in order to sterilize most forms of bacteria, temp of 60-75 degrees C (140-167 degrees f) must be maintained for 10 minutes. see the link below for references.
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.reproline.jhu.edu/english/4morerh/4ip/IP_manual/12_HLD.pdf
">http://www.reproline.jhu.edu/e...nual/12_HLD.pdf
</a>
So if water is at 180 f it would sterilize the neb...but it has to stay at 180 degrees in the pot, and im not for sure if it does. Seems like a lot of work..when just boiling the nebs for 10 minutes would sterilize the neb..no questions. due to altitude differences the link below recommends 20 minutes of boiling to be completely for sure.
all the research out there points to only these things to sterilize things
1. Boil for 5-10 minutes (research varies on time..i do 20 just to make sure)
2. Microwave in water for 5 minutes
3. Soaking in a solution of 1 part household bleach, and 50 parts water for 3 minutes;
4. Soaking in 70% Isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes or
5. Soaking in 3% Hydrogen Peroxide for 30 minutes
If you decide to disinfect with the peroxide or alcohol, make sure that you rinse your nebs afterwards with STERILE water. DO NOT USE WATER FROM THE TAP, DISTILLED WATER, OR BOTTLED WATER. To make sterile water, simply let water boil for 5 minutes before putting your neb cups in.
When airdrying your neb cups, make sure that you leave them on a clean dry surface, as bacteria can grow and stay on wet surfaces. Pseudo stays on wet surfaces for 8 days! Let your nebs dry on paper towel, and once your nebs are halfway dry, replace the wet paper towel with dry ones.
links to info about infection control and cf
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://cmr.asm.org/cgi/content/full/17/1/57">http://cmr.asm.org/cgi/content/full/17/1/57</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.rcjournal.com/contents/12.04/12.04.1504.pdf">http://www.rcjournal.com/contents/12.04/12.04.1504.pdf</a>
hope this helps