[prmenrs]

You might want to see if you can get new tubing instead of a whole new stethoscope. I have a knit sleeve on my stethoscope, too. I got it for the same reason. I wash it by bunching it between my hands and a bar of soap or liquid soap. Rinse it thoroughly, dry by squeezing in a towel, then straighten it out and hang it over something over night.

I agree it's the skin oil that causes the problems. I often get sweaty @ work, I try to take my stethoscope off most of the time-unless I'm actually using it. I hate stuff around my neck anyway.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

I used a steth sock because the rubber from the tubing irritates my neck.

As for odor, i used those antimicrobial wipes on the tubing, and never had a problem.

[all4schwa]

i never thought to ask anyone else if they could smell the smell. that's a good idea. this has happened to two different steths, made of different materials. this one is a littman and it's only a coupla months old. i generally use alcohol swipes to wipe it down, but i've also used the bigger equipment wipes.

[puggymae]

Try calling Littman - they may have a solution for your problem. They may even offer you new tubing.