How to Select, Use, and Maintain Home Medical Devices Properly

As public health awareness rises, home medical devices are becoming essential tools for families to monitor and manage their health. These devices not only support daily health routines but also help in emergencies by providing reliable medical data and treatment assistance at home.

However, to maximize their benefits, it's crucial to understand how to select the right equipment, use it properly, and maintain it for long-term accuracy and safety.

Join INNORKOM as we explore everything you need to know about home medical devices!

Home medical devices: As the name suggests, they are medical devices mainly suitable for home use. They are different from medical devices used in hospitals. Their main features are simple operation, small size and easy to carry. Note: Contact lenses, condoms, thermometers, blood sugar test strips, pregnancy diagnostic test strips (early pregnancy test strips), bandages, medical cotton swabs, and medical cold/hot compresses are also medical devices.

Height increasers, weight loss devices, daily fitness equipment, clothes with health functions, hats, shoes, socks, bracelets, and earrings are not medical devices.

Household testing equipment: Common ones include thermometers, blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors, testing reagents and stethoscopes. Home medical rehabilitation equipment: Common ones include home oxygen generators, cervical and lumbar traction devices, anti-pressure sore mattresses, and orthotics. Home treatment equipment: Common ones include nebulizers, ventilators, infrared therapy devices, magnetic therapy devices, physical therapy devices, etc.

Patients should follow the professional advice of doctors to make purchases. Before purchasing, they should be familiar with the product's mechanism of action, scope of application, method of use, precautions, contraindications, etc. according to their own situation and listen to the doctor's advice, and use them under the guidance of doctors.

1. Purchase from a regular medical device company, so that subsequent product technical support and maintenance services can be guaranteed.

2. Check whether the company has a "Medical Device Business License" or filing certificate when purchasing.

Proper maintenance of home medical devices can not only extend the service life, but also ensure the accuracy of measurement data and safety of use. Different devices have different maintenance methods. Generally speaking, the product storage, maintenance and maintenance methods are marked on the instructions of medical devices. For medical devices with special storage conditions or methods, special instructions will also be given. Just refer to the instructions for storage.

The following are the key points for the maintenance and maintenance of common home medical devices:

I. Maintenance of electronic monitoring devices

1. Electronic blood pressure monitor

Cuff cleaning: Wipe the cuff lining with a damp cloth regularly (avoid direct wiping with alcohol to avoid accelerated aging).

Battery management: Remove the battery when not in use for a long time to avoid leakage and corrosion of the circuit.

Calibration check: Calibrate at least once a year.

Storage environment: Avoid high temperature and humidity to prevent electronic components from malfunctioning due to moisture.

2. Blood glucose meter

Test strip storage:

Unopened test strips need to be refrigerated (2~8℃), and stored at room temperature after opening (use within 3 months).

Avoid direct contact of fingers with the test strip electrode area when taking the test strip.

Replacement of blood collection needle: Replace after each use to avoid infection or measurement errors caused by repeated use.

Blood glucose meter cleaning: Use a cotton swab to dip a small amount of clean water to wipe the detection area to avoid alcohol corrosion of the sensor.

3. Blood oximeter

Probe protection: Avoid direct exposure to strong light to prevent sensor aging.

Regular calibration: Some high-end models need to be returned to the factory for calibration regularly (refer to the manual).

Battery maintenance: Use alkaline batteries to avoid insufficient power affecting the reading.

II. Maintenance of therapeutic equipment

1. Nebulizer

Cleaning of the atomizer cup:

Disassemble after each use, rinse with warm water, and dry naturally (avoid wiping residual fibers with paper towels).

Soak in white vinegar + warm water (1:1 ratio) for 30 minutes every week to remove scale.

Catheter maintenance: Avoid bending and check regularly for cracks or leaks.

Nozzle disinfection: Wipe with 75% alcohol cotton pads, but do not steam at high temperature (some materials will deform).

2. Infrared physiotherapy device/low-frequency therapy device

Electrode maintenance: Wipe sweat stains after use to avoid oxidation and decreased conductivity.

If the viscosity is weakened, you can gently wipe the back with a small amount of clean water (do not use alcohol).

Body maintenance: avoid impact or falling to prevent damage to the internal circuit.

III. Maintenance of rehabilitation assistive devices

1. Cervical/lumbar traction device

Airbag inspection: Regularly inflate to test for leaks (immerse in water to observe bubbles).

Strap cleaning: Hand wash the removable part with a neutral detergent to avoid deformation caused by machine washing.

Rust prevention of metal parts: Apply a small amount of lubricant (such as vaseline) to the joints regularly.

2. Anti-pressure sore mattress

Regular deflation: Completely deflate once a week to avoid long-term pressure deformation.

Surface cleaning: Wipe with a neutral detergent to avoid sharp objects scratching the air cushion.

IV. General maintenance principles

Regular inspection:

Check whether the power cord and interface are aging (such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators).

Check for abnormal noise or heat (which may indicate internal failure).

Avoid incorrect storage:

All equipment should be kept away from high temperature, humidity, and direct sunlight (such as bathrooms and heaters).

Some precision instruments (such as blood glucose meters) need to be anti-magnetic and avoid being close to strong magnetic field equipment such as microwave ovens and mobile phones.

Replacement of consumables:

Batteries, test strips, electrodes, etc. need to be replaced regularly according to the instructions.

Expired consumables (such as blood glucose test strips) must be discarded, otherwise the measurement results will be affected.

V. Common Misunderstandings

❌ Wipe all instruments with alcohol → Some plastic/rubber parts will be corroded (such as blood pressure cuffs).

❌ Ignore filter replacement → Oxygen generators and nebulizers will have reduced efficiency and even breed bacteria.

❌ Reuse of disposable consumables → Such as blood collection needles and nebulizer catheters may cause infection.

Guangzhou INNORKOM Medical Limited is a trusted global supplier of certified medical equipment, offering:

✅ High-quality home-use medical devices
✅ Professional consultation and technical support
✅ Customized health monitoring solutions
✅ One-stop procurement for clinics and households

💬 “Your health is our mission. At INNORKOM, we deliver innovation, safety, and peace of mind—one device at a time.”

✅ Conclusion

Choosing and maintaining the right home medical devices ensures safer, more effective home healthcare. With regular care and guidance from trusted providers like INNORKOM, you can protect your family’s health with confidence.

🔍 How often do you maintain your home medical devices? Take a few minutes to check today!