Home Oxygen Equipment Quick Guide

  1. Home
  2. Home Oxygen Equipment Quick Guide

Oxygen Concentrator

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE


Problem

Resolution

  1. Concentrator is initially turned “on”.  Alarm does not sound.  Unit not operating.

-Check wall electrical receptacle to make sure power cord is plugged in.

-Plug power cord into different wall receptacle.

-Check household circuit breaker/fuse box.

-If concentrator is equipped with battery powered alarm, battery may need replacing. Call Home Medical Equipment Company.

  1. Concentrator is initially turned “on”.  Alarm does not stop after concentrator warm-up period.

-Perform steps in #1, above.

-If electricity to house is out, turn unit “off” and switch to back-up cylinder until power is restored.

-If not a home electrical issue, follow step above and call Home Medical Equipment Company

  1. Concentrator not operating- Intermittent short beep/long pause.

-Perform steps in #1 and #2, above.

  1. Power switch “on”, fan operating, compressor is not operating, but unit has a continuous audible alarm.

-Insufficient voltage.  Plug power cord into a different wall receptacle.

Or

-Check LPM setting.  

-Remove tubing and humidifier bottle (if equipped) from unit.  Replace with new humidifier bottle, make sure tubing is not kinked, and nothing is sitting on it.  Straighten old tubing or replace with new tubing.   Reattached to concentrator or humidifier bottle.

-If problem not resolved, call Home Medical Equipment Company.

  1. Unsure if concentrator is emitting oxygen when unit is “on”.

-Place nasal cannula, or an end of the supply tubing, in a glass of water.  Water should bubble.


CLEANING

  • Wash air intake filter/filters twice per week in warm soapy water.  Rinse with clean, clear water and allow to air dry.
  • Wipe the oxygen concentrator cabinet with a clean, damp cloth or sponge.


Maryland

4404 Fitch Ave
Baltimore, MD 21236
443-290-4123

Delaware

118 Park Ave Unit 1A
Seaford, DE 19973
302-629-0202 or 800-564-0633

www.bayviewhomecare.com




Oxygen (O2) Patient General Instructions

  1. ABOUT OXYGEN…

What Is Oxygen? 

               Oxygen is an element, a drug, and a gas.  The symbol for oxygen is O2.

Why do we need oxygen?

               Every cell in the body needs energy to function.  Cells get their energy from a combination of the                food we eat plus oxygen from the air we breathe.

FOOD + O2 = ENERGY + CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

Thus, energy enables us to use our muscles to breathe, perform work, and carry out all bodily functions.


  1. OXYGEN AT HOME…

Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed by your physician.  An exact flow rate given in liters per minute (lpm) will be ordered to increase your oxygen level.  

THIS FLOW RATE MUST NEVER VARY FROM WHAT YOUR DOCTOR PRESCRIBES AS TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE OXYGEN CAN CAUSE SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS.


  1. SAFETY RULES…

Oxygen does not explode.  Oxygen does not burn by itself, but is one of the three ingredients necessary for a fire to occur.  The others are a combustible or flammable material and a source of ignition.

To prevent the chance of a fire, follow these rules:

  1. DO NOT permit the use of open flames or burning tobacco in the room where O2 is being used or stored.
  2. DO NOT use any household electric equipment in an O2 enriched atmosphere.  (Examples:   electric razors, heaters, and blankets.)   KEEP THESE ITEMS AT LEAST 5 FEET FROM YOUR OXYGEN.
  3. DO NOT use heavy coatings of oily lotions, face creams, or hair products while using oxygen.
  4. DO NOT use aerosol sprays in the vicinity of oxygen equipment.
  5. DO NOT oil or grease oxygen equipment.
  6. DO NOT allow oxygen tubing to be covered by any objects.
  7. DO NOT leave oxygen on when equipment is not in use.
  8. DO NOT abuse or handle oxygen containers roughly.
  9. DO NOT store oxygen in a confined area (example:  closet).
  10. DO NOT allow untrained persons to use or adjust oxygen equipment.
  11. DO NOT attempt to fix or repair oxygen equipment.
  12. DO NOT store oxygen near radiators, heat ducts, steam pipes, or other sources of heat.
  13. DO NOT touch frosted fittings or piping on liquid systems with bare hands.
  14. DO NOT open cylinder valves quickly.
  15. DO secure cylinders by a chain, cord, or stand.
  16. DO NOT transport oxygen in an enclosed area or in the trunk of a car.


  1. TRAVEL TIPS…
  1. Transport oxygen in the back seat of the car and secure it properly.
  2. Open your window approximately 1 inch when transporting any oxygen equipment.
  3. Contact your medical equipment provider if you are planning on traveling or transporting your unit.

10 Quick Oxygen Facts

  1. All Cylinders = 2000PSI when full.                                                  8.    When taking a trip (even a quick trip to the store),
  2. The toggle on the tank turns CLOCKWISE to close.                          always take MORE OXYGEN than you think you need.
  3. DO NOT transport or store cylinders in the trunk of any car.   9.   Change the tubing if it starts to irritate your skin or      
  4. The small gray, green, or white washer is for EMERGENCY          nostrils.

use only.   DO NOT use over black rubber washer.                    10.   If you are using a humidifier jar (water bottle) and     

  1. Use oxygen for ALL bathroom activities.                                             you do not feel any oxygen coming through the
  2. DO NOT use oxygen while cooking or near stove.                             tubing, it is probably the jar.  Tighten the jar and
  3. DO NOT wait until you are using your last cylinder                         all connections.  If this does not correct the problem,

to call for more.                                                                            CHANGE THE ENTIRE HUMIDIFIER JAR.