Your Safety and Comfort
The following is a review of some of the supplies and
procedures required to help ensure your safety and
comfort.
Ventilators
BACK-UP SUPPLIES
Always have the following available in case of an
emergency:
• Bacterial filters (front)
• Bagging unit
• Circuits, including exhalation manifold
• Flex hoses
• Gloves
• Intake filters (back)
• Spare exhalation valve (balloon)
• Spare tracheostomy tube
• Suction catheters
• Tracheostomy adapters
• Water traps
Circuit changes and cleaning
Replace your entire circuit (except the exhalation
manifold) every 12 months. We recommend that you
clean your circuit every week following this procedure:
• Disassemble the circuit
• Wash it in warm soapy water using mild soap
• Rinse
• Soak it in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water
for 30 minutes
• Rinse
• Hang to dry
Humidifiers
Humidifiers increase the vapour content of the air you
inhale. Here are some recommendations on using them:
• Always clean and disinfect according to the
manufacturer’s directions
• Never leave your bedside humidifier turned on when
you are not using it
• Clean and replace the water everyday using only
distilled or de-mineralized water. This will extend the
life of your humidifier chamber.
• If sterile water is required, the distilled or demineralized
water must be boiled and left to cool
Use Distilled Water
If your humidifier contains scale or
crusty deposits, or is covered by a white
dust, then you are probably using
water that contains minerals. It is
important to use the right type of
water, because minerals can result in
the growth of micro-organisms, and
will also shorten your humidifier’s life.
Tap water always contains minerals. Only use it if you
have no de-mineralized water available. Use bottled water
that is labeled “distilled.” This can be purchased at your
local drugstore. Do not use bottled waters that are labeled
“spring,” “artesian” or “mineral” because they may contain
minerals. Water filtering systems like those you place on
your refrigerator remove some odours and chlorine, but
are not effective in removing the minerals that cause
scaling and deposits.
Batteries (for LP6 and LP10 Users)
Checking the internal battery’s charge level: Unplug your
ventilator from its wall socket or wheelchair battery
connector and switch it from standby to assist/control
mode. Press and hold the battery test button and watch
the patient pressure meter needle. The numbered scale
indicates the percentage of battery charge level. For
example, if the needle points to 100, this means it is 100%
full. Always charge the internal battery if it is less than 50%
full.
Testing the power level of your internal battery: You
should test your internal battery once a month. To test,
make sure your ventilator has been fully charged and you
are not using it. Disconnect your ventilator from the wall
socket or wheelchair battery and let it run until the low
power alarm comes on. Note the start and stop time of
the test. If the test result is under 45 minutes call PROP.
The battery probably needs replacing. Make sure you
recharge the battery after testing so it is ready to use.
Charging: Disconnect your ventilator from the
wheelchair battery and plug it into a wall outlet. Charge
your battery daily. Charging your wheelchair when your
ventilator is connected will not fully charge your
ventilator’s internal battery.
Liquids and Your Ventilator
• Keep all liquids away from your ventilator
• Rain and snow can damage your ventilator if it is not
properly covered. Contact PROP for advice on how
to cover your ventilator to protect it in wet weather.
• It is essential to call PROP anytime liquid is spilled
on your unit. Do so even if the unit appears to be
functioning normally.
Client Tips
• Check your respiratory supplies on a monthly basis.
Keep enough stock on hand so that you only need to
order supplies a few times a year. This way there is no
panic when you run short or something is no longer
available. (Jeanette Andersen)
• Never, ever go anywhere without your Ambu bag.
(Alan Hurst)
• I have a two-wheeled cart (the kind used by seniors
for shopping) that a friend bought in a thrift store for
$3.00. It’s very handy for transporting a back-up
ventilator to and from a vehicle and it makes it so
much easier for an attendant. (Jeanette Andersen)
• Always take an emergency kit and a portable suction
machine with you. Check both regularly to make sure
they work. Carry extra suction catheters in your
backpack. (Jeanette Andersen, Johanna Johnson, and
Heather Morrison)
• Take a back-up vent if possible, particularly if you are
going on a long trip. This will increase your comfort
and your attendant’s. (Jeanette Andersen, Johanna
Johnson, and Heather Morrison)
• Carry a cell phone. If you travel on your own you may
need a voice-activated phone. Check that your phone
is well charged before you go out. If you use a prepaid
system make sure you have time left on your
account. (Jeanette Andersen, Johanna Johnson, and
Heather Morrison)
• When I travel I always pack an extension cord with a
couple of plugs. You would be amazed where hotel
rooms have their plugs in the wall: sometimes your
ventilator plug will not reach and many hotels do not
have extension cords available for their guests. (Zosia
Ettenberg)
• Write down all your vent settings and store them in a
safe place. Inevitably you’ll get your vent back (from
repair) and the settings will have been changed.
(Johanna Johnson)
• Be organized and informed. Know your equipment
and how to troubleshoot for problems. Know your
vent settings. (Jeanette Andersen)
