over 130 and according to J. Falkinham there are few NTM in cold water.

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I don't know the brand. My partner manages this for us, and keeps replacement filters on had at both of our places and in our camper. It's a dual-filter arrangement, a 1 micron to catch the usual stuff, the a .2 micron for the NTM and other little bugs. He has the change-out schedule on our calendar.

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