Personal Care

Skin Cancer Prevention

5 Natural Ways to Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Cancer being one of the most threatening diseases to date, requires vital attention and care. Rather than letting consequences build up and cause troubles later on, it is advisable that you take necessary precautions to prevent skin cancer. One of the most common types of cancer is Skin Cancer which is caused by the unorderly growth of skin cells. Even though this is an alarming condition, skin cancer can be effectively treated if found early. Here are some natural ways to skin cancer prevention:

Add Sunscreen to Your Everyday Essentials

No matter whether you step outside or decide to say indoors, applying sunscreen is a must! Influencers are increasingly emphasizing the importance of good sunscreen and for someone dealing with skin problems, it’s actually a requisite. Since too much exposure to the sun can damage skin cells, it increases the possibility of skin cancer. For utmost protection from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, it is therefore recommended that you use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a regular basis. Besides this, you can also follow simple ways like wearing full sleeves tops and full-length bottoms to keep skin protected and using protective accessories like sunglasses or caps with brims to keep your face protected from sun rays.

Nutrient-Rich Foods for A Healthy Lifestyle

You are what you eat – and this is actually true! Having processed and junk food not only leaves a negative impact on your internal organs in the long run but also damages your skin. A nutrient-rich diet in contrast helps in keeping the skin healthy and fresh. Frequent consumption of nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Lycopene can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Consume more juicy fruits, berries, orange-colored fruits & vegetables, red meat, poultry, nuts, as well as green leafy vegetables. If you are experiencing skin problems or early symptoms of skin cancer, it’s better to instantly switch to a healthier lifestyle.

Avoid Using Beauty Products with Cancer-Causing Chemicals

Cosmetic products have again become a significant part of our lifestyle. While most of us use beauty creams, lotions, and make-up on a daily basis, we tend to forget to check the ingredient list, chemicals used, and expiration dates of these products. Almost 60% of cosmetics come with parabens and harmful cancer-causing chemicals that leave lasting ill effects on health. Parabens are particularly one of the most widely used preservatives in formulating skincare and beauty products. For effective prevention of skin cancer, it is best that you use products free from these parabens. Make sure that the beauty products you use are fairly descriptive about the ingredients, chemicals, and side effects they may cause. Apart from this, it is also advisable that you take note of the expiration date since using anything beyond its expiration date can leave an adverse effect.

Use Effective Skin Protectors for Advanced Care

For enhanced protection against skin cancer, it is important to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections as quickly as possible so that the infection doesn’t spread or get worse. While you are at it, it is also required that you use an effective skin protectant that maintains a superior environment for the healing process. For treating infections, you can use premium skin protectors like Lantiseptic Skin Protectant and for advanced wound care, you may use the Medline Marathon Liquid Skin Protectant. It effectively protects the skin from moisture and which can cause maceration and offers a long-lasting, fast-drying, and breathable solution.

Lastly, Look Out for Any Early Warning Signs

Overlooking early warning signs of skin cancer may things worse for you! While the early signs may come with much lesser risk but when these increase with time, they may even become incurable. It is thus better that you consult a dermatologist as and when you notice risk factors for skin cancer such as a new spot, changing the appearance of a mole, rough or scaly patches on the skin, a blister that bleeds, or a nonhealing sore or cyst. For skin cancer treatment and medications, you can explore prominent medical websites such as ACG Medical Supply. It features a fine range of skin protectors and moisturizing body creams for healthy and cancer-free skin.

International Nurses Day 2023

International Nurses Day 2023: Recognizing Their Sacrifice

The nursing workforce is one of the biggest and most significant groups in the healthcare industry. It is a challenging profession, particularly in low-income areas with limited resources and people due to the nature of the job. However, medical personnel continued to perform their jobs under unthinkable conditions during the pandemic. On May 12, the occasion of Florence Nightingale’s birth, the world celebrates International Nurses Day. She was nicknamed the “Lady with the Lamp,” and many regard her to be the creator of modern nursing. Even now, she continues to serve as an illustration of the significance of the field of nursing. On this day, we honor the tireless efforts and invaluable contributions made by our nurses by examining some of the issues they face on a daily basis.

Despite the fact that hospitals are constantly adapting their procedures and making new technological developments, they are still required to fulfill the demands of both the management and patients, all while providing care that is ever more complicated. WaxWel Paraffin Bath Unit is specially designed and ideal for continuous use in high-traffic clinics. As a direct consequence of changing technology, nurses frequently characterize their working days as hectic, unpredictable, and psychologically and emotionally taxing. These constitute a few of the causes why a career in nursing is associated with a high number of cases of stress related to work, cases of job discontent, and cases of poor individual wellness. However, ACG Medical Supply has a stock of medical supplies that not only is easy to use but also makes the life of a nurse easier. On this nurse appreciation day, we are offering gift hampers for nurses at ACG Medical Supply for all the nurse practitioners.

It is largely ignored that there is a significant lack of hospital staff, which when combined with the requirement to offer more complicated care to patients with chronic diseases. This not only places a significant amount of burden on nurses but also threatens their personal health. The management expects them to focus more on patient care at the expense of personal care, which makes their daily and personal life even more difficult.

Heavy workload could have an impact on the quality of healthcare provided as well as patient security, among the many of which is the inability of nurses to engage in social interaction with their patients, which could make them more susceptible to making errors. Moreover, when they are involved in a heavy workload it is also difficult for them to provide personal care not only to their parents and children but also to themselves. With various products from ACG Medical Supply, the company aims to celebrate nurse appreciation week. On this world nurses day, it is time to recognize that they practice their professional life under life-threatening conditions, which requires them to keep themselves protected at all times. CPR LifeMask in Keychain Bag, with an anti-viral filter, provides them with high protection during their work hours.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, healthcare workers literally risked their lives to protect the lives of thousands on a daily basis. They volunteered themselves at the frontline, distributing Pediatric Aerosol Masks and disposable face mask, working day and night without any break. However, as the pandemic mellowed, the world quickly forgot the sacrifices that they made. They worked extra hours without extra pay.

The excerpt from Walt Whitman’s poem “The Wound Dresser” perfectly sums up the godly work that our nurses do. “One turns to me his appealing eyes—poor boy! I never knew you, Yet I think I could not refuse this moment to die for you, if that would save you.” A complete stranger, risking their life to save the life of another stranger, is nothing short of God’s work.

ACG Medical Supply wishes Happy Nurses Day 2023, to all the men and women who have put their lives on line to save thousands of innocent lives during the pandemic. It also celebrates and recognizes their sacrifice and appreciates them for putting others’ lives before theirs. The gift hampers for nurses at ACG Medical Supply are just a small gesture to show our gratitude for their selfless service to society.

Kidneys Health

8 Lifestyle Changes to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Like all organs in the human body perform important functions, our kidneys are likewise important organs that filter impurities from the body, manage fluid levels in the body, regulate blood pressure, and keep bones healthy. Not taking proper care of your kidneys might give rise to various chronic kidney diseases. People with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney stones, obesity, or a family history of kidney failure are most likely to develop acute kidney diseases. However, some good changes in your daily life can help to prevent damage to your kidneys. Here are some lifestyle changes to keep your kidneys healthy:

  1. Regularly Monitor Your Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure

If you have conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart problems it is advisable that you regularly check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Those suffering from diabetes must maintain a BP level below 140/90 mm Hg. Apart from keeping BP levels in check, one must also take medicines exactly as prescribed by the health care provider. Keeping your cholesterol level in check also becomes an important thing to consider, when you have heart conditions.

  1. Keep Your Body Well-Hydrated

Keeping your body well-hydrated is always good for the skin as well as your health. Drinking water can be quite beneficial for the kidneys as it infuses important nutrients that you’re your kidney function properly. Having at least six to eight glasses of water every day is ideally good for a healthy lifestyle. Lesser intake of water can stop proper filtering inside the kidneys and can also give rise to potential kidney injuries or kidney stones.

  1. Switch to A Healthy & Active Lifestyle

Saying ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle is not only good for your kidneys but also improves your overall health. Regular exercise can help in reducing your blood pressure which in turn prevents the risk of heart disease. Those who are suffering from conditions like obesity, especially need to focus on maintaining an active way of living. Exercising doesn’t always have to be doing high-intensity workouts but you can switch to simple ways like running, dancing, biking, aerobics, or early morning jogging.

  1. Follow A Balanced Diet

What you eat is what you become! The type of food a person consumes affects his/her physical well-being. All the food and liquids that you consume are filtered by your kidney. It is therefore important that you consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are high in nutrients and vitamins. Following a balanced and well-proportioned diet will let you control your body’s sugar level and pressure levels, thus reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.

  1. Quit Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Out of the various things to avoid for healthy kidney functioning, the most important one is quitting smoking or consuming alcoholic drinks. While your kidneys require utmost hydration, alcoholic beverages may dehydrate the kidneys and make it difficult for your kidneys to regulate the water level in the body. Smoking may similarly leave a damaging effect on your kidneys. It increases the risk of high BP and may also cause kidney failure in the long run.

  1. Avoid Consuming Excessive Supplements or Painkillers

While taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor may help in improving your kidney’s health, taking the wrong medications may worsen the case. Overdoses of health supplements and painkillers can be harmful, especially when you are suffering from kidney disease. It is always recommended that you consult a doctor before taking unprescribed medicines.

  1. Refrain From Having Junk Food & Carbonated Drinks

Besides maintaining a proper diet, it is also quite essential that you avoid consuming food that is high in cholesterol or saturated fats. Junk food and processed food, for instance, are quite unhealthy for your kidneys. Try to avoid fried food like crisps, crackers, cookies, cheese, or other canned/packaged products like noodles and fatty meats. Carbonated drinks are also a big ‘NO’ for those suffering from heart disease or high BP or sugar levels. Carbonated beverages are also a major cause of kidney stone formation.

  1. Consider Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease

Regular health check-ups are a great way to determine early warning signs of potential kidney diseases. Having poor sleep cycles, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, less appetite, or pale brownish urine are some of these early signs to consider. Avoiding these early signs may further deteriorate your health. If you have any of these symptoms or even have a family history of kidney failure, it is best that you visit a doctor and start the treatment for the same as soon as possible.

In A Nutshell

Some of the major kidney disease causes are high sugar levels, high blood pressure, and heart disease. If you need prescribed medications or supplies for the same, you can conveniently shop from popular medical websites like ACG Medical Supply. Shop for the finest-quality Diabetic Supplies or Diagnostic Equipment like BP monitors, oximeters, and blood glucose meters, delivered to your home at ease.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Seven Crucial Steps to Avoid Deadly Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis is one of the most fatal diseases that anyone can ever encounter in their lives. A deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a clot in the blood, that develops deep within veins, most frequently in the thigh. It can restrict blood passage to the heart, completely or partially, and cause injury to the single-directional valves that are found in the veins. It is also possible for it to detach and move to important organs in the body, such as the lungs, which is a very hazardous possibility. About one in ten individuals who have deep vein thrombosis in the US will pass away as a result of repercussions from their condition.
There are some of the common DVT causes of these clots like a sedentary lifestyle or sitting still for an extended period of time, such as following surgery, or flying for a long distance, While the less prevalent causes include pregnancy and inherited blood clot disorder. The likelihood of DVT rises in people who are overweight or who smoke cigarettes and DVT symptoms include leg swelling, leg pain, change in skin color, etc.

However, there are ways you can lessen the risks of DVT by following the steps mentioned below.

  1. Avoid Sitting For Long Hours While Traveling

While traveling for an extended period of time, it is advisable to get out of your seat every so often to stretch your legs and get those blood pumping. Keep your body functional and active while flying by walking around the plane’s aisles. Relax and stretch the legs, calves, and ankles. Stop every 60–90 minutes on a long car trip for a chance to stretch your legs and get a little exercise. The stimulation of leg muscles increases blood flow and reduces blood clot risk. Even if you’ve never had a blood clot, get up and move occasionally. Even when not driving. Medical professionals discourage prolonged sitting. Walk around while working or watching TV.

  1. Keep Yourself Hydrated To Lower The Risks Of Blood Clotting

Keep track of your fluid intake because lack of water is a significant contributor to the risk for DVT. Doctors often emphasize the need of drinking enough water because it reduces the thickness of the blood. Keep in mind that drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol-based drinks may put you at risk of dehydration.

  1. Use Compression Stockings To Allow Better Circulation

Compression stockings may reduce DVT risk. They increase blood flow by pressing on the legs and calves. They come in all shapes, sizes, and pressures. It is advisable to wear them regularly. People with a history of DVT and hypertension are especially recommended to wear them. You can buy high-quality compression stockings on ACG Medical Supply for a healthy blood circulation.

  1. Quit Smoking To Lower Your Chances Of Developing Persistent And Chronic Health Conditions.

Because of its effects on blood clotting and circulation, cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Despite its many negative effects, smoking is one of the substantial changeable hazards for DVT. Quitting it reduces the risk of developing DVT.

  1. Retain a Healthy Body Mass Index and Exercise regularly

Obesity raises leg vein blood pressure, another modifiable risk factor. and increased pressure on the large veins in the pelvis from internal fat slows blood flow. DVT risk increases with BMI. BMIs over 25 increase risk. People with BMi around 30-35 have a greater risk of DVT. It is extremely crucial to maintain a healthy BMI. Exercise on a consistent basis, preferably every day. Physical activities include going for walks, sunbathing, and riding bicycles. You can better control your weight by engaging in physical activity and consuming a diet that is nutritious, high in fiber, and features a lot of fruits and vegetables.

  1. Take Your Medication Even If You’re on Vacation

Take your medication while on vacation. Take low-dose aspirin or other anticoagulants as prescribed by your doctor to reduce blood clot risk. Vacations may cause you to relax and do less exercise. Set a phone alarm in case you forget to take your medication.

  1. Staying Active During Pregnancy Helps Blood Flow

Physiological changes slow blood flow and increase clotting during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones increase the risk of DVT. Staying active is important as the infant grows. Pregnant women are more likely to get left-leg DVT. The uterus’s extra weight compresses the vein. To improve circulation, sleep on your left side. Lift your legs at night, and if you get varicose veins, buy compression stockings.
March month is dedicated to being DVT awareness month and it is important for people to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and Deep Vein Thrombosis treatments available for such fatal diseases.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month in 2023: What You Need to Know

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a highly unsafe condition which develops when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of your body. Blood clots can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. These blood clots are formed in one of the big veins, usually in the arm, pelvis, lower leg, or thigh and can completely or partially hinder blood circulation in the veins.

What Is Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month?

Blood clots are estimated to affect 900,000 Americans annually, although they are frequently underdiagnosed. Every year in March, Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month is held in the United States where the public health campaign seeks to develop a deeper understanding on blood clot awareness. If a DVT is left untreated, a piece of the clot may separate and go to the lungs, where it may restrict airflow and result in a condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).

According to the American Heart Association, blood clots, or DVT as it is more often known, affect up to two million Americans each month. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of a blood clot will help you decide when to seek medical attention.

What Are the Primary DVT Symptoms?

Swelling, discoloration, pain, tenderness, skin redness, heaviness, or unusual warmth near the blood clot are few of the common signs of DVT. And several conditions, including muscle strain, skin inflection, and vein inflammation, share indications of D.V.T., making the diagnosis even more challenging.

Identifying Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors or elements may contribute to a DVT or may increase the risk of it over time. Here are few of them:

Limited Mobility: People with restricted mobility have a higher risk of getting affected by DVT. When you sit for a long time, blood can build up in the legs at one specific area. It can halt the blood circulation and can certainly lead to the formation of a clot.

Injury or Surgery: Previous injuries can also be one of the major DVT causes to develop the risk of venous thrombosis in a human body. The damage to the blood vessel wall can block the blood flow in the veins, resulting in a blood clot. After surgery, bed rest with minimal mobility may potentially raise your chance of developing a blood clot.

Smoking: If you smoke regularly, put that cigarette out right away! Smoking has an impact on blood clotting and flow, which adds to the risk of DVT. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, smoking has a substantial and detrimental effect on the heart and blood vessels. The nicotine in cigarettes makes blood platelets stickier, which can cause them to clump together.

Obesity: Another significant risk indicator for DVT in both men and women is obesity. Being overweight can put more pressure on the legs and pelvis, which can cause stagnation of blood in the vein. Obese people in the US have a nearly twofold increased risk of DVT, according to studies.

Suggested Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatments

The DVT treatment focuses on preventing the clot from spreading throughout the body. This can reduce your chance of developing additional clots and possibly prevent a pulmonary embolism.

Blood-Thinning Medications:
You might be given blood-thinning medicine by your doctor. This medication makes it difficult for your blood to clot and potentially keep existing clots as small as possible.

Medical Supplies:
Using medical compression stockings can minimize swelling and may reduce your risk of getting clots if you have a high risk of DVT. Your doctor could advise you to wear these all the time. You can find comfortable and durable compression stockings at ACG Medical Supply.

Move More Frequently:
If you sit for a long period with your feet in the same posture, blood will begin to collect in one area of the body and may lead to clogs. You can keep your legs elevated utilizing leg rest or lifter from ACG Medical Supply. Regular walks using our walkers can significantly help you to increase your blood flow.

Concluding Thoughts…
DVT is one such serious condition with a high mortality risk. DVT awareness month is all about raising awareness about the issue, causes, symptoms, and self-prevention techniques. Please call your doctor as soon as you notice any of the symptoms. Also, your doctor could advise using medical equipment that you can purchase from ACG Medical Supply to lower the risk of DVT.

Trusted Assessor

All You Need To Know About Trusted Assessor Training

In the last few years, the pandemic has transformed the healthcare industry in terms of quality of patient care and approach to health issues. While digital medium and online consultation saw dramatic hype, there was a lot of curiosity about medical advancements and upcoming trends in medical equipment and technology. This inquisitiveness reiterated the importance of continuous training of healthcare professionals and those related to medical services so that they stay abreast with the changing trends and methodologies.

Various medical institutions and educational organizations offer training and courses that help sharpen these professionals to serve the highest level of patient care and services. In recent times, trusted assessor courses are gaining huge popularity because of the comprehensive curriculum that prepares you to cater the demands of the industry and serve the highest quality of patient care. Before we dive deep into the course, let’s understand who is a trusted assessor.

Who is a Trusted Assessor?

A trusted assessor is someone who is related to medical services or is a healthcare professional. They assist the patients in a variety of ways whether it is making plans, implementing assessments, hospital discharge, audits, or inventories.

A trusted assessor is responsible for a smooth transition of patients from hospital to home. They also promote independent living among elderly and disabled people by assisting and referring to different ways and methods of independent living at home. A good trusted assessor has an in-depth knowledge of the basic medical equipment and general items related to patients, such as dressing aids, mobility aids, kitchen aids, etc.

Depending upon your previous experience and interest, you can choose the area and gather skills in the same domain by opting for trusted assessor courses.   

Who can become a Trusted Assessor?

Anyone can become a trusted assessor, whether you are an occupational therapist or a product specialist. Various courses are available with specialization in different areas, such as referring to independent disabled living, demonstrating and implementing minor adaptations, assessment and home improvement, etc.

The course is suitable for surveyors, home agency staff, social workers, care managers, rehabilitation assistants, physiotherapists, technicians, shop assistants, etc.

What are the Duties of a Trusted Assessor?

The work profile of a trusted assessor is not restricted to hospitals or offices, but includes regular home visits and interaction with the patients to understand their issues and chart out a plan that makes their life easier. This might include referrals to a qualified physiotherapist or a change in disabled equipment as per the patient’s requirements. Only an experienced and empathetic assessor can understand the patient’s situation and can make their everyday life easier with their practical solutions.

It is the role of a trusted assessor to understand the risk factors in the lives of patients and provide them with safe options. This might include changes in perching stool, stair rails, bath boards, bed raisers, etc.

Trusted Assessor Courses: Online Vs Practical Training

Although practical training is the best way to learn any skill, one cannot negate the importance of online training, especially after the Covid-19 outbreak. Various leading healthcare organizations and medical institutions offer different types of courses that include both online and practical sessions to showcase a holistic approach to understanding the patient’s needs and intervention. Whether it is about minor adaptations or major changes at home or the knowledge of medical supplies and equipment, it is imperative to have exposure to deal with different situations to succeed as a trusted assessor.

Ending Note

If you have a keen interest in serving people and are passionate about improving the lives of specially-abled people, the trusted assessor courses are a great option. If you look at it professionally, there is a lot of scope in the field of medicine and if you are already related to the healthcare industry, these courses would open up new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally!

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Personal hygiene is an essential part of our lifestyle. It’s important to keep our bodies clean to protect ourselves from illnesses. This has become even more crucial due to the covid-19 pandemic that has adversely affected many countries around the globe. One effective way to slow down, if not prevent, the spread of germs like bacteria and viruses is to properly and frequently wash our hands.

Benefits of Washing Your Hands Properly

Throughout the day, as you do various activities, oil and dirt gather on your hands. Germs are held by these greasy substances and can transfer to other surfaces you may touch. From these surfaces, or by direct contact e.g. handshakes, those germs get transferred to other people. This is why it’s important to frequently clean your hands properly – not only for your safety but for the safety of others as well.

Washing hands is one of the most effective methods to remove germs, protect yourself from illnesses, and stop the spread of germs to others. Soap and warm water are enough to rid yourself of these germs. Proper handwashing can help prevent respiratory infections and diarrhea-related diseases.

Steps for Handwashing

  • Wet your hands with clean, warm water. Warm water works more effectively with soap to remove grease and oil from your hands.
  • Lather your hand with soap. Make sure to lather your hands down till the wrists, the back of your hands and between your fingers.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rub firmly and scrub each part of your hand thoroughly –palms, wrists, between your fingers, back of your hands, and under your nails.
  • Rinse thoroughly. Rinse your hands under warm, running water –make sure to scrub as you rinse.
  • Dry your hands. Use a clean cloth towel or paper towel to dry your hands completely. After you’re done, use the towel to turn off the tap. If you’re using a paper towel, discard it properly after use.

Alternatives to Soap

You may use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available. To ensure that the sanitizer is effective, make sure that it has at least 60 percent alcohol. You can also find such sanitizers in the form of gels and wipes as well.

nebulizer parts

How To Wash And Clean Nebulizer Parts

If you own a nebulizer, then you should also be aware of some basic cleaning and maintenance techniques that are necessary. With time, dirt settles in the compressor clogs the channels. Similarly, tubing, masks, and mouthpieces also degrade and it becomes an absolute necessity to clean or sometimes even replace some dysfunctional components. Here are some basics that every nebulizer user must be aware of.

  • Even if the nebulizer seems to be working fine, it is not a good idea to use it longer than recommended. A regular child and adult nebulizer masks should not be used for any longer than6 months. They are made with plastic and hence degrade over time, and not only reduce your treatment benefits but may also be harmful if used for too long.
  • When you buy a new mask, make sure that it is compatible with your nebulizer.
  • You should make sure that you change the nebulizer filter regularly as directed by the manufacturer. Sometimes, it is even better to change it earlier when it turns gray due to impurities.
  • Not changing the filter on time is neither good for your health, nor for the life of your nebulizer because an old and dirty will cause your compressor unit to wear out earlier.
  • Do not forget to clean the outside of the tubing and replace it whenever needed or as recommended.
  • Check and replace any part or accessory appears cracked or worn out.
  • Make sure you have some extra tubing, mouthpieces, and masks at home for emergency situations.

Sterilizing Your Nebulizer Parts And Equipment

Keeping your nebulizer system clean increases safety as well as effectiveness of the treatment. It is necessary to clean and maintain it after every use and hence make sure you dedicate some part of your time for that. Sometimes, the nebulizer stops working because the remaining medication in the cup dies out. Making it a habit to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions every time you nebulize will also prevent this.

It is also necessary to sterilize the nebulizer more thoroughly after every week. Below are some tips that may help, however, you these instructions may vary with the kind of manufacturer. Make sure you refer to the instructions as well.

After each treatment:

  • Thoroughly wash your hands
  • Disassemble the parts from the nebulizer without opening the case.
  • Properly rinse the mask and mouthpiece, as well as reservoir tube and T adapter. Use warm water and continue rinsing for at least half a minute.
  • NEVER wash the nebulizer tubing or compressor.
  • Remove any excess water and leave the parts for some time on a towel to air dry.
  • Finally, connect all the parts again and turn on the compressor for a few seconds to dry.

Once a week:

  • Refer to the owner’s manual to see if there are any specific instructions given.
  • Some nebulizers may require you to soak all nebulizer parts (excluding mask, tubing, and compressor) in a solution of water and distilled white vinegar. Ideally the vinegar and water should be used in the ratio of 1:3.
  • Note that this cleaning solution can never be reused.
  • Remove any excess water and leave the parts for some time on a towel to air dry.
  • Finally, connect all the parts again and turn on the compressor for a few seconds to dry.
  • You may also wipe and clean the parts with a soft, damp cloth moistened with water or a mild soap and water solution.
  • You can also top-rack dishwasher safe some parts of the nebulizer, but a mask can never be put in a dishwasher.
  • After the weekly or daily cleansing, cover the nebulizer and place it in a cool and dry place.

Face Masks - ACG Medical

3-Ply Surgical Masks – How To Check For Authenticity

Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the demands for 3-ply surgical masks have gone through the roof. Various brands have capitalized on the situation and are selling all kinds of masks. Since safety is of the utmost importance, it would only serve you well to ensure that the mask you’re wearing is actually protecting you. How do you figure that out? Here are a few tips you can try before buying:

Check for 3 layers

This one’s a no-brainer. The 3-ply mask is so called because it actually has 3 protective layers.

  • The outside layer is a non-woven, hydrophobic layer. Appears translucent.
  • In the middle there’s a melt-blown layer, which is white in color.
  • On the inside, you’ll find a non-woven soft absorbent layer, typically in blue, green or white.

Water resistance

The outer layer should be waterproof. Pour some water on the outer layer and check if the other side gets damp. If it does, then it’s not a proper 3-ply mask.

Fire resistance

The melt-blown middle layer is made with a special fabric that melts but does not burn with a flame. If it burns with a flame, then it’s not an authentic mask.

Electrostatic Adsorption

The middle layer also demonstrates an electrostatic effect. This means that the layer can be adsorbed (stuck to the surface) by certain materials. To test this, simply cut the layer into tiny strips or pieces. Then use another mask to check if the electrostatic adsorption occurs.

Light transmission

The middle layer should not be too porous. It’s designed this way to stop bacteria from passing through the mask, in any direction. Use a flashlight to make sure your mask doesn’t allow too much light to pass through. If it does, then it’s not a 3-ply mask.

Blow out a candle

Go ahead. Wear your mask and try blowing out a small flame, like a candle or matchstick. If you’re able to do it, then the mask is not doing its job. The middle layer and the inner layer are supposed to prevent any droplets like water and spit from passing through. This alone should make it virtually impossible for you to blow out a flame.

Liquid absorption

The inner most layer is absorbent, so its job is to absorb any moisture. This includes saliva, sweat and even sneeze droplets. Pour a little bit of water on the inside of your mask to see if it’s absorbing properly.

n authentic 3-ply mask provides a protective barrier for your mouth and nose against viruses and bacteria. It’s essential to wear the right one. So whether you’re buying masks in bulk, or just concerned about your own safety, these tests will help you identify real masks from fake ones.

Visit ACG Medical to explore more.

Search Articles

Medical Tips in Your Inbox

Get expert recovery advice, equipment guides, and caregiver tips — delivered weekly. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Need equipment today?

Same-day or next-day delivery in the DFW area. Call us now for immediate assistance.