I learned this in my Rehab class and thought it might help someone.

The cleaning of respiratory equipment is a major necessity at home. Bacteria may contaminate the breathing equipment, which may infect your lungs if you do not clean it properly. To prevent contamination, a simple but effective cleaning technique should be followed routinely.

After each treatment:
1 disassemble nebulizer parts.
2 rinse thoroughly in hot , running water.
3 air dry on a paper towel.

Once a day;
1 wash mouthpiece in detergent or vinegar water solution.
2 rinse in hot , running water.
3 air dry on paper towel.

Twice a week for metered dose in haler cartridge and nebulizer parts:
1 Wash disassembled nebulizer parts and tubing in warm water with dish detergent.
2 scrub with a soft bottle brush; clean inside the large bore tubing with brush.
3 rinse all parts in hot water.
4 shake off excess water.
5 soak 30 minutes all parts in a solution of white vinegar (1 part) and water (2 parts).
6 rinse in hot water; shake off excess water.
7 drain parts on a clean paper towel; hang tubing over towel rack dry.
8. when equipment is dry, reassemble.
9 Dip a cloth in vinegar solution and wipe down the outside of your machine.

When storing parts, place in paper bag- NEVER PLASTIC! Plastic cant breath so bacteria can grow in it.

This was not cut and pasted.

I typed this from my Pulmonary Rehabilitation Participant Handbook and Resource Manual.


I hope this helps someone.

Holly