An oxygen concentrator is a type of oxygen administration device used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments including COPD and cystic fibrosis. Oxygen concentrators are similar to oxygen tanks in that they deliver medical grade oxygen which is inspired via a nasal cannula or oxygen mask. Concentrators were introduced around the 1970s and portable versions became more widely available in the early 2000s. The key difference between concentrators and oxygen tanks is that oxygen concentrators contain no compressed oxygen or liquid of any kind. As a result, oxygen concentrators don’t have many of the safety risks that are commonly associated with compressed oxygen. They’re also much easier to use and less costly which has made them popular as a long-term treatment option for many pulmonary diseases.

Earth’s atmosphere contains about 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and the remaining 1 percent is made up of a variety of other gases. For someone with healthy lungs, this is enough oxygen, but for someone with impaired lung function, a higher concentration of oxygen is needed. An oxygen concentrator is designed to take in air, remove the nitrogen and distribute a higher grade of oxygen. In COPD patients, this can reduce shortness of breath, chronic pain, and improve overall quality of life.

• Disinfecting masks/nasal cannula and humidifier bottle (if used)

• Replace Humidifier Water Daily

• Disinfect the humidifier bottle weekly and between patients

• Make sure the intake and the exhaust of the machine are not blocked. Do not place it against a wall(1,5). The machine should be used in a well-ventilated room. Clean Outer Filter Twice a Week

• Clean the outer filter up to twice a week by washing with soapy water and drying. You can exchange it with an extra filter to use the machine while cleaning the filter(1,3). Refer to the product manual for guidance on how to remove the air filter.