Living Dangerously - Nebulizer Cleaning

@tampamac I have been going to Mayo in Jacksonville (I live in Spring Hill, FL) for about a year now and very pleased with the Pulmonary clinic there. My lead doctor is Margaret Johnson MD, but I only got to see her on my first visit, I primarily see her "Fellow" Dr Kukhon MD. I also had 1 visit with Dr Julio Mendez an Infectious Disease doctor. They are all excellent doctors very knowledgeable about Bronchiectasis and MAC. Dr Johnson stated that she had taken more people off antibiotics than she has put on them, and she was very supportive of me nebulizing 7% saline, which is all that I do now. Bill

Great info Bill. Will look into an appt. at Mayo Jax. currently on the big 3. Tried Arikayce but couldn’t handle the side effects. Working thru some fatigue issues but cough getting better.

Definitely do nebulizer and vest together. Take slow deep breaths. This is the best way for results. My doctor didn't tell me, so I wasn't getting good results. Both work together.

After dutifully doing the Vest\Neb dance for a spell I became adventurous and put the Vest on a hanger and and introduced it to a bunch of old suits I once wore. It seems happy there and I’m also happier. Inhaling nebulizied saline twice daily (3% morning, 7% evening) is keeping me out of the antibiotic store and I still have enough material to maintain my membership on this forum. What more could an old geezer ask.

If your harvest is a bunch of lemons make some lemonade. Don

Hi Don,
I was hoping you would step in and comment. We miss your thumper posts though, could you [lease start it up again?
Sue

,
Sue, how did you know I’m starved for compliments? Da Thumperguy

@poodledoc Got an appt set up at Mayo with Dr. Johnson. Thxs for the recommendation.

@sueinmn so many different ways to clean and sanitize equipment depending on which group you follow for sure. I follow several. If you recall, I was diagnosed recently with bronchiectasis June 2025. NO MAC or aspergillosis or other respiratory germs according to my sputum sample. I do use instant pot for boiling equipment after every use. I will incorporate washing and rinsing BEFORE boiling again. I just rinsed then boiled previously. Curious when you rinse are you rinsing under hot tap water (no filter attached)? I can be a little more on the extreme end of cleanliness and working to the best of my ability to stay infection free. Wondering for those that use boil distilled water do you save the boiled water and reboil if kept tightly covered after cooling and keep in the fridge? I don't mind spending the time to sanitize after each use, however, I'm beginning to wonder about processes. Thanks for your input and time.

@lp8 I’ve had the vest for awhile now also, I think by sitting upright though gravity plays a role in the movement of the mucus. I also believe the biggest factor is the location (lobes) of where each individual’s worst Bronchiectasis is. Mine is posterior both lower lobes, and middle right. Being lower lobes means it has to travel farther of course to the larger central airways to help expel. I’m still trying everything possible, now doing vest with postural drainage, after 7% nebbing followed by 2-3 sessions of Autogenic drainage. My whole morning session takes about an hour, but for me well worth it in order to feel better throughout the day.

@kate2025
If you leave the boiled water in pot you boiled it in and have it covered tightly, it should stay sterile. IMO, transferring back and forth to containers increases risk of contamination.

To answer specific question, the water
should be fine for reuse.
I'll admit that I am not as meticulous as some in cleaning equipment. I use the Bololo because it's simple and equipment can be left in it until next use, minimizing handling.