Is it more important for me to rely on a battery-life oxygen supply or oxygen concentrator? What is the best unit size for me? Do I want a big cylinder in the house or a small concentrator that I can pass around?

These are often the questions one finds oneself in while scouting for an appropriate oxygen support machine. But the task is easier said than done. However, we can help you make smart choices by dissecting through these two machines and making it easier for you to choose from. So, read on and grow smarter!

Both oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators are used to provide oxygen to patients who need it. However, the distribution mechanisms are vastly different. Oxygen Cylinders are more common in India, but Oxygen Concentrators are becoming increasingly popular among doctors and patients.

The biggest distinction is about how oxygen is delivered. Oxygen Cylinders have a finite amount of compressed oxygen that the consumer inhales before it runs out. Oxygen Concentrators filter and produce medical-grade oxygen offering an uninterrupted supply as long as the battery that drives the device is still alive.

On the contrary, patients with low oxygen levels in their blood will use an oxygen concentrator to purify the air and make it accessible to them. Cylinders do the same thing, except the oxygen in the tank is already compressed. The tank’s stock is steadily depleted until it runs out and must be refilled or replaced. Another key difference is that continuous Flow oxygen is delivered by all oxygen cylinders. It varies by system with oxygen concentrators, as some of the more compact options use pulse-dose delivery.

Unlike oxygen cylinders, which can run out of oxygen, an oxygen concentrator can never run out of oxygen as long as there is air and electricity. An oxygen concentrator removes oxygen from the air itself, allowing for an unrestricted and convenient supply.

A leaking oxygen cylinder raises the prospect of a fire, as does oxygen-saturated air. If a fire starts under these conditions, it will be more difficult to put out because oxygen-induced fires burn hotter than many other types of fires. Pulse-dose oxygen concentrators produce oxygen only when it is required, reducing the risk of leaks and thus flammability.

Spelling out the Pros and Cons of these two machines might give a deeper perspective:

Oxygen Tanks

Oxygen tanks hold pressurized oxygen that can be continuously released at predetermined flow rates to provide medical-grade oxygen to the patient. These devices are normally mounted on a rolling apparatus that allows them to be rolled alongside the patient, such as a small trolley or cart.

Pros

1. There is no need for electricity. One of the most notable benefits of oxygen tanks is that they work by using the pressurized oxygen contained within them. Oxygen tanks can run without the use of a battery or an electrical outlet by releasing oxygen at one of many flow rate choices. This means that the tank will supply oxygen before the contents are exhausted.
2. There are no beeps or noisy noises associated with using oxygen tanks since they simply distribute their contents at a set pace. This makes them suitable for use in quiet settings such as movie theatres or libraries, as well as for napping or being around those who need to be left alone, such as infants.
3. Oxygen tanks are the most common form of personal oxygen, and as a result, they are frequently the most affordable, with the lowest initial cost of all the oxygen devices on the market. If the cost of the initial purchase is the most important factor, oxygen tanks are possibly the best option.

 Cons

1. The weight and portability of oxygen tanks are two of the most widely mentioned drawbacks. Although wheel-mounted cart systems, such as this one from Drive Medical, make rolling oxygen tanks simple and convenient, the tanks themselves are very large. Because of the device’s weight, raising the tank—for example, loading it into a truck or bringing it up a stairwell—can be difficult.
2. Oxygen tanks have a finite amount of oxygen in them, and if they’re empty, they have to be refilled or replaced with a new tank. Once the tank’s oxygen supply has been exhausted, it must be refilled or replaced with a new tank.
3. Since oxygen tanks must be refilled or replaced regularly, their low initial cost adds up over time, making the long-term cost higher.

Oxygen Concentrators

Oxygen concentrators use a filtering device to take ambient air from around the patient, compress it, and change it to medical-grade conditions, rather than the small amount of pressurized oxygen used for oxygen tanks. These devices come in a variety of sizes, including larger home-style versions as well as smaller compact models that are better for traveling and moving around.

Pros

1. Since oxygen concentrators are able to constantly draw in and handle air, unlike oxygen tanks, they can never run out of oxygen. Customers also mention this as one of the best features of oxygen concentrators.
2. Concentrators do not need a thick metal tank because they do not use pressurized oxygen. This means they’re a lot smaller and easier to transport than most oxygen tanks. For maximum convenience, many oxygen concentrators are built to be carried in a backpack or side case.
3. Oxygen concentrators come in a variety of sizes, types, and designs, each built to meet the needs of a particular user group. While most oxygen tanks are similar, concentrators offer a wider range of options to ensure you get exactly what you need.
4. Although oxygen tanks must be refilled or replaced on a regular basis, oxygen concentrators use ambient air and therefore do not need the same long-term maintenance as tanks. All of the costs of your concentrators will be included in your initial order.

Cons

1. Since oxygen concentrators do not use pressurized oxygen in a tank, they must rely on battery or electric power to filter air and deliver oxygen. The available charge in the battery must be considered, as it is for any battery-powered unit. If the battery is not charged, it will run out of power and the concentrator will shut down before it is recharged.
2.  Oxygen concentrators draw oxygen from the air, filtering and compressing it for the consumer. Due to the various components at work, this method can be very noisy, and this is the most common complaint among concentrator users. While many newer concentrator models have been developed to minimize noise to almost undetectable levels, there is always still some sound associated with their workings.
3. Oxygen concentrators are also very costly upfront due to the complicated processes at work. Despite the fact that, unlike oxygen tanks, this is a one-time purchase, many consumers will not be able to afford the high price tag all at once, even if it saves money in the long run.

Tips to Choose

1. A concentrator or a tank will suffice if you’re looking for a nice, reliable oxygen therapy system to use in your home, hospital space, or other facility. On a mobile cart, oxygen tanks can quickly drive up and down the hallways of a home or hospital. However, if you plan to use your unit for travel, errands, or other more active work, an oxygen concentrator is a much better option, since it is lighter in weight and comes with a variety of carrying bags and cases.
2. Oxygen tanks, in particular, come in a variety of sizes. Certain volumes may be better than others depending on the recommended oxygen flow rate and the length of time the tank will be used. Since oxygen concentrators have no fixed capacity, if you need a large amount of oxygen, a concentrator will save you money in the long run and will be more convenient for you because you won’t have to think about daily refills and tank replacements.
3. When choosing an oxygen therapy system, as with any product, budget is an important factor to consider. Many people are drawn to the lower initial cost of oxygen cylinders, but it’s important to note that investing in a concentrator would save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for refills and tank replacements.
4. Many oxygen tanks and concentrators provide transport accessories as an alternative. Wheel-mounted oxygen tanks, shoulder bags, and wheelchair attachments are examples. Depending on how you want to use your oxygen system, you may want to consider buying a device for holding and/or transporting it if you don’t already have one.
5. There are a few other things to remember that may or may not be provided with your oxygen tank or concentrator. Oxygen tubing, nasal cannulas, and oxygen masks are all essential for proper oxygen therapy delivery, so if you don’t already have them, you may be interested in a product that contains them all in one package.

That’s basically all that you need to make an empowered and informed choice.

UV light robots run with UVC germicidal lamps, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus that produces COVID-19, are in high demand in the fight against the spread of hazardous germs and viruses. UVC-emitted ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been shown to have highly effective germicidal characteristics, destroying hazardous organisms on surfaces, in water, and in the air.

UV sterilization systems have been used in air treatment systems, water treatment plants, and a variety of other applications where UV lights cleanse surfaces for decades. UV lamps are commonly found in HVAC or wall-mounted air treatment systems, as well as in sterilization systems for medical and surgical equipment. However, seeing a UVC robot roaming the corridors of public venues may appear like something out of a science fiction or futuristic film.

UV light robots are becoming more popular for disinfecting surfaces in a variety of contexts, because of developments in technology and multiple studies confirming the effectiveness of UV lamps in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Autonomous robots equipped with UVC germicidal lamps that emit UVC radiation in all directions are a powerful instrument for eradicating difficult viruses and bacteria that manual cleaning techniques may have missed. UVC robots can operate without the presence of humans and can utilize motion sensors to shut down if people are around. Without being stuffed with a paycheck or going out on a tea break, they can roam rooms, and hallways, and make their way back to charging stations.

UVC Robots: Increasingly becoming a mainstay around us

UVC light robots are becoming more widespread in many locations as people and businesses throughout the world take proactive measures to stop COVID-19 from spreading. The rising use of UVC robots is mostly driven by hospitals and medical facilities, but many other businesses and locations are taking note and employing the same technology to safeguard the environment.

Medical staff and management are focused on preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) through thorough sterilization measures because hospitals are known to be a source of infection. To safeguard all hospital patients and personnel, it’s vital to disinfect hospital rooms where patients have had a serious sickness like COVID-19 or any form of superbug-like antibiotic-resistant bacterial illnesses.

UVC germicidal lamps have long been employed in hospitals and medical facilities, and their application in other settings is rising.

UVC disinfection lamps and UV light robots aid in the successful sanitation of individuals in a variety of businesses and situations, including:

• Medical centers and hospitals
• College campuses and schools
• Shopping centers and public stores
• Manufacturers and office buildings
• Kitchens and restaurants
• Public libraries
• In different systems of public transport like buses, trains, airplanes and terminals

After manual cleaning procedures, UV light robotruk can be programmed to enter hospital rooms and greatly boost effective disinfection rates. UV disinfection can be used to sterilize water, air, and surfaces in a variety of ways.

UVC: One technology with many solutions

• Air Purification: UV light can be used to disinfect the air space. This necessitates a sufficient amount of UV light contact with the air. Many workplaces prefer to use UV disinfection lights because they are easier to use than the difficult cleaning process and deliver the most accurate results for eliminating germs that can hurt others.
• Treatment of Wastewater: Handheld UV light sterilization can be used for water disinfection and even wastewater treatment in many workplaces. It is one of the safest methods because it does not involve the use of any chemicals to clean the surface. On a bigger scale, UV radiation is important for wastewater treatment. This method of wastewater treatment has become extremely popular in the urban region.
• Surface Disinfection: This is mostly used to disinfect the healthcare setting. In a matter of seconds, it can destroy active viruses and additional pathogens on the surface. As a result, UV technology is more successful in healthcare facilities than other cleaning and disinfecting methods.
• Equipment Disinfection: This procedure helps disinfect tables, chairs, and gym machines in places where a significant number of different types of equipment are present, such as gyms, workplaces, and so on. Unlike the washing and bleaching methods, UV light is a dry and effective process that leaves no residue on the equipment.
• Food Disinfection: UV light technology is mostly utilized by food production industries to disinfect food and beverages.

How effective is UV Light Sterilization?

The efficiency of UV radiation sterilization is dependent on various environmental parameters such as surface topography, relative humidity, temperature, pH, organic load, and other chemical compounds present, according to a recent study undertaken by the NIH or the National Institutes of Health. UVC germicidal lamps and UV light robotruk have been shown to be 99.99 percent successful in lowering vegetative bacteria counts in 15 minutes, including MRSA and even tougher pathogens like C. difficile in 50 minutes.

Several researches have been undertaken on the usefulness of UVC light in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, with highly successful eradication of the virus comparable to other coronaviruses. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) are coronaviruses that belong to the same family.

Many recent research studies, such as Upper-room ultraviolet air disinfection might help to reduce COVID-19 transmission in buildings: a feasibility study from October 2020 by another eminent health research center, has shown that UVC light is effective at eliminating these coronaviruses as well as SARS-CoV-2 (NIH).

UVC Robotruck: Your guard against COVID and Black Fungus

Servotech is among the leading providers of UVC germicidal lamps for UVC light robots, with a large assortment of high-quality germicidal lamps as well as special engineering support. Our germicidal UVC lights have been used to sterilize surfaces, water, and air. Robotruk, a 150W UVC Disinfection truck, that is driven by germicidal technology, is a go-to device for sanitizing larger areas such as hospitals, factories, schools, and the like. The device also has a radar induction feature for further safety for anyone operating it, as well as a 30-second auto-delay mechanism to ensure complete invulnerability.
For more information on Servotech’s Products.

As India battles a huge increase in Coronavirus cases during the second wave, there is an increased demand for oxygen, with hospitals unable to meet the demand, resulting in the death of patients in many cases. Consequently, the demand for oxygen concentrators is increasing.

What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators work in a similar manner to oxygen tanks in that they supply oxygen directly to the patient through the same nasal cannula or tube. However, wherein oxygen tanks include a determined quantity of pressurized oxygen, concentrators accumulate oxygen from the encompassing air, accumulating it, after which it is supplied to the affected person, getting rid of the want for an alternative or refilling.

“They work on the formulae of ‘quick pressing factor swing ingestion’ which is the place where the nitrogen is eliminated from the air utilizing zeolite minerals which assimilate the nitrogen, leaving different gases to go through and leaving oxygen as the essential gas. When the oxygen is gathered, the pressing factor at that point drops which permits nitrogen to desorb and be ousted once more into the air through silencers,” Mahesh Pokhriyal, an expert in Medical Technology, New Delhi.

“There are no refilling restrictions on oxygen concentrators. It extracts oxygen from the atmosphere, allowing for an infinite supply of oxygen before electricity is available. Since cylinders may often leak and oxygen saturation increases the risk of fire, an oxygen concentrator is a safer choice than using oxygen cylinders”, GreenHand Medical’s HOD and Senior Consultant Pulmonology Dr Shammi Kanaujia said.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Oxygen Concentrator

Oxygen concentrators can produce oxygen that is up to 95% pure. It also has built-in oxygen sensors that can detect whether purity levels are dropping. The oxygen content of normal air is 21%. The concentrator takes in ambient air, filters nitrogen and other gases, and compresses the remaining oxygen before releasing it through the cannula.

Before considering any of these factors, keep in mind, that getting 90% pure oxygen should be your chief object.

1. Oxygen concentrators come in two versions, small (5 to 10 kg) oxygen concentrators suitable for COPD patients, and medium (15 to 19kg) and large (20kg and above) oxygen concentrators are suitable for COVID patients requiring critical care.
2. Small oxygen concentrators can have options from 1 Litre to 9 Litre Flow but this does not mean you get 90% oxygen at higher flow, like at 5 Litres. In small oxygen concentrators, 90% oxygen concentration is achieved only at lower flows of 1 to 2 liters. On higher flows, the oxygen concentration drops to 30% as you increase the flow, which is suitable for COPD patients but not for COVID patients.
3. Check the specifications of the oxygen concentrator and if you see 90% – 30% or (1L/min, 2L/min) means 90% oxygen is available only at 1Litre flow or 2Litre flow respectively and on higher flows, oxygen drops to 30%. The air we breathe includes 29% oxygen. So small (5kg to 10kg) oxygen concentrators at higher flows give an output of 30% oxygen means it’s just blowing air.
4. Weight is largely the best indicator to understand oxygen production capacity.

Reports suggest, “If the patient is given 1 liter of oxygen via the concentrator, the oxygen percentage (or fraction of inspired air) in the lungs rises to 24 percent, 2 liters to 28 percent, and 10 liters to 60 percent,” according to the study. The liters of oxygen per minute must be adjusted according to need.”

Oxygen concentrators are more convenient than oxygen cylinders because they are compact and easy to use. They are more expensive than cylinders, but they need very little maintenance.

The only ongoing costs are for electricity consumption and the replacement of disposable filters and sieve beds after years of use. Make sure your needs are in tandem with the specifications you are being sold, and if required, please ask your supplier to testify the oxygen output on an oxygen analyzer at the higher flow of 5 liters or 10 liters.

Servotech offers two models of oxygen concentrators, 5 Litre, which is immediately available, and, 10 Litre, which can be made available in 10 working days.

With so many new COVID-19 cases being reported every day, it’s critical that we not only stay safe but also use the correct tools if we do become ill. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, please contact a doctor right away and get a COVID-19 test. This is especially crucial if you have a chronic disease like COPD or any other type of chronic disease, as this can make any coronavirus infection more severe. You may or may not need hospitalization, depending on your specific disease, risk factors, and symptoms, but only a skilled physician can make that decision.

Because the COVID-19 virus is a respiratory infection, owning a high-quality portable oxygen concentrator will help you recover faster if you are diagnosed with it. Cough, fever, shortness of breath, and exhaustion are all common COVID-19 symptoms, which can be problematic for people who have COPD. While COPD does not raise your chances of catching the coronavirus, it does raise the intensity of your symptoms and the likelihood of consequences. The correct portable oxygen concentrator machine is not only important for managing COPD symptoms, but it can also aid with your COVID-19 rehabilitation.

Infection with the coronavirus can be life-threatening if you already have low oxygen levels, coughing/wheezing, tiredness, or shortness of breath. One of the many strategies doctors are employing to improve recovery results for high-risk patients is concentrated oxygen treatment. While recuperating from COVID-19, your doctor may advise you to utilize a portable oxygen concentrator. Fortunately, there are several wonderful concentrator devices available online that are lightweight, simple to use, and offer a therapeutic quantity of oxygen wherever you go.

Oxygen therapy is important for many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a comparable illness. Portable oxygen concentrators are becoming more widespread these days, and they’re popular because of how simple they are to operate. Portable concentrators, unlike typical oxygen tanks, are tiny, lightweight, and do not require constant replacement. Nevertheless, although these units are more convenient, they are still not considered the standard of care in COPD oxygen therapy, and hence may not be covered by health insurance.

But it doesn’t mean you should stop using those big, inconvenient oxygen tanks! Attempting to get your insurance provider to cover a portable oxygen concentrator instead is always a good idea. It might turn out to be the best decision you’ve ever made. Even if you have COPD, these lightweight devices can provide a level of freedom and mobility that can significantly improve your quality of life.

Make sure you have all of your paperwork in order to maximize your chances of being approved for a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Collect your doctor’s prescription for a POC, as well as your relevant medical information, such as the severity of your disease, pulmonary test results, and specifics on your oxygen therapy needs.

If your claim is originally refused, save all of the documents in case you need to file an appeal. Make your case if you can by detailing all of the ways that a portable oxygen concentrator would be required to maintain your quality of life, including any employment obligations you may have. The more information you provide the better.

While we sleep, our breathing pattern alters. Some of us breathe primarily through our lips, and most of us breathe deeper when we sleep, whilst others breathe shallower. If you utilize oxygen therapy at night, your nocturnal oxygen solution may differ from what you use during the day for supplemental oxygen.

For some individuals, pulse dosage portable concentrators can be an efficient nightly alternative; nevertheless, to assure optimal blood oxygen levels while sleeping, a continuous-flow oxygen source is often recommended. A nightly sleep study to monitor your blood oxygen levels and breathing behaviors may be used by your doctor to identify your individual needs. Your physician can calculate exactly what flow setting you’ll require while sleeping based on this study and other tests, allowing you to choose your nightly oxygen machine accordingly.

There are various portable solutions to choose from in instances when a large stationary concentrator is not possible or when travel necessitates a tiny and lightweight nocturnal oxygen solution. Certain features of some portable oxygen devices make them better suitable for overnight use.

The best option for oxygen supply at home is an oxygen concentrator, which filters oxygen from the air around it. A concentrator, which is needed for people with respiratory problems, can supply oxygen for hours at a time and does not need to be replaced or refilled with anything. Once you learn how to use an oxygen concentrator correctly, you can even help others with it.

To use an oxygen concentrator, you must first understand what it is and what it does.

Oxygen Concentrator: What is it? And How it works?

An oxygen concentrator device extracts oxygen from the air and delivers it to users through a mask or cannula. The air we breathe is made up of about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and the rest is made up of other gases. The oxygen concentrator performs by collecting ambient air and filtering nitrogen and other gases out. The oxygen is consumed and held in a cylinder for the patient to inhale.

When Should One Use It?

An Oxygen Concentrator should only be used when a person requires additional oxygen due to a low blood oxygen level. This is not something that should be self-diagnosed, but rather something that should be decided by a trained medical professional. Your blood oxygen levels will be monitored by a medical professional, who may use a Pulse Oximeter unit. If your SpO2, or Oxygen Saturation, is less than 95%, they can advise you to take supplemental oxygen. The doctor will often tell you how much and for how long you need to use supplemental oxygen. Even if supplemental oxygen has been prescribed, you must decide whether you need an oxygen concentrator or an oxygen cylinder.

Let’s now move on to the most important part of this blog, and one that captures your interest the most:

How to set it up and use it?

Step I

Place the concentrator 1 to 2 feet away from any walls or furniture. The oxygen concentrator, in addition to requiring space for air circulation, can become extremely hot, so keep it away from furnishings and furniture.

Step II

If a humidification bottle is recommended, connect it. If the oxygen flow rate is greater than 2-3 liters per minute, a humidifier is recommended by a doctor or medical professional (LPM). Then, insert the threaded cap on your humidification bottle into the oxygen concentrator’s socket. Carefully turn the bottle against the device until it is firmly fixed. Also, make sure that you fill either filtered or distilled water in the humidifier at all times.

Step III

The oxygen tubing should then be connected to the humidification bottle or an adapter. You’ll notice a port on the humidification bottle if you’re using one. This is where the oxygen tubing should be inserted. If you don’t have a humidification bottle, you’ll need to connect your tubes with an oxygen adaptor.

Step IV

An air inlet filter on the oxygen concentrator can eliminate particles and allergens from the air. It should be positioned on the machine’s side. You may need to remove or replace the filter for cleaning, so make sure it’s in place before turning on your device. The filter can be washed and dried once a week with warm water.

Step V

Before using the oxygen concentrator, give it at least 15-20 minutes to warm up. It takes some time for the oxygen concentrator to cycle through the proper air concentration. That means you’ll have to leave it turned on for a while before you can breathe the air it makes.

Step VI

Since the oxygen concentrator uses a substantial amount of power, it should be the only thing plugged into the outlet. You should not use an extension cord because it can cause short circuits.

Step VII

You will be able to hear the air being pumped loudly until the computer is turned on. Often double-check your device’s light indicators to ensure it’s in good working order.

Step VIII

You must first find the liter control knob or click on your oxygen concentrator before using it. It could be labeled with liters per minute (LPM) or levels like 1, 2, 3, and so on. This knob must be adjusted to the specified liters per minute. If you have any questions about the environment, you can consult your doctor or a medical professional.

Step IX

Check the tubing for any bends or kinks before breathing in oxygen. Any break in the tubing will result in a lack of supply. If you’re going to use a mask, make sure there aren’t any holes around the edges of it. Depending on the design of your mask, wrap the elastic attachment around your head or around your ears.

Step X

If you’re using a nasal cannula, make sure it’s adjusted upward into your nostrils for maximum oxygen delivery. The cannula’s prongs should each curl up into one nostril. Loop the tubes over the ears until the prongs are in place. Slide the tube adjuster up or down to adjust the tubes under your chin.

And, that’s pretty much all you need to know about oxygen concentrators. Ten easy steps, making this complex device, all the more easy!

When we breathe, oxygen passes through our respiratory system and into our bloodstream via our lungs and circulatory system. Oxygen is the second most abundant element in the earth’s atmosphere (air), and it makes living easier for humans and animals. Oxygen also aids burning, despite the fact that oxygen is a non-flammable gas. However, combustible compounds burn more rapidly in an oxygen-rich environment. While this does not render O2 hazardous in and of itself, it does suggest that oxygen users should exercise caution when near fire, sparks, or other combustible objects.

Given the growing use of oxygen support machines, it is only important to heed a few important things to make the right use of these devices. Portable oxygen concentrators give users a level of freedom, mobility, and independence that they wouldn’t have otherwise, by delivering oxygen–enriched air straight to the lungs. POCs (portable oxygen concentrators) are completely safe. However, some steps need be taken to ensure continuous safety, and if these precautions are followed, traveling by automobile or airline with a portable oxygen concentrator will be safe.

1. In the proximity of oxygen, avoid any open flames. This includes matches, cigarette lighters, candles, and any type of smoking. If someone wants to smoke while you’re using a portable oxygen concentrator, please ask them to do so outdoors or away from you and the machine. Oxygen is an inflammable gas. Therefore, be mindful of keeping a distance of at least two meters between your portable oxygen concentrator and any fire-inducing items. This includes things like gas stove tops and candles.
2. Other heat sources, such as portable electric or gas heaters, ovens, and stoves, should be avoided. Maintain a distance of at least five feet between such heat sources and POC oxygen sources.
3. Use water-based products instead of petroleum-based lotions or creams, or any other O2 flammable substance. Take particular care especially while showering or taking baths. It’s critical that your portable oxygen concentrator doesn’t get wet or exposed to moist air for your safety. However, depending on your unique requirements, you may need to shower or wash while utilizing your machine.
4. Smoking while on oxygen is risky and will almost certainly end in fatality. It is not permitted to smoke in the same room as the portable oxygen concentrator or any oxygen-carrying accessories. If you want to smoke, switch off the oxygen concentrator, remove your cannula, and move to another room. You must wait at least 10 minutes after turning off the portable oxygen concentrator before smoking if you are unable to leave the room.
5. When utilizing your portable oxygen concentrator, it’s critical to stay away from aerosol items. Hairsprays, body sprays, and even certain air fresheners fall under this category. Aerosols are extremely combustible.
6. Never use or store a portable oxygen concentrator in a poorly ventilated space, such as a closet, cabinet, or your car trunk. This can result in an oxygen-rich environment, which, although not making O2 combustible, can increase the danger of combustion.
7. Another thing to keep in mind while using a portable oxygen concentrator is the intake vents. Any blockage of the vents, whether it’s baggy clothing or a carry bag that’s been changed to an inappropriate location on the machine, can obstruct performance. It’s critical to keep an eye on this while you use your device on a daily basis.
8. Store oxygen cylinders in an upright, safe position away from any open flame, heat source, or direct sunlight in a well-ventilated location. Covering with a cloth or plastic is not recommended. Also, get your oxygen concentrator inspected and maintained on a regular basis, as directed by the manufacturer.
9. Always use a grounded electrical outlet when using an oxygen concentrator. Never use a power board or an extension cord. Close the valve and mark the cylinder as empty when the cylinder is almost empty. Do not mix full and empty cylinders in the same container.
10. The last piece of precaution is to make sure the device is clean and dry. Portable oxygen concentrators are just like other electronic gadgets. This indicates that they are very vulnerable to water damage. Because the concentrator has numerous sensitive electronic components, submerging it in water or allowing water to enter through any of the vents could permanently destroy it. Using a carrying case is the best way to keep your device dry.

Portable oxygen concentrators are, by far, the safest supplemental oxygen devices available. They’re light, have a small footprint, and are incredibly dependable. However, because they offer medical-grade oxygen, you need to take some precautions before using them.

The finest resources for you will be your oxygen manufacturer and user handbook. Because each portable oxygen concentrator works a little differently, it’s best to learn how it works before using it.