Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator Troubleshooting 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator is one of the lightest POCs available on the market. It offers up to 16 hours of battery life, and its unique design rests perfectly against a patient's body's natural curves, making it very comfortable to travel around with. This award-winning oxygen concentrator delivers oxygen in 5 pulse settings and has a large, user-friendly LCD screen that shows a user's battery status, oxygen settings, and alarm notifications.

The unit has 13 system alarms to warn users that something may be wrong with their device. These alarms include no breath detection, external power failure, high/low operating temperature, and overall system failure.

Each alarm will sound on the device, as well as display an icon on the display screen. Here are some tips for troubleshooting when you see and hear these alerts.

Safety Tips for the Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Be sure to follow basic safety guidelines when using your portable oxygen concentrator.

  • Always keep your Caire Freestyle away from open flames such as fireplaces
  • Keep your portable oxygen concentrator away from water such as swimming pools or bathtubs
  • Don’t smoke when using your Caire Freestyle
  • Try not to use aerosol products such as hairspray when the Caire Freestyle is on
  • Avoid leaving your portable oxygen concentrator in a hot car when not in use. Store in a shaded area when on the go like the trunk.
  • Always make sure the intake vents are unobstructed

Why Would My Caire FreeStyle Comfort POC Stop Working?

There may be many reasons why your Caire FreeStyle stops working. You can depend on some of the visual and audio alerts to indicate a possible cause of shutdown.

  • The battery may be over temperature and will shut down the unit as a safety feature
  • The unit may be overheating and will shut down to prevent greater damage
  • If the concentrator reaches a high pressure, the unit will shut down
  • A low battery means reduced power leading to oxygen concentrator shutdown

When The Caire FreeStyle Comfort Oxygen Concentrator Does Not Turn On

When the unit does not turn on at all, explore these possible solutions.

Causes and Solution

Probable cause:

  • Battery is discharged
  • The unit is not connected to an external power source
  • There is a general malfunction

Solution:

  • Power the unit through the AC or DC outlet
  • Ensure that external connects are secure
  • Perform a Full Power Cycle by removing the battery and disconnecting any AC or DC external power source. Then reinstall battery, and the power cycle is complete. Reconnect external power source if desired.
  • Contact your Equipment Provider, and change to another source of oxygen as necessary

Battery Over Temperature in Caire FreeStyle Comfort POC

When the battery overheats, the Caire FreeStyle will shut down as a safety feature and to protect itself from more damage caused by excessive heat. Turn off the unit temporarily. Allow the unit to cool down. Disconnect the battery.

Switch to an external source of power to run your portable oxygen concentrator if needed.  You can resume battery usage after the battery has cooled down. Check your intake vent for obstructions which can cause the overheating.  

No Breathe Detected in Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The No Breathe Detected alert indicates that the oxygen concentrator cannot detect your inhalation or exhalation of oxygen through the nasal cannula or oxygen tubing. Check the tubing for kinks or tangles which may be blocking the flow. Check connections at the unit port to make sure they are secure.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you continue to receive this alert, turn the unit off. Turn the unit back on. Allow for the unit to warm up and try to see of the alert ceases.

Low Concentration in Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Low concentration alerts indicate that the flow of oxygen through the tubing is being obstructed. The Low Concentration alert will usually activate when oxygen purity levels drop below 80%. Check the intake vent to make sure it is clear.

Also check the filter to make sure it is not dirty. Either clean or change a filter if needed. Turn the unit off and restart. The alert should stop, and oxygen purity will reach the ideal percentage.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator Displays Alarm and Produces Intermittent Beep

On occasion, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort will display a visual alarm and produce an intermittent beeping alert as well.

Causes and Solution

  • High battery temperature: remove the battery and allow it to cool and check the intake vent
  • High system temperature: turn off the unit and allow it to cool and check the intake vent
  • Low concentration: check for obstructions around the intake vent or check the filter
  • High pressure: change the settings on your oxygen concentrator
  • Flow valve failure or obstruction: check intake vent for obstructions or check the filter
  • Exceeded breathing rate: change the settings on your oxygen concentrator

Miscellaneous Problems with The Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Other solutions to problems with your Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator include:

  • Make sure the nasal cannula is connected to the nozzle on the oxygen concentrator
  • If using a humidifier bottle, make sure that the cannula tubing is connected properly
  • Position the nasal cannula correctly on your face
  • Ensure that the tubing is not twisted or bent
  • Check whether the flow-meter knob is closed
  • Make sure when using the carrying case that the vents are not blocked in the bag

Where Can I Buy a Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

You can search online for a new unit from the comfort of your own home. You can find this and other leading brands of portable oxygen concentrators at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer any questions and help you with troubleshooting and accessories for your Caire unit.  Call us at 888-941-1688.

Chris Vasta

Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.