Common Questions

Home ventilation therapy common questions

Disclaimer – Not all frequently asked questions may apply to your device. If you cannot see your question below, please call your Healthcare Professional or Baywater Healthcare (number located on the sticker on your device) for assistance.

How do I clean my machine?

Wipe the outside of your machine with a clean antibacterial wipe, allowing for drying time per the instructions on the antibacterial wipe’s packaging

How often does my machine need servicing?

Your machine will be serviced per the manufacturer’s recommendations; Baywater Healthcare will automatically contact you when your next service is due

How often should I change the filter on the back of my machine?

Filters need to be changed per the manufacturer’s instructions. This timescale can vary; please refer to your user guide, or call Baywater Healthcare on the telephone number on your machine, if you require further assistance.

Has my machine got any alarms turned on?

Some machines may have an alarm turned on that alerts you if your pressure is too high or low, or if the machine has no power or your tubing has become disconnected. Please call Baywater Healthcare if this alarm is turned on and the machine is alarming, and you are unsure of the cause.

What does a disconnect alarm mean?

The machine has detected it is no longer connected to the patient. This alarm requires your immediate attention. Tubing and masks should be checked to ensure they are connected properly.

What does the running on battery indicator mean?

This indicates that the device is not plugged into the mains electricity supply and is running on a battery supply. Please note, not all devices are supplied with a battery and may not work in the event of a power cut.

What does a low battery alarm represent?

This indicates that the device is using battery power and the battery is running low. Plug the device into the mains supply when this alarm is shown to re-charge the battery.

What happens if the mains power fails or is disconnected?

If the mains electricity fails or is not connected, the ventilator will select the external battery as the next choice. The external battery (if present) will always be run flat before the internal battery is selected. If there is no external battery, the ventilator will switch to its internal battery. If there is no internal battery, the ventilator will shut down and alarm.

Can I travel with my ventilator?

Please check with your Healthcare Professional and travel company before travelling. Some devices are fitted with a universal power supply; please check this information with Baywater Healthcare. If your device has a universal power supply, you can travel anywhere in the world and plug into the local electrical supply, provided you use the correct mains lead or an adaptor. The voltage must be between 100- and 240-volts AC and 50 and 60Hz. Some countries have very unreliable electricity supplies. You should consider this before travelling.

Contact the airline at least two weeks in advance to ask for permission to use your ventilator equipment during the flight. If you receive approval in writing, remember to take the letter or email when you fly.

If you are travelling by airplane ahead of your flight, request a seat near a power socket. Ask which type of power cord or adaptor you require if you need to plug in your device on the plane.

If you are traveling by coach, train, bus, or cruise ship, contact the travel company ahead of your travel to ensure they have an adequate power supply for you during your journey.

Take a copy of useful information with you on your trip.

A letter from your Healthcare Professional certifying that you need positive airway therapy.

A note of your treatment pressure, mask type, and mask size, plus contact details for your Healthcare Professional, Baywater Healthcare, and care provider.

Health insurance details, including your policy number and the provider’s contact details.

Your device manufacturer’s travel compliance letter, so you’ll be able to carry your device through airport security if you travel by airplane. Please call Baywater Healthcare so we can assist you with locating your compliance letter.

Please note, security scanners will not harm your device, and the device should be scanned as security guidance stipulates.

Should I check my ventilator into the hold?

We would advise strongly that you always carry your ventilator onto a plane as cabin baggage, even if you will not be using the ventilator during the flight.

How often should I change my tubing circuits?

Each tubing circuit is different. Please follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If unsure, please get in touch with Baywater Healthcare.

How often should I change the water in my humidifier?

Distilled water is preferred; however, clean, cooled, boiled water/filtered water can be used. Please change this daily and only fill to the maximum fill line. Caution: Please do not add anything to the water, for example, aromatherapy oils.

How often do I clean my equipment?

Baywater Healthcare’s Technician or your Healthcare Professional will offer guidance; however, the below instructions will provide an indication.

Daily Cleaning

Every day, start the morning by wiping the mask down. This should be done using a clean, damp cloth and warm, soapy water (washing up liquid). Please ensure you rinse the soap/bubbles well afterward with clean water.

Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning

Once every one or two weeks, it’s time for the ventilator equipment to get a deeper clean.

Start by separating all the equipment and attachments.

Wash your mask in soapy water, rinse it with clean water, and air-dry it before further use

Wash the straps attached to your mask with warm, soapy water, rinse with clean water, and dry completely before using again.

Clean out your non-disposable filters each week.

Cleaning the tubing

Wash the tubing in warm, soapy water, allowing it to soak for a short time if necessary. Rinse with clean water and hang the tubing over a door/shower rail, so the water can drain out as it dries. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight because that can cause discoloration and cracking over time. Caution: Do not use direct heat to dry the tubing; for example, a hairdryer.

Cleaning the humidifier chamber

If your machine has a humidifier, this should also be cleaned at a minimum each week. Empty any water and wash the humidifier chamber in warm, soapy water. After it’s cleaned out, rinse it with clean water and leave it to air-dry.

Please note, to prevent limescale build-up, please use distilled water or filtered water in your humidifier.