How to Look After Your Home Oxygen Concentrator
For many people on home oxygen therapy, the stationary concentrator quietly becomes part of the furniture. It sits in the corner of the bedroom or lounge and hums away through the night. After a few months it's easy to forget that it is medical equipment, and that it is delivering a prescribed therapy.
Good oxygen concentrator maintenance isn't complicated. Most of it takes a few minutes a week, and the patient or a family member can do it. This guide covers three things: what you can safely do yourself, what you should never attempt, and when to call your oxygen provider.
In short: Keep the filter clean and completely dry. Give the machine space to breathe and check your tubing. Never change your flow rate yourself. Know your backup plan, and make sure the concentrator is professionally serviced on schedule.
What does a home oxygen concentrator actually do?
An oxygen cylinder holds a fixed amount of oxygen. A concentrator works differently. It keeps drawing in air from the room, passes it through filters, and removes nitrogen, so that oxygen-enriched air flows to you at your prescribed rate.
That makes the room around it part of the system. Dust, a blocked air intake, a dirty filter or a curtain pressed against the vents will all make the machine work harder. A useful way to think about it: your concentrator needs room to breathe too.
How often should you clean an oxygen concentrator filter?
Many stationary concentrators have an external filter that stops dust, lint and pet hair from being drawn into the machine. It's easy to overlook, because the concentrator usually keeps running even when the filter is dirty. A clogged filter still causes problems, though. It restricts airflow, can contribute to overheating, and lets more dust reach internal components that are costly to replace.
For models with a washable external filter, weekly cleaning is commonly recommended, including by the American Lung Association. Check it more often if your home has:
a lot of dust, or construction nearby
pets
smoke exposure (which should be avoided around oxygen in any case)
windows that open onto a busy road or dusty area
Filters are not all the same. Some models have no filter that patients are meant to service. Others use filters that should be replaced rather than washed. The safest rule is always to follow the instructions for your specific concentrator. Instructions for one machine don't necessarily apply to another.
A fixed date on the calendar isn't enough on its own. Look at the filter. If it is visibly dirty, damaged or discoloured, clean it or ask your provider for a replacement.
How to clean a washable concentrator filter
Only follow these steps if your manual or oxygen provider has confirmed that your filter is washable.
Switch the concentrator off and unplug it from the wall.
Remove the external filter gently.
Wash it in warm water with a little mild dishwashing liquid.
Rinse it thoroughly until no soap remains.
Leave it to air-dry completely on a clean towel.
Refit it only once it is fully dry.
Never refit a damp filter. Also never run a concentrator that is designed to have an external filter without one in place. If your provider has given you a spare, use it while the other filter dries. If you use oxygen around the clock and don't have a spare, ask your provider for one.
Where should you place your oxygen concentrator?
It's easy to get placement wrong without noticing. Avoid positioning your concentrator:
tight against a wall or behind furniture
behind curtains or under bedding
inside a cupboard or any enclosed space
next to a heater, fireplace or other heat source, which is easy to forget in winter
where clothes or blankets tend to pile up
Each model has its own clearance requirement, and many manufacturers ask for roughly 15 to 30 cm of open space around the machine. Check your manual for the exact figure.
It's also good practice to plug the concentrator directly into a wall socket rather than a multiplug or extension lead, unless your provider has told you otherwise.
Keep the outside clean, gently
Wipe the outside of the machine regularly with a clean, damp cloth. A little mild soap is fine. Switch the machine off and unplug it first, and let it dry before you use it again.
Never spray cleaning products into the vents, soak the machine, or submerge any part of it. The cabinet only ever needs surface cleaning.
Tubing, cannulas and humidifier bottles
Sometimes the concentrator is working perfectly and the problem is much simpler. Tubing can get kinked, trapped under a chair leg, twisted, cracked or disconnected. A quick look along its full length each day is worthwhile.
Tubing and cannulas wear out over time. The American Lung Association suggests washing your cannula weekly and replacing tubing about every two months, but your oxygen provider's replacement schedule for your equipment takes priority. If a cannula becomes hard, cracked, discoloured or uncomfortable, ask for a new one rather than trying to make it last.
Not everyone uses a humidifier bottle. If you do:
wash it each time you refill it
use only the type of water your provider specifies, which is usually distilled
never add oils, fragrances or anything else
The oxygen pathway should stay clean and simple.
Never change your oxygen flow rate yourself
This may be the most important point in the whole guide.
Your flow rate is not a comfort setting like the temperature on an air conditioner. It is part of your prescription. If you feel your oxygen is no longer meeting your needs, don't turn it up. Contact your treating doctor or your oxygen provider instead, because your prescription may need a clinical review.
If your breathing suddenly gets much worse, or you develop new symptoms that worry you, seek medical care promptly. Don't assume the concentrator is the cause.
What your concentrator's alarms are telling you
Home concentrators are designed to warn you when something needs attention. Depending on the model, an alarm can signal a power failure, restricted airflow, high temperature, low oxygen concentration or a system fault.
Learn what your machine's alarms mean before you ever need to know. Keep the user manual somewhere easy to find, with your oxygen provider's number next to it. If an alarm keeps sounding, or you're not sure what it means, switch to your backup oxygen if you need to and call your provider.
Why you should never open the machine
A concentrator may look like a household appliance, but its internal parts are not household parts. The compressor, sieve beds and oxygen-purity systems must be inspected and repaired by trained technicians.
Call your provider if the machine becomes unusually noisy, runs hot, alarms repeatedly or looks damaged. Opening the housing yourself can be unsafe, and it may affect your servicing and warranty arrangements.
Why servicing matters even when the machine seems fine
A concentrator can keep running while slowly developing a problem you can't see. It can sound normal and still push air through the tubing while delivering less oxygen than it should. That is why scheduled professional servicing matters.
The American Lung Association recommends that your oxygen supplier services your concentrator at least once a year. Some providers and manufacturers service more often, so follow the schedule for your unit.
During a service, a technician can check things no patient can reasonably assess at home, including:
oxygen concentration, measured with a calibrated oxygen analyser
flow accuracy
internal filters
alarm function
compressor performance
electrical safety
the condition of your tubing and accessories
None of that is patient maintenance. It is service work.
What the research tells us
It has been known for decades that a prescription on its own doesn't guarantee oxygen therapy is delivered as intended. A study in the BMJ reassessed 61 patients who had been prescribed home concentrators. In only 18 of those cases was the prescription appropriate and the concentrator being used properly. The authors called for better education for doctors and patients alike.
That study dates from 1988, and oxygen equipment has improved a great deal since then. Later research tells a similar story, though. Researchers who questioned 200 patients using long-term home oxygen and ventilation devices concluded that these patients must receive effective, continuous technical maintenance support.
The lesson still holds: the equipment has to be maintained, and the patient has to be supported.
Power cuts, load-shedding and your backup plan
A stationary concentrator runs on electricity. When the power goes, so does the oxygen supply, which is why every home oxygen user in South Africa needs a clear backup plan.
Your oxygen provider should explain your backup system when your equipment is installed. For many patients, this includes a backup oxygen cylinder. Make sure that:
your backup is accessible and ready to use
you know how to switch over to it
family members or carers understand the plan
your provider's number is easy to find
When the power comes back, check that the concentrator has restarted and that the flow is set to your prescribed rate. If the concentrator fails, switch to your backup and contact your provider rather than trying to repair it.
Don't wait for a power cut to work out your plan. (To see how stationary concentrators, portable units and backup cylinders work together as one system, read Oxygen as a Service.)
Oxygen fire safety comes first
Oxygen doesn't burn itself, but it supports combustion and can make a fire burn far more intensely.
Never smoke near oxygen equipment, and don't allow anyone else to.
Keep oxygen well away from open flames, candles, gas stoves and heaters.
Avoid petroleum-based products such as petroleum jelly on your face or nose while using oxygen. Water-based products are generally recommended, and your clinical team can advise if you're unsure.
Your provider should give you a full oxygen-safety briefing when your system is installed.
Your five-minute weekly concentrator check
You don't need to become a technician. This weekly routine covers most of what matters:
Check | What to look for |
The machine | Clean, with nothing blocking the vents |
The filter | Clean, undamaged and completely dry (if your model has a washable filter) |
The tubing | No kinks, cracks or loose connections |
The sound | Normal running noise and no alarms |
Your backup | Accessible and ready to use |
Your contacts | Your provider's number somewhere obvious |
When to contact your oxygen provider
Call your provider if:
the machine alarms repeatedly
it becomes unusually noisy or seems to be overheating
the filter, tubing or fittings are damaged
the concentrator itself is visibly damaged
you're unsure whether oxygen is flowing properly
your backup equipment needs attention
your unit is due for its scheduled service
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my oxygen concentrator filter?
Many home concentrators with a washable external filter need cleaning about once a week, and more often in dusty homes or homes with pets. Filter types and schedules differ between models, so always follow the manual for your specific concentrator or ask your oxygen provider.
Can I put the filter back while it is still damp?
No. Let a washed filter air-dry completely before refitting it. If your provider has supplied a spare filter, use the spare while the other one dries, and never run a concentrator that is designed to have an external filter without one fitted.
How far from the wall should an oxygen concentrator be?
Clearance requirements vary by model, and many manufacturers specify roughly 15 to 30 cm of space from walls, curtains and furniture. Check your user manual for the exact distance, and never place a concentrator inside a cupboard or other enclosed space.
Can I turn up my oxygen if I feel more breathless?
No. Your flow rate is part of your prescription and should only be changed on the advice of your healthcare provider. If you feel your oxygen is no longer meeting your needs, contact your doctor or oxygen provider. If your breathing suddenly becomes much worse, seek medical care promptly.
What should I do if my oxygen concentrator stops during load-shedding or a power cut?
Switch to your backup oxygen as you have been shown, and contact your oxygen provider if you are unsure what to do. When the power returns, check that the concentrator has restarted and that the flow is set to your prescribed rate.
How often does an oxygen concentrator need a professional service?
The American Lung Association recommends that your oxygen supplier services your concentrator at least once a year, and some providers and manufacturers use shorter intervals. Follow the service schedule for your specific unit, even when the machine seems to be working normally.
The best concentrator is one that's looked after
Patients understandably spend a lot of time thinking about which oxygen machine they receive. The long-term quality of home oxygen therapy also depends on something less exciting: what happens after the machine arrives.
A clean filter. Open airflow. Sound tubing. A backup that's ready. Regular servicing. And someone who understands the equipment to call when something goes wrong.
None of this is complicated, but together it keeps your equipment doing what it was prescribed to do.
At Respocare, this is why we describe our approach as Oxygen as a Service. The concentrator is one part of the therapy. The service around it is what keeps that therapy supported over time.
Doctor scripts. We help look after the rest.
Questions about your concentrator, servicing or backup oxygen? Call the Respocare team on 010 109 2122 or email sales@respocare.co.za. We support home oxygen patients across Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Related reading: Oxygen as a Service · Going Cheap on a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Can Cost You Twice · The Portable Oxygen Story That Changed a Life
This article is general education. It does not replace the instructions supplied with your concentrator, advice from your oxygen provider, or guidance from your treating healthcare professional. Maintenance requirements differ between manufacturers and models.
References
American Lung Association. Oxygen Therapy: Using Oxygen at Home. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/using-oxygen-at-home
American Lung Association. Oxygen Therapy: Getting Started with a Home Oxygen Concentrator. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/home-oxygen-concentrator
Oxygen devices and delivery systems. Breathe (European Respiratory Society). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6876135/
Walshaw MJ, Lim R, Evans CC, Hind CR. Prescription of oxygen concentrators for long term oxygen treatment: reassessment in one district. BMJ. 1988;297(6655):1030–1032. doi:10.1136/bmj.297.6655.1030
Our experience of 200 patients: usage and maintenance of long-term oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation devices at home. PubMed ID 24482704. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24482704/
Philips Respironics. EverFlo Oxygen Concentrator: Service & Technical Information.
University of Maryland Medical System. How to Clean and Maintain Your Oxygen Equipment. https://health.umms.org/primary-care/maintain-your-oxygen-equipment/
Comments