CAUTION – Please be aware of the following before purchasing your oxygen concentrator
Oxygen concentrators produce medical grade Oxygen. Oxygen is a drug and should be administered by a trained technician.
You must have a current prescription for oxygen from your doctor.
The prescription must stipulate a flow rate , and or preferably a pulse setting. The prescription should also stipulate hours of use per day including nocturnal use if required.
Pulse Oxygen Concentrator settings are not equivalent to Litres Per Minute (LPM).
Therefore before using your device it must be set/titrated by a trained technician as per your personal prescription.
Pulse devices may not be suitable for sleep.
A sleep test/study may be required before a Pulse device is used.
Medical oxygen concentrators should be delivered to you by a trained technician in accordance with the Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand Guidelines for administration of Domiciliary Oxygen.
The technician should take the time with you and go through all aspects of your machine such as initial set up, recharging, power management, safety tips and oxygen settings.
Oxygen is Flammable
Never use Oxygen near an open flame. Keep the oxygen at least 3 meters from any open flame or heat source, such as candles or a gas stove, or from anything that could cause a spark. Do not allow alcoholic solutions, oil or grease to come into contact with oxygen supply devices. This includes petroleum jelly.
No Smoking
Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke near the oxygen equipment.
Tripping Hazard
Be aware of the tubing around your feet as it can be a tripping hazard.
Oxygen Prescription
Never increase or decrease your prescribed Oxygen level/dose unless a medical practitioner has approved it.
Carbon Dioxide Retention
You should know if you are CO2 Retentive. If not ask your doctor.
Pulse/Demand Dose Oxygen
If you have an Oxygen Concentrator that is Pulse/Demand Dose then you should understand that you must have the Nasal Prongs on and breathing in with your nose for the device to deliver Oxygen. Pulse Devices are not suitable for use with CPAP or BiLevel Devices. Pulse Devices are not recommended for sleep. Unless approved by your doctor.
Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance
Keep the oxygen equipment clean and dust free. As the oxygen concentrator becomes hot when in use, locate it in a well-ventilated area, away from curtains or drapes.
Know your Oxygen Concentrator
Make sure you fully understand how to operate your Oxygen Concentrator. Read your manual. If unsure of anything ask your provider.
Oxygen Back up Plan
What will you do if your Oxygen Concentrator fails? Generally Oxygen is not prescribed for home use as a life support therapy. However if you feel it is or you have been prescribed 24 hour use, you should discuss with your doctor and have a back up Oxygen Cylinder in place and the contact details for an ambulance. If in doubt go to the nearest Hospital or call for an Ambulance.