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How to clean nebulizer supplies?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: May 20 7:14pm | Replies (36)Comment receiving replies
@carolmj @bronchiectasaurus @pacathy @grammyvictoria @legacygsh1 @rockinkranch @jackie7926 @nickraosr @melinda561 @smc17
Hello all, I have been watching this conversation develop for several days. How, how much, and how often to clean nebulizer equipment, spacers, Aerobika and similar devices, and nasal lavage equipment is a HUGE topic on all of the Bronchiectasis discussion groups, and even among experts.
Y'all have heard far too much from me over time about what I do and why, and many of you know I am on the high end of risk tolerance, so I'm noy adding my unscientific opinion here.
But, STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. By way of the NTM Info organization, two noted experts in the field, Dr Jennifer Honda and Dr Joe Falkinham and their staff are testing various cleaning and sterilization methods, and hopes to release a definitive report soon.
In the meantime, washing/soaking alone is not enough to eliminate NTM and other pathogens, especially if you already have an infection. But, it is "up in the air" whether daily sterilizing is necessary, how long to boil, which baby bottle sterilizers or microwave bags are best, whether you need to dry the parts after sterilizing, whether vinegar or alcohol work (and at what concentration/for how long.)
Regardless of what you may read on other forums, I'm sorry there is no single answer right now, but be patient.
Replies to "@carolmj @bronchiectasaurus @pacathy @grammyvictoria @legacygsh1 @rockinkranch @jackie7926 @nickraosr @melinda561 @smc17 Hello all, I have been watching..."
@sueinmn Well, this is good news that the experts are going to release a definitive report on how to properly clean a nebulizer when you have MAC. My head is spinning over the different pieces of information. I've tried several methods but so far I prefer using the steam bags on high for 5 minutes for the nebulizer parts but I'm not sure that this is 100% effective. It would be nice to use the baby bottle sterilizers that disinfect and dry but the highest rated ones seem to be hard to find and Pari told me not to use. They only recommend boiling. I'm looking forward to seeing the report, Sue. Thanks for all of your help on this forum, along with all of the other folks who have shared their experiences. I'm a new patient for MAC and bronchiectasis and I've learned a lot from reading the discussions.
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@sueinmn Dr Joe has said many times that we need to boil for a minimum of 10 minutes and 1 additional minute for every 1000 feet. I feel that, for me at least, that is the most effective method. I then put the parts in a Grownsy baby bottle sterilizer for the full auto treatment which includes a long drying time and then UV, even if the UV use is argued about.