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

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.

This should be done at least once a day.

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 imperative 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: Pulmozyme

Nebulizer:

PARI LC Plus
PARI LC Star
PARI LC Sprint

Instructions: Pulmozyme should have its own separate nebulizer. Other medications should never be placed in it as they can decrease the efficacy of the pulmozyme.

Medication: Pulmicort

Nebulizer:

PARI LC Plus
PARI LC Star
PARI LC Sprint

Instructions: May use the same nebulizer you use for Ventolin inhalations.

Medication: TOBI

Nebulizer: PARI LC Plus

Instructions: This is the only nebulizer which can effectively administer this medication to the lungs and should therefore not be given any other way.

Medication: Ventolin (Salbutamol)

Nebulizer: Can be used in any of the PARI nebulizers.

Medication: Tobramycin

Nebulizer: