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Disinfecting Cough Assist Equipment

Your child’s respiratory therapist asks that you use the following cleaning routine to kill germs on your child’s respiratory cough assist equipment.

Every day

  • Leave the bacteria filter in place if not blocked by sputum or trapped moisture. Replace the filter once a month.
  • After each treatment wash the mask or trach adapter in mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
  • Dispose of the 6-inch tubing that attaches to the mask or trach adapter at the end of the day.

Once a week

  • Wash and dry mask, trach adapter and 6-foot tubing in mild soap and water.
  • Disinfect using vinegar and water.

Every month

  • Dispose of the 6-foot tubing and the bacteria filter.

Cleaning and disinfecting instructions

  1. Take apart your child’s respiratory equipment and wash all the parts thoroughly in a mild liquid detergent and warm tap water.
    Completely rinse the equipment parts with hot tap water and shake out excess water. Place the parts on a clean towel to dry.
    When dry, place the parts in a clean plastic bag.
  2. To disinfect, soak the equipment parts for 60 minutes using white vinegar and water. Mix a solution of 1-part vinegar to 3 parts water.
    The vinegar and water solution is fine to use for up to 7 days if kept in a closed container in your refrigerator.
    Use bottled water, if you can. If tap water is used, run the hot water for
    3 minutes to remove bacteria from the water faucet.
  3. Wipe the exterior of the machine with mild detergent and water or
    70% isopropyl alcohol. Always unplug the equipment before cleaning.

To Learn More

  • Home Care Services 
    425-482-4000
    Toll-free: 800-888-4420
  • Ask your child’s healthcare provider
  • seattlechildrens.org/patient-education

Free Interpreter Services

  • In the hospital, ask your nurse.
  • From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle Children’s offers free interpreter services for patients, family members and legal representatives who are deaf or hard of hearing or speak a language other than English. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your healthcare provider.

© 2026 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved.

11/01/2023
PE1194
Patient and Family Education | Home Care Services

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4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (toll-free) 206-987-0391 (TTY)

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Seattle Children’s complies with applicable federal and other civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people or treat them differently based on race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry), age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.