A beeping oxygen concentrator is no reason to panic. Most stationary and portable oxygen units have a number of 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
One of the most common issues that causes an oxygen concentrator to beep is a lack of power. 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, if your oxygen concentrator is plugged in and turned on, but no power is available, it may begin to beep. 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 – these 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. If your oxygen concentrator does not detect sufficient airflow, it will begin beeping. 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 a number of 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.
Alarms on Your Oxygen Concentrator
Most oxygen units come with a number of 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.
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.
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, turn your device off and contact our care team to help facilitate a service ticket.
Alarm is Beeping with Green or Yellow Light
Beeping with a green light most commonly indicates low oxygen flow or low battery power. Check your cannula tubing for kinks or tears. Plug your device in, if able, to avoid therapy interruption.
In most instances, a yellow light paired with an audible alarm means a medium priority alert. Low oxygen, overheating and no breath detection would all be examples of a medium alert. Reference your user manual for more specific troubleshooting.
It is important to note that these tips are for general use. Each oxygen concentrator has its own 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.
2 Comments. Leave new
With an Invacare Perfecto2 set to 4 on the flow meter, if the tube is kinked and flow drops to 1-1/2 – 2, should the alarm beep? Mine doesn’t. It will beep only if all oxygen flow is blocked.
Hi Rick, I’m not too sure about the answer to your question. If you are still experiencing this issue feel free to give our customer care team a call to help you troubleshoot. They can be reached at 888-941-1688. Hope this helps!