How To Use An Oxygen Concentrator

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Apria

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our patients at home. To help our patients achieve the best health outcomes, we offer news and health education for sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

Apria uses a variety of oxygen concentrators. All models have the same basic controls. Here are instructions on how to use an oxygen concentrator.

Watch this video to see a demonstration of how to use an oxygen concentrator.

Power Controls for The Oxygen Concentrator

Each unit has a power switch to turn the unit on or off that's located on the front panel. Almost all units are equipped with a circuit breaker or reset button. In most units, the circuit breaker is a white button located near the power switch.

If your unit alarms or stops working, check this first. If you can't locate the circuit breaker button, contact your local Apria branch.

Oxygen Flow Control for The Oxygen Concentrator

All concentrators have a flow control knob or dial with a gauge or tube that shows the flow setting. The center of the indicator ball should be on the line next to the flow prescribed by your doctor. You should not change the flow unless your doctor changes your prescription.

An outlet where the tubing or cannula attaches is located close to the flow control. Most concentrators also have a place for a humidifier bottle if ordered. Many units also have indicator lights that show you if the unit is working correctly. On some models, an alarm indicates certain types of problems with the concentrator.

Operating The Oxygen Concentrator

The following step-by-step instructions will help you operate your concentrator.

  1. Insert the power plug into a power outlet. Unless your physician has prescribed a humidifier bottle, attach the oxygen tubing to the nipple outlet.
    • If your physician has prescribed a humidifier bottle, attach a filled humidifier bottle with distilled water.
  2. Center the threaded cap on the humidifier bottle under the threaded outlet tube on the concentrator.
  3. Turn the cap on the humidifier bottle until it is tightly screwed onto the outlet tube. Finally, attach oxygen tubing to the nipple outlet on the humidifier bottle lid.
  4. Press the on/off switch to the on position. The alarm will sound until the proper pressure is reached.
  5. Adjust the oxygen flow rate by turning the leader control knob until the flow is at the number prescribed by your doctor. You should not change the flow unless your prescription changes.
  6. Fit the nasal cannula or the oxygen mask so that it's comfortable. When you have finished using your oxygen, you should remove the cannula or mask and turn the on off switch to the off position.

conc-2-1200

This is how the oxygen tubing connects to the nipple outlet. 

Troubleshooting The Oxygen Concentrator

Concentrators are very reliable and have few problems, but sometimes they may stop working properly. Your delivery technician provided you with some basic troubleshooting tips. Please refer to these documents:

If an equipment failure occurs, you should check for the following potential problems.

  • Make sure the unit is not connected to an extension cord. Extension cords should never be used to power the unit.
  • If the flow seems diminished, check to see if the tubing has been kinked, punctured, or if there are loose connections. Check connections and replace tubing and cannula as needed.
  • If the air flow to the unit is restricted, move the unit away from drapes or put the unit in an area that is not cluttered. See your patient instruction manual for advice about where to place your concentrator in your home.

conc-4-1200Ensure the oxygen concentrator's airflow is not restricted by drapes or clutter.

  • Check to see if the filters are dirty. Remove them from the unit and wash them out with warm water, then dry them with a paper towel and reattach. Filters should be cleaned weekly, as noted in your patient instruction booklet. Your local branch can provide replacement filters if you need them.
  • If the circuit breaker keeps tripping, check to make sure the concentrator is not plugged into an outlet that is also used to power other major appliances.

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About the AuthorApria

Apria is a leading provider of home healthcare equipment and related services across the USA, offering a comprehensive range of products and services for in-home care and delivery of respiratory therapy, obstructive sleep apnea treatment, and negative pressure wound therapy, along with additional equipment and services.

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