Oxygen tubing is one of the essential supplies when using an oxygen concentrator. Over time, tubing can become dirty with use or even cracked and can develop leaks. Regularly cleaning and maintenance of your oxygen concentrator equipment helps prevent sinus infections and other illnesses related to germs in the tubing. Here are a few tips to help keep your tubing clean.
What is Oxygen Tubing?
Oxygen tubing and nasal cannulas deliver pure oxygen from your oxygen concentrator into your mouth and nose. Oxygen tubing can be long or short depending on the preference of the user. But all tubing eventually needs to be replaced when it becomes old, and it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria growth inside the tube.
How to Keep Oxygen Tubing from Tangling
Some longer tubes may become easily tangled or kinked. To keep your oxygen lines free try coiling up excess tubing and only use the length of tubing you need at the time. Creating collection points around the house allows you the freedom to pivot around a specific location while in other rooms to help prevent from having to drag the line from room to room.
Another way to keep the tubing from kinking is by placing it near the concentrator in such a way that it gives you a gentle warning tug.
How to Prevent Condensation in Oxygen Tubing
One of the most common problems with oxygen tubing is a buildup of condensation in the tube. This is due to any humidifier attachment to the oxygen concentrator. To prevent condensation, try adjusting the settings on your oxygen concentrator humidifier to reduce the moisture content. You can also use heated tubing, which helps prevent the buildup of moisture in the tube.
How to Clean Oxygen Tubing
Follow the manufacturers guidelines for specific cleaning routines for your tubing. In most cases, it is recommended that you wash your cannula once a week in a mixture of 10-parts water and one-part vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. It's important to ask your doctor how often you should clean and replace the parts of your oxygen therapy equipment.
Why Should Oxygen Tubing be Changed?
Oxygen tubing will wear out over time and replacing damaged tubing is essential for long-term effective performance of your oxygen concentrator. Even though you may thoroughly clean your oxygen tubing and nasal cannula, there is still a chance for bacteria to collect in the tubing. If you recently had a cold or the flu, you should change the oxygen tubing and the cannula right away to prevent re-infection.
When to Change Oxygen Tubing
If you are only using your cannula and tubing a few hours a day, it is recommended that you change your tubing and cannula, every 3-6 months. If you use your concentrator more than a few hours a day, it is recommended to change your cannula on a monthly basis and your tubing, at least, every 2-6 months.
Conclusion
Find all of your oxygen concentrator tubing needs at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Our helpful staff will assist you in purchasing the best tubing, cannulas and other supplies necessary for managing your oxygen therapy. For assistance, give us a call at 888-941-1688 today!
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