Many kids with cystic fibrosis (CF) use a nebulizer to take their medicines. A nebulizer is a way to get medicine into the lungs quickly and directly. The parts of the nebulizer include:

• the compressor, which turns liquid medicine into a fine mist so it can be inhaled. The compressor may be electric or battery-operated. 
• a small cup with a lid to hold the liquid medicine
• a tube that connects the compressor to the cup
• a mouthpiece or mask to inhale the medicine

If there are germs on the nebulizer parts, they can get into the lungs and cause an infection. Cleaning and disinfecting the cup, lid, and mask or mouthpiece after every use kills the germs and helps prevent lung infections.

Clean the nebulizer cup, lid, and mask or mouthpiece right after your child uses them, every time. Here's how:

1. Check your nebulizer package insert for any special cleaning instructions.
2. Wash your hands with warm soapy water for 30 seconds. Dry with a clean towel.
3. Remove the parts to be cleaned from the rest of the nebulizer.
4. To clean:
   • Wash the parts by hand using plain liquid dish soap and hot water. Don't use antibacterial dish soap or dish soap with lotion in it.
   • Rinse the parts with sterile water.  Sterile water can be made by boiling tap water and allowing it to cool enough to be handled.  Pour out any remaining sterile water.
5. Disinfection should be done once each day following cleaning the nebulizer parts. To disinfect, use ONE of these methods:
   • Place tap water or bottled water in a pot and bring to a rapid boil. Remove the pot from the stove burner or turn the burner off. Place the nebulizer parts in the water and soak for 5 minutes.
   • Put the parts in a microwave-safe dish. Cover them with water. Microwave them on high in the water for 5 minutes.
   • If your dishwasher temperature reaches 158°F (70°C), you can run the parts through the dishwasher with detergent for 30 minutes.
   • Use an electric steam sterilizer. You can buy this machine at a drugstore. Get one that says it is for sterilizing baby bottles or medical equipment. Follow the directions that come with the sterilizer.
   • Soak parts in rubbing alcohol (labeled "70% isopropyl alcohol") for 5 minutes. The rubbing alcohol can be reused for 1 week and then must be thrown out. After soaking, rinse nebulizer parts with sterile water (water that has been boiled for 5 minutes). 
   • Soak parts in hydrogen peroxide (labeled "3% hydrogen peroxide") for 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse with sterile water.
6. Air dry the parts. Set the rinsed parts on a clean paper towel and leave them there until they are fully dry.
7. After the parts are dry, store them in a clean container with a lid.

Do I need to clean the nebulizer parts between medicines? If your child gets more than one medicine through the nebulizer, it is best to use a separate cup for each medicine. If that's not possible, rinse the parts with sterile water between medicines.

How do I clean the compressor and thin tubing? If the compressor or thin tubing get dirty, wipe with a damp cloth. You should not put these parts in any liquid..

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? Cleaning washes away germs and debris from the nebulizer equipment. Disinfecting makes sure that any germs left on the equipment are killed.