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Patient Instructions - Oxygen Concentrator

Getting started with your Oxygen Concentrator.

Written by Zac

Updated at April 6th, 2023

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Table of Contents

Traveling With Oxygen? Cleaning and Maintenance Mechanical Failure or Power Outage Troubleshooting Your Oxygen Concentrator Oxygen Safety and General Information Facts About Your Humidifier Humidifier Care Humidifier Cleaning Preparing your E Cylinder Oxygen Cylinder Approximate Run Time

Traveling With Oxygen?

MedCare Equipment Company requires a two-week notice if our assistance is needed in making arrangements when traveling with oxygen.

 

Cleaning and Maintenance

  1. The concentrator cabinet and power cord can be cleaned with a mild household cleaner applied with a damp cloth or sponge and wiped dry. 
    1. WARNING: Disconnect power before cleaning the cabinet).
    2. Do not use cleaning liquid directly on the concentrator or utilize any petroleum-based solvents or cleaning agents.
  2. The air intake particle filter should be rinsed weekly.
    1. Only use water to rinse filter, do not apply cleaning products or detergents.

Mechanical Failure or Power Outage

  1. MedCare provides each customer with a gaseous portable unit to be utilized in the event of a mechanical failure or power outage.
  2. In the event of a power outage, mechanical failure, or if the audible alarm sounds, switch to the gaseous oxygen reserve and contact your local branch.

Troubleshooting Your Oxygen Concentrator

Trouble

Probable Cause

Remedy

Unit not operating (power failure, alarm sound, or continuous alarm)
  • Power cord plug not firmly in wall receptacle.
     
  • No power at wall receptacle.
     
  • Power overload of unit.
  • Check power cord plug at wall receptacle.
     
  • Check power source, fuse, or circuit breaker in house.
     
  • Depress unit circuit breaker reset button.
Limited Oxygen Flow
  • Faulty Delivery Tube
     
  • Defective cannula or face mask
     
  • Clogged humidifier bottle
     
  • Blocked intake filter
  • Disconnect delivery tubing at oxygen outlet (located at the front of the unit). If proper flow is restored, check the tubing for kinks or obstructions. Replace as needed.
     
  • Remove cannula or face mask from tubing. If proper flow is restored, replace iwth new cannula or face mask.
     
  • Remove humidifier bottle from oxygen outlet (if one is used). If flow is restored, clean or replace with new humidifier bottle.
     
  • Clean air intake filter. If flow is not restored, connect tubing to auxiliary oxygen cylinder and call MedCare Immediately.

Oxygen Safety and General Information

Oxygen (sometimes called O2) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Oxygen is essential to life, but it is also a potentially hazardous substance. O2 DOES NOT EXPLODE. O2 DOES NOT BURN by itself. O2 is one of the ingredients necessary for a fire to occur. The others are combustible or flammable materials and a source of ignition. To ensure the safe handling and use of oxygen, the following instructions should be observed:

  1. Oxygen equipment should be turned off when not in use to prevent accumulation of oxygen in the room.
     
  2. Matches, cigarette lighters, burning tobacco, and candles must be eliminated from the room where oxygen is being used and stored.
     
  3. Radios, television sets, window air conditioners, fans, electric razors, and all electrical equipment should be at least SIX (6) FEET from the oxygen unit.
     
  4. All electrical equipment should be properly grounded.
     
  5. Oxygen equipment should not be in a confined area.
     
  6. Oxygen equipment should not be oiled or greased.
     
  7. Aerosol sprays should not be used around oxygen equipment.
     
  8. Heavy coating of oily lotions, face creams, hair dressings, or petroleum jelly should NOT be used while receiving oxygen. A water soluble gel such as K-Y Jelly or Blairex Gel can be substituted in place of petroleum jelly.
     
  9. Oxygen units should not be placed near heating units (electric, kerosene, etc.).
     
  10. Oxygen cylinders must be secured by a chain, cord, in a stand, or lying flat on the floor in a traffic-free area.
     
  11. Liquid oxygen units must remain in the upright position.
     
  12. Do Not touch frosted fittings or piping on a liquid oxygen system.
     
  13. Oxygen may be transported in your vehicle when properly secured and with windows open approximately one (1) inch.
     
  14. Repair of oxygen equipment should be made by trained personnel only.
     
  15. Never alter the oxygen liter flow from what your physician prescribes.
     
  16. A gaseous portable oxygen unit is your “back-up” in the event of a power failure. Always maintain a minimum of a four (4) to five (5) hour supply of oxygen for this purpose.

Facts About Your Humidifier

Humidifier Care

  1. Add only distilled water to your humidifier. Be sure to fill it every day.
     
  2. The water in the humidifier should be changed every 24 hours.
     
  3. Your humidifier should be cleaned and sanitized a minimum of once each week (more often if your respiratory therapist instructs).

Humidifier Cleaning

  1. Disassemble the humidifier.
     
  2. Wash in warm, sudsy water.
     
  3. Rinse all parts under hot water.
     
  4. Soak all parts in a vinegar solution (one-part white vinegar to three-parts water) for 60 minutes.
     
  5. Remove from the vinegar solution and rinse all parts in hot water.
     
  6. Place on paper towels and allow to air dry.
     
  7. It is recommended that you have two humidifiers, one in use while the other is being cleaned.

 

Preparing your E Cylinder

Oxygen Cylinder Approximate Run Time

The below chart details the expected run time (in hours) of each oxygen cylinder size, based on the set continuous liter flow rate.

Cylinder Size Total Liters (When Full) Flow Setting
1/2 1 1 1/2 2 2 1/2 3 4 5 6
A6 or M6 170 5.5 2.75 1.75 1.5 1 .75 .50 - -
B or M7 198 6.5 3.25 2.25 1.75 1.25 1 .75 .50 -
C or M9 240 8 4 2.5 2 1.5 1.25 1 .75 .50
D 400 13.25 6.75 4.5 3.25 2.5 2.25 1.5 1.25 1
E 650 21.5 10.75 7 5.25 4.25 3.5 2.5 2 1.75
N or M60 1750 58 29 19.25 14.5 11.5 9.75 7.25 5.75 4.75
M or MM 3450 115 57.5 38.25 28.75 23 19 14.25 11.5 9.5
H 6900 230 115 76.5 57.5 46 38.25 28.5 23 19

 

 

concentrator use oxygen therapy

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