Using Your Stationary Oxygen Concentrator

*Please note: This slide show is meant to be a representation only. No specific brand of oxygen equipment is being promoted or endorsed. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

What is oxygen therapy?

If you have a lung problem such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you might have low oxygen levels. If so, you may need oxygen therapy to help you breathe better and do the things you want and need to do.

Oxygen therapy is given using special equipment. This animation tells you about using a stationary oxygen concentrator.

What is a stationary oxygen concentrator?

A stationary oxygen concentrator is a machine that turns room air into oxygen. You breathe in the oxygen through a tube that connects from the machine to a device you wear in your nose or over your nose and mouth.

A stationary concentrator is also called a home or standard oxygen concentrator.¹ It stays in one place but has wheels so it can be moved inside the home.² It plugs into the wall and runs on electricity.

Why might I need a stationary oxygen concentrator?

The air we breathe contains just 21 percent oxygen. An oxygen concentrator absorbs oxygen from the air and creates a blend that is almost pure oxygen.

If you have a condition that prevents you from getting enough oxygen from the air, you can use an oxygen concentrator to get extra, or supplemental, oxygen to bring your oxygen up to a normal level. Your prescriber will let you know when to use your oxygen and how much to use.

Parts of a stationary oxygen concentrator

Your stationary oxygen concentrator includes the machine and a device called a cannula that fits in your nostrils to deliver oxygen. The cannula connects to a length of tubing. The other end of the tube connects to a nozzle on your concentrator.

Some concentrators have a plastic bottle called a humidifier. This holds distilled water to moisten the oxygen you inhale.

More about your stationary oxygen concentrator

Your concentrator has a filter to clean the air, a flow meter to measure the flow of oxygen,³ and controls to regulate it. There are alarms to indicate loss of power, poor oxygen flow, and other possible problems.

Turning your stationary oxygen concentrator on and off

To set up your stationary oxygen concentrator, plug it into an electrical outlet. Keep the machine a foot or two from the wall so air can circulate around it.⁴ Once you plug it in, you can turn the machine off and on with a button.

Adjusting the flow of oxygen

The amount of oxygen flowing from the concentrator can be adjusted. If you feel like you are not getting enough, let your health care provider know.  Also, ask your provider about using a finger pulse oximeter to measure your oxygen levels.

The difference between low flow and high flow

You may have a low-flow or high-flow concentrator. Low or normal flow delivers up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute. High flow delivers 6 to 10 liters per minute.⁶

Connecting the tubing

To connect the tubing, place one end over the nozzle on the concentrator. Then gently push up until the tube end is securely on the nozzle. The tubing must be connected securely enough to stay in place, even if you move around.

Using a humidifier

If your nose and throat get dry when you use oxygen, you may want to ask your doctor about a humidifier.⁸ This bottle filled with distilled water attaches to the concentrator and moistens the oxygen you receive. It needs to be washed each week with warm soapy water and allowed to air dry.

Maintaining the filter

Your concentrator has a filter. It needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your oxygen supplier how to service it, how often you should do this, as well as how to do it correctly.⁹

Handling problems with your stationary oxygen concentrator

If you think oxygen is not flowing correctly, check the tubing for kinks and blockages. If you are moving around your home, check that the tubing is not stuck or caught in something causing a blockage.

You can also put the cannula in water. If you see bubbles, oxygen is flowing.¹⁰

You can use foam to cushion the area behind your ears where the tubing goes for added comfort.⁹ Avoid using any petroleum-based products on your lips, nose, or face. Use water-based moisturizers only if your nose, lips, or skin get dry.⁴

Handling problems with your stationary oxygen concentrator (troubleshooting)

In case of problems, know who to contact at the company that supplies your oxygen. You may want to have more than one way to contact them. You may also contact your prescriber.

Living well with a stationary oxygen concentrator

Your stationary oxygen concentrator can help your lungs deliver the right amount of oxygen for the other organs in your body to work properly.

Being familiar with your concentrator can make this easier.

References

1. COPD Foundation. Oxygen Therapy. Reviewed March 3, 2020. Available at: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Oxygen-Therapy.aspx. Accessed January 4, 2022.
2. American Thoracic Society. Oxygen therapy. Available at: https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/oxygen-therapy.php. Accessed January 3, 2022.
3. Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Oxygen basics. Available at: https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/patients-caregivers/oxygen-therapy/what-is-oxygen-therapy. Accessed December 29, 2021.
4. American Association for Respiratory Care and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Why did my provider prescribe supplemental oxygen? August 2017. Available at https://pulmonaryfibrosis-legacy.ae-admin.com/life-with-pf/pff-educational-resources/patient-education-materials. Accessed January 4, 2022.
5. American Medical Sales & Rentals. How to operate an oxygen concentrator. Available at: https://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/help-center/how-to-operate-an-oxygen-concentrator/. Accessed December 30, 2021.
6. American Association for Respiratory Care and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Why did my provider prescribe supplemental oxygen? August 2017. Available at https://pulmonaryfibrosis-legacy.ae-admin.com/life-with-pf/pff-educational-resources/patient-education-materials. Accessed January 4, 2022.
7. American Lung Association. Getting started with oxygen? Updated July 21, 2020. Available at https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/getting-started-with-oxygen. Accessed December 29, 2021.
8. Branson RD. Oxygen therapy in COPD. Respir Care. 2018;63(6):734-748. doi 10.4187/respcare.06312
9. Hardavella G, Karampinis I, Frille A, et al. Oxygen devices and delivery systems. Breathe (Sheff). 2019;15:e108-e116.
10. American Lung Association. Getting started with oxygen? Updated July 21, 2020. Available at: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/getting-started-with-oxygen. Accessed December 29, 2021.