Respiratory device filters

Our filters are suitable for use with equipment being used by patients needing long-term ventilatory support or suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA can have a major impact on the health and life of the individual, but it is a treatable condition. Treatment options include the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which prevents the airway from collapsing by delivering a continuous supply of compressed air via a mask whilst the patient is sleeping. In severe cases a bilevel device, which delivers different pressure during the inspiratory and expiratory breath may be required to allow normal uninterrupted sleep.

All CPAP and bilevel machines have a filter, normally located at the air intake on the back or side of the machine. The CPAP machine takes in room air, filters and pressurises it to deliver therapy to help prevent the airway from collapsing during sleep. These devices can also attract debris from the environment, which, may include dust, pet hair, smoke, and other potential allergens. The filter is designed to clear these elements from the air before it reaches the patient’s lungs.

How often should I change the CPAP filter?

It is very important to regularly change the CPAP filters. If these become dirty, the air that is breathed in with the device will likewise be unclean.

If the device is being used in a particularly dirty or dusty environment, it may be sensible to replace the filters more often. Regular checking of the filter will determine how dirty it is becoming and whether increased replacement is necessary. Even if the filter appears clean, it should be replaced on at least a monthly basis or in line with these recommendations of the original manufacturer.
 

What are oxygen concentrators?

An oxygen concentrator is a portable or electrical device that extracts air from the surrounding environment, providing oxygen therapy to a patient via nasal cannula at higher concentrations than ambient air.

Why is a filter required?

Ambient air can contain millions of particles, some of which will be sub-micron. Particles of this size can easily enter and clog the working components of the device or penetrate deeply into the lungs of the patient.

Our range of filters and pre-filters help protect the oxygen concentrator and protect the patient from particulate matter and the risk of infection, and also function as a noise dampener to reduce the level of sound emitted by the machine.  

These devices provide a source of negative pressure and a collection chamber to allow the safe removal of bodily fluids and secretions.  Suction devices are prone to both damage and contamination if they are exposed to bodily fluids due to operating errors.

The positioning of one of our high quality hydrophobic bacterial and viral filters between the suction pump and the secretion canister will help reduce this possibility.