How to use oxygen concentrators at home?

Oxygen cylinders and concentrators are in great demand since they are vital for saving lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most urgent concern has been the lack of oxygen supply to treat COVID-positive patients. Worldwide demand for oxygen generators has surged as a result. Astute Analytica projects that the global market for oxygen generators will expand at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2022 and 2030.

Oxygen Concentrators: What is it?

A type of medical gadget called an oxygen concentrator help to give oxygen to people with breathing difficulties. An oxygen concentrator is frequently needed to replenish the extra oxygen that people with low blood oxygen concentrations need.

Oxygen concentrators purify the surrounding air, compress it to the necessary density, and then give medical-grade oxygen to the patient through a continuous stream or pulse-dose delivery system.

Oxygen Concentrator to buy

An oxygen concentrator is typically not available for purchase over the counter. It can only prescribe by a doctor following a comprehensive medical examination. The doctors would often demonstrate to the patients how to operate these concentrators properly at home and when traveling.

There are various brands available in the market. You can buy Philips Oxygen Concentrator which is one of the best oxygen concentrators. It comes with 3 years warranty and minimum noise. Another option is you can choose to buy an Oxymed oxygen concentrator which is affordable and high performing. Choosing the right brand of a medical-grade oxygen concentrator is very important. In case of short-term usage, you can also rent oxygen concentrators which is a cost-effective method. Oxygen Concentrator on rent is available with Prime Healers at affordable cost.

The Working of Oxygen Concentrators

Patients unable to obtain the necessary amount of oxygen on their own can use oxygen cylinders or oxygen concentrators to meet their needs. Similar to oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators function similarly. Pumping oxygen from the outside air is also medicinal equipment.

The purpose of oxygen concentrators is to concentrate oxygen while stinking air from the surrounding environment and removing waste gases like nitrogen. Additionally, it pushes it via the patients’ pipes so they can breathe only pure oxygen. At least 5 to 10 liters of oxygen can deliver daily via concentrators.

Using the Oxygen Concentrator Machine

The typical oxygenator that people are permitted to use in and around their homes weighs about 30 pounds. It is portable because it is the same size as kitchen garbage. The concentrator makes a mild buzzing but quiet sound that can lull kids to sleep while it is functioning.

The concentrators are less suitable for travel because of their size. They can only use when plugged in and don’t have a rechargeable battery. People might ask their doctor to assist them in selecting the concentrator that will work best for them. The portable concentrators are also available in the market. However, they come with 1-2 hours back up hence less suitable for long travel.

Make sure the concentrator is set up properly by following the doctor’s instructions. The machines have several settings. The doctor’s feedback and the supplied handbook will assist in getting them right.

How to use Oxygen Generators at home?

In order to use oxygen generators at home, there are certain steps to keep in mind:

Establishing the oxygen generator

Place the machine 1 to 2 feet away from the wall and furnishings (0.30 to 0.61 m): The machine requires a lot of room because it needs to draw in oxygen and expel exhaust. Make sure there are no obstructions in the vicinity. The oxygen concentrator not only needs room for air circulation. In addition, it also gets quite hot and could catch fire if it’s close to things like drapes or furniture.

Connect the humidification bottle: Attach the humidification bottle’s threaded cap to the oxygen concentrator’s outlet. Turn the bottle slowly until it is firmly fastened to the device.

People need to examine the documentation that came with their machine because the location of the outlet will change based on the model. In many cases, the outlet is located near the dials on the machine’s side.

In the humidification bottle, only ever use distilled or filtered water. Remove the bottle’s top cap, then fill it with water. Before connecting the bottle to the oxygen concentrator, screw the cap back on. Every time someone uses the machine, the water is changed. If the doctor recommends an oxygen flow rate greater than 2-3 liters per minute, people will probably give a humidification bottle (LPM).

The humidification bottle or an adapter should connect to the oxygen tube: People will notice a port on the bottle if they are using a humidification bottle. People insert their oxygen tubing here. If a humidification bottle is not used, the tubes will be attached using an oxygen adaptor, commonly known as a Christmas tree adaptor. The funnel-shaped device is narrow at one end and sharp at the other.

The machine’s outlet where a humidification bottle would ordinarily go can accommodate the oxygen adaptor.

Just the bigger side of the adaptor has to fit into the outlet. The adaptor will often only push into the outlet. Check the manual that came with the machine if they’re having problems.

Verify the place of the air filter installation: An air inlet filter on the oxygen concentrator eliminates dust and other irritants from the air. It ought to situate on the machine’s side. Before turning on the machine, check the filter is still in place because people occasionally remove or replace it.

Once each week, users should take off the filter from the back or side of their oxygen concentrator. Squeeze the excess water after washing it in warm water.

Switch it on

At least 15 to 20 minutes before utilizing it, turn on the oxygen concentrator: The oxygen concentrator needs some time to start cycling the right amount of air. That implies that it takes some time for humans to start breathing the air the machine creates.

Follow the instructions on the model or the doctor’s instructions to find out exactly how long the machine has to run for the oxygen concentration to be right.

Connect it to an unoccupied grounded outlet: Given that it would use a lot of electricity, only the oxygen concentrator should plug into that socket. It is safe to use an adaptor if the outlet is not on the ground.

Instead of 2, a grounded outlet will have three prongs. The oxygen concentrator will have a third-round prong on the plug, while some older outlets only have holes for the standard side-by-side prongs on an electrical cord. Use of an extension cord puts you in danger of fire, therefore avoid doing so.

Turn on the power by pressing the power button: The switch should be marked “on/off,” though it might simply say “start.” People will see lights turn on and hear the sound of air being drawn in and let out.

Before someone plugs anything in, be sure the machine is turned “off.” If it’s already “on,” it can get harmed.

Watch out for the alarm: When turned on, the oxygen concentrator should emit an alarm. This is to prevent it from being unintentionally turned on when it shouldn’t be. The alarm will stop sounding after a short while.

Whenever the oxygen concentrator is turned on, an alarm will sound. A warning will also sound if there is any interruption in the power flow.

Adjust the Flow Rate of Oxygen

Locate the oxygen concentrator’s on/off switch or the liter control knob: It doesn’t matter how the knob looks; it just needs to be the main switch or knob on the system. It could label with levels, like 1, 2, or 3, or with liters per minute (LPM).

The precise markings may vary depending on your model, but the knob or switch almost certainly has numbers next to it.

Until it indicates the required number, turn the knob or switch: The right amount of oxygen will prescribe by the doctor for the patient. Call the doctor for clarification if people are unsure of which setting to use.

Don’t just estimate; it’s crucial that folks use the appropriate amount of oxygen. Check the prescription either way.

Be careful not to use more or less oxygen than the doctor has advised: It can be dangerous to use the incorrect oxygen setting. Observe every direction the doctor gives you!

Speak with the doctor if people believe they are not receiving enough oxygen. Do not change the oxygen levels.

Put the Mask or Nasal Cannula

Look for kinks or bends in the tubing: If somebody finds any, they should smooth them out since they can stop the passage of oxygen. As long as the air can move freely, it’s acceptable for the tubes to coil somewhat, like in a large circle.

People might not obtain all the oxygen they require if there is a kink. If the tube won’t straighten out, people might need to replace it.

For low oxygen levels, place the mask over the face: Make sure the edges of the mask completely cover the face. Depending on the design of the mask, place the elastic attachment over the head or around the ears. Adjust the mask as necessary to achieve comfort. If the mask moves or gets too loose, reposition it.

For high oxygen levels, place the nasal cannula upward into the nostrils: The cannula’s prongs should each curve up into a different nose. Loop the tubes over the ears after inserting the prongs. Slide the tube adjuster up or down to adjust the tubes beneath the chin. To see if the nasal cannulas are functioning, submerge them in water. Keep an eye out for air bubbles that may form in the tubes. Once the nasal cannula is in, adjust the tubes until they are comfortable.

Use the nasal cannula or mask for breathing: Breath normally, and the machine will add oxygen if necessary. Use the device for the prescribed amount of time.

When not in use, set the machine’s power to off: Use the same on/off switch to turn it off. When the equipment is running, it can overheat and catch fire. When it’s not in use, it’s crucial to turn it off.

Warning Sign for Oxygen Concentrator

• Never smoke, and keep other people’s cigarettes away from the concentrator. Avoid touching anything with an open flame, including lighters, matches, and burning cigarettes.
• Keep a 5-foot distance from heat sources. This includes candles, lit fireplaces, gas and electric heaters, and gas stoves.
• Avoid using combustible items, including aerosol sprays, paint thinner, and cleaning fluid.
• Hold oxygen containers vertically. To prevent them from falling, fasten them to something sturdy.
• Avoid anything that contains oil, grease, or petroleum. That also applies to using petroleum-based creams and ointments on the face or upper chest, such as Vaseline.
• A fire extinguisher should be nearby. Inform the fire brigade that oxygen is present in your home.

People may prescribe oxygen by their doctor due to specific medical issues. If this happens, they will need to be able to operate a concentrator unit. Machines can malfunction if they don’t take great care of them.

Keep in mind that it is expensive to replace. Avoiding exposing your equipment to combustible materials is one of the fundamental care practices. Additionally, prevent the equipment from coming into contact with walls with dust.

Make careful to use the doctor’s recommended flow rate settings. Ineffective therapy of the ailment will come from improper settings. Always feel free to ask the doctor for assistance if the patient needs it.

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