How to Troubleshoot an Oxygen Concentrator

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that provides higher concentrations of oxygen to a patient, as required by a physician. So when the device malfunctions it is important to find out why as soon as possible. These machines are typically prescribed as oxygen therapy for patients with respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic-obstruction pulmonary disease, occupational lung disease and emphysema. The machines are a less expensive and safer alternative to oxygen tanks, and are sometimes partially covered by certain health insurance plans. Regular inspection and care helps to optimize the efficiency and durability of an oxygen concentrator.

Instructions

• 1

  Inspect the cannula or nipple adapter if no oxygen is flowing. The cannula is the plastic tubing worn near the nostrils that disperses oxygen to the patient. Insert the cannula into a glass of water while the concentrator is activated. If bubbles appear, the concentrator is functioning. If no bubbles appear, confirm that the nipple adapter on the opposite end of the cannula tubing is securely screwed onto the oxygen concentrator.

• 2

  Check the plug at the outlet and ensure that it's plugged firmly into the wall. If the oxygen concentrator is inoperable or eliciting an alarm sound, there may be a problem with the power. Press the reset button in case the concentrator circuit breaker has been tripped. If there was an electrical power outage, use the backup oxygen system.

• 3

  Disconnect the cannula and tubing from the concentrator if you are unable to set the prescribed flow rate. If the correct flow rate is restored, replace the cannula and tubing. If this doesn't resolve the problem, disconnect the humidifier bottle. If removing the humidifier bottle restores the flow rate, replace the old humidifier bottle.