There are certain general guidelines for cleaning nebulizers, but each model also has its own specific features. In addition to classic tabletop nebulizers, mesh nebulizers are becoming increasingly popular. They are portable, tubeless, and create an aerosol by vibrating a fine mesh. The ME140 and ME150 are two such nebulizers, and cleaning them is really simple and only takes a few minutes. However, it is still essential not to skip this step. The cleaning procedure described in this article also applies to mesh nebulizers from other manufacturers.
Are you sure you are cleaning your nebulizer properly? Most users are not.
Many people who use a nebulizer find themselves in a similar situation—they know that cleaning is necessary, but they are not entirely sure how to do it properly. We often rely on a quick rinse with water, but this is not enough. Boiling certain parts is also not appropriate. Regular cleaning of the nebulizer is not a matter of choice, but a necessity for safe and effective inhalation. But which parts of the nebulizer should be cleaned, with what, and how often?
The three most common mistakes when cleaning mesh nebulizers
1. A dangerous mistake when cleaning a nebulizer that can worsen the condition
We often clean the mask and the container for the active ingredient by rinsing them under running water. This can be one of the steps, but it is certainly not the end of the cleaning process. If we do not use a disinfectant, we can completely negate the effect of inhalation. Why? If we do not disinfect all parts of the nebulizer, we may inhale bacteria or viruses that may have remained on the surface during the next inhalation – instead of helping ourselves, we may even worsen our condition.
2. Transfer of bacteria from the nebulizer mask to other family members
If the same nebulizer is used by the whole family, the infection can be transmitted to another person if all parts of the nebulizer are not disinfected. This worsens the situation and prolongs recovery time.
3. The hidden source of problems in your nebulizer that no one talks about
The most crucial part of mesh nebulizers is the fine mesh, which can become clogged over time due to the salt present in inhalation fluids. Regular cleaning of the mesh is the only way to ensure that the nebulizer functions effectively and safely. Cleaning therefore ensures more efficient operation and a longer service life for the nebulizer (a clean and unclogged mesh means more efficient aerosol dispersion).
But be careful! It is extremely important how you clean the mesh—never touch it directly with an object or your finger, but follow these two steps:
1) soak the dispersing head in 70% alcohol and then
2) Spraying distilled water. The detailed procedure is described later in this article.
Why your nebulizer sprays less effectively over time – and how to fix it quickly
There is a reason why your mesh nebulizer may not be working as effectively as it did when you first started using it. The good news is that you probably won’t need to replace it with a new one. Check to see if any of the following is happening with your nebulizer:
- the aerosol function is switched off during inhalation.
- the nebulizer turns off completely after a few seconds, even with new batteries
- the inhaler no longer works even when used on mains power
- The aerosol is weaker – not as dense and does not disperse evenly.
- the mesh has changed color (look at the small round area from which the aerosol is coming)
These are all signs that the problem lies with the nebulizer head, as it has not been properly maintained or cleaned. Clean the nebulizer head according to the procedure described below in this article, and if there is no improvement in the nebulizer’s performance, purchase a new nebulizer head (available in our online store). A new nebulizer head is also necessary if the mesh is mechanically damaged, as cleaning will not help. However, the reason may also be that the nebulizer head has exceeded its service life.
Regular cleaning of mesh inhalers ensures:
- A denser aerosol that is evenly dispersed.
- Higher quality therapy and maintenance of the device’s original efficiency.
- Longer life span of the nebulizer.
- Safe inhalation without the possibility of transferring microorganisms between family members.
How often should you really clean your nebulizer? Here is a clear answer.
- What to do after each inhalation
After each use, it is essential to disinfect the mask with 70% alcohol (ethanol). This is where microorganisms most often accumulate, so this is a simple but very important step. If the nebulizer is used by multiple people, this is even more important—bacteria and viruses can be transmitted from one person to another. Tip: we recommend that each user has their own mask to ensure safe and hygienic inhalation.
We also wipe down the main unit and the bowl into which we pour the inhalation liquid. To do this, we use a sterile compress soaked in 70% alcohol (ethanol).
If we inhale three times a day, this means that we repeat the above procedure three times a day.
- What needs to be done occasionally
In principle, it is not necessary to clean the mesh after each inhalation; it is sufficient to do so at the end of the day. All inhalation fluids contain salt, which accumulates over time and can cause the mesh to become clogged.
If you are not going to use the nebulizer for a long time, thorough cleaning is particularly recommended – it often happens that residues of the inhalation liquid dry on the mesh, causing the nebulizer to no longer work as it should.
The ME150 model has a built-in cleaning program (allows spraying with distilled water), but this does not mean that the mesh is completely safe from clogging, so we still recommend cleaning the mesh in two steps and using the ME128 cleaning kit. Cleaning with distilled water alone is not always effective enough.
How to properly clean the mesh of a mesh nebulizer in five simple steps?
The mesh is located in the dispersion head of the inhaler, where there is also a container for the inhalation liquid. Remove the dispersion head from the main unit and clean it using the ME128 kit, which contains everything you need to clean all mesh nebulizers. The procedure is simple:
- STEP 1: First, remove the spray head from the main unit of the nebulizer, as the mesh is located only in the nebulizer head.
- STEP 2: Pour 70% alcohol into a small container and completely submerge the nebulizer head in it for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wipe the mask and inhaler housing or main unit with a sterile compress moistened with ethanol and dry them. If this is not done, you may inhale residues of microorganisms or viruses during the next inhalation.
- STEP 3: After 10 minutes, remove the spray head from the alcohol, wipe it dry, and place it on the main unit.
- STEP 4: Fill the medicine cup with distilled water. Then turn on the nebulizer and make sure it runs for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the distilled water to remove any alcohol residue and salt from the mesh. For the ME150 model, hold the power button for 5 seconds to activate the automatic cleaning program. For the ME140 model, turn on the nebulizer and let it disperse the distilled water.
- STEP 5: Finally, wipe and dry all parts of the nebulizer thoroughly and store the inhaler.
What to do if the nebulizer does not work (properly) despite being cleaned correctly?
If you have delayed cleaning for too long and the mesh has become clogged, or if the aerosol is not being dispersed properly due to wear and tear on the dispersion head, the solution is simple – purchase a new dispersion head for the ME140 and your nebulizer will work like new. All of these are available in our online store spare parts or consumables for all nebulizers.
Now that we know how quick and easy it is to clean a nebulizer, there is no reason to put off cleaning it. This eliminates all factors that could endanger our health or the functioning of the nebulizer.
