Safety advice for disinfection of S, Inspire & Respire breathing valves

Interspiro initially specified a disinfection method with alcohol (document number 55203 and 55205). We have continued to test and evaluate different methods for deactivating Corona virus. A new, more simple method using heat has now been introduced. Follow this link for information on the new method.

Effective immediately, the initial disinfection method using alcohol shall no longer be used to disinfect breathing valves of the types S, Inspire and Respire.

The disinfection instructions with alcohol instructed to keep the breathing valve mounted together during the disinfection procedure, to keep the procedure simple and easy to implement. This made the drying of the internal parts of the breathing valve more difficult, subjecting the internal parts to elevated levels of moisture for extended time periods.

During certain circumstances, it has been found that moisture inside the breathing valve may not dry out completely leading to changes in the properties of some materials. For this reason, we have decided to pull back the disinfection instructions with alcohol.

To ensure that breathing valves that have been submitted to the disinfection method with alcohol are OK to use, a short user test must be performed.

This test must be performed before the next use of the breathing valve. It must be performed even if the breathing valve have been in use and/or tested after the disinfection took place.

1. Make sure the breathing valve is completely dry.
2. Mount the breathing valve in a face mask
3. Connect the breathing valve and face mask to a breathing apparatus with closed cylinder valve.
4. Don the face mask and make sure it seals against the face.
5. If applicable, close the ambient air hatch.
6. Breathe down until the face mask gets sucked against your face and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
7. The breathing valve is OK if the face mask continues to be sucked against your face during these 5 seconds.
8. If any leakage occurs, leave the breathing valve to a service technician to be disassembled having internal parts, including the diaphragm, visually inspected. If needed, contact your Interspiro representative for guidance.