I think I've tried every method. I didn't like boiling because I have very hard water and it left a film on the nebulizers and they eventually clog. Then I'd have to soak them in vinegar every few days to unclog them.
I really like the baby bottle sterilizers the best.
I've used the microwave steam sterilizer, but since I couldn't tell when it started to boil, I was never sure of how long to leave it in for. I would do 15 minutes. Which is way more than recommended for actual baby bottles. There is a sticker that turns color when it's sterile in the brand that I had (Avent).
Once I saw that some people here said their clinics were starting to recommend the Avent electronic baby bottle sterilizer, I thought I would try it. Keep in mind there are no studies.
It boils after 90 seconds and in six minutes, it is done. If I really wanted to -- I could put a cooking thermometer in it. But since I can hear the water boiling, and see the steam, I like it better than the microwave one. If you decide to use steaming methods, ask your doctor if this is acceptable.
For the record here are the CFF guidelines:
Boiling for 5 minutes;
. Microwaving (in
water) for 5 minutes;
. Dishwasher, if the
water is hotter than
158° F for 30 minutes;
. Soaking in a solution
of 1 part household
bleach and 50 parts
water for 3 minutes;
. Soaking in 70%
isopropyl alcohol for
5 minutes; or
. Soaking in 3%
hydrogen peroxide
for 30 minutes.
Ask your care center
team what might
work best for you.
Read the manufacturer's
instructions to see
what option is best
for your nebulizer. Do
not use a nebulizer
that cannot be disinfected
using one of
these options.
2
Steps to Clean and
Disinfect Nebulizers
1. Clean hands.
2. Clean nebulizer parts.
3. Disinfect nebulizer
parts.
4. Rinse nebulizer parts.
5. Air-dry nebulizer parts.
Time-Saving Tip
Boiling the nebulizer is a
way to disinfect and rinse
in one step. Read the
manufacturer's instructions
to find out if your
nebulizer can be boiled.
