Nebulizing Equipment

@alleycatkate I have 2 different compressors and use the parts interchangeably, never had a problem. As a matter of fact I just got new parts today, I replace the mouthpiece and hose every 3 months and just realized I hadn't done so since November. I buy the parts directly from Home Medical or whoever has the best price, no need for a scrip.
Sue

@sueinmn Thanks so much for your response!! Think i need to change out of the Drive neb kits. They are iffy. I am glad to know they are all pretty much interchangeable!! Thank you. Kate

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

thumperguy First, let me say I'm not as knowledgeable as most on this site but my experience is this: Someone told me if you are old enough to be on Medicare (and of course I am) there was a place to either stop in or call and give them your information. They will furnish all the albuterol you need for no charge and also give you new mouthpieces and tubing every month -- if you want two new sets all you do is tell them. No charge. They do not furnish saline -- there may be a place that does, but I've bought my own for four years now. If someone happens to know where there is cost-free saline, of course I wish they would post it. The group or company I contacted is called Linncare. I have no idea if this company serves all the States but they call me every month to ask what I need. And..... they either deliver it to the door or if I'm not close to being out, they mail it. I can't give you any more info about where you would contact such a group, but you might start googling. Or...… better yet, perhaps someone else on this site knows much more than I and can come on and help with whom you should contact.

@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

There is one thing that I do, not seen anywhere else on any site. In regards to storing neb cup parts in between uses. After washing in soapy water I set them on a paper towel to dry for about 1/2-1 hr them store them in an airtight rubbermaid container also sitting on top of a paper towel but in addition I place a 5G desiccant package (Amazon) under the paper. If the parts are not completely dry when put in, they are bone dry for the next use. I put in a fresh desiccant package once weekly on the day I boil the parts for 10 minutes. Bill

Thanks Bill to you as well as Aunt Nanny. And Sue, you’re priceless as usual.

You aren’t suppose to clean the tube but replace it. I get a free tube and mouth piece with my saline medication

I replace the tubing and neb cup pieces around every 6 months.

After the morning airway clearance session, I soak my 8 parts (4 Pari neb cup and 4 for aeribika) in hot tap water plus vinegar and unscented dye free dish soap. I plan to soak for 30 minutes but usually forget about it and it soaks for several hours - until I come into the kitchen for lunch.

After the evening session, I follow the Arikayce clean/disinfect procedure for all 8 parts. For those who haven't had the pleasure (kidding!) Of using Arikayce: 1. Hold each part for 10 seconds under warm tap water. 2. Soak in warm water plus unscented dye free dish detergent while heating distilled water to full boil. 3. Soak the parts in the boiling distilled water for 5 minutes.

Both morning and evening, I air dry everything on drying mats I bought at Dollar Tree until the next fun (still kidding) session.

Thanks for the info about Medicare paid stuff from Linncare. That company has been recommended for O2 users on my copd forums.
Rita

rits……... does anyone know if saline is provided cost free by any company with Medicare patients. Linncare does a great job with tubing and mouthpieces and albuterol...….. but I've not learned of anyone furnishing saline. Thank you