Best Shower heads for MAC

I'm replacing our two shower heads and know there is much wisdom out there! Does a hand held version (with the hose) present an even greater opportunity for mycobacteria growth? Is it best to go with a simple model, sans the hose? Thanks in advance!

Hi @aerogirl, I moved your question about handheld shower heads to this existing discussion. Click VIEW & REPLY to read through past posts. As you said, there is so much wisdom in this group. You'll see how members question, research and follow evidence-based information.

I'd like to bring @sueinmn into this discussion. You might also find the information in these 2 related discussions helpful:
- Practical questions about nebulizer, shower head filters & gargling https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/some-practical-questions/
- More Water Related Questions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/more-water-related-questions/
- How To Prevent Re-Infection of MAC/MAI https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-prevent-re-infection-of-macmai/

Aerogirl, can you explain why a handheld shower head might create more opportunity for mycobacteria growth? In my mind, it wouldn't but perhaps I'm missing something.

Hi aerogirl. I cannot say for sure if the handheld type of shower is worse or not. I would imagine that it isn't good because water can collect in the loop of the hose. What are you looking to replace your showerhead with?

This is an example of why any kind of attempt to clean a Standard Shower head cannot be done. You cannot see inside to have any time of confirmation of bacteria free or when ridden with bacteria. Too many places to hide. These took hours to took hours to take apart without smashing to pieces. As for testing, can you name 1 Standard Showerhead Company like Kohler, American Standard or Grohe that HAS tested their showerhead for mycobacteria? As an engineer, when something comes apart, we look for "Witness Marks" Area's where things were. An enclosed Shower Head, unless you make it rubble, you cannot see or test any witness marks. I welcome the challenge of any scientist/microbiologist that states bleaching, vinegar or whatever can ameliorate this problem. Science is proof. Hence why I offer a free Shower Head to Mayo Clinic to Test. Maybe someone on this forum will have them take me up on it.

@windwalker Nothing special... I haven't been good about cleaning it and want to start fresh, then clean or exchange regularly.

@aerogirl Colleen's links are good ones - like you, I think (but without any proof) ythat the extended hose probably just presents more opportunity for the bacteria to grow. That said, Terri's vinegar soak with a baggie solution wouldn't do anything for the hose - only the head. So if you are concerned about MAC in your water, best to avoid the handheld. I haven't paid too much attention since I learned that pink slime (methylobacter) and mycobacteria don't coexist, because unless I am diligent I have pink slime growing in both my homes, in the tubs and the toilets.
Sue

We have a rain head shower even before MAC. Those type of shower heads have large holes so not a fine mist. I leave the shower door and bathroom door open and the mirror doesn't even get fogged. I don't like baths because I feel like you're sitting in you own dirt and would do a quick shower off after. Everyone has to live within their comfort zone so I will take precautions but not going to drive myself crazy especially with all the COVID anxiety. I'm still going to have a cocktail when out dining out and not worry about the ice they mixed it with. Good news my last AFB came back negative. Last respiratory culture had few klebsielli and e. coli. My ID said since so few no treatment but I decided to take a round of Ceftin I had in the house and she gave her approval. Sensitivity tests are being done but don't have the results. I've also been treated for pseudomonas with Cipro and once with Cefepime IV. After extensive testing at NJH my respiratory issues stem from GERD, dysphagia and aspiration. Added to that the last CT scan showed bronchiectasis which I think is the main cause for the increase in mucus production. I never coughed, even with a cold, until 2.5 years ago when I had a bad cold/flu. Just trying to live my best life while dealing with all of this.