Best Shower heads for MAC

I think there is no definitive answer on this issue. A study by NIH shows NTM can form a biofilm in PVC pipes which is not dissipated by drying out. Another study of biofilm suggests it cannot be "rinsed away" by flushing pipes. There is research that suggests that copper pipe doesn't have the same problem. If NTM (MAC/MAI) is present in water it may aerosolize. Some suggest this as a possible vector of infection. But, if the NTM forms a biofilm in your pipes, no kind of shower head or cleaning of the head will eliminate it. To suggest otherwise is not supported by research. I would be cautious about succumbing to a sales pitch, thinking it was somehow keeping me safe. I minimize time in the shower and we set the water heater to 140F to inhibit growth.

@sueinmn Spot on, Sue! I do the same thing as you. I do soak my shower-head in a baggie of vinegar as an added pre-caution since that is where there are the heaviest with colonization.

An interesting article/study about the bathroom being the source of mac. https://academic.oup.com/cid/article-abstract/45/3/347/359377

@windwalker888
That article on MAC colonizing predominately in bathrooms and mostly showerheads is very interesting. I will soak mine in vinigar much more often
I use a "hand" shower head and use it on a rainfall setting rather than a Spray setting hoping this spray method helps.
Thanks Teri

Shari

I actually splurged and bought the Shower Clear shower head that opens up to dry between showers. It also has no rubber/plastic in the shower head except for an external rubber O ring. My thinking was that it is worth the money if it reduces my exposure to Mac, even slightly. It is solid brass, so fairly heavy, and looks very simple but well made. It was easy enough to install. No regrets about the price, considering what I spend on medications every month!

@kathyhg
I checked out more information on shower clear shower head.
Makes sense to me to splurge on buying one and Hopfully prevent Mac infections.
Is it relatively easy to open to clean after showers?
Thanks for your info.
Shari

It is easy to open and clean. It is a simple but efficient design and the clasp is strong but easy enough to open and close. I think a good part of the cost is related to the material used to make it (my husband did some reading and said it is solid brass and therefore heavy and expensive to make). Anyway, I am pleased with the way it works.

@kathyhg, I had never heard of Shower Clear before. Is the purpose of making it from brass because that metal is an bacteriacide like copper?

@windwalker888
@kathyhg

Yes Teri it is all brass metal rain type shower head that flips open easily. So you can flip it open after a shower to let it air dry. The man that invented it did so for his mother that got lung issues and the pulmonologist said it was most likely her shower head. He checked her shower head and it was full of mold.
They quote studies from National Jewish on the Shower Clear site about MAC contaminates being predominately in the shower head.
They explain that regular plastic shower heads cannot be effectively cleaned even by soaking in vinigar and regular replacement would be expensive.
My hubby just told me to order one.
Here is a link to the site.
Shari
https://www-shopshowerclear-com.myshopify.com/pages/medical-science

Sorry; no idea about the metal.