Oxygen Concentrator Troubleshooting

Is Your Oxygen Machine Beeping?

A beeping oxygen concentrator is no reason to panic. Most stationery and portable oxygen units have several built-in safety features to alert users that something requires attention. Most often, the concentrator either requires power or has detected poor airflow. Use this checklist to help further diagnose the issue.

Reasons Your Oxygen Machine is Beeping

Loss of Power

A lack of power is one of the most common issues that cause an oxygen concentrator to beep. If you are using a portable oxygen concentrator with a battery, such as the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini, this alarm may sound if your battery drops below a certain percentage. Plug your concentrator in immediately and the beeping will stop.

Additionally, it may begin to beep if your oxygen concentrator is plugged in and turned on, but no power is available. Simply turn the oxygen concentrator off, unplug it, and plug it into a known, working electrical outlet. 

User Error

Simple actions that you may take for granted can cause your oxygen concentrator to beep. Things such as placing your device in a poorly ventilated area or not regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter – can cause your device’s alarm to sound. Sometimes it is not always clear what is causing the alarm, so be sure to check the user manual. For further troubleshooting, contact our customer care team.

System Failing to Produce Enough Oxygen

It is important to note that oxygen concentrators do not produce their own oxygen. Concentrators draw in and filter the room air surrounding them to provide users with a more concentrated form of oxygen. When your unit struggles to provide this concentrated form of oxygen, it will alert you audibly. This alarm typically requires maintenance.

Lack of Oxygen Flow

Though common, this alert can be one of the easiest to fix. It will begin beeping if your oxygen concentrator does not detect sufficient airflow. This may occur with a damaged or kinked tube. To silence this alarm, simply inspect your oxygen tubing for damage or kinks. Replace any damaged tubing and untangle any kinked tubing. If the alarm does not resolve itself, check the troubleshooting section of your manual or contact our customer care team.

The Unit is Overheated

Overheating can be caused by several things. These causes can include being placed in a poorly ventilated room, a clogged filter, or even a clogged motor/fan. If the overheating alarm begins to beep, turn the device off and wait for it to cool down. Turn the device on again. If the problem continues, the device may require maintenance.

What Does a Yellow Light Mean on an Oxygen Concentrator?

While manufacturers may differ in the operation of oxygen concentrators, the alerts tend to be the same. A yellow light is often an indication that the oxygen flow is low. You may even notice using your oxygen concentrator that the airflow seems reduced.

• Check the filters-they may be reducing oxygen flow if they are dirty or need replacing
• Check the tubing kinks or twists to reduce oxygen flow
• Look for damage to tubing-leaks can reduce oxygen flow

What Does a Red Light Mean on Oxygen Concentrators?

A red indicator light alerts you to power issues with your oxygen concentrator.

• Check power source- make sure the unit is plugged in and the power cord is not damaged
• Check battery- If running on battery, check to make sure the battery is properly installed and fully charged

Alarms on Your Oxygen Concentrator

Most oxygen units come with several safety features installed to avoid damage to your equipment. These usually come in the form of audible alarms with or without blinking lights. While every oxygen machine is different, let the below serve as a guide for what the problem may be. For specific issues, reference your device’s user manual.

The Alarm is Sounding with No Light

A beeping noise with no flashing light could indicate a power issue. Unplug and then plug the machine back in. Check your breakers. Check the outlet by plugging in something else to see if you get power. If not, plug the concentrator into a known, working electrical outlet. If the beeping persists, contact our customer care team.

The Alarm is Sounding with Red Light 

While not all oxygen concentrators have a red indicator, they are generally reserved for more high-priority alerts or malfunctions. 

If you experience an alarm paired with a red light, shut your system down immediately. Check to make sure it isn’t overheating; if it is, give it time to cool down. Check all filters to make sure they are clean and make sure the device is in a well-ventilated area away from the wall. After approximately 15 minutes, turn your oxygen concentrator on again. If the alarm and red light occur, check that your oxygen concentrator has its system of built-in safety features, including alarms and LED indicators.

We recommend familiarizing yourself with your device’s user manual. If you have any additional questions about your oxygen concentrator’s alarms, contact our customer care team. We can be reached at 888-941-1688 or via email at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com.