Here at Children’s Home Medical Equipment, Inc. we know how important pediatric medical equipment and supplies are to your medically fragile child. We also know it’s just as important for your child’s medical equipment and supplies to be properly cleaned and stored. It’s a huge help having these items at home providing assists in improving your medically fragile child’s way of life. When medical equipment is properly cleaned and stored, it helps children that are medically complex from becoming sick or getting an infection.
Pediatric medical equipment and supplies are necessary for medically fragile children. Some are vital to their health, and others make it easier for parents and other caregivers to care for the child. They also improve a child with complex medical needs wellbeing and quality of life. These are items like: apnea monitors, Smart II monitors, phototherapy, nebulizers, Pari nebulizers, enteral feeding pumps, tracheostomy tubes, custom tracheostomy tubes, Mic-Key buttons, Mini-One g-tubes, PEG tubes, high and low-flow oxygen regulators, Trilogy ventilators, LTV1150 ventilators, NewPort ventilators, Dinamap blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters with neonatal, infant and child probes, ostomy supplies, specialty wound care dressings, urology supplies, pediatric wheelchairs, crutches and walkers, diapers, and more.
We know first-hand what it means to families and caregivers of medically fragile children to work with a company they can trust and who values quality care. That’s why we are proud to have Children’s Home Medical Equipment, Inc. as part of the ChildrenFirst Health Care System. As Orlando’s BEST pediatric medical equipment and supply provider, we proudly serve families in Orlando and surrounding areas. We proudly maintain a large inventory of equipment and supplies providing prompt delivery to your home.
Our inventory is suitable for patients of all ages and sizes as well. Having a local supplier with a ready to go inventory is beneficial because we’re able to get you your equipment and supplies quickly. This sets us apart from most medical equipment suppliers due to the fact many of their warehouses are not local and their inventory on their in-town trucks is minimal.
Having durable medical equipment and supplies at home is amazing! It allows you to provide your child with the care they need in the comfort of their home. However, as you know, these items come with the responsibility of keeping them clean and properly stored.
Once you receive your durable medical equipment and supplies, it’s critical you review the proper care methods for them. Depending on the item, different methods are required to ensure proper cleaning. Most items used at home will be noncritical items or items that fall under environmental surfaces.
The list of medical equipment and supplies is pretty lengthy. Here are some best practices of some frequently used equipment to ensure they are being properly cleaned and stored, keeping your child as healthy as possible.
Wipe the exterior surfaces of the machine with a clean, damp cloth. The use of an antibacterial cleaning solution is recommended. Be sure to wipe away any residual cleaner. To prevent damage to the plastic components and front panel, do NOT use cleaning agents containing ammonium chloride, other chloride compounds or abrasive cleaners.
Empty water daily and replace it to the FULL line with DISTILLED WATER.
– Hand clean the Mask Cushion DAILY with warm water and mild soap. You can also use mask cleaning wipes. Rinse well with drinking quality water and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight. Wash Headgear by hand weekly including soft sleeves, headgear can be washed without being disassembled. Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
Gently wash the tubing WEEKLY, including the connectors. Be sure to clean the entire inner surface of the tube by ensuring it is fully immersed in warm water and mild soap solution during gentle agitation by hand. Thoroughly rinse all soap residues from the connectors and tube and air dry before the next use. Tubing can be hung over a door to ensure all water drains before use. Tubing can be replaced every 6 months or as needed.
Wash your hands. Then wipe the outside of the nebulizer with warm water. After EACH treatment, disassemble the nebulizer kit completely and rinse thoroughly under warm tap water. Do NOT submerge tubing in water. Allow to air dry on a clean paper towel.
This carries the air to the nebulizer and does not require cleaning unless it is dirty on the outside. The tubing can be wiped off, but do NOT try to wash the inside. If it looks dirty on the inside it should be replaced. You can wipe the air compressor on the outside. The air filters should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Begin by unplugging the oxygen concentrator from its power source. Then dip a soft cloth in a solution of mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Next, squeeze cloth until damp and wipe down the concentrator. Rinse cloth clean and remove any excess soap from the concentrator. Let the concentrator air-dry or dry with a lint-free cloth.
Begin by removing the filter per manufacturer’s instructions. Fill a tub or sink with warm water and mild dishwashing soap. Dip the filter into the solution in the tub or sink. Use a wet cloth to remove excess dirt and dust. Then rinse the filter to remove any excess soap. Let the filter air-dry or place on a thick towel to absorb excess water.
Soak the cannula in a solution of mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Then rinse the cannula with a solution of water and white vinegar (10 to 1.) Rinse the cannula thoroughly and hang to air-dry.
Clean this MONTHLY. Unplug the device and clean the external surface using one of the following cleaning agents:
Allow the device to dry completely before plugging in the power cord. The device does not require routine servicing.
Clean this DAILY. After EACH use, the breathing hose and patient interface should be washed thoroughly with mild liquid detergent and water. The parts need to be dried completely before each use. Replace every 3-6 months. The bacteria filter CANNOT be washed. It has to be replaced when blocked with mucus or trapped moisture. Replace the mask if it becomes torn.
Under normal usage, you should clean the air filter at least once every two weeks and replace it with a new one every 6 months. If the device is operating, stop the airflow. Disconnect the device from the power source. Remove the filter from the enclosure. Examine the filter for cleanliness and integrity. Wash the filter in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue. Allow the filter to air dry completely. Replace the filter if it is torn or damaged. Only Philips Respironics filters should be used as replacement filters. Reinstall the filter.
After properly cleaning and disinfecting your medical equipment and supplies, it’s important that you properly store them too. This is for sanitary reasons as well as ensuring your equipment will function correctly.
Medical devices may not function correctly if exposed to high levels of heat or humidity. Manufacturer information and product labeling often describe the tolerance levels of the equipment.
Children’s Home Medical Equipment, Inc is operated through ChildrenFirst Health Care System. We are a local full-service pediatric durable medical equipment provider servicing children in the Central Florida area. Contact us today for all your child’s pediatric home medical equipment needs.