Caring for Your Nebulizer and Compressor
Many asthma patients use nebulizers at home to control their asthma and/or to treat acute asthma. Careful cleaning of the equipment should be followed to decrease chances of infection.
NEVER immerse the compressor in water. The surface of the compressor is cleaned with a clean damp cloth or sponge. The tubing is changed once a month. Always keep a spare nebulizer on hand and replace the old one if it becomes cloudy or begins taking longer to finish treatments.
Before Treatment
- If the medication comes mixed in individual doses (unit doses), the vials should be opened carefully and the contents poured into a clean nebulizer cup.
- When measuring medications, use a clean eyedropper or syringe. Be sure to replace caps on medication bottles promptly and securely.
After Each Treatment of the Day
- Rinse the nebulizer and mouthpiece or mask under warm running water for at least 30 seconds.
- Shake off excess moisture and allow to dry on a clean towel or paper towel.
- Store nebulizer parts in a reusable plastic bag.
After the Last Treatment of the Day
Every 2-3 days the nebulizer and mouthpiece or mask should be soaked for 30 minutes in a disinfecting solution. This solution can be made with one part distilled white vinegar to two parts water. When soaking time is complete, follow "After Treatment,” steps 1-3 above.NEVER immerse the compressor in water. The surface of the compressor is cleaned with a clean damp cloth or sponge. The tubing is changed once a month. Always keep a spare nebulizer on hand and replace the old one if it becomes cloudy or begins taking longer to finish treatments.