What is an Oxygen Concentrator Machine?

An oxygen concentrator machine is a medical device that takes in room air, filters it and pumps purified oxygen to patients. It is used in the home or on-the-go for patients with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis and pneumonia.

In addition to providing oxygen to patients, some models also provide a humidifier, which is a beneficial benefit in the treatment of dry mouth. Oxygen concentrators are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, which cause the patient to breathe poorly or at times without breathing at all.

There are two main types of oxygen concentrators: stationary (home) and portable. The stationary model uses a power supply that comes from the electric grid, while the portable type is battery-powered.

Stationary Concentrators

The stationary concentrators are often used in hospitals and clinics, as well as at home (figure 1a). They plug into the main electric supply and have a mean weight of about 10 kg. They can be moved around if necessary and sometimes include an extra compressed gas cylinder to supply an additional source of oxygen in case of a power failure.

They use a special filter called a “separator” to remove Nitrogen from surrounding air, and then compress the filtered air to deliver high-quality medical-grade oxygen into a continuous flow or pulse-dose delivery system to the patient [9, 10]. The patient inhales the filtered oxygen through a tube with a mask or nasal cannula attached.

Some stationary concentrators feature an electronic interface that allows for a range of settings and control of the oxygen flow rate, in L*min-1. These controls should be used only after consultation with the doctor.

It is important to remember that the oxygen concentration should always be the same as prescribed by the doctor. This is especially true if you have an on-demand system, which delivers oxygen in small bursts each time you inhale. It is also important to keep the unit clean, as dust and other allergens can prevent the adsorption of oxygen into the device.

You should check the instruction manual for specific instructions on how to use your device, including the settings and the flow rate that your doctor has prescribed. If you have any questions, call the doctor or the health care provider that provided the prescription.

Using a Concentrator in the Home

When you are ready to start using your oxygen concentrator, turn it on and set the knob to the liter control. The liter control is marked with different numbers, depending on the amount of oxygen you need, and your doctor will tell you what level to set it to.

Then, you will need to attach your tubing and connect it to the oxygen adapter or humidification bottle. Next, make sure the tubing is secure, and that the connection between the adapter and the tubing is tight.

You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the facemask and tubing. These devices can become very dirty, so it is best to wash them frequently with mild dish soap. You should also be careful not to let water get in the tubing, as this can damage it or make it difficult to use.