Nebulizer Cleaning
Many people with asthma use a nebulizer to take their medication in the form of a mist that is inhaled into the lungs. Nebulizers are often recommended for patients who have a hard time using inhalers because of health issues, or who are unable to inhale deeply enough for other devices.
Cleaning the nebulizer is important to prevent the spread of germs. It will also keep your device working properly. Wash the mouthpiece (or mask), top piece, and medicine cup after each use.
At-school cleaning instructions for the nebulizer mouthpiece (or mask), top piece, and medicine cup:
1. Take the nebulizer apart by removing the tubing and setting it aside. The tubing should never be placed underwater.
2, Wash the medicine cup, top piece, and mouthpiece or mask, in warm soapy water, and rinse.
3. Shake off the excess water and let the pieces air-dry in a cool, dry place until the next use.
Weekly at-school cleaning instructions for the nebulizer compressor :
1. Clean the surface of the compressor and the outside of the tubing with a soapy cloth or disinfectant wipe. The tubing and/or compressor should never be placed underwater.
2. Soak the mouthpiece (or mask), top piece, and medicine cup in a white vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes, or as recommended by your device manufacturer.
3. After soaking for 30 minutes, rinse and air-dry the mouthpiece (or mask), top piece, and medicine cup in a cool, dry place.
4. Store the tubing (or mask) top piece, and medicine cup along with the compressor covered in a secure, but accessible location.
Remember, most compressors have an air filter that will need to be replaced every six months, or as recommended by your manufacturer.
This transcript was adapted from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/patient-resources-and-videos/how-to-clean-a-nebulizer Links to an external site.
For more nebulizer demonstration videos and information, visit the American Lung Association's website at lung.org/nebulizer. Links to an external site.