Nebulisers are used in the daily therapeutic management of cystic fibrosis. 

Nebulisers are made up of a number of parts and it is important to follow good nebuliser hygiene to reduce risk of infection and bugs.  

Current nebuliser hygiene practice is varied and challenging, both at home and during in-patient stays in hospital. 

General practice for good nebuliser hygiene is as follows:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before cleaning nebulisers
• New nebulisers / nebuliser parts should be washed and disinfected before first use
• Nebuliser parts should be washed after each use, both at home and during hospital admissions
• Nebulisers should be washed and disinfected prior to use if they have not be used within 24 hours

The Northern Ireland Working Group on Nebuliser Care and Hygiene in Cystic Fibrosis was established in 2016. Microbiologists Professor John Moore and Professor Cherie Millar, who will be familiar to our members having spoken at several of our annual conferences and participated in webinars, are part of the Working Group.

The Working Group have developed a number of resources to encourage good practice of nebuliser care and hygiene. These include videos and colouring books, links to which can be found below:

The Northern Ireland Working Group on Nebuliser Care and Hygiene in Cystic Fibrosis would appreciate any feedback you have on the resources available and further topics of importance.

To give your feedback, click here.

For further information on the Northern Ireland Working Group on Nebuliser Care and Hygiene in Cystic Fibrosis, visit their website www.cfnebulisercare.com