How to Clean Respiratory Equipment

Respiratory equipment is designed to help patients suffering from a respiratory ailment, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma. While there are many different types of devices used to administer inhalation therapy, such as portable oxygen tanks, the most common form of respiratory equipment is the nebulizer, which delivers inhalants to individuals via a fine mist. Due to the nature of their use and the medications involved, respiratory equipment must be cleaned regularly to remain in good working order.

Things You'll Need

• Respiratory equipment
• Water
• Mild detergent
• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands. This step will prevent you from further soiling the respiratory equipment when handling it.

• 2

  Dismantle the equipment according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Make a mental note how to replace the parts when you are ready to put the equipment back together.

• 3

  Clean the individual respiratory parts using a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Make sure to clean all the surface areas of each part, both inside and outside.

• 4

  Soak the equipment in a solution of one part household bleach to 50 parts water for three minutes. Alternatively, soaking in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes or in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for five minutes are also effective ways to disinfect respiratory equipment, including nebulizers.

• 5

  Rinse all parts after sterilization. If you used bleach, isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, simply rinse using water. Try and use sterile water for the final rinse, which can be made by boiling bottled or distilled water for five minutes.