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.

Before Treatment

1. 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.
2. 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

1. Rinse the nebulizer and mouthpiece or mask under warm running water for at least 30 seconds.
2. Shake off excess moisture and allow to dry on a clean towel or paper towel.
3. 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.