Introduction
The following are cleaning instructions for single and multi patient use. To download a copy, please see the Downloads section of this website.
Precautions
Always disconnect from the power supply before cleaning.
Never immerse the compressor nebuliser in cleaning fluids or water.
Note: It is not possible to sterilise a compressor nebuliser due to its construction, the following instructions are provided as a guide to decontamination but it must be recognised that sterility will not be achieved by this method, as the motor and th internal area of the facia cannot be submersed in liquid, decontaminated by steam or ethylene oxide gas.
For Single Patient Use
After each use
1. Rinse the nebuliser cup, mouthpiece and face mask (if used) with clean water and place upside down to drain and dry naturally.
Every 3 months
1. Replace the nebuliser cup, driveline and inlet filter.
2. Wipe the outside of the casing clean with a damp cloth using a household cleaner to remove stubborn marks.
Every 6 months
1. Repeat steps for 3 monthly cleaning but also replace the outlet filter.
Every 12 months
1. Have your compressor nebuliser service by a qualified service agent.
For Multi Patient Use
Patients must have their own nebuliser cup, mouthpiece/facemask and driveline. These should be cleaned between uses as described above.
If a patient using a nebuliser is suspected or diagnosed with an infectious disease then a single compressor nebuliser should be assigned to them and not shared with other patients.
Each month the compressor nebuliser should be decontaminated as follows,
1. Replace the inlet filter and outlet filter.
2. Wipe all the exterior surfaces with a solution designed to remove bacteria (the case material is ABS therefore avoid any solutions that are known to be harmful to this material or state that they should not be used on plastics).
3. If the unit has been used with a patient know to have an infectious disease the unit can be dismantled and internal surfaces wiped clean in the same way as external surfaces, also the silicone tubing can be replaced as a precaution. Do not attempt to clean either the electric motor or the internal working of the facia panel as shorts circuits may occur. Always ensure the unit is completely dry before reassembling.
Hospitals and community care workers should seek advice from their infection control officers with regards to the re-use of compressors that have been used in the presence of serious communicable diseases as disposal may be the only safe course of action given that sterilisation is not possible.
