Question: My husband resides in a long term care facility & uses this model. He used 1 for 1.5 yrs ,then another last 2 mo & I trashed them both for being expired. I am an old nurse & this plastic tubing got changed weekly when I worked ICU. Web search tells me nebulizers outdate in 2wks, so I assume this is similar. I asked nurse to check on such, as this unit is from 3/14 & I feel a new 1 should be given by 3/28. Nurse was told no expiration date per vendor ! I find indefinite use, no cleaning totally unbelievable & unacceptable. If he should be exposed to COVID-19 , virus is sure to multiply exponentially in that tubing & even with his immune boosters , my husband may be unable to fight it & die. It is imparitive I receive documentation such as PDF ,from manufacturer on expiration info. Also the recommendations for when to change when pulmonary infection developes ( such as if I developed a gum infection, I would ditch my toothbrush for a new one, so I would assume the same action required). Or in case of COVID-19 , say only mild symptoms developed ,should it be used at all ? Though this would seem a a contradiction, as treatment in keeping his lungs expanded would be obviously beneficial. I would greatly appreciate any documentation on this matter, as I am greatly disturbed professional staff has no knowledge regarding the matter, in equiptment they supply & as a timed nursing treatment, are to encourage the use of same. Thank you so much. Hope you will all be well in this time of expected suffering & uncertainty.
Asked by Donna M. on Mar 25, 2020
