An important aspect of self-care for all Alphas is to reduce the risk of acquiring an infection, especially a lung infection. Almost all devices used to deliver oxygen and inhaled medications become moist from contact with the secretions of breathing and coughing. This moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. It becomes extremely important, therefore, to clean, disinfect and maintain your respiratory equipment in order to significantly reduce the risk of lung infection.

In most cases, the oxygen supply company that provides your oxygen therapy equipment will provide you with instructions on the care and maintenance of your specific equipment. Instructions on cleaning your prescribed inhaler are typically found on the manufacturer’s package insert and are the best resource for specific product information. Presented below are some general tips for cleaning and caring for your respiratory equipment.

NEBULIZERS

  • Wash the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or mask in warm soapy water daily (a mild dishwashing liquid works well).
  • Rinse the soap completely off the equipment and place it on a clean paper towel to air dry.
  • At least 1-2 times weekly (more often if necessary), disinfect your nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or mask. Soak it for 30 minutes in a vinegar/water solution (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water) in the disinfectant solution your equipment supplier recommends.
  • Some nebulizer cups can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for disinfection. Ask your supplier.
  • Always unplug the unit prior to cleaning the compressor. The compressor should be wiped clean each week or more frequently when visibly soiled.
  • Change at frequent intervals. Recommendations vary from every 2-3 weeks to every 6 months. Check with the manufacturer of your particular nebulizer.

INHALERS

Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

  • Remove the metal canister from the mouthpiece sleeve.
  • Wash the mouthpiece sleeve with warm soapy water at least weekly.
  • Rinse it with warm water and air dry it thoroughly before reusing.
  • Do not submerge or wash the metal canister since water may damage the valve system.

Dry Power Inhalers (DPI)

  • Clean the mouthpiece at least once a week using a dry cloth.
  • Do not wash your dry powder inhaler.
  • Make sure to thoroughly wipe away any particles of powder that have collected on the mouthpiece.

HUMIDIFIER (BUBBLER BOTTLE)

  • Empty and refill the humidifier bottle with fresh water at least once a day.
  • Wash the bottle daily in warm soapy water and rinse well.
  • Disinfect the bottle after washing at least every three days by soaking the bottle in a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water) for 30 minutes.
  • Rinse and shake off excess water (do not towel dry).
  • Refill the bottle until it is half full or less with distilled water
  • Do not use tap water. There are minerals and other impurities in tap water that could damage your equipment.
  • Replace the bottle along with the tubing and cannula monthly or more often if needed.

OXYGEN EQUIPMENT

Nasal Cannula

  • Wipe your cannula with a clean damp cloth daily.
  • Wash your nasal cannula with soap and water twice a week.
  • There is no need to wash oxygen tubing.
  • Replace your nasal cannula and tubing once a month or more often if needed. If you’ve had a cold or other respiratory infection, replace your cannula after all symptoms are gone.

Oxygen Mask

  • Clean the mask with soap and warm water daily.
  • Replace the mask once every 2-4 weeks or more often if needed, especially if you’ve had a cold or infection.
  • If you’ve had a cold or other respiratory infection, replace the face mask after the symptoms are gone.

Oxygen Concentrators

  • Always unplug the unit prior to cleaning.
  • Wipe down the unit with a damp cloth and dry it daily.
  • The air filter is typically cleaned once or twice a week with warm soapy water. Make sure to air dry the air filter thoroughly before placing it back onto the concentrator.
  • Always follow the specific instructions from your home medical equipment company for cleaning the compressor filter.
  • Clean the mask cushion daily with warm, soapy water and allow it to air dry. Use mild dish soap.
  • Disinfect the face mask every 3 days by soaking the mask for 30 minutes in a vinegar/water solution or as recommended.
  • Hand wash the headgear in mild fabric detergent if soiled and allow it to air dry.
  • Empty the humidifier bottle daily and refill it with distilled water.
  • Wash the humidifier bottle daily with warm soapy water and allow to air dry.
  • Every 3 days disinfect the humidifier bottle following the method recommended by the supplier or as outlined above for “Humidifier”.

ABOUT TRANSTRACHEAL OXYGEN

Transtracheal oxygen is given through a small flexible plastic catheter. It is put directly into the trachea (windpipe) through an opening in the neck. A necklace holds the catheter in place. Specific instructions for cleaning your transtracheal catheter and surrounding area should always be provided at the time the system is inserted. Discuss with your healthcare provider any special requirements for cleaning and disinfecting external oxygen equipment such as oxygen tubing, cannulas, etc. In general, the care of external oxygen equipment can be done using the same tips discussed above. Even with proper cleaning, materials in masks, tubing, cannulas, humidifiers, nebulizers, etc., will break down with normal use, resulting in equipment that may not function properly. As these items may be somewhat difficult or inconvenient to disinfect, some respiratory practitioners suggest that it may be easier and even cheaper to replace them at frequent intervals rather than spend the time and effort required to disinfect them. Be sure to discuss this issue with your oxygen supplier and your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

BEST TIP!

The most important thing you can to do to reduce your risk of infection is……wash your hands! Always wash your hands before and after all activities associated with handling and maintaining your oxygen equipment.