Washing nebs

[anonymous]

I know this topic has been brought up before, but I think I have a different question that hasn't been asked or answered. Do you know if it is ok to wash the disposable masks by boiling them with soap? I wash my daughter's neb attachments by boiling them with soap and water for ten minutes, but am not sure about the masks. Also, is it ok if I don't throw out the remaining (as little as it is) meds before boiling them? I know boiling is suppose to kill all bacteria, but you can never be too careful!

Thanks for any input you may have! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

I don't think the masks will hold up to the boiling, if you have an extra one laying around boil it and see if it melts? I personally think that cleaning the mask with hot soapy water is enough but it is your perogative to try. I always recommend soaking the kits in peroxide for a half an hour, it kills more than vinegar and dosen't smell/taste as well.
As for the medicine that is left..there will always be a little medicine left. After my treatments are finished I open the neb cup with the nebulizer still on and it blows out any un-nebulized medicine. You have to get the excess meds out some how and that is the easiest way I found. This is the process I have always used, including when I worked in the hospital.


Luke 29/cf

 

[thefrogprincess]

You should follow the manufaturers instructions. If you don't have them anymore find a phone number and call. Every brand of cup/mask/attatchments is different. Also don't use peroxide, eventually it can erode the plastic or rubber, it also isn't meant for internal use and if there is a little residue it can be inhaled. If you want to soak it in something use a mixture of 1 part vinegar 3 parts water.

 

[anonymous]

On the CFF website it says DO NOT use vinegar, it does not kill germs. If your parts can~boil for 5 min, microwave in water for 5 min, dishwasher-hotter then 158 degrees for 30 min(if your instructions say you can!!)or70% alcohol for 5 min, 3% peroxide for 30 min, 1 part bleach and 50 parts water for 3 min.

 

[2sickkids]

The disposable sets say in the booklet that comes in the package wash in warm soapy water . I boiled a disposable one once. That didn't work so well it melted. Most say to boil the resuable one for 5 to 10 minutes

 

[anonymous]

I boil my son's nebs for 10 minutes as well, but I was told it was ok to add just a little (maybe 1 tablespoon at the most) distilled vinegar to the water. The only reason I do this is because we don't have a water softener and it helps the nebs to fit together much easier. Does anyone know if this is a no-no??

Carey

 

[anonymous]

It's fine to add a little vinegar to the boiling water. It will keep minerals in the water from depositing on the nebulizers. The only problem with vinegar is that you can't rely on it <u>alone</u> to disinfect the nebs -- but the boiling will do that job.

Bambi, Jordan's mom

 

[anonymous]

Thanks, Bambi! Makes sense! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Carey

 

[thefrogprincess]

I was always told to use vinegar but I guess I'll do a little more research on it. But I was also told NEVER to use any substance/chemical that was not meant to be injested such as alchol/bleach. I wonder if Everclear would work??

 

[anonymous]

Everclear? that is funny! Please do not waste good liquor on cleaning nebs, soak it in 3%peroxide for 30 mintues, or isopryl alcohol for 5 min, it is much cheaper and will not hurt my feelings as much!


Luke 29/cf, 5 days to go

 

[anonymous]

That is why it is only 1 part bleach to 50 parts water! If you use alot of bleach and dont rinse them properly I am sure that would not be good. I dont think the CFF site would say you can do that if you cant.