We have 8 neb cups, we wash them in hot soapy water, rinse and air dry on a paper towel with towel on top to cover. I remember reading on the new ones they are good for daily use for 6 months and then should be replaced - we figure if we are really only using each cup once a week, we shouldn't have to replace every 6 months - we should get more "use" out of them.... But that is just a personal opinion - not official.
In theory -- once a week-- we boil them all (doesn't always happen)
I have the "official" paper from our CF clinic on how to care for you neb cups, Flutter Acapella etc from when they issued their "new" guidelines a while ago.
It reads:
<b>The new Infection Control Guidelines from the CF Foundation recommend that we no longer use vinegar/water to disinfect respiratory equipment.</b> We still recommend washing equipment daily with hot soapy water, rinsing and air drying. For disinfecting three times a week (after washing), the new guidelines offer several different options. <b>There are four recommended methods to choose from (pick the one that feels easiest and most cost-effective to you):</b>
* 70% isopropyl alcohol - soak equipment for 5 minutes. Air dry.
* Boil in water for 5 minutes, and then air dry. (May be used only for durable nebulizer cups, such as Pari-LC plus and Invacare Sidestream nebulizer cups. Should <b>NOT</b> be used with the disposable cups or Acapella, Flutter, or PEP devices)
* Bleach solution: 1 teaspoon of household bleach in 8 oz (one cup) of water. Soak for 3 minutes. Rinse with water. Air dry.
* 3% hydrogen peroxide - soak equipment for 30 minutes. Rinse with water. Air dry.