What is a reusable nebulizer?
Using a reusable nebulizer is another way of giving a medication. A reusable nebulizer allows certain medications to be converted from a liquid into an aerosol (mist) form so they can be breathed in. It is important to clean and disinfect your child's nebulizer after every use to prevent the growth of germs in and on the device. This will help to reduce the risk of your child getting a lung infection.
Cystic fibrosis and reusable nebulizers
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease. It affects mainly the lungs and digestive tract.
CF causes a build-up of thick mucus in the lungs, which can make breathing difficult. Having a build-up of mucus in the lungs also allows bacteria to grow and this can lead to infections. A child with CF may have cycles of infection.
For children with CF, the delivery of aerosolized medication multiple times per day is an important part of their daily therapy regime. Proper use of the nebulizer includes giving the correct medication through the correct nebulizer.
| Pari LC Star | Pari LC Plus | Pari LC Sprint | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 | |
Amikacin (injection solution) | ✔ | ||
Colistin | ✔ Either choice acceptable | ✔ Either choice acceptable | |
Dornase alfa Note: Do not mix, use separate nebulizer for this medication |
✔ | ||
Hypertonic saline 7% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ First choice |
TOBI (300 mg/dose) | ✔ | ||
Tobramycin (80 mg/dose) | ✔ | ||
Vancomycin (80 mg/dose) | ✔ |
|
Cleaning and disinfecting the nebulizer
Having a standard approach to cleaning and disinfecting reusable nebulizers reduces bacterial contamination and risk of infection. Cystic Fibrosis Canada guidelines recommend cleaning and disinfecting reusable nebulizers after every use.
During cleaning, dirt or foreign material is washed off. During disinfecting, germs such as bacteria and viruses are killed.
Download a one-page tip sheet to help you remember the steps for cleaning and disinfecting your reusable nebulizer.
Cleaning
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before handling the nebulizer.
- Take the nebulizer apart.
- Scrub the pieces with clean paper towels using dish soap and water.
- Rinse with sterile water. You can make your own sterile water by boiling tap water for 15 minutes and then allowing it to cool. Discard what you do not use.
Disinfecting
The next step is to disinfect the pieces of the nebulizer using a method that uses either heat or a special solution.
You can choose one of the following methods for heat disinfection.
- Put the pieces in boiling water for at least 10 minutes.
- Put the pieces in water and microwave (2.45 GHz) them for five minutes.
- Put the pieces in a dishwasher and run it without detergent on a cycle where the temperature is greater than 70°C (158°F), for 30 minutes.
- Use an electric steam sterilizer.
OR you can choose one of the following special solutions for disinfection.
- Soak the pieces in 70% isopropyl alcohol for five minutes.
- Soak the pieces in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.
Rinse all pieces with sterile water after using a special solution for disinfection.
You can purchase 70% isopropyl alcohol and 3% hydrogen peroxide at your local pharmacy, they will not need to be diluted.
- After disinfecting the pieces of the nebulizer, place them on a clean, dry towel away from the sink to air dry. When the pieces are dry, store them in a sealed container or plastic bag.