One of the most popular treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung diseases is oxygen therapy, which is the supplemental use of oxygen through the use of an oxygen concentrator. Oxygen concentrators are a medical device that are used to deliver oxygen to patients with lung disease that need additional help with breathing. These oxygen concentrators are normally obtained through a prescription given by a physician.
Oxygen concentrators work by filtering out nitrogen and other gases from the air, alleviating stresses on damaged lungs that have lost their ability to filter air themselves due to injury caused by smoking or genetics. This only leaves pure oxygen in the concentrator, which is connect to through a tube or another breathing device such as a cannula or mask, which then delivers the pure oxygen through the nose and/or mouth.
When you own and rely on an oxygen concentrator, there are many aspects to caring for your oxygen concentrator that are necessary and that you may be unaware of. At Oxygen Always, we supply all forms of oxygen concentrators, from portable to home to recertified oxygen concentrators. We understand that there are many aspects to owning an oxygen concentrator, and understanding and caring for them is a crucial aspect to your safety and their functionality.
Components of an oxygen concentrator:
– Power switch. This will turn the machine on and off. A light will indicate that the unit is on.
– Flow meter. This option controls the oxygen flow rate; which is how fast the oxygen is being delivered through the breathing apparatus.
– Alarm. If for any reason your oxygen concentrator loses power, this alarm feature will alert you that something is wrong with your oxygen concentrator.
– Humidifier. The oxygen pumped through the concentrator is warmed and mixed with water before you breathe it. This feature will keep your mouth, nose, and throat moist and comfortable as you inhale. Not all models come equipped with a humidifier, so make sure to ask the provider.
Use of your oxygen concentrator:
– Care for the air inlet filter. Wash the inlet filter with warm soapy water once it becomes dirty. Rinse clean and pat dry before reinstalling it into the oxygen concentrator.
– Checking the alarm. It is important to make sure that this feature is working properly. If the buzzer does not sound when you push your power switch, make sure to contact your oxygen provider for assistance.
– Setting the flow meter. Your practitioner will help assist you in setting your oxygen concentrator to your prescribed flow needs.
– Checking the humidifier. Make sure to monitor the humidifier bottle and once it becomes low be sure to refill it with distilled water which may be once or more per day.
– Using the portable oxygen concentrator. Hook up your tube and form of breathing apparatus, whether it is a cannula or a face mask, plug in the concentrator and turn it on using the power button and properly adjust the breathing device to begin to receive oxygen supplementation.
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