How to Use an Oxygen Concentrator in
the Home
Warning!!!
Oxygen is not flammable, but will enhance flame.
Stay 10 feet away from an open flame.
First we need to find a good place to keep the machine for the
best use of the allowable canula. Fifty feet is as long as
manufacturers recommend. Plug machine into the proper power outlet.
On the front face of all concentrators there will be a flow
meter with a knob to make adjustments, for the proper liter flow
that your doctor has prescribed for you. Depending on style of the
concentrator, there will be an outlet barb or threaded outlet to
hook tubing or a humidifier to. Also on the front face is the on/off
switch and sometimes a circuit breaker for power surge.
If your doctor has prescribed a humidifier for use with your
machine you will need to keep distilled water on hand to use in it.
The humidifier will hook on the threaded outlet on your machine and
your tubing will hook onto it. Most humidifier bottles are very easy
to use, but do have a habit of cross threading. When you put the top
back on the jar, watch that you don't cross thread. Check that both
the treaded nut on top and the jar lid are tight daily. If the
machine is not used 24 hours a day, wash and sterilize humidifier
bottle every other day.
Tubing is hooked onto the barb at outlet of either the machine
or the humidifier. Be sure to check that it is securely attached
every day. Make sure that tubing is not cut or has any kinks in it
that would hinder the flow of oxygen. You will find that with a
longer canula, you will need to unwind tubing as it gets tangled.
Don't let anything set on top of the tubing or let it catch under
furniture.
To start the machine push in the "on" button, or toggle the
on/off switch. The concentrator will beep or buzz every time it is
turned on. This is a safety device and you should inform your
supplier if it does not work. The alarm will stop after about one
cycle (10-30 seconds) of the concentrator.
After the concentrator has ran for a cycle the ball in the
flow meter will begin to rise, it should stop at your prescribed
flow. If not, adjust it your your prescribed flow. Once set, it
should stay at your flow. Check occasionally and adjust if needed.
Do not raise or lower without your doctor's orders.
Your concentrator is made to run 24 hours a day if needed, and
it would only need to be shut off if you leave your house. If at any
time other than when you first start the concentrator the alarm
sounds you need to first check your power supply and power cord to
see if unplugged. Then if still in alarm contact your supplier at
once.
The only maintenance that will need to be done is to check and
clean filter at least once a week. If done on a routine
weekly basis, just patting off in a trash can will normally keep
filter in good shape. Filters may be in several different areas on
the machine (back, sides, top, and front) most are washable, but
must be completely dry before returning to machine. It is
fine to wipe concentrator down with a damp cloth, but do not spray
liquid on the machine. Moisture is the biggest enemy of the machine.
Do not put the machine in a high humidity area.
Please fill free to call us with any questions or concerns
at 785-738-2287 or 800-222-3585
Thank You
S & S Home Health