Nebulizer storage

Frequency of replacement will vary by facility; check the policy and procedure where you work. If it is for home use, manufacturers usually supply this information for their products.

When I worked at the hospital, nebulizer set ups needed changed every 7 days, but this will vary per facility.

It will depend on the hospital policy and included procedures.

Are the nebulizer being cleaned with sterile water and air dried after each treatment?

What medications? Nebulizers used for antibiotics should be cleaned after each treatment and changed daily unless it is nondisposable and each cleaning is thorough.

What types of patients? CF, bronchiectasis, TB or transplant? There should be very strict policies in place for these patients and nebulizer.

A lot of hospitals use new nebulizers everyday. Others every 48 - 72 hours.

For those who do not have a clean in between treatments and storing in plastic bags or dangling near the floor but still change out weekly, EEEWWW GROSS!