How to Shut Out Rain-Out What springs to mind when you think of wintertime annoyances? Snow, surely. Cold temperatures. A lack of sunlight. For those who work in long-term care, oxygen concentrator rain-out is likely on the list as well. Rain-out refers to the condensation that develops and collects in oxygen tubing when a humidifier is being used. As warm, humid, oxygenated air travels down the tubing, moisture condenses and collects when it hits cooler areas of the tubing, typically in the section of tubing that sits on the floor. This moisture, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to respiratory infections, eventually makes its way out of the tubing and into the resident’s nose. Rain-out worsens in the winter because floors tend to be colder during this time of year. It is also more likely to occur when long oxygen tubing is used. For example, 50 feet of tubing allows the oxygen to come in contact with the cold surface for a longer period of time than 25 feet of tubing. The following tips can help you curb rain-out in your facility: Eliminate the humidifier, if feasible. If a humidifier is used, fill the bottle with room temperature or cool water. Shorten the tubing length or use hooks or straps to elevate the tubing off the floor. Use tubing that features an in-line water trap, which collects water and prevents it from being passed on to the resident. It should be located in the tubing near the cannula end to achieve the best results. Place the concentrator in a shaded, larger and well-ventilated room. This will prevent a buildup of heat from the sun or other heating sources. Keep the machine at least eight inches from the wall to provide adequate ventilation. You should also make sure that the air intake filter is kept clean. Make sure there are no leaks, kinks or weak connections in the tubing. Professional Medical offers all of the tools you need to develop an effective respiratory care program at your facility. To learn more, contract your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or click the link above.

Join Us for This Week's Perfect Survey Webinar! There's still time to join us for this Thursday's Perfect Survey webinar! We're confident that once you learn more about Compliance Solutions: For the Perfect Survey Every Day, you'll see that it will be a valuable component of your survey preparation strategy. Our exclusive online tool is ideal for prepping for both the QIS and traditional survey! During the webinar, we'll introduce you to the site's contents, including the actual forms that surveyors use, guidance broken down by F tag and care area and exclusive tips from industry veterans. We'll also show you the fresh content that was recently added to the site. This month, we'll be paying

special attention to the Pressure Ulcers/Wound Care care area and discussing resident-specific turning and positioning schedules. Click on the link above to register for the February 21 webinar, which will be held from 8-9 a.m. CST.

The VisionAire is the lightest and quietest oxygen concentrator on today's market. At just 30 lbs. (13.6 kg), this lightweight, 5 LPM, compact oxygen machine is an economical and power-efficient choice. It also features attractive, contemporary styling and near-silent operation. The VisionAire unit is easy to use, easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free. All units can be equipped with or without an oxygen monitor to verify concentration. Additional features: Oxygen concentration:* 1-5 LPM at 90% +5.5/-3% (based on 70°F [21°C] at sea level) Dimensions: 20.8" high x 14.1" wide x 11.5" deep (52.8 cm high x 35.8 cm wide x 29.2 cm deep) Weight: 30 lb (13.6 kg) Power: 115 VAC, 60 Hz; 220-240 VAC, 50 Hz; 220 VAC, 60 Hz Power consumption: 290 Watts Alarms: Power failure, high and low pressure, temperature, low concentration (with optional oxygen monitor) Sound: 40 dBA Temperature range: Operational temperature: 41°F to 105°F (5°C to 40°C). Operating unit outside of this range can affect performance. Storage temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) *Specifications subject to change without notice.

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