Nebulizer cups

Posted by sheila7a @sheila7a, 5 days ago

I'm trying to learn as much about this AWC as possible.
A lot of you sterilize your nebulizer cups by boiling, microwave, etc.
When I picked up my 6 month nebulizer cup at medical supply store, my cleaning instructions were to just soak in hot soapy water.
The extras I buy from Amazon have instructions in package.
The instructions are do not sterilize.
These I only use for a couple weeks then toss.
I'm afraid to boil my 6 month replacement cup because don't want to take chance of ruining it(melting?).
So many of you write about how the soaking breaks up the biofilm.
If the soaking and swirling breaks up the biofilm then wouldn't a good rinse in hot water be enough after the soaking?

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

@sueinmn

What brand of nebulizer are you using? When you say you "get one kit from medical supply store every 6 months", what is in the kit?
You can buy non-disposable cups and kits with the hose that fit virtually all nebulizers from medical supply houses like Nebology or JustNebulizers whenever you want without a prescription. I always keep some on hand.

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You can buy non-disposable?
How long do you use them?
Do you boil them?

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@sheila7a

You can buy non-disposable?
How long do you use them?
Do you boil them?

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Yes. Just look for reusable or those that don't say single use (not on Amazon). Yes, they boil just fine. I had asthmatic kids, we have been boiling nebs for over 30 years. If you have 2 and alternate they last 3-6 months, then you will see fine cracks developing. Cost is roughly $5-7 each when bought un quantity. Some people prefer the name brand ones but I am okay with generic. Sometimes you need to order a few different ones to see what you like.

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Hi Sue. I was wondering if the generic nebulizer cups you purchase work with the Aerobika. I haven’t found any at that price that do. Thanks.

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@traci59

Hi Sue. I was wondering if the generic nebulizer cups you purchase work with the Aerobika. I haven’t found any at that price that do. Thanks.

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I'm sorry I cannot answer that question, but maybe someone else can?
On the advice of my pulmonologist and Dr Pamela McShane, I don't use my Aerobika while I neb. I realize this is an effective time saver for some people, but it doesn't work for me because I need time for the saline to do its work. So first I nebulize, then I exercise, then I do my airway clearance. This allows the saline to move deeper into the lungs to break up mucus.

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@scoop

I looked into this awhile back, about breathing only through the aerobika vs in and out. After some research, I learned that the aerobika is designed and best used for breathing in and out.
It creates oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP), which is most effective when you maintain a continuous airflow cycle (inhale and exhale) through the device. Inhaling through the device helps to prepare the airways for the subsequent vibrations and pressure changes during exhalation.

I had hoped that breathing one way would save some cleaning time!

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My repiratory therapist at NYU says if you just breathe into aerobika you only have to clean mouthpiece with dawn. But if you hook up to the Aeroeclipse to save time, you will be breathing in and out with Aerobika and thus will have to clean everything thoroughly with dawn and hot water. I also put everything in the Bololo sterilizer for 60 mins.

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@sueinmn

Yes. Just look for reusable or those that don't say single use (not on Amazon). Yes, they boil just fine. I had asthmatic kids, we have been boiling nebs for over 30 years. If you have 2 and alternate they last 3-6 months, then you will see fine cracks developing. Cost is roughly $5-7 each when bought un quantity. Some people prefer the name brand ones but I am okay with generic. Sometimes you need to order a few different ones to see what you like.

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👍

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