Tens of millions of Americans suffer from lung disease, typically caused by smoking, infections, and genetics. That’s why many older adults need home oxygen therapy to help their breathing. O2Assist shares tips on how to properly clean and maintain an oxygen concentrator, the key component in oxygen therapy.
Many people with chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aka COPD) may be candidates for supplemental oxygen therapy. A prescription for home oxygen has many benefits, like better mood, sleep, quality of life, and prolonged survival.
The centerpiece of home oxygen therapy is the stationary oxygen concentrator. Oxygen concentrators draw in air, compress it, and isolate oxygen for delivery through a nasal cannula, the tube placed over the nostrils. An oxygen concentrator is able to producing a never-ending supply of purified oxygen (90–95%) to meet the needs of individuals with chronic lung disease.
Even though most oxygen concentrators are sturdy, they still need to be cared for correctly. Regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way to getting the best performance and prolonging its life. After all, an oxygen concentrator is an expensive investment in medical equipment.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to clean an oxygen concentrator and added tips to keep the oxygen flow healthy.
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1. Clean the outside of the oxygen concentrator
Begin by unplugging the oxygen concentrator from its power source
Dip a soft cloth in a solution of mild dishwashing soap and warm water
Squeeze cloth until damp and wipe down the concentrator
Rinse cloth clean and remove any excess soap on concentrator
Let concentrator air-dry or dry with a lint-free cloth
2. Clean the particle filter
Begin by removing the filter per manufacturer’s instructions
Fill a tub or sink with warm water and a mild dishwashing soap
Dip the filter into the solution in the tub or sink
Use a wet cloth to remove excess dirt and dust
Rinse the filter to remove any excess soap
Let the filter air-dry or place on thick towel to absorb excess water
3. Clean the nasal cannula
Soak cannula in a solution of mild dishwashing soap and warm water
Rinse cannula with a solution of water and white vinegar (10 to 1)
Rinse cannula thoroughly and hang to air-dry
Additional tips
Avoid using an oxygen concentrator in a dusty environment
Use a voltage stabilizer to offset voltage fluctuation
Rest the concentrator for 20 – 30 minutes after continuous usage for 7 – 8 hours
Do not submerge the concentrator in water
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the particle filter at least once a month
Most experts recommend cleaning the outside of the concentrator and external filters (if applicable) weekly
Use alcohol to wipe down the tubing connected to the nasal cannula daily
Replace nasal cannulas and tubing monthly if using oxygen continuously or every 2 months if using oxygen intermittently
Make sure the particle filter is completely dry before reinsertion
Check the owner’s manual for recommended service intervals for the concentrator
Replace batteries if you notice them not holding their charge as long as they once did
Most experts recommend the concentrator have 1 to 2 feet of clearance from walls
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Guest contributor: Andrew Kardish is the CEO of O2Assist, an oxygen concentrator distributor dedicated to delivering an oxygen solution that will be tailor-made to personal circumstances. O2Assist is a provider of supplemental oxygen resources to oxygen-dependent patients. Every day we are blessed with the opportunity of providing life-changing independence to our patients by offering them financially affordable solutions to their reliance on supplemental oxygen.
Image: 1st Class Medical
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