Questions about Aerokat cleaning etc.

[Meowmee]

Hello, I finally cleaned what is now Zena's aerokat, the newest version from 2018 I think. I noticed it had white powder building up and was alarmed about that and he is becoming more resistant to using it. It dried ok, and seems fine although to remove the build up I had to use q tips and a small knife because the valve and breath checker parts are made of soft silicone and bend easily with pressure. I hope it still works.

I plan to clean it once per week now but I wonder if the fact that there was build up at all means that it is not anti static to prevent medication from sticking to the sides of the chamber etc. instead of going into the cat/dog. I was researching about one they make for people which has the feature because I am thinking about trying one for myself to see if it will do better than just using the inhaler itself.

When I gave Syb her puffs years ago, I never cleaned it, maybe once in a blue moon and there was never any build up- the original version. I also noticed this version seems to get condensation very easily throughout the chamber and other parts. I cleaned it with warm soapy water, unscented soap and rinsed very well and then dried with paper towel and left to air dry for several hours.

I am wondering what you do with yours if you use one, and if you have noticed this build up, and if you know if this one has that anti static design to prevent this from happening?

 

[Twylasmom]

I used the same Aerokat for about two years, and would soak in soapy water .and rinse every couple of weeks, sometimes even longer. I never had any substantial powder build-up on any of the parts, except a little on the end where the inhaler was inserted. According to the instructions the cylinder shouldn’t be wiped or scrubbed, but only cleaned with running water so as not to remove the electro-static coating. I’ve never had the problem you describe, especially the condensation which seems really odd. Is there any part that seems cracked? Could there be an issue with the inhaler cartridge itself.

 

[Meowmee]

Thanks, no it is not cracked etc. it looks in perfect condition. It has been very humid for weeks here mostly though. I just wiped it gently with a tissue to get the powder off of the cylinder and the green silicone parts I needed both that and the q tip etc. The knife was to get some paper towel out that was stuck in the valve areas. The white build up would not come off from just rinsing because it had built up a lot I guess.

This was Sybil's aerokat and she passed in 2018, however she only used it a few times due to heart issues- the doc said it was bad for her heart so we stopped it. It was stored in a sealed lock plastic bag until I found it and used it for Zena. I never washed this one at all until now.

Yes I thought the condensation was odd. I can't remember it happened before. Actually this is all odd because I never had these issues before or maybe I have forgotten. She used her first one years ago, the original one, for a few years.

I don't see any issues with the cartridge, I just got it about 2-3 weeks ago and it seems to be working fine. I don't want to test it myself because I will contaminate it. Another thing I notice is I think even depressing the cartridge into the chamber causes a mist like appearance inside the chamber and on it, but I assume that is normal.

 

[Meowmee]

I used the same Aerokat for about two years, and would soak in soapy water .and rinse every couple of weeks, sometimes even longer. I never had any substantial powder build-up on any of the parts, except a little on the end where the inhaler was inserted. According to the instructions the cylinder shouldn’t be wiped or scrubbed, but only cleaned with running water so as not to remove the electro-static coating. I’ve never had the problem you describe, especially the condensation which seems really odd. Is there any part that seems cracked? Could there be an issue with the inhaler cartridge itself.

Apparently this is normal and here is what aerokat or vet rx says about it, the powder build up... so I will be cleaning it once per week now since he uses it twice per day. I may call and ask about the condensation. I assume I don't need to get a new one though because this was stored in a sealed bag and only used a few times.

What else should I know about the AeroKat Feline Aerosol Chamber?

• AeroKat works with most puffer or Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI).
• AeroKat does not work with dry-powder inhalers.
• The Flow-vu indicator takes the guesswork of dosing.
• AeroKat is easy to clean.
• The chamber comes with two mask sizes to fit any cat.
• The medication is sold separately.
• Metered Dose Inhalers can be prescribed by your veterinarian and purchased from VetRxDirect.
• It is recommended the AeroKat Chamber be replaced every 12 months. With daily use, medication can deposit on the valves creating a whitish film. This build-up could lead to suboptimal performance over time. To help ensure optimal drug delivery the manufacturer recommends the AeroKat chamber be replaced annually.
• The AeroKat comes with two sizes of feline masks – approximately 1.5" and 2" in diameter - to fit most cats. A larger 3" mask can be purchased separately.
• You can check the size you need by printing this AeroKat Mask Sizer (PDF)

What problems could my cat have with the AeroKat Feline Aerosol Chamber?

• With daily use, medication can deposit on the valves creating a whitish film. This build-up could lead to suboptimal performance over time. Make sure that you clean the AeroKat regularly and replace it yearly.

AeroKat.