How to Clean a Medical Oxygen Cylinder
People with respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure often depend on oxygen therapy. More of these people are now using oxygen therapy at home, allowing them to live active and productive lives. If you use oxygen therapy, your medical-equipment company should provide you directions on how to clean and care for your equipment. You should also check the user-care instructions that came with your equipment for how to maintain your particular brand of equipment. In addition, there are some guidelines to follow for cleaning your oxygen equipment.
Things You'll Need
- Mild liquid soap like Ivory Clear or Dial Antibacterial
- Clean rags
- Disinfectant like Control III or white distilled vinegar mixed with same amount of water
Instructions
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How to Clean Your Oxygen Equipment
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Wash your nasal prongs with mild liquid soap and warm water. Rinse them thoroughly in water. Do this twice a week. Replace the nasal prongs every two to four weeks, or after you've had a cold or upper-respiratory-tract infection. Ask your health care provider or doctor to find out how you should clean your transtracheal catheter.
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Wash the humidifier bottle each time you are ready to refill it. Use a mild liquid soap and warm water, and rinse it well. Also disinfect the bottle (you can use Control III or white distilled vinegar and water) and its top after they are cleaned. Air-dry the bottle before refilling it with distilled or sterile water.
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Unplug the oxygen concentrator and wipe down the cabinet with a cloth dampened with water. Then dry it with a clean dry cloth. Do this every day. Twice a week, clean the air filter. Refer to your medical-equipment directions for cleaning the compressor filter.
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