Many people living with chronic lung conditions such as COPD, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis are often prescribed oxygen therapy for treatment of low blood oxygen levels. Supplemental oxygen can improve sleep, mood, quality of life and actually prolong life, as well.
As an oxygen patient, it is very important for you to know how to care for your oxygen equipment to prolong the life of your supplies and to stay healthy- avoiding bacteria and germs.
We always recommend cleaning your oxygen equipment using the instructions given by the manufacturer or physician. Below are some general guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting your equipment.
Concentrator: Whether you are using a portable or home concentrator, the outside of the unit tends to collect dust and dirt. Make sure to first unplug the machine from the wall or power source before cleaning. Use a damp cloth that has been dipped in a warm water solution with mild detergent such Dawn dish soap. Wipe down the unit until dust and dirt are gone. Rinse the cloth and wipe down again to insure the soap is gone. Dry the concentrator with a dry cloth.
Particle Filter: The particle filter cleans the air that is coming into the machine. It filters out dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, and mold. It gets dirty and is very important that it is cleaned at least once a month. However, depending on the environment it may require cleaning more frequently.
First, make sure the unit is unplugged before you remove and clean the filter. Place the filter in a bowl or clean sink with warm water and a mild detergent such as Dawn dish soap. Use a cloth to gently scrub the filter to remove dust and dirt. Rinse the filter under running water to remove excess soap. Place on a towel to dry. Make sure the filter is completely dry before placing it back unto the machine.
Nasal Cannula: Keeping your cannula clean and sanitized is very important. Bacteria and germs can linger on and in the cannula/tubing causing illness or exacerbation of your condition. Because of this, your cannula should be cleaned once a week and sanitized daily.
For weekly cleaning, detach the cannula from the extension tubing and wash in a clean sink or bowl of warm soapy water. Make sure you use a mild detergent such as Dawn dish soap. Gently squeeze and scrub to wash out any mucus or other build-up. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and hang to dry. Once dry, put it in The LiViliti Sanitizer Bag to disinfect up to 99.9% of bacteria and germs that have been left after cleaning. Make sure to dry completely before using again.
For daily sanitization, place your cannula in The LiViliti Sanitizer Bag which uses UVC LED technology to eliminate bacteria and germs in as little as 3 minutes.
Humidifiers: If you use a humidifier with your oxygen it is recommended to be cleaned once a week.
Clean by washing it out with warm water soapy water and rinsing thoroughly to ensure soap is gone. Place on a towel to dry completely.
Once the humidifier is dry, place it in The LiViliti Sanitizer Bag to run through a 3 minute disinfection cycle to kill any bacteria and germs that are still present after cleaning.
As an oxygen patient, it is very important to wash your equipment with soap and water AND to sanitize to avoid exposure to bacteria and germs that could cause an illness or an exacerbation of your condition. The LiViliti Sanitizer Bag makes disinfection convenient by its quick and easy process. It is safe and chemical-free… no worrying about breathing in harsh chemicals from residue left behind. Using UVC LED technology, it eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria, germs and viruses in as little as 3 minutes on any item that will fit in the bag.
Just 3 easy steps…
- Place the items in the bag- any items that will fit. Avoid stacking items for maximum disinfection.
- Zip the bag shut.
- Press the 3 minute sanitize button.
That’s it! You’re done! In just 3 minutes, with The LiViliti Sanitizer Bag, you can breathe easy and rest easy that your oxygen equipment is sanitized allowing for you to stay healthy and safe!
To learn more, visit us at LiViliti Health Products online!