SunShine Pharmacy - Proudly Serving Southwest Florida

Nebulizer Therapy

A nebulizer, also known as a breathing machine, changes medication from a liquid to a mist, so that it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. Home nebulizer therapy is particularly effective in delivering medications to infants and small children and to anyone who is unable to use asthma inhalers with spacers.

To obtain a nebulizer, you need a prescription from your physician. Home nebulizers vary in cost and are usually covered under the durable medical equipment portion of health insurance policies. However, most insurance companies will require you to work with a specified durable medical equipment supplier. Check with your insurance company before purchasing or renting to ensure it will be covered. Your health care provider should be able to assist you with these arrangements.

Frequency	What to Clean	How to Clean
After each treatment	Mouthpiece or mask T-piece Medication cup	Wash your hands. Take apart the nebulizer set. Rinse all part of the nebulizer, except the tubing and interrupter under a strong stream of warm water. Let the water run for 20 seconds from the tap before rinsing. Shake off excess water. Place the nebulizer parts on a paper towel to dry. Cover the parts with another paper towel to keep dust free. Do not try to clean the tubing. If condensation appears in the tubing, let the compressor run for a few minutes with only the tubing attached. Once dry reassemble for the next treatment.
After the last treatment each day	Mouthpiece of mask T-piece Medication cup	Wash your hands. Wash the mouthpiece with warm soapy water and rinse well. Soak the piece for 30 minutes in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water. Rinse the pieces very well in warm, clear water. Place the nebulizer parts on a paper towel to dry. Cover the parts with another paper towel to keep dust free. Once dry reassemble for the next treatment.
Every Week	Compressor	With the compressor unplugged, wipe the outside of the compressor with a damp cloth. To keep the nebulizer free from dust, cover the nebulizer with a clean towel when not in use. Do not store the compressor on the floor.
Every two weeks for disposable nebulizers or every 6 months for reusable. Please follow the frequency recommended by your homecare company	Nebulizer circuit	Replace your entire nebulizer circuit with a new one.
At least monthly	Air inlet filter	Check your air inlet filter. Some filters can be cleaned and others need to be replaced. Follow the instructions provided by your homecare company.