Use sterile distilled water whenever possible to reduce the possibility of contamination and fouling. If you use distilled water, remove the bottle from the humidifier every 7 days, wash it with mild soap and water, and rinse well.
If using boiled tap water, remove bottle from humidifier every 3 days, wash with mild soap and water, rinse well, and air dry. If the humidifier shows scale, damage, or wear, replace it immediately. For complete instructions, review the documentation that came with your humidification kit.
How often to change oxygen humidifier water?
A common compliance issue is when patients or caregivers add distilled water to the humidifier bottle by “topping off” the container. Teach the patient to change the distilled water daily.
Empty the humidifier bottle, wash inside and out with soap and water, rinse with a disinfectant, then rinse with hot water; then refill the humidification bottle with distilled water.
Note that some manufacturers’ directions for use require that the humidifier bottle be rinsed daily with a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part vinegar as a disinfectant.
Avoid touching the inside of the bottle or cap after it has been cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination.
Oxygen humidifier bottle instructions
Oxygen is a dry gas and a humidifier bottle may be used to help alleviate a sore, dry or bloody nose. The oxygen picks up humidity by flowing through a water bottle connected to the concentrator or liquid system.
- Fill the humidifier bottle with distilled water to the maximum fill line. Don’t overfill.
- Put the cap of the humidifier on the bottle. Gently tighten making sure to screw cap and bottle on tightly. Avoid cross threads as this will cause a leak.
- Depending on the machine you have, connect the inlet nut to the oxygen outlet or humidifier adapter on the oxygen system and hand-tighten. If the inlet nut or adapter is cross-threaded, oxygen will leak.
- Test the humidifier for leaks by adjusting the flow rate to 4 liters or more and blocking the humidifier outlet. The safety valve should “pop” or “hiss” within 15 seconds. If not, check the bottle and cap to make sure they are tight and repeat the test.
- Once the humidifier bottle is positioned correctly, connect the extension tube to the humidifier outlet and adjust the flow rate to the prescribed level.
How to clean oxygen humidifier bottle?
Every week, wash your nasal cannula, clean your air filter and wipe the outside of your concentrator with soap and warm water. Every time you refill your humidifier bottle, wash it with soap and warm water, rinse well and refill with distilled water.
-Every 2–4 weeks, replace your cannula or mask. Change every time you get sick.
-Every month, replace your air filter.
-Every 2 months, replace your tubing.
-Every year, ask your oxygen supply company to service your concentrator.
If you use a transtracheal catheter, ask your doctor how to clean it.
If you use a walker, crutches, or cane to walk, loop the tube around your ring finger. This will keep the tubing away from your feet. By holding it, you will be more aware of it as you go about your home activities. If you do not use a device to help you walk, hold the tubing in your non-dominant hand.
Bubbler Humidifier
Bubble humidifiers are safe and easy to use, maximizing humidification while ensuring quiet operation and reducing system backpressure.
Lightweight Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Lightweight portable oxygen is easily moved around the house or is a lightweight, portable device that you can take with you while you walk.
Smallest Portable Oxygen concentrator
The AirSep Focus is an extremely lightweight portable concentrator and doesn’t require refilling it with oxygen.