An oxygen concentrator is one of the primary sources of supplemental oxygen. Patients managing respiratory conditions depend on their oxygen concentrator for better breathing. Those who require long-term respiratory treatment need to maintain their oxygen concentrator properly. A well-cared-for oxygen concentrator can provide many years of reliable service.
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Drive Devilbiss 5 Liter Oxygen Concentrator | 525DSStarting at$739.00 Regular Price $849.00 -
Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator (Pulse Dose)Starting at$2,495.00 Regular Price $2,983.00 -
Inogen At Home Stationary Oxygen ConcentratorStarting at$1,703.00 Regular Price $1,995.00 -
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How To Clean the External Surface of the Oxygen Concentrator?
Proper maintenance starts with the exterior of the oxygen concentrator. First, wipe down the machine with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Dirt and dust particles can clog the machine filters and impair performance.
Next, inspect the filters. Filters maintain an air flow free of dust and dirt particles. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and replacing filters. However, some environments can make filters dirtier sooner. If they appear dirty, then clean or change the filters.
If you have a portable oxygen concentrator, check the battery. Make sure it is fully charged when you leave the house and that it is sustaining the charge proposed by the manufacturer.
How To Clean the Nasal Cannula of The Oxygen Concentrator?
Your nasal cannula directs the flow of air from the oxygen concentrator into your nose. Proper maintenance is critical for preventing nasal infections.
Nasal cannulas are easy to clean. Follow these steps:
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Disconnect your nasal cannula from the oxygen concentrator.
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Inspect the nasal cannula for damage or wear, which can affect the airflow. If you see damage or wear, dispose of and replace the nasal cannula.
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If your nasal cannula is still good, then rinse with warm water. You want to remove any dirt or mucus on the cannula.
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Soak the cannula in a mixture of warm water and mild soap for about 10-15 minutes to thoroughly disinfect.
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You can use a small brush to scrub the cannula to remove any stains.
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Rinse the cannula in warm water until it is free of soap residue.
Disinfection Process
For a deeper cleaning of your nasal cannula, you can follow this disinfection process. These steps are optional but can provide peace of mind for prevention of nasal infections.
- Wipe down the nasal cannula with rubbing alcohol to thoroughly disinfect.
- Let the cannula air dry.
- Pat the cannula with a lint-free towel to ensure it is completely dry.
How to Clean Oxygen Concentrator Filters
Oxygen concentrator filters should be replaced per the manufacturer's recommendations. But regular cleaning can extend the life of your filters and save you money.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove your filter from the oxygen concentrator.
- Check the filters for damage. If damaged, it is time to replace it. If the filter is still good, then you can clean it.
- Rinse the filter in warm water to remove any dirt.
- Clean the filter with soap and water using a soft brush to remove any stubborn dirt.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly in clean, warm water.
- Let the filter air dry completely. Never put a damp filter back into your oxygen concentrator.
How To Change the Battery and Replace It in An Oxygen Concentrator?
Your portable oxygen concentrator uses a battery for power. So, it’s important to maintain your battery for reliable performance away from home.
To replace a dead battery, follow these steps:
- Turn off and unplug your oxygen concentrator.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove the old battery.
- Make sure there the battery compartment is free of dust and debris, which can compromise a secure connection.
- Make sure you have purchased a battery that aligns with manufacturer recommendations. Insert your new battery.
- Follow instructions carefully to secure the battery in the compartment properly.
- Turn on your oxygen concentrator without the corded power supply to ensure the battery is working.
Home Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Tips
Follow these tips to maintain your home oxygen concentrator:
- Follow a regular cleaning schedule to prevent dirt and debris from clogging the filter.
- Check the filter regularly for damage or dirt.
- Clean your nasal cannula regularly to prevent nasal infections from bacteria and mold buildup.
- Keep the oxygen concentrator air vents clear to prevent overheating.
- Keep your oxygen concentrator away from fireplaces and space heaters.
- Keep your oxygen concentrator away from swimming pools, garden hoses, and bathtubs.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Tips
Follow these tips to maintain your portable oxygen concentrator:
- Follow a more rigorous cleaning schedule than you would for a home oxygen concentrator, including checking filters. Portable oxygen concentrators are more likely to get dirty as they travel with you outside of the home.
- Check your battery to ensure it is holding a charge. Replace the battery as needed.
- Clean your nasal cannula, especially when you travel.
- Don’t leave your portable oxygen concentrator in hot car trunks or near swimming pools.
Bonus Tips to Keep Your Oxygen Concentrator Clean
- Hands and Hygiene: Always wash your hands before handling the oxygen concentrator to reduce the transfer of oils and dirt.
- Regular Inspections: Frequently inspect the device for signs of wear, tear, or dirt accumulation.
- Environment Control: Keep the oxygen concentrator in a clean, dust-free environment to minimize the need for frequent cleaning.
- Use Safe Cleaning Solutions: Be sure to use non-toxic cleaning agents that do not leave a residue that can affect the air you breathe.
- Latex Glove Treatment: Wear latex gloves when changing filters to prevent dirt or oils from encountering clean filter surfaces.
Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Checklist
What to do every day: wipe the exterior of the machine. Check tubing for damage or wear.
What to do weekly and monthly: Clean and replace filters as needed. Clean your nasal cannula. Observe oxygen purity levels to see if they have changed. Check battery levels on portable units.
What to do yearly: Update any software. Conduct an annual maintenance check by a technician if oxygen purity levels have changed or you experience any problems.
Troubleshooting: Listen for unusual noises from your oxygen concentrator, poor airflow, or frequent alarms and alerts.
Summary
Regular cleaning maintains the longevity and performance of your oxygen concentrator. By following a maintenance schedule, you can ensure that your oxygen concentrator will perform reliably for many years of oxygen therapy.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about oxygen therapy, please call our knowledgeable staff at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop at 888-941-1688. Our team would be happy to assist you in choosing the best oxygen therapy products for your individual needs.
