Oxygen concentrators take oxygen from the air for patients to breathe. The concentrator provides a continuous supply of oxygen and is designed for use at home. Patients should find their oxygen concentrator convenient and easy to use.
The concentrator flow rate will be set to the prescribed flow rate by the Air Products technician. Patients should not make any further adjustments to the flow rate without advice from a clinician or doctor.
Types of oxygen concentrator
There are two main types of oxygen concentrators: the Respironics Millennium concentrator and the Everflo concentrator. On average, concentrators weigh around 25kg and are 50-70cm high and make a slight humming noise, like a fridge, when switched on.
> Find out more about the two concentrators [PDF 250 KB]
Maintaining the concentrator
The concentrator will be serviced by an Air Products technician every six months. In the meantime, patients need to regularly perform some simple maintenance.
Cleaning and changing the air inlet filter- Millennium concentrator only
Cleaning the air filter is the most important maintenance activity on the oxygen concentrator. It should be done at least once a week.
- Remove the filter from the cabinet and replace with the spare filter.
- Rinse and wash the filter in warm water. A mild detergent may be used if rinsed thoroughly.
- Squeeze out the excess water and allow the concentrator filter to air dry. The filter should be completely dry before using it again. Excess moisture may impair the proper operation of the concentrator.
Cleaning the air inlet filter – Everflo concentrator only
The air inlet filer on the Everflo concentrator is covered by a door with small holes. Clean this with a damp cloth weekly. Please ensure that the holes on the concentrator are unobstructed at all times.
Cleaning the concentrator
The exterior case of the oxygen concentrator should be cleaned regularly, using a damp cloth to wipe it down. If medical disinfectants are used, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Caution:
The concentrator should be switched off and the electrical plug removed from the wall socket before any maintenance or cleaning.
Concentrator safety instructions
Patients should follow these simple safety guidelines:
- Do not adjust the oxygen flow rate on your concentrator without consulting your doctor
- Do not smoke and do not allow others to smoke or have naked flames near you or the concentrator when it is switched on
- Your concentrator purifies air from the surroundings. If you use the concentrator near heaters or fires, fumes may not be completely removed
- Keep your concentrator away from heat sources or open flames. Do not use your concentrator in the presence of a flammable anaesthetic mixed with air or oxygen or nitrous oxide
- Recommended distances from your concentrator are: open fires 3 metres; closed fires (e.g. heating sources or stoves) 1.5 metres
- Always switch off your concentrator when not in use
- Do not remove the covers of the concentrator, you may get an electric shock
- Never use oil or grease on the concentrator or its components. This can greatly increase the fire risk
- Do not place your cannula or mask on upholstery or bedding as oxygen may be absorbed increasing the risk of fire
- Make sure the concentrator is not obstructed or covered by items which may restrict ventilation (like blankets, foam, curtains etc). Do not place the concentrator in a small closed space (such as a cupboard). Always leave a gap of 15cm around the concentrator.
- Do not use a petroleum-based gel like Vaseline to reduce friction caused by masks or cannula. Use only water-based gels like KY Jelly.
- Keep your back-up cylinder supply handy so it is available for immediate use
- Do not use the oxygen concentrator if either the plug or power cord is damaged
- Do not let children or untrained persons tamper with your concentrator
- Always place your concentrator at a distance where the built-in alarm on the device can be heard
- In the event of an equipment alarm or if you are experiencing discomfort, please refer to the troubleshooting guide. If you are unable to resolve the problem, switch immediately to your back-up supply and contact Air Products.
Electricity costs
This cost would be in the region of 0.04c per hour. If a patient would like to discuss the details of electricity costs further, please ask them to contact their local HSE office and ask to speak with a social worker.
A concentrator is an electrical device that will generate heat.
