1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Best Shower heads for MAC

Posted by kathyhg @kathyhg, Mar 18, 2019

I've been reading about shower heads and it seems that many are bad for growing bacteria. One mentioned on another forum was called The Original Chrome Shower Head by Shower Clear. It is very expensive and wondering if anyone has experience with this or others that might be good.
Thanks,

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Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Aug 13, 2020
In reply to @aerogirl "I'm replacing our two shower heads and know there is much wisdom out there! Does a..." + (show)
@aerogirl

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!

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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?

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1 reply
aerogirl | @aerogirl | Aug 14, 2020
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @aerogirl, I moved your question about handheld shower heads to this existing discussion. Click VIEW..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

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.

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@colleenyoung Thank you for the info & links. Regarding why I questioned if a handheld shower head might increase risk of bacteria - I just imagined that with a long hose that is continually wet it might be just an extended breeding ground. I haven't read anything to that effect, it's just me wondering!

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aerogirl | @aerogirl | Aug 14, 2020
In reply to @windwalker "Hi aerogirl. I cannot say for sure if the handheld type of shower is worse or..." + (show)
@windwalker

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?

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

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1 reply
Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Aug 15, 2020
In reply to @stevesunshine20 "This is an example of why any kind of attempt to clean a Standard Shower head..." + (show)
@stevesunshine20

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.

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I just fill a large baggie with cleaning strenth vinegar and wore tie it around the shower head and let it soak for several hours.

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Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Aug 15, 2020
In reply to @aerogirl "@windwalker Nothing special... I haven't been good about cleaning it and want to start fresh, then..." + (show)
@aerogirl

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

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Several members on this site have ordered copper showerheads that are hinged and open up to thouroughly empty and dry. I would imagine that they are pricey. They are made from copper as that metal is naturally anti-microbial.

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1 reply
kathyhg | @kathyhg | Aug 15, 2020

I bought one over a year ago and I love it. They are expensive but I think worth it; I’ve kept my old shower head in case I ever move - I’ll take this one with me.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 15, 2020

@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

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1 reply
cali2142 | @cali2142 | Aug 15, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "@aerogirl Colleen's links are good ones - like you, I think (but without any proof) ythat..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@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

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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.

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1 reply
aerogirl | @aerogirl | Aug 15, 2020

@cali2142 I love reasonable responses to our challenges - agree that I just can't drive myself nuts striving for extreme precautions. Will do the best I can and aim to lead as normal a life as possible. Our cases sound very similar, and I also go to NJH. Glad your AFB looked good ... it sounds like all is headed in the right direction. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about showers - excellent points, and consistent with taking a measured but not neurotic approach. Cheers!

REPLY
poodledoc | @poodledoc | Aug 15, 2020
In reply to @cali2142 "We have a rain head shower even before MAC. Those type of shower heads have large..." + (show)
@cali2142

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.

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Hi Cali, I agree you can't live your life in a bubble. Can you tell us what NJH recommended for your GERD, dysphagia and aspiration. Do you feel like it is under control? Thanks, Bill

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