Oxygen concentrators deliver low levels of oxygen to a person's lungs and bloodstream. Additional oxygen makes breathing easier and reduces the heart's workload. Oxygen concentrators create 95 percent pure oxygen by removing additional gases from room air. Concentrators weight between 30 and 50 pounds and are the size of a kitchen garbage can Because they run on room air, they do not need to be filled like oxygen cylinders do. Still, it is critical to have a backup system in place because a concentrator runs off of electricity.
Step 1
Plug the concentrator in a wall outlet. Turn the switch on and wait for the machine to adjust to the prescribed flow level.
Step 2
Attach nasal cannula to oxygen to the oxygen concentrator. Feel prongs for oxygen flow to ensure tubing is attached properly. Place the nasal cannula tubing over the head. Wrap tubing around ears. Adjust strap under the chin so tubing is comfortable, yet firmly in place. Place nasal prongs into nose facing upwards, following the natural curve of the nose.
Step 3
Wash the nasal prongs with soap and water about twice a week. Replace the prongs every two to four weeks; if ill with the cold or flu replace as soon as symptoms have passed. Clean the oxygen concentrator's filter once a week; rinse with warm water and allow to dry. Have an additional nasal cannula and filter on hand to rotate use. Replace oxygen tubing and connector every three months; no intermittent cleansing is required.
Step 4
Have a back up method available. Use a generator if power failure occurs or keep portable oxygen tanks on site for emergency use.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply water based moisturizer on lips and nose to prevent over drying when using oxygen. Wrap tubing around the ears with gauze to prevent skin irritation and chaffing. Cost for using an oxygen concentrator ranges from $25 to $45 a month, according to the book "Medical Management of Pulmonary Diseases." If a person has trouble paying the monthly electric bill and oxygen is in use at the home, often the electric company will not shut off power to the home. An oxygen concentrator is appropriate if a person uses 10 or more tanks of oxygen a month states the book "COPD for Dummies".
- Place "oxygen in use" signs on the door of the room where an oxygen concentrator is. Avoid open flames such as cigarettes or candles in the home. Ensure all smoke detectors work in the home.
Things You'll Need
- Oxygen concentrator
- Nasal cannula
- Oxygen tubing
- Generator
- Portable oxygen tanks
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