Is it possible to wash a blood pressure monitor cuff in water?

When using devices for measuring blood pressure, sooner or later the issue of sanitization arises. Is it possible to wash a blood pressure monitor cuff? No. Regardless of the manufacturer, the cuff cannot be washed, wet, or treated with a hot iron. However, cleaning with disinfectants is allowed.

Why not?

The cuff is made of 100% nylon and contains 1 or 2 tubes. The material is highly durable, wear-resistant, and does not absorb odors, sweat and other contaminants. Nylon itself is washable. However, the cuff is a part of the measuring device, inside of which there is an air chamber. And for a pressure meter, high accuracy of readings is of paramount importance. Washing the blood pressure monitor cuff may change its size, which will affect the results of blood pressure measurements.

If the cuff was unknowingly washed, you should check the accuracy of the device. To do this, the tonometer must be taken to a service center in accordance with the brand (Omron, Microlife, B.Well). The addresses of the branches must be indicated in the guarantee card. You can also find out the location of the service center at the place where you purchased the device. Even without washing, the tonometer should be checked every 5 years!

Cleaning Rules

If you can’t wash the tonometer cuff, how can you clean it? Sanitation with a 70% solution of ethyl alcohol or a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide is allowed:

A cotton pad is generously moistened with a disinfectant mixture and the cloth is wiped.
After 15 minutes, repeated treatment is carried out.

Disinfection rules to follow:

Clean the device after each use. The inner part of the fabric covering, which is in contact with the forearm, is subject to disinfection.
You can wipe other parts of the device with a solution of ethyl alcohol: tubes, pressure gauge, rubber bulb, stethoscope.

When using a hydrogen peroxide solution, partial discoloration of the fabric covering is allowed.

To extend the life of the tonometer, it is important to store it correctly. Storage is allowed at temperatures from -33 to +55 degrees and air humidity no more than 85%. The tubes and chamber must be protected from piercing and cutting elements.

If the cuff wears out, it can be replaced as a part of the device. To do this, you need to contact a specialized medical equipment store. It is selected in accordance with the brand of the device (“Omron” for “Omron”, Microlife for Microlife), and costs about 800–900 rubles.

So, is it possible to wash a blood pressure monitor cuff? Definitely not. Washing or getting the pressure meter wet may affect the accuracy of the readings. The inner surface should be treated with medical alcohol or peroxide. This is more than enough. The fabric from which the cuffs are made repels moisture and practically does not become dirty.