Care and Maintenance of Your Nebulizer

It is recommended that you clean your nebulizer on a regular basis, preferably right after each use. This will ensure that it does not become colonized with bacteria and proper functioning of the device. Prior to cleaning, please make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly.

Cleaning

Your nebulizer should only be cleaned using warm water and dish detergent.

Using a liquid dish detergent, mix 2 tablespoons of detergent for ever 5 litres of water.
Soak the device and mouthpiece (or mask) in warm soapy water for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly, preferably with sterile water (to make tap water sterile, boil it for 5 minutes and allowed to cool) and allow all parts to dry.
Rinse warm water through the hose each time. Connect to the compressor and allow to run for a few minutes blowing excess water out. Let it air dry.

Sterilizing

This should be done at least once a day to disinfect.
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Remove the pot from the source of heat and immerse the nebulizer into the water. (do not place masks in the water, rather cleanse them with warm soapy water).
Leave there for 5 minutes.
Remove and allow all parts to dry.

Replacements

Your nebulizer and tubing should be replaced every 6 months to ensure optimum function and decrease the chances of colonization.

Nebulizers and Medications

There are many types of nebulizers available that could be used to administer inhalation treatments. It is important that you follow the instructions given to you by the CF team on what type of nebulizer you use for your medications. For the nebulizer to function appropriately there must be a minimum of 3mL in the chamber.

Medication	Nebulizer	Instructions
Pulmozyme	PARI LC Plus PARI LC Star	Pulmozyme should have its own separate nebulizer. Other medications should never be placed in it as they can decrease the efficacy of the pulmozyme
TOBI	PARI LC Plus	This is the only nebulizer which can effectively administer this medication to the lungs
Ventolin (Salbutamol)	Can be used in any of the PARI nebulizers
Tobramycin	PARI LC Plus PARI LC Star	Can be mixed with Ventolin or Normal saline as needed