Oxygen therapy
with a home oxygen concentrator

The oxygen concentrator is an electrically powered device that uses filters to separate oxygen from the other components of air. It is the most commonly used system for oxygen therapy.

How to use the oxygen concentrator

Portable oxygen concentrators

Portable oxygen concentrators can be used to increase exercise tolerance. The advantage of these systems is that they can be charged anywhere, even in a car.

There are two options:

• Pulse-flow system: this supplies oxygen only when the patient is breathing in; it therefore saves oxygen when the patient is breathing out.
• Continuous-flow system: this supplies oxygen when the patient is breathing in and breathing out.

Maintaining and cleaning an oxygen concentrator

Below are some maintenance guidelines (both for the home oxygen concentrator and the portable oxygen concentrator):

• Clean the air inlet filter at least once a week.
• Use a vacuum cleaner or wash it with warm water and soap, then rinse. Do not turn the concentrator on without putting the filter back first. It must be completely dry before use.
• To clean the back of the concentrator, unplug the device and clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth, without using any abrasive products.