Connect
← Return to Nebulizing Equipment
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
I've been noticing some info exchange here recently about regularly cleaning/replacing nebulizer components, e.g., mouthpieces, tubes and so on. I must have been living dangerously for the three years I've been using a nebulizer; I've never cleaned or replaced the tube . After each use I dismantle and rinse the mouthpiece using soap as well on the surface that actually enters my mouth. I realize that there is moisture in the tube and that it's quite likely that there's a good deal of microbial activity there as well. I've not knowingly suffered any adverse consequences of my neglect. However, now aware of the attention others give to cleanliness I'm considering changing my wayward ways. Tell me though, what's a suitable way to clean the tube? Don
Replies to "I've been noticing some info exchange here recently about regularly cleaning/replacing nebulizer components, e.g., mouthpieces, tubes..."
You aren’t suppose to clean the tube but replace it. I get a free tube and mouth piece with my saline medication
On cleaning: talked again to my Pulmonary therapist. A year ago, she told me the easiest way: buy a baby bottle sterilizer. The Phillips Aventi cost about $19. Put 7 oz water in bottom. Lay all mouthpiece components on bottle rack. Close. Microwave 2 minutes. She reminded me I need to do that every day, once a day. As for tubing, just look at it to see if any moisture or droplets inside. If so, plug the compressor back in, run air through tube a couple of minutes, watch the drops fly out. Total cleaning time per day about 4 minutes.
Connect
@thumperguy We've had nebulizers in our life foe almost 40 years between my kids, mom & me. Way back around the 90's we were told to remove the nebulizer cup from the tubing & hang the tubing after each use (mine is still attached to the compressor & is draped over the arm on my living room lamp a lot) to keep moisture from accumulating. My daughter goes one step further and runs her compressor a few minutes to pump dry air through. I figure no moisture, no bugs, but others may think differently. So unless I notice moisture, I don't usually clean it, but then it is with commercial cleaning-strength distilled vinegar.
The neb cup parts I clean in hot soapy water & scrub with a little brush used just for that after every use. Once every week or two it gets an alcohol bath for 30 minutes (now using vinegar as alcohol is scarce.) I was told by the respiratory therapist at our clinic to replace every 3-6 months depending on the frequency of use.
My philosophy is that MAC is slow to attach & slow to grow, so my periodic treatment plus regular replacement should be good. My biggest hesitation at adopting this plan was adding plastic to the waste stream...
What do others do?
Sue