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Is it okay to microwave nebulizer or in baby bottle sterilizer?
Was calling some number today to order a few more nebulizers so that if I go away, I won't have to keep cleaning/sterilizing (great suggestion obtained from the forum). I happened to ask the question: "Is it all right to microwave nebulizer in steam bags or in baby bottle sterilizer equipment?" The gal replied an emphatic "no". I was not clever enough to ask why ... suppose plastic might melt or give off something toxic?? Person went on to say that they only recommend boiling (for 5 minutes) or soaking in 1part white vinegar to 3 parts water for at least 30 minutes. I wish that I could find the number that I called but anyone may verify by going on internet and calling a number or live chatting with someone from a reputable nebulizer company. Please advise if you get a different response. Hope that this is helpful.
Terry
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Interesting Terry. This appears to contradict what @lindam272 reported from the manufacturers instructions to use the microwave. In this message http://mayocl.in/2qD7XjC she wrote:
"...take nebulizer parts and aerobika mouthpiece and soak all in hot soapy water. Later, rinse all parts well and put in the bottle sterilizer, microwave according to directions the sterilizer comes with, remove. I usually let it cool for a bit. Remove parts. Lay out to dry. Rinse/wash out sterilizer and let that dry."
Linda, did you see Terry's message about being told not to use the microwave?
It is all so confusing. I am going to National Jewish in July and will definitely ask them for a definitive answer ... if there is such a thing. There are still websites that recommend using the baby bottle sterilizer with nebulizer. Who knows! It certainly would make things a lot easier.
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1 ReactionI tracked Terry's post down. Missed it somehow before. I can't tell you why they said that. I just know when I talked to my respiratory therapist at Phoenix Children's Hospital where I'm treated for my A-typical cystic fibrosis several months back, it came up in conversation that I wasn't sterilizing my equipment every day because it was such a pain in the butt and I was sure to burn the house down forgetting to leave water boiling on the stove. She suggested the baby bottle sterilizer. The booklet for the Aerobika indicates that it can be disinfected by putting it in the microwave in a steam cleaning bag (i.e. Quick-Clean MicroSteam) following the manufacturer's instructions using distilled water. I don't use distilled water. I use the bags when traveling but have the larger bottle sterilizer for daily use. The nebulizer booklet that I have doesn't say it can or can't be sterilized in this manner. It does say to disinfect once a week by boiling parts in water w/2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid for 10 mins. I have a paper from my RT that outlines how to clean and disinfect respiratory equipment and it says to disinfect at least daily and gives 4 different options for doing that - one is to microwave in a microwavable bowl filled with water for 5 mins or Electric Steam Sterilizer (bottle sterilizer) for 6 - 8 mins. I've been sterilizing for 4 mins according to the instructions with the sterilizer. Now that I'm reading this sheet again, I'll up it to 6 mins and hope I don't melt anything. It sure is confusing and some instructions contradict others. I just do the best I can and pray that it's good enough. Hope that helps. Linda
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1 ReactionI'm with you, Linda!
Terry
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1 ReactionTerry, did you see Dr. Leventhal from Mayo clinic Jacksonville? Can you pls. tell me something about your visit. I'm thinking to change Dr. I have a good Dr. but he is old fashion not aggressive enough. He said he has so many pt. with MAC and some got off meds for year some are not. The inhaled amikacin has to call my insurance to get approve then order it. Is this the way they other drugs? Thank you all for your input. Cila
There are a few Terrys so not sure if you meant me. I go to Dr. Posner, a pulmonologist in New York City. I have gone to National Jewish in Denver and saw a Dr. Drummond. Will return in July. The Queen of MAC is Dr. Huitt, who is also connected with National Jewish. If you can get an appointment with Dr. Huitt, you will be in great hands. I have CIGNA, when I retire will not have CIGNA, so no need for approval for drugs while on CIGNA. Hope all works out for you. This Terry
Thanks Terry for info. are you on the 3 meds now? when you gone to NJH, how many days you stayed there? I will try to get appt. if they take my insurance. Thanks again. Cila.
Yes. Started in January and just tested positive for the second time. The first time they say that you will be there for two weeks but I was only there one week. I am going for the second time in July and I believe that will be only for two days. If you go to NJ, ask for Dr. Huitt. You will be thrilled and comforted to have her. I regret that I do not. Best of luck. Terry
@128128terry11t, Terry, that Rep is total HOOEY! I did inhaled Amikacin for THIRTY months .. sterilizing nebs in a baby sterilizer the ENTIRE time .. it worked perfectly! I spoke to the manufacturer .. he said the reality is that ALL testing has been done with BOILING .. THAT is why they CANNOT recommend a baby bottle sterilizer! That is the ONLY reason .. liability! So again .. Hooey! The sterilizer I used was: The First Years Power of Steam Electric Steam Sterilizer https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WN2B6O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Good luck and Hugs! Katherine
.. also found a good price for extra nebs at: http://justnebulizers.com/pari-lc-reusable-nebulizer-set-buy-5-and-save.html
Hugs! Katherine