You've received your New Portable Oxygen Concentrator, there's a few steps you should take when opening and getting ready to use the device!

Steps To Take With A New Portable Oxygen Concentrator

First confirm that all oxygen prescriptions are accurate and up to date to ensure that you're getting the correct amount of oxygen.

Keep All Packaging

 The original packaging is the best-fit protection for the device, shielding it from dust, moisture, and potential damage when not in use. If your unit needs to be sent for repairs, the manufacturer often requires it to be shipped in an approved, secure container to prevent further damage. The original box is designed to protect the device during transit.

Check All Components 

Ensure the unit is not damaged, verify all accessories: AC/DC charger, Batteries, and Carry Bag. Filters are clean, batteries are properly installed, and all other accessories (cannula, power cords) function correctly to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Read The Manual 

Reading your portable oxygen concentrator manual is crucial for safe operation, as it outlines specific, model-dependent instructions for preventing fire hazards, ensuring proper maintenance, and understanding alarms. Provides essential information on battery management, correct flow settings, and troubleshooting.

Initial Testing

Run the machine for at least an hour using not only the AC/ DC chargers as well as testing all outlets that may be used during oxygen therapy. This will confirm that all functions are properly working. Initial testing of a portable oxygen concentrator is critical to ensure it delivers the correct oxygen purity and flow rate for your prescription. 

Battery Management

 Charge all batteries fully to 100% before using. Rotate the batteries, if you have multiple, rotate them regularly to maintain even wear. Unexpected Shutdowns: Poor maintenance, such as not calibrating the battery monthly, causes the battery gauge to misread power levels, leading to abrupt shutdowns.

Safety and Usage

Verify Settings

Ensure that your portable oxygen concentrator is set to your prescribed oxygen level. POCs often use pulse-dose technology, which requires validation to ensure the device keeps your blood oxygen saturation at or above 90% during all activities, including movement and rest. 

Test Mobility

 Test your device while sitting, walking, and climbing stairs to ensure that your needs are met. This test is to make sure the device is lightweight enough and comfortable to wear during daily tasks, errands, or exercises.

Safety Precautions

 Keep the concentrator away from open flames, sparks or electric razors. All air intakes should be kept clean and clear ensuring you give about 1-2 feet of space around the unit. 

Clean Regularly 

Clean the filter and outer casting weekly with mild soap and water. The initial grime and dirt from everyday use will easily come off with the damp cloth to start. Dampen the cloth with water and squeeze it out so it is not soaking wet. Next add a drop of your washing detergent to your damp cloth. Once the initial wipe with soap make sure to rinse your cloth, and once again wipe down the equipment to remove the soapy layer.

Change Tubing 

Periodically check for kinks and replace the nasal cannula regularly. Fill the sink with a ratio of 1:10 water and white vinegar, this mixture creates a disinfectant that cleans out microbes from your nasal cannula soak your cannula in this mixture for a few minutes.

Prepare For Travel 

Always carry a backup battery if leaving the house for long periods. When flying, an FAA approval indicates that the device has been fully tested for safety as well as reliability in the unique conditions of air travel. This ensures that the passengers can access the oxygen they need when it matters most. FAA approval is essential for ensuring safety, reliability, and comfort for passengers who rely on these devices while traveling.