AliMedix logoAliMedixHome medical reference
Reference

Equipment glossary

Plain definitions of common home medical supply and equipment terms.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
A
Absorbency rating

A measure of how much fluid an incontinence or wound product can hold, usually set by the maker and separate from the product size.

C
Cannula

A thin tube that delivers oxygen, commonly a nasal cannula resting below the nose, used with home oxygen equipment.

CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure, a therapy that uses a machine, tubing and a mask to keep the airway open during sleep, set up by a clinician.

D
Durable medical equipment

Reusable medical devices intended for repeated home use, such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds and oxygen equipment; often shortened to DME.

H
Hydrocolloid dressing

A type of wound dressing that forms a gel as it absorbs fluid, used for certain low-drainage wounds under care guidance.

L
Lancing device

A small spring-loaded tool used with a home glucose meter to obtain a tiny blood sample for testing.

N
Nebulizer

A device that turns liquid medication into a mist to be breathed in, used for some respiratory conditions as prescribed.

P
Pulse oximeter

A clip-style device that estimates blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate; readings should be interpreted with clinical context.

Q
Quad cane

A cane with a four-point base that provides a wider, more stable contact area than a single-point cane.

R
Rollator

A wheeled walker with a seat and brakes, suited to people who can walk but need support and a place to rest.

S
Seating and mobility evaluation

An assessment used to match a wheelchair and seating to a person’s strength, needs, home and transport.

W
Weight capacity

The maximum user weight a device is rated to support safely, printed by the manufacturer and not to be exceeded.