How to Care for Home Ventilators

When caring for a loved one who uses a home ventilator, it is vital that you clean the equipment properly to ensure that it works correctly. Regular maintenance also prevents bacteria or mold growth in the ventilator. Use of a home ventilator is necessary for various reasons. It may be temporary after arriving home from a hospital stay due to an illness or injury, or vital during hospice. Long-term use may be necessary due to pulmonary, neuromuscular, neurologic or sleep disorders, as well as other conditions, according to Apria Healthcare.

10-gallon bucket
Cleaning solutions for home ventilators
Stickers or labels (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Pour the cleaning solution into a clean, 10-gallon bucket. Use the soap recommended by the manufacturer of the ventilator or the healthcare specialist. Generally, it is a detergent that contains no additives such as perfumes.
- 2
  Remove the plastic parts that require regular cleaning according to the instructions or advice of your healthcare specialist.
- 3
  Soak the plastic ventilator parts for approximately 15 minutes in the cleaning solution in the bucket. Leaving them in the mixture longer may cause the parts to crack or even dissolve, according to the California Thoracic Society.
- 4
  Clean the exhalation manifold with the solution provided by the manufacturer or home healthcare agency. Soaking the diaphragm valve in other solutions may destroy it.
- 5
  Dry the tubing by hanging it to air dry or by gently twirling it. This helps get rid of excess moisture.
- 6
  Prevent mold or bacteria growth in the cascade section by cleaning it according to the directions every 24 hours. This section is also is known as the humidifier. Preventing this type of growth protects the health of the patient.

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