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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

janeta | @janeta | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @gej53 "Thanks for that info....good to know. Hopefully if I tell him I have had no problem..." + (show)

Do you take a bronchodilator (e.g. Alb or Levalbuterol) as part of your med regimen, in either nebulizer or inhaler form?

patsolstad | @patsolstad | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @egayle187 "@patsoldad...I wash every time I use the nebulizer. I brush my teeth before I use it,..." + (show)

Hello. Thanks for the response. I, too, wash the parts after every use. That part has become a habit with me. BUT...I am still confused about how often I should sanitize (boil, microwave, use alcohol or vinegar or hydrogen peroxide). Do yo sanitize?

thumperguy | @thumperguy | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @patsolstad "Thanks, Don. Don't you wash the parts in soapy water? It certainly would be easier to..." + (show)

Pat, Absent some sort of solid material resisting removal I doubt soap and water adds much, if anything, to the hygienic status of the mouthpiece. But I’m a superannuated psychologist; maybe there’s a bacteriologist lurking on the forum can chime in here. Don

patsolstad | @patsolstad | Jun 17, 2021

Thanks, Don.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @patsolstad "Hello. Thanks for the response. I, too, wash the parts after every use. That part has..." + (show)

Vinegar, full strength, is effective against mycobacterium, hence the use of vinegar. Water over 140F is as well.
There are varying reports about the effectiveness of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide (especially because hydrogen peroxide loses its effectiveness very soon after opening.
All that said, I immerse my neb and the mouthpieces from my inhalers as well as the extension tubes in VERY hot (145F) soapy water weekly, soak, scrub, rinse & air dry. Periodically I toss the whole works, in the water, in the microwave for 1 minute, then let it cool - in my oven, that heats the water from 145 to 180, enough to kill just about anything. I used to religiously use vinegar or alcohol, but quit several months ago with no apparent ill effect.
Sue

greentree | @greentree | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @gej53 "I also was very healthy and active, watching diet and exercising. We moved right after I..." + (show)

I don't know about the vest Can you give me the name I assume you think it is worthwhile. I was diagnosed not long after retirement also Nebulizing has irritated my throat and upper chest during this last flare up, doc told me to take off from the neb for a bit. Do you take mucinex? Thanks for reaching out

egayle187 | @egayle187 | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @patsolstad "Hello. Thanks for the response. I, too, wash the parts after every use. That part has..." + (show)

I don't sanitize. I changed the kit if I had an infection. My pulmonologist reports no new damage to lungs after 6 years I live on farm with pigs and cows and chickens; along river, in woods, and have 3 cats and potted plants inside. Not a sterile environment. Do have an HVAC, though.
Unless you have an on-going infection, don't stress. MAC doesn't live on dry equipment. I am a retires psychotherapist, not an expert in microbiology. Just used to helping people live their best life.

patsolstad | @patsolstad | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @egayle187 "I don't sanitize. I changed the kit if I had an infection. My pulmonologist reports no..." + (show)

Thanks so much! I feel less nervous about it now. SO pleased that you are doing well.

patsolstad | @patsolstad | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "Vinegar, full strength, is effective against mycobacterium, hence the use of vinegar. Water over 140F is..." + (show)

Thanks, Sue! I think I will try the vinegar. (Does full strength mean 5% acidity? Same as the strength used for cooking?) I REALLY like the idea of using the microwave! Thanks again...much appreciated.

hauoli | @hauoli | Jun 17, 2021

In reply to @patsolstad "How often do you sanitize? And what do you use? I am very new to all..." + (show)

I alternate cleaning my nebulizer and aerobika. One day hot water and dish soap for 5 minutes sitting. And the next day I boil what I sure. Everything is dried overnite. So far it works. Hauoli

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