7. CLEANING THE NEBULIZER COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES
1. Disconnect the tubing from the compressor and from the bottom of the nebulizer cup.
2. If there is any moisture (condensation) in the tubing, let the compressor run with the tubing only
for 2-3 minutes. The warm air from the compressor will dry out the tubing. Alternatively, you can
dry the tubing by removing it from the compressor and hanging it evaporate. Use a clean damp
cloth to wipe the exterior of the tubing.
3. Disassemble tubing and accessories as illustrated.
4. Wash all parts with warm water and liquid dish soap. DO NOT WASH THE TUBING.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shake out water.
6. Air dry or hand dry nebulizer parts on a clean, lint free cloth. Reassemble nebulizer when parts
are dry parts when the cycle is complete.
7. You can also wash the accessories in the top shelf of a dishwasher. Masks cannot be washed
safely in dishwasher. DO NOT WASH THE TUBING. Place the parts in a dishwasher basket and
place the basket on the top rack of the dishwasher. Remove and dry parts when the cycle is
complete.
8. DISINFECTING AND STERILIZING NEBULIZER COMPONENTS AND
ACCESSORIES
1. Clean the nebulizer components and accessories as described in cleaning section. Every other
treatment day, soak the parts in a solution of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 3 parts hot tap
water for 1 hour. DO NOT SOAK THE TUBING. You can substitute commercially available respi-
ratory equipment disinfectant for distilled white vinegar by following manufacturer's instructions
for mixing.
2. Rinse all parts thoroughly with warm tap water and dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Components (except tubing and mask) may also be sterilized by boiling them in clean water for
a full 10 minutes. Hospitals and clinics can sterilize components (except tubing and mask) by
autoclaving (a maximum of 277°F or 126°C) and following autoclave manufacturer's instructions.
Dry parts on a clean, lint-free cloth.
4. Tubing and accessories must be stored in a sterilizing box before using and must be sterilized
periodically after use.
WARNING
Only one patient may use one set of tubing and accessories. Do not share components with other patients.
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