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Cleaning + disinfecting nebulizer and aerobica
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 3 12:56pm | Replies (115)Comment receiving replies
Boy, this information about cleaning is just all over the place. I was told at NJH that the Aerobika and nebulizer should be washed in hot soapy water for 5 minutes after every use, and then steamed in the microwave once a week. I was also told the tubing does not need to be cleaned (just run the compressor for a minute or so to clear out any slight condensation) and then replace the tubing every two months. Is there an expert out there that might give us all a definitive answer? If there's a better mousetrap, I'm all for it. I have had NTM for 11 years and have cleared 3 different strains with no meds - just airway clearance. I still have Kansasii, bronchiectasis, pseudomonas, and two small cavities so I'm not home free by a long shot.
Replies to "Boy, this information about cleaning is just all over the place. I was told at NJH..."
The tubing does not expose us to bacteria. Air comes through it from the compressor to the attached nebulizer cup. There is no bacteria in the air coming from the compressor. Any moisture in the tube came from the cup so it is whatever drug or saline and is not water. Detaching the tube from the cup and turning on the compressor for a few seconds will blow the moisture out. Thus the tubing can last a long time so long as we don't mess with it like by cleaning it.
Thanks so much for the "hug." After being in nearly total isolation since the pandemic began, I'm feeling a little needy so even a cyber-hug feels good. I appreciate it!
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You are like me! So confused. We've used compressor-style nebulizers for over 30 years. Replaced neb cup/mouthpiece/tubing every 3 months when using daily, otherwise a little longer. Never was told any different by Pulmo, ENT, primary, Respiratory Therapists, hospital...and never got an infection from nebulizing.
Always washed in hot cup and mouthpiece in soapy water daily (If ill, also sterilized weekly) & dried tubing by running the compressor if needed. When I got MAC, pulmo nurse asked how I cleaned neb & said good - do your Acapela the same. Now I read replace tubing every 2 weeks, 2 months...NJH says 2 weeks, one nebulizer site says "with the mouthpiece" and another says every 6 months. No one has shown me any research based data about the frequency of replacement.
How did I solve this? Switched to a mist/impeller style neb, without tubing. Handheld is easier for me anyway.
Question for anyone here who has time to search: Can you find any research-based evidence that one can be infected with any pathogen from nebulizer tubing, or that nebulizer tubing from a properly cleaned and maintained nebulizer has been proven to harbor MAC, NTM, pseudomonas or pneumococcus?
Sue