How to Use an Oxygen Concentrator in Severe Weather

If you are managing a respiratory illness at home, a home oxygen concentrator is essential for treatment. When oxygen therapy is required on a regular and continuous basis, changing conditions cannot get in the way. Severe weather can cause power outages which can compromise your home oxygen concentrator use. If you live in an area where severe weather is common, then you need to be prepared for the loss of power. Try these tips for operating your oxygen concentrator when bad weather hits.

It is recommended to have a backup power source in case of power outages or other emergencies. Backup power source options include generators, battery backups, solar power, and wind power. Having any or all of these will help ensure those who need oxygen therapy will still be able to receive it. Make sure that whatever secondary power source you have will properly connect to your oxygen concentrator in case of an emergency. Read the instruction manual of whatever oxygen concentrator you have for more information about compatibility. 

Making sure you have enough supplies to last through a storm is essential. Think about all things you use on a daily basis and make sure you are stocked up on them at all times in case of an emergency. Make an emergency kit of all the supplies you think you'll need. Base your quantity of supplies for 3+ days and don't forget to consider those you live with as well. 

Some emergency supplies for basic survival include: 

• Food: It is best to stock up on non-perishable foods so that they last longer. 
• Water: have at least 1 gallon per person a day. 
• Blankets
• First-Aid Kit
• Flashlights
• Medications
• Backup oxygen supplies

In case of emergencies, it is best to keep your medical prescription and medicines close to you at all times. It is recommended to make a copy of it so you have multiple just in case. If an evacuation needs to occur, it can take a lot of time to get everything together and a medical patient will need their daily essentials. So, it is recommended to always be ready instead of having to get ready.

Here are some other medical-related things to consider having ready in case of a storm, power outage, etc.:

• Copy of your oxygen therapy prescription
• Copy of the medicines you take
• Copy of your health care provider's contact information
• Copy of your insurance information
• Copy of user manuals for your oxygen concentrator and other medical devices

Having extra oxygen supplies is vital to your overall health in case of an emergency. This will help to keep your oxygen therapy on track and will benefit greatly to your overall health and well-being. Backup oxygen supplies can include:

• Extra batteries and power supplies
• Extra nasal cannulas
• Extra pulse oximeter
• Extra oxygen concentrator filters

If you need any assistance ordering any backup supplies, The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop would be happy to help! Give our knowledgeable staff a call at 888-941-1688 today!

When you set up your oxygen concentrator at home be sure to place it in an open area. Make sure the vents and filters are not blocked to keep your machine performing at its best. Keep your oxygen concentrator away from high heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters. Avoid leaving your oxygen concentrator outside in extreme weather. Also, avoid water as it can damage your machine. Keep your oxygen concentrator away from swimming pools and bathtubs.

Most oxygen concentrators do not work well below 40 degrees, so using a portable oxygen concentrator for outdoor winter activities is not recommended. Short periods of use with a portable oxygen concentrator in cold weather are okay, such as errands in which the oxygen concentrator is not exposed to the cold too long.

For indoor winter use, most home oxygen concentrators are effective just as long as they are kept away from extreme heat sources such as fireplaces or electric space heaters.  

Because oxygen concentrators cannot be exposed to extreme heat, they are not recommended for outdoor summer activities when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Avoid leaving oxygen concentrators outside for picnics or pool parties if there is no shade. Portable oxygen concentrators should not be used when they are subject to heat for long periods of time. Also, avoid leaving your portable oxygen concentrator in the car on hot days. Even while not in use, high temperatures can damage the machine.

Oxygen humidifiers can be used to manage high or low humidity conditions or environments. Oxygen humidifiers keep humidity levels constant for enhanced comfort while using oxygen. Heated tubing regulates the moisture content of the oxygen delivered to the mask. Too little moisture added to the oxygen supply can lead to a sore throat over time. While oxygen humidifiers do not need to be used all the time, they are recommended when humid conditions affect the oxygen you breathe from your concentrator. 

• Cover it with shade on hot summer days. Don’t put it in direct sunlight and make sure it doesn’t get too hot.
• In winter, try to put the oxygen concentrator in an insulated bag to stop it from freezing or getting too cold.
• Try to protect it from dust and wind. You don’t want to use a dirty oxygen concentrator, so clean your machine as often as possible.
• Don’t put your machine too close to water. In case your oxygen concentrator gets soaked, let it dry completely before using it again.

Before severe weather occurs, it is best to have an emergency plan in place to ensure your oxygen therapy can be delivered during a power outage. If you only have a home oxygen concentrator, keeping a portable oxygen concentrator for emergencies can help. Portable oxygen concentrators rely on battery power so oxygen therapy can continue even during a blackout. Be sure to have charged backup batteries in place for hours of oxygen if the power is out for an extended period of time.

Being prepared for severe weather is only one of the ways you can ensure consistent oxygen therapy under any circumstances. You also want to make sure that you have a good supply of additional oxygen concentrator equipment at the ready. That includes:

• Additional hoses in the event your hose develops a leak or crack
• Additional nasal cannulas or masks as they can also wear out over time
• Filters to keep your oxygen concentrator running well are also recommended

You can search online for oxygen concentrators and supplies from the comfort of your own home. You can find everything you need for your oxygen therapy at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer any questions and help you make the best choice. Call us at 888-941-1688.