I listened to a webinar by a MAC doctor - link found somewhere in these pages - and in the webinar the doctor indicated that anyone with MAC should never use a humidifier. Not sure that it would hurt with oil, but I would never use one with any kind of water. Linda

@lindam272, Linda, thank you for jumping in. I think you are RIGHT ON!! We need to remember the theory of mycobacterium being '"aerosolizing' in showers/hot tubs etc. So it certainly would also be true for humidifiers and diffusers. Thanks for pointing this out! SO important! The ONLY time we should be using liquid into our lungs would be doctor prescribed with a nebulizer/medicine/saline! Hugs! Katherine

<br><br><br><br><br><br>speaking of hot tubs; has anyone out there looked into wearing a vapor mask <br>when using a hot tub?  I ask because I have put my hot tub to bed for the <br>time being, on the advice of my doctor. But I would like to think I could use it <br>again due to a bad back.  I know it would be strange to climb into a hot <br>tub with a rather scary looking mask on, but I would do it, if I knew it was <br>giving me some protection from the vapors.   I did have the water <br>tested just before I emptied it, and it came back positive for pseudemones, but <br>did not show signs of MAC ( and I had pseudemones at one point, so I could have <br>very well gotten it from the hot tub.    Pam<br><br><br> <br><br>

@pamelasc1, Pam, I feel strongly this is a question for your Pulmonologist .. BECAUSE even when you are 'stable' .. off the antibiotic treatment .. the mycobacterium is STILL in your lungs .. just not growing/colonizing. ALSO you can STILL get ANOTHER mycobacterium OTHER THAN what you presently have! When I was first diagnosed I refused treatment because I did not have access to the wisdom .. education .. support of a Forum such as thing .. thus I delayed treatment UNTIL I was diagnosed with a SECOND SERIOUS ABCESSUSS type of mycobacterium that was even more difficult to treat!

So, Pam .. just based on my personal experience .. it scares me to death that you might even take a chance on a hot tub at a later date without consultation with your Pulmonologist. This MAC is nothing to be messed with. Personally I found a Back Clinic in my city that taught me various back exercises that strengthened my back and core muscles to the point that IF I do them regularly .. using the back machine they recommended (you need training on it!) .. I can keep the back pain within reason. I do NOT know your back issues .. but I just hope you seek out whatever help you need! Hugs to you! Katherine

WITH PROPER TRAINING:
This is the machine I use .. no longer on Amazon .. but gives you an idea and reviews: Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench
http://www.staminaproducts.com/product_detail.cfm?cat=Strength&pid=20-2021https://www.amazon.com/Stamina-20-2020B-Ab-Hyper-Bench/dp/B000JC1S0U

Very happy to see others questioning the use of hot tobs. My pulmonologist told me (well my ten year old stepson) it was ok for us to go swimming a bit. Not the ocean but the pool where i know the chemicals are right. Fortynately i have access to a resort where ill be able to go again soon. But with your reply ill make sure to discuss it again given i didnt mention to lung surgeon and skin issues. Better to be safe.

I sure hope they say ok it makes ne feel so much better.

Everyone one has been very honest and caring about their advice in NOT using my hot tub... unless I know I can wear a high quality vapor mask AND get an ok from my doctor, I will avoid it.  Thank you so much, Pam  

@jewel8888, would LOVE it if you share with us the information your doctor gives you re the hot tubs. The more info we share the better .. that is what our community is all about! Hugs! Katherine

I will, of course!  But I do not see him until February - I will make a note to get back to all of you and if I find out about vapor masks, will also share what I find out.  Pam   

Katherine - I just went to order the mini-mate air purifier at amazon, but I find there are several options... can you tell me which one you have? I am ready to go with my cart filling up with Halo, Airborne, and I will add the purifier once I hear from you. All of this SO helpful - thank you! Pam

Pam, Here is the link for the one I ordered. I think it's the same as the one Katherine got but I'm not sure. I love mine though if that's any help. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GXOK86I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also got the rechargeable batteries that they recommend with it. Linda