Cleaning Care of your Disposables

It is very important to keep your disposables clean. Bacteria accumulating in the tubing may cause chest infections. Old tubing tends to harden becoming very uncomfortable.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are optional and should only be used with high flows or if dryness has become a real problem. If you choose to use a humidifier, they should be cleaned and maintained in the following manner:

• Always use distilled water and change it daily.
• Once a week wash the humidifier in mild soapy water and rinse in clear water.
• Then soak in vinegar solution (1 part vinegar 3 parts water) for 30 minutes, then rinse again in clear water.
• Do not put humidifier in dishwasher as it will melt the plastic.
• Change your humidifier to a brand new one monthly.
• Always have an extra humidifier bottle on hand.

Oxygen Tubing

If you are not using a humidifier the tubing need only wiped down on the outside every couple of weeks. If you are using a humidifier the tubing should be maintained in the following manner:

• Wipe down the outside of the tubing every couple of weeks with a damp cloth.
• The tubing should be changed to a new set once every month.

Drops of water collecting in your tubing are normal. It is caused by condensation due to a sudden change in the temperature. To help solve this problem try to keep the tubing up off the floor and lower the water level in your humidifier. To remove the water from the tubing, hang the tubing over the door or shower curtain and let gravity drain it.

Nasal Prongs

Whether you are using a humidifier or not the following instructions should be followed to allow the nasal prongs to be comfortable and bacteria free:

• Wipe with a damp cloth every day taking particular care of the facial part of the nasal prongs. Do not try to wash the inside of the tubing.
• Change the nasal prongs every month or when they become hard and uncomfortable to wear.
• If you are susceptible to infection it may be a good idea to change more frequently.