1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Living Dangerously - Nebulizer Cleaning

Posted by thumperguy @thumperguy, Mar 12, 2021

I marvel at the time consuming, meticulous way many, perhaps the majority, of contributors to this forum clean and sanitize nebulizers. Following the treatment session I soap and hot water “bathe” the mouthpiece then let it air dry until its next use. The tube gets no special attention except being fully disconnected from the compressor. I’ve read of some regimens aimed at sanitizing shower heads; another activity I ignore entirely. I’m closing in on 16 months free of a “flare-up” involving fever, and an antibiotic to defeat.
The lengthening periods of freedom from acute symptoms is something I attribute solely to learning about 7% saline nebulizer solution which I read about on this forum.
My comparatively minimal attention to “sanitation” may catch up with me but so far so good.

I should add that I realize many forum participants are contending with considerably more virulent pathology than I am. Don

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cavlover | @cavlover | Jun 12, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Nan- the valve closes on expiration to keep you from blowing the meds out the vent,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Nan- the valve closes on expiration to keep you from blowing the meds out the vent, so you get the full dose. The old valve caused loss of part of it in the stream.
Sue

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Hi Sue,
I got my Pari Trek S and it is so much faster than my Pari Vois and especially quicker when connected to my Aerobica!

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ckscoville | @ckscoville | Jun 12, 2021
In reply to @montsy "Where can one obtain 7%NaCl for nebulizing? No luck with local pharmacies." + (show)
@montsy

Where can one obtain 7%NaCl for nebulizing? No luck with local pharmacies.

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I'm not sure where you live. My prescription for 7% saline is filled regularly at the Publix Pharmacy in our neighborhood. I think I get a GoodRx discount on it.

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1 reply
gej53 | @gej53 | Jun 12, 2021
In reply to @montsy "Where can one obtain 7%NaCl for nebulizing? No luck with local pharmacies." + (show)
@montsy

Where can one obtain 7%NaCl for nebulizing? No luck with local pharmacies.

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i get mine on "Nebology" website. They frequently have it on sale and right now you would get free shipping if you buy two. My MD will not prescribe it for me so I have to buy mine all the time without a RX.

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1 reply
montsy | @montsy | Jun 12, 2021
In reply to @ckscoville "I'm not sure where you live. My prescription for 7% saline is filled regularly at the..." + (show)
@ckscoville

I'm not sure where you live. My prescription for 7% saline is filled regularly at the Publix Pharmacy in our neighborhood. I think I get a GoodRx discount on it.

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Thanks for the response. I did just find a pharmacy that can order the. NaCl.

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egayle187 | @egayle187 | Jun 12, 2021
In reply to @montsy "Please share the cleaning regime using white vinegar." + (show)
@montsy

Please share the cleaning regime using white vinegar.

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I use nothing but diluted dish soap and warm water, then let dry naturally between treatments.

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1 reply
dee65 | @dee65 | Jun 12, 2021
In reply to @montsy "Where can one obtain 7%NaCl for nebulizing? No luck with local pharmacies." + (show)
@montsy

Where can one obtain 7%NaCl for nebulizing? No luck with local pharmacies.

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Amazon…or get a prescription.

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crepass | @crepass | Jun 14, 2021
In reply to @gej53 "i get mine on "Nebology" website. They frequently have it on sale and right now you..." + (show)
@gej53

i get mine on "Nebology" website. They frequently have it on sale and right now you would get free shipping if you buy two. My MD will not prescribe it for me so I have to buy mine all the time without a RX.

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My md won’t prescribe it, only 3%. I’m afraid to go against her advice.

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thumperguy | @thumperguy | Jun 14, 2021

Crepass, I’ll bet you’d have rapt and widespread readership on this forum if you could post a quotation from your physician regarding her or his reluctance to recommend 7% saline solution. Don

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gej53 | @gej53 | Jun 14, 2021

My doc had said he was afraid it would cause bronchospasm. I have been getting it on my own ever since I found this forum. Plan to talk to him again about it when I have my next appointment. Plan to wear him down and get a RX. 🙂 Have had no problem with the 7% and feel it is what is helping to keep me healthier. May take some literature from this website next time too.

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2 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 15, 2021
In reply to @gej53 "My doc had said he was afraid it would cause bronchospasm. I have been getting it..." + (show)
@gej53

My doc had said he was afraid it would cause bronchospasm. I have been getting it on my own ever since I found this forum. Plan to talk to him again about it when I have my next appointment. Plan to wear him down and get a RX. 🙂 Have had no problem with the 7% and feel it is what is helping to keep me healthier. May take some literature from this website next time too.

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Yup! That's what we call taking charge of your own health. Do take the links to him, education is part of our mission- and it can extend to our caregivers.
Sue

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