by Lori Peters, RRT, AMSR Respiratory Therapist
People on oxygen therapy are typically more susceptible to respiratory viruses and bacteria. With the winter months fast-approaching, ensuring that your nasal cannula is germ-free is even more important AND good common sense!
Simply wipe down the part (prongs) that inserts into your nose, as well as the seven-foot length of tube that connects to it, with an alcohol swab once a day. If you’re on oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it might be easier for you to have two cannulas at all times—one to use while the other is being wiped down and allowed to dry.
Alternate the cannulas for two weeks only, then discard them and use new ones. To order cannulas, contact our Customer Care Agents at 877.774.9271
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.
Hello,
I’m using Salter Labs 1600-7-Oxygen Cannula for sleeping. The instructions are vague, don’t say for how long to use it or how to clean it. Would appreciate your help!
Thanks
Simply wipe down the part (prongs) that inserts into your nose, as well as the seven-foot length of tube that connects to it, with an alcohol swab once a day. If you’re on oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it might be easier for you to have two cannulas at all times—one to use while the other is being wiped down and allowed to dry.
Alternate the cannulas for two weeks only, then discard them and use new ones.
Can I use rubbing alcohol, since I do not have alcohol swaps available?
You can clean your nasal cannula using a cloth damp with water and mild dish detergent (like Dawn liquid).
I do clean my cannula with the alcohol swabs as recommended but the inner part of the nose prongs appear to need cleaning also and I have not figured out a way to do that. I generally use my cannulas for 3 to 4 weeks (mainly night use only) but by then the smaller tubes have become stiff as wire and the inner part of the nose prongs look bad also.
Each person is different and some people need to replace their cannulas more frequently. Some replace them as often as once a week. Your climate affects these as well.
Using alcohol to clean cannula makes the tubing stiff and irritates the nasal area of the nose. My husband refuses to use cannula wiped down with alcohol. Currently using other kinds of wipes that does not have alcohol as an ingredient.
I would recommend just replacing your cannulas every 3-4 weeks rather than trying to clean them. Cleaning them is actually not recommended as moisture gets inside the tubing and can cause bacteria to grow.
Just read to use small amount of dish liquid and white vinegar.