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Home Medical Equipment Maintenance & Care
Home medical equipment becomes part of everyday life. Like other equipment used regularly, it may need cleaning, inspection, replacement supplies, charging, or occasional service to continue operating as intended.
The exact care requirements are different for every product. A hospital bed has very different maintenance needs from a mobility scooter, CPAP machine, wheelchair ramp, or stair lift.
Start With the Instructions for Your Equipment
There isn't one maintenance schedule that applies to all home medical equipment.
When equipment arrives, keep its operating manual, warranty information, and other documentation somewhere you or a caregiver can easily find it.
It's helpful to understand:
How the equipment should be cleaned
Which cleaning products can and cannot be used
Whether parts require routine inspection
Which supplies or components need periodic replacement
How batteries should be charged and maintained
What maintenance can be performed at home
What should only be handled by a qualified service professional
What warranty coverage applies
Who to contact if something isn't working properly
Don't disassemble, modify, lubricate, repair, or replace components unless the manufacturer indicates that it is appropriate to do so.
Keep Medical Equipment Clean
Equipment used regularly in the home will naturally collect dust, dirt, and other debris.
Cleaning can help keep equipment more comfortable to use and can also give you an opportunity to notice worn or damaged components.
Before cleaning powered equipment, check the manufacturer's instructions for whether it should be turned off, unplugged, or otherwise prepared.
Use only cleaning methods and products appropriate for the specific equipment and materials.
Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas such as:
Hand controls
Armrests
Handles
Joysticks
Remote controls
Bed rails
Chair surfaces
Mobility-device controls
Respiratory equipment has its own cleaning requirements, so follow the product and healthcare guidance provided for masks, tubing, humidifier components, and other supplies.
Hospital Bed Maintenance & Care
A hospital bed may include the bed frame, motorized components, hand controls, mattress, rails, and other accessories.
Regularly pay attention to whether the bed appears to be operating normally.
Depending on the specific equipment, that can include checking:
Hand controls and adjustments
Electrical cords and connections
Rails and accessories
Lift Chair Maintenance & Care
Lift chairs contain powered moving components, so keeping the surrounding area clear is important.
Check underneath and around the chair periodically for objects that could interfere with its movement. Pay attention to the power cord, hand control, upholstery, and lifting or reclining operation.
If the chair begins moving differently, making unusual sounds, or failing to respond normally to its controls, stop and determine the appropriate next step before continuing to use it.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning upholstery and caring for powered components.
Power Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Care
Powered mobility equipment combines mechanical components, electronics, and rechargeable batteries.
Regular care may include:
Oxygen & CPAP Equipment Care
Respiratory and sleep-therapy equipment can require more frequent attention to cleaning and replacement supplies.
Depending on the equipment, components may include:
Masks
Cushions
Tubing
Filters
Humidifier chambers
Oxygen tubing
Cannulas
Other replaceable supplies
Follow the manufacturer's cleaning and replacement schedule for your specific equipment.
Do not change prescribed oxygen flow rates, CPAP/BiPAP settings, or other therapy settings as part of routine equipment maintenance. Questions about prescribed therapy should be directed to your healthcare professional.
Oxygen equipment should also be kept away from smoking, open flames, sparks, and other ignition sources according to applicable equipment safety instructions.
Wheelchair Ramp Maintenance
Because ramps may be exposed to weather and frequent traffic, their condition can change over time.
Periodically look for anything that appears different from when the ramp was installed, such as:
Loose or damaged components
Debris on the ramp surface
Obstructions
Changes around the entrance
Take Care of Batteries, Chargers & Power Cords
Many types of home medical equipment depend on reliable electrical power.
For powered equipment:
Use the correct power supply or charger
Follow the recommended charging procedure
Keep cords away from areas where they can be crushed, pinched, or tripped over
Don't continue using visibly damaged electrical components
Keep electrical components appropriately dry
Follow manufacturer instructions for battery storage and replacement
If equipment is medically necessary and depends on electricity, consider discussing power-outage planning with your healthcare provider and other appropriate professionals.
Pay Attention to Changes
You don't have to be a technician to notice when something seems different.
Be alert for:
New or unusual noises
Unexpected movement
Controls that respond differently
Frayed or damaged cords
Loose components
Cracks or visible damage
Charging problems
Warning lights or error messages
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Equipment Maintenance
How often should home medical equipment be cleaned?
It depends on the equipment. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning schedule and instructions for your specific product. Frequently touched surfaces may require more regular attention than other components.
Can I repair medical equipment myself?
Don't perform repairs or modifications unless the manufacturer specifically indicates they can be handled by the user. Some repairs should only be completed by an appropriate technician or service provider.
What should I do if rented equipment stops working properly?
If the equipment was rented from Prosperity Health, contact us so we can help determine the appropriate next step.
Who handles repairs on equipment I purchased?
That depends on the equipment, manufacturer, warranty, and nature of the issue. Keep your warranty documentation and contact Prosperity Health if you need help understanding the applicable process for equipment purchased from us.
How should I maintain a mobility scooter or power wheelchair battery?
Follow the charging, storage, and battery-care instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular device. Battery requirements can vary between models.
Still Have a Question?
You don't need to understand every equipment type, feature, rental term, or measurement before contacting us.
Tell us what's going on, what equipment you're looking for, and where you're located. We'll help you understand the available options and the practical next steps.
Prosperity Health is a self-pay provider and does not currently bill or accept Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or private health insurance.