When a family member comes home from the hospital with new medical equipment, it's normal to feel uncertain. What does this machine actually do? How do I clean it? What if the alarm goes off? This guide is designed to give caregivers a practical, plain-language foundation for managing home medical equipment — starting from the moment the delivery truck pulls up.
Before Delivery: What to Prepare
If your loved one is being discharged from a hospital or rehab facility, their care team should arrange DME delivery to coincide with the discharge date. As the caregiver, you can prepare by:
- Clearing space — identify where large equipment (hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs) will go, with adequate clearance for access and ventilation
- Checking electrical access — oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and hospital beds require standard wall outlets; confirm locations in advance
- Confirming the delivery window — contact the supplier and confirm the expected delivery time so someone is home
- Requesting a setup demonstration — you are entitled to ask the delivery technician to walk you through equipment operation, cleaning, and troubleshooting before they leave
Delivery Day: What to Expect
A reputable supplier will send a trained technician (not just a delivery driver) for complex equipment like oxygen systems, ventilators, power wheelchairs, and hospital beds. When they arrive:
- Ask for their name and the company they represent
- Request a written receipt listing all equipment and supplies delivered
- Ask them to demonstrate operation and answer questions before signing anything
- Get the 24/7 emergency contact number for the supplier
- Ask what to do if the equipment alarms or malfunctions
Don't sign the delivery receipt until you've confirmed every item on the list was actually delivered and is in working condition.
Setting Up Equipment Safely
Different equipment has different safety requirements. Here are the most common:
Oxygen Concentrators
- Place at least 12 inches from walls or furniture for ventilation
- Keep away from heat sources, open flames, and flammable materials
- Post "Oxygen in Use" signs near entry doors — some fire departments want to know
- Do not use aerosol sprays, petroleum-based products, or alcohol near the concentrator
- Have a backup supply (portable cylinder) in case of power outage
Hospital Beds
- Lock all wheels before transfers — this prevents unexpected movement
- Use bed rails as prescribed; never leave a fall-risk patient with rails down
- Confirm the bed height before each transfer to reduce fall risk
- Keep the power cord visible and away from foot traffic
CPAP and BiPAP Machines
- Place on a stable, flat surface near the bed and a power outlet
- Ensure the water chamber is filled to the marked line (not overfilled)
- Run the tubing so it won't pull or kink during sleep
- Store the machine with the humidifier empty if it won't be used for more than a day
Routine Maintenance: A Weekly Checklist
Most equipment failures are preventable with consistent cleaning. Here is a practical weekly routine:
| Equipment | Weekly Tasks |
|---|---|
| CPAP / BiPAP | Wash mask and tubing with mild soap; rinse humidifier chamber; inspect tubing for cracks |
| Oxygen concentrator | Clean or replace external filter (per manufacturer); wipe cabinet with damp cloth |
| Wheelchair | Check tire pressure; inspect brake pads; lubricate moving joints monthly |
| Hospital bed | Clean mattress cover; check all joints and rails for secure fit; test controls |
| Nebulizer | Wash mask and mouthpiece after every use; soak parts in vinegar solution weekly; replace tubing monthly |
Keep a written maintenance log — date each cleaning and note any observations about equipment performance. This documentation is valuable if you ever need to escalate a service issue with the supplier or Medicare.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
CPAP: Mask Leaks
Mask leaks are the most common complaint. If you hear hissing air or the patient reports pressure loss: check the headgear fit (snug but not painful), inspect the cushion for cracks, and confirm the mask cushion isn't past its replacement date (usually every 1–3 months).
Oxygen: Low Flow Alarm
If the concentrator's low-flow alarm triggers: verify the tubing isn't kinked or pinched, confirm the cannula is seated properly in the nostrils, and check the filter for blockage. If the problem persists, call the supplier — the compressor may need service.
Power Wheelchair: Reduced Range
If the chair runs out of battery faster than expected, the batteries may need replacement. Confirm the chair is being fully charged overnight. Power wheelchair batteries typically last 12–18 months with daily use.
When to Call Your Supplier
Contact your supplier immediately if:
- Equipment alarms repeatedly and you cannot resolve it with basic troubleshooting
- The oxygen concentration level appears low (if you have a portable oxygen analyzer)
- A CPAP or BiPAP displays an error code not explained in the manual
- A wheelchair, walker, or bed has a mechanical issue that limits safe use
- You smell burning or notice unusual heat from any electrical equipment
Most Medicare-enrolled suppliers are required to have 24/7 emergency phone support for life-sustaining equipment like oxygen and ventilators.
Managing Supplies and Reorders
Medicare pays for supply replacements on a schedule (masks, tubing, filters, etc.). Your supplier should proactively reach out for reorders — but many don't. Set a calendar reminder aligned with Medicare's replacement schedule, and contact your supplier proactively when you're running low on critical supplies.
Browse equipment-specific guides for CPAP, oxygen, wheelchairs, and more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the equipment breaks and the supplier doesn't respond?
For life-sustaining equipment (oxygen, ventilators), suppliers enrolled in Medicare are required by their supplier agreement to provide 24/7 emergency support. If you cannot reach your supplier after hours for a critical device, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. File a complaint with your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) afterward.
Can I modify or adjust the equipment settings myself?
Generally, no — changes to prescribed settings require a new order from the prescribing physician. Making unauthorized changes can affect coverage and potentially void the equipment warranty. If you believe settings need adjustment, contact the prescribing doctor, not the supplier directly.