Does removing shower head mostly eliminate MAC?

@njlynn Removing the showerhead, or using one that imitates rainfall, increases the size of the droplets so their is less water aerosolized. It is breathing the vapor that is the issue. So the NTM is still there - just less to breathe.

On the other hand, heating the water to 130F or above had been shown to mostly eliminate the NTM since most showers are mainly hot water mixed with a little cold. Dr Falkinham recently posted an update of a 5 year follow-up in homes where the temperature had been raised - still no NTM.

The decision is a very individual one - balancing accepting risks and living your life is a constant challenge with Bronchiectasis and all the infections.

Here is what I decided works for me (no reinfection after 5+ years off antibiotics) - We raised the water temperature and use a rainfall showerhead. I run a high-powered exhaust fan in the bathroom, close the shower curtain and turn on the water before entering and let the water run 1-2 minutes, hopefully washing away any lurking NTM. Then I shower quickly, leave the bathroom to dress and return later to finish up with hair etc. If we have been away any length of time, I run the shower 5-10 minutes upon returning home, with the vent fan on and door closed.

You may choose to be more cautious, but in my mid-70's, I have decided this is how I will proceed unless more info comes to light.

Wow, great answer, thank you.
I can't change water temp b/c I live in a small apt building (5 units in a reconverted building) but I must say the water in my shower and kitchen sink gets scalding hot, so maybe that's a good sign.
Congrats on five years with no re-infection! I don't want to jinx it, but may I ask if you drink tap water, or only boiled water or purchase bottled water? (and then I promise I'll pipe down for awhile)

I can't speak for Sue but I thought I'd drop in and tell you about the water bottle I use for drinking. It was recommended to me by another patient. It's call a UVBrite. I have 2 that I keep full/refill. I really like mine and other people in my pulmonary rehab group have bought them after seeing mine. Direct ordering from them is usually a better deal but they can be found at actual stores.

UVBrite is a company that manufactures and sells self-cleaning and water-purifying bottles using UV-C technology. These bottles use a UV-C light to kill germs and bacteria in water, making it safer for drinking. They also feature a self-cleaning function to keep the bottle itself clean.

We have a .2 micron filter on our kitchen taps, so I do drink, cook, make ice, etc with tap water. Away from home, I drink water I bring along or bottled spring water.

I mentioned in my earlier post that I am maybe more risk-tolerant than some people, and I do not have GERD, so I don't worry a lot about about what I drink.

All that said, I do boil my nebulizer/airway clearance equipment.

If the water is scalding hot, it's likely above 130. You could check it with a cooking thermometer to give you piece of mind.
How are you doing?

Sue do you mind posting what .2 filters you use on your kitchen tap? Does it reduce the water flow?

It is in my 2 stage filter below the sink. I have so much water pressure that I never turn the tap on full, so I can't say if pressure is reduced. The current one is a medical/ dental grade with "blue" in the name. I can't look at it in the housing without taking it apart.