John’s Troubleshooting Tip of the Month: Oxygen Concentrator
An oxygen concentrator is a machine that allows you to deliver the exact amount of oxygen your doctor has prescribed for your patient or child without the hassle of having to change tanks. The machine does this by filtering out nitrogen and other gasses from the air to create a higher amount of oxygen.
Sequel Eclipse Oxygen Concentrator (left) Puritan Bennet 590 Oxygen Concentrator (right)
Of course, with any machine, there can be problems. So if there is ever a problem with the oxygen concentrator always use a tank to make sure you are giving the proper amount of oxygen before going on to these trouble shooting steps.
If you get an alarm check:
- that the power cord is plugged into a working wall outlet.
- that the ball on the flow meter is not all the way up or all the way down.
- that the intake filter is not clogged with lint. If so, replace with clean filter.
- that the machine’s air intake area is not blocked by walls, furniture, or drapes.
- that the oxygen tubing is not kinked or blocked.
If the alarm does not stop:
- Disconnect tubing and bubbler if you are using one.
- Turn machine off if still giving alarm.
- Look for one of the above causes of the alarm.
- Wait ten minutes for the machine to cool down.
- Turn machine back on and adjust as needed.
- Call PHS at 651-642-1825 if machine is still not working.
Always make sure you have enough oxygen tanks in case of power outages and equipment failure. Your PHS clinician will help you calculate the right amount.
John Sheahan, RRT-NPS, LRT is a Licensed Respiratory Therapist at PHS and would love to hear from you if you have a tip that you’ve found helps when working with your equipment, or have an idea for a Troubleshooting Tip post. Share your tip or idea through a comment here or an email to John at jcsheahan@pediatrichomeservice.com.