Why a dedicated article on cleaning?
Several parts of the cough assist device come into contact with breathing air, moisture and secretions: the patient port, the tubing circuit, the patient interface and the bacteria/viral filter. The user manual specifies a separate cleaning procedure and a separate interval for each of these parts [1]. In daily practice these details are easily mixed up, especially when the device moves between hospital and home. Here they are organized in one place, each with the section of the user manual where you can look it up.
The intervals at a glance
| Part | Clean | Replace | IFU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device exterior | before and after each use on a patient, more often if needed | if damaged | 8.1 |
| Patient port (Patient Port Adapter) | after each therapy | if damaged | 8.2 |
| Air intake filter | at least once a month | every six months, sooner if torn or damaged | 8.3 |
| Tubing circuit (tubing, patient interface, connectors) | hand-wash after use | after 30 days or 90 therapy cycles, whichever comes first | 8.4 |
| Bacteria/viral filter | do not wash | at home after 30 days or if wet or clogged; for each new patient | 8.4 |
| Dual Lumen Breathing Circuit | hand-wash after use (without filter) | after 30 days or 90 uses at most | 8.5 |
Intervals per BiWaze Cough user manual, BC22463 Rev 11.0 [1]
The device exterior (Section 8.1)
Before cleaning, the power cord is unplugged from the device and the outlet. The exterior surfaces are cleaned before and after each use on a patient, more often if needed [1]. The user manual names four agents for this:
- a clean cloth dampened with warm water and a mild detergent
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- medical device alcohol wipes with less than 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 10% chlorine bleach solution
Afterward, the device and tubing circuit are checked for damage and damaged parts are replaced. The device must be completely dry before the power cord is plugged back in [1].
The patient port (Section 8.2)
The Patient Port Adapter is removed from the device and washed thoroughly with mild dish soap and warm water, or in hospital, alternatively per the facility's protocol. It air-dries on a lint-free cloth. This is repeated after each therapy and for each new patient [1].
The air intake filter (Section 8.3)
Under normal use, the air intake filter is cleaned at least once a month and replaced with a new one every six months [1]. The procedure:
- stop airflow and disconnect the device from power
- remove the filter from its housing and check it for cleanliness and integrity
- wash in warm water with mild dish soap and rinse thoroughly until no residue remains
- air-dry on a lint-free cloth and reinsert
A torn or damaged filter is replaced, using only filters from ABM Respiratory Care [1].
Tubing circuit and bacteria/viral filter (Section 8.4)
For the standard tubing circuit, the user manual gives three warnings: the tubing circuit is not sterilized, all parts are intended for a single patient, and it is replaced between two patients to avoid cross-infection [1].
At home, the tubing and patient interface are hand-washed thoroughly with mild dish soap and warm water after use and fully air-dried before the next use. The tubing circuit is replaced after 30 days or 90 therapy cycles, whichever comes first [1].
In hospital, the same applies for a single patient. If the device is used on multiple patients, the tubing circuit must be replaced [1].
The bacteria/viral filter protects the device from foreign material from the patient circuit. It is not washed. For a single patient it may remain in the system as long as it is not obstructed by secretions or moisture; at home it is replaced after 30 days or as soon as it is wet or clogged. A new filter is used for each new patient [1].
The Dual Lumen Breathing Circuit (Section 8.5)
The Dual Lumen Breathing Circuit is likewise intended for a single patient, for 30 days or 90 uses at most [1]. At home, the user manual specifies five steps:
- disconnect all parts from each other
- wash all parts except the coaxial bacteria/viral filter in mild dish soap and warm water
- rinse with warm water
- check for visible soiling and repeat washing and rinsing as needed
- air-dry completely on a lint-free cloth
The coaxial bacteria/viral filter is not washed and is replaced when wet or clogged [1].
Storage, travel and maintenance (Sections 8.6, 8.7 and 15)
When not in use, the cap is placed on the patient port. The device is switched off, the power cord unplugged, and everything is stored dust-free and out of reach of children [1].
The carrying case supplied with the device is intended for transport. On an aircraft, the device belongs in carry-on luggage in the cabin, not in checked baggage, and no other luggage is placed on top of it [1].
The device requires no routine or scheduled maintenance. There are no user-replaceable parts, and the housing is not opened. Servicing goes through the supporting provider [1].
How long do the parts last? (Section 15.1)
| Part | Expected lifespan |
|---|---|
| Device | 5 years |
| Power cord | 5 years |
| Tubing circuit kit | 30 days after unpacking or 90 therapy cycles |
| Battery | 1 year |
| Carrying case | 2 years |
| Device cart | 3 years |
Expected lifespan per BiWaze Cough user manual, Section 15.1 [1]
Contact
Would you like to train your team, your homecare provider or family members on the BiWaze Cough? We answer inquiries directly and, if needed, arrange training or connect you with the appropriate local specialist dealer.
Frequently asked questions
How often does the BiWaze Cough tubing circuit need to be replaced?
Per the user manual, after 30 days or 90 therapy cycles, whichever comes first. It is always replaced between two patients [1].
May the bacteria/viral filter be washed?
No. The user manual explicitly excludes this. The filter is replaced when wet or clogged, at home after 30 days at the latest, and for each new patient [1].
What can be used to clean the device exterior?
A damp cloth with mild detergent, 70% isopropyl alcohol, medical device alcohol wipes with less than 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 10% chlorine bleach solution, with the power cord unplugged in each case [1].
May the tubing circuit be sterilized?
No. The user manual explicitly warns against this. All parts of the tubing circuit are intended for a single patient [1].
Can I take the BiWaze Cough on a flight?
Yes, in the supplied carrying case as carry-on luggage in the cabin. The device should not be checked, and no other luggage should be placed on top of it [1].
Sources
[1] BiWaze Cough User Manual EU (Gebrauchsanweisung), BC22463 Rev 11.0, Kapitel 8 (Reinigung und Wartung) und 15.1 (Wechselintervalle/Komponentenübersicht)
[2] ABM Respiratory Care Claims Matrix — BiWaze Cough (PRTN-1585539264-210 Rev 5.0, JUN2026)
Note
This article is provided for professional information and does not replace clinical judgement. Statements on device settings are orientation only; the device's instructions for use and the assessment of the treating clinician prevail.
