Why Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Matters

The Oxygen Concentrator is one of those devices that you probably didn’t think about until it broke down. It sits in a corner of your home, makes a faint humming sound when you are asleep and supplies the oxygen you need to remain healthy. For those who rely upon this machine, the faint humming sound means safety.

The oxygen concentrator preventive maintenance checklist is extremely important. If an oxygen concentrator is properly maintained through regular cleaning, inspection, and testing, it will probably last much longer, produce a more uniform amount of oxygen, and have fewer mechanical problems than if it was neglected. Typically, if you neglect your concentrator, it will usually show some early warning signals, and then stop working without prior notice.

The stakes look different depending on who you are:

• The patient and his/her caregiver should be confident that the patient’s oxygen delivery device will work correctly, especially at night and if there is a possibility that it will take a while for the patient to receive emergency services.
• Home medical equipment (HME) and durable medical equipment (DME) companies must manage many types of medical equipment. In addition, these companies will be held liable for problems related to the use of such equipment, response to service calls and replacement of broken/non-functional equipment.

Most concentration-related problems may be prevented. The majority of service calls result from filter blockages, dirty humidifier bottles, damaged tubing and/or poor maintenance of sieve beds. These problems may be identified prior to escalating into major issues if a basic daily maintenance plan is implemented. The purpose of this guide is to demonstrate a systematic approach for implementing such a plan.

A quick reminder: You should always use the operating instructions for your product as provided by your manufacturer and follow the advice of your healthcare provider. The below frequency recommendations are generally considered to be standard best practices, however, there could be variation due to different models.

What Actually Goes Wrong When PM Is Skipped

To start with, before you use the checklist, it would be useful to know what you are trying to protect yourself from. It is rare that skipping preventive maintenance will lead to a single catastrophic event. Instead, skipping preventative maintenance will usually lead to a series of smaller problems.

Filters that are clogged require the device to run at a higher level than normal. Airflow is restricted by dust and animal dander in the intake filter. Because of this restriction, the compressor has to exert more energy, produces more heat, and wears out sooner. Preventing problems associated with blocked filters is inexpensive; however, ignoring such issues may result in some of the most expensive repairs.

Sieve beds will deteriorate. Sieve beds are what make up the core of a concentrator. They help to filter out nitrogen from ambient air in order to allow the unit to provide patients with pure oxygen. Over time, moisture, poor air quality, and age can all negatively impact the effectiveness of these sieve beds. Once these sieve beds have begun to degrade, oxygen concentration will decrease, typically prior to the patient being aware that something has gone wrong.

Compressor failure can be costly. Compressor life may be shortened by heat, low airflow, or extended operating hours.

Bacteria will develop in humidifier bottles. If a bottle has not been properly cleaned or filled with the appropriate type of water, then it may be an avenue for bacteria to spread. For individuals who have compromised pulmonary systems, this can be a serious issue.

The alarms for low-purity, low-flow and power do not work unless they are used. A simple check of the alarm system when it goes off can prevent an emergency. However, when the alarms go off and are then turned off and forgotten about, small problems will become big ones.

Every single one of those events will appear as an emergency service visit, an extra supply of emergency oxygen, a unit removed from use prior to its scheduled time, or a loss of confidence in the organization by the patient. In contrast to those events, for patients those events are experienced as concern. A preventative program provides concern replacement through predictability.

The Oxygen Concentrator Preventative Maintenance Checklist

The list below has been divided into two sections, one based upon how frequently a patient/caregiver will perform a specific function and another based on which individual (provider/technician) is most appropriate to accomplish a given task. Everyday cleaning is a task that may be accomplished safely by either a patient/caregiver. On the other hand, performance testing and internal work are tasks that should only be completed by a provider or qualified technician.

Safety first: before you touch anything

• Turn the device off and unplug it before cleaning or removing any filter.
• The oxygen concentrator must never come into contact with heat from sources such as open flames, gas stoves, candles, and/or individuals who are smoking. Oxygen will support combustion so there are no exceptions.
• Do not use any type of oil, grease, petroleum jelly, or spray can (aerosol) on the device or its tubings.
• Use only manufacturer-approved parts and cleaning methods.

Daily and Weekly Tasks (For Patients and Caregivers)

The most beneficial practices for minimizing effort, taking only a matter of minutes, to safeguard your entire system.

Daily checks

• Look and listen. Observe the display on your computer and decide whether or not the computer is making a noise that sounds different from what it usually produces. If you hear a rattling, grinding, or simply a louder noise, then you need to let someone know about this.
• Check the space around the unit for air flow. Keep a minimum amount of space (about an inch or two) from any wall, curtain, or furniture to help provide adequate air circulation. Most manufacturers recommend keeping about six inches of space.
• Make sure the flow is set correctly. Check if the amount shown on either the dial or display matches what was prescribed. Your machine could have been adjusted by mistake by little bumps, curious animals, or even your grandchildren, without you noticing.
• Examine the cannula and tubing. Check for kinks, cracks, or liquid inside the tubing. If there are any bent sections of the tubing, straighten them out as they could impede flow.
• If you have a humidifier, please fill the humidifier bottle with distilled water. While filling the bottle, make sure that it has been filled up to the indicated line and empty out any of last night’s water from the bottle before adding new water. Do not just put more water into last night’s water.
• Keep the exterior clean. Use a quick wipe with a wet, lint-free cloth to keep dust away from the vents.

Weekly checks

1. Clean the outside particle filter. Many concentrators will have an external particle filter located on either the back or side of the unit. After you locate this filter, remove it from the concentrator, wash it in warm water with a small amount of mild dish detergent, thoroughly rinse it off, allow it to fully dry prior to replacing it. Some individuals purchase an extra filter to use when they are cleaning their primary filter; this way their concentrator can operate continuously without being forced to run without a particle filter.
2. Wash the bottle that holds the humidifier. You will need to use warm soapy water, then completely rinse the bottle, and finally allow the bottle to naturally dry in the air. Many manufacturers will recommend soaking the bottle in a mixture of vinegar and water every so often. Please refer to your owner’s manual before doing anything to the bottle.
3. Check the power cord. Look for fraying, heat marks, or a loose plug.
4. Confirm that backup oxygen is available. If you have an oxygen tank (backup cylinder) or a small hand-held device (portable unit) as part of your patient’s care plan, make sure that it has gas inside and that the regulator is working.

Monthly and Quarterly Tasks

These tasks happen less often but matter just as much.

Monthly

• Your doctor may recommend that you replace the nasal cannula at certain intervals, often between 2-4 weeks, or immediately following an upper respiratory infection.
• Check your filters from within the unit, as long as you can access them. Some units also contain a second filter, or a filter designed to catch bacteria. You will need to check this filter using the instructions in your owner’s manual.
• Review the history of the alarm. Note any repeated alarms if there are multiple alarms logged by the machine. A pattern of alarms indicates a growing issue.
• Check the hour meter. Record the reading on a log to monitor your equipment’s use and schedule maintenance based on hours.

Every two to three months

• Replace the tubing. The stiffening, clouding, and accumulation of moisture on oxygen tubing will be improved with the replacement of the existing tubing with a new one.
• If the manufacturer recommends replacing the humidifier bottle, do so when required. If the bottle becomes damaged (cracked, scratched, or cloudy), replace it immediately.
• Use a soft bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner on a low speed to deep clean the air intake vents on the cabinet, while keeping the dust from entering the intake.

Annual and Hours-Based Tasks (For HME/DME Providers)

The benefit of having a professional perform preventative maintenance is realized in this area. Technicians with appropriate training and reference to the manufacturer’s service documentation must carry out the following activities. Oxygen concentrator.

Performance testing

• Oxygen purity testing using a calibrated oxygen analyzer. Many oxygen concentrators provide high quality oxygen at the specified flow rate, and most manufacturers state a range from approximately 85% to 95%. When the oxygen reading drops below what is specified by the manufacturer, it indicates that either the sieve beds or compressor require service.
• Verify the flow rate. Make sure that the actual flow delivered is consistent with the set point over the entire range of possible flow rates, not just at the patient’s typical flow rate.
• Test of alarm function. To determine if the low-purity, low-flow, high-pressure, and power-failure alarms do indeed go off when simulated or triggered.
• Pressure checks. Verify that system pressure falls within specification.

Component inspection and replacement

• Replace the internal filters (the intake filter, bacterial filter, and any other filters such as a muffler or foam) when needed.
• Inspect the compressor for unusual noise, vibration, heat, or oil residue.
• Check the valves and fittings for leaks, wear, or sticking.
• The evaluation of the sieve beds is based upon how many hours they have been used and what kind of trend in purity levels exists. Most oxygen concentrators require either maintenance or replacement of their sieve beds at some point after several thousand hours of operation. However, there is no set number of hours that defines when a unit will require maintenance or replacement since each concentrator operates differently, depending on the model and the operating conditions.
• Inspect the cooling fan and vents for dust buildup and proper airflow.
• Check the wiring, the connector, and the printed circuit board (PCB) to see if there is any evidence of corrosion, a loose connection, or a burned component.

Electrical and cleaning protocols

• Run an electrical safety check on the power cord, plug, and grounding.
• Using an approved cleaning/disinfecting agent, clean and disinfect the cabinet after every patient use. If a unit is returned, use proper infection control methods.
• All documentation should be maintained. Record the serial number, operating hours, purity readings, any replacement parts used, and the initials of the technician who performed the work. This information can provide documentation of reasonable care if there are subsequent problems with the equipment.

A Quick Reference Maintenance Table

Save or Print This Table For A Quick, Shareable Summary. Refer To Your Manufacturer’s Manual For Exact Intervals.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

If you have a great routine, it still won’t find every problem. Be aware of the signs when you need to contact your health care professional or service provider as soon as possible. Oxygen concentrator.

• A low purity/low flow alarm that does not clear. One alarm from a kinky tube is one thing; a series of alarms means something else.
• The machine feels unusually hot or smells like burning plastic.
• A sudden change in sound, such as grinding, banging, or a loud buzzing.
• The patient has difficulty breathing or their symptoms are worsening without any obvious reason. This should be treated as an emergency; use the backup oxygen supply, and call for medical help if required.
• Moisture or water in the tubing or cabinet.
• The display shows errors or goes blank.
• The time on the hour meter will soon exceed the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance interval, however, no maintenance is currently scheduled.

Do not delay in taking action when a patient is in serious trouble. If they require backup oxygen, use it, and contact emergency services as soon as possible if their condition appears to be life-threatening.

Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Some mistakes come up again and again, and they are all easy to fix.

If you use tap water with your humidifier, you may notice that minerals and microbes are building up inside of the unit. For this reason, many people recommend using distilled water instead.

Put a wet filter into the machine. Moisture can enter the machine through the filter, which could damage some of its internal parts. Before you put the filters into the machine, let them dry completely, and always have an extra filter available.

Blocks off air flow. Concentrator placed up against a wall, behind a sofa, or covered by a blanket cannot get air. Therefore, it will overheat.

Skip the logging. If there’s no way to know when you last had your car serviced, then you can’t tell if you have any trends in what needs to be fixed. A simple notebook would work.

Waiting for a failure. To run a piece of equipment until it breaks down can cost more in repairs, emergency deliveries, and patient risk than scheduled maintenance.

Third-party filters, cannulas, and tubing that don’t fit into the manufacturer’s specifications may reduce performance or invalidate a warranty.

The same schedule is used for each type of equipment. Portable concentrators, stationary concentrators, and various manufacturers require different maintenance.

Building a PM Program That Scales

The preventative maintenance schedule for a single-machine user can be considered as part of their weekly regimen. However, the preventative maintenance schedule for a company that has many machines deployed in the field (hundreds or thousands) is a much larger logistical problem. Usually, a good preventative maintenance program has several components.

1. A complete asset inventory

The use of records for every item will include the item’s identification number (serial), its brand name and type (make/model), where it is located or assigned to a specific person (patient), when it was purchased, how many total hours it has been used, and its service history. If you do not have some way of tracking an object then you cannot provide care for that object.

2. Schedules built on hours and calendar time

Programs should track hours of operation as well as the calendar when determining which units require service. By doing so, they can avoid providing too much service for a unit that has been lightly used, while also avoiding neglect of a unit that has been heavily used.

3. Standard work procedures

Each technician must utilize the exact same inspection and test procedures on every single unit. Using a standardized checklist will result in less variability, quicker technician training, and improved ability to assess the quality of work.

4. Calibrated test equipment

Oxygen analyzers and flow meters should be regularly calibrated. A faulty analyzer can give you a false sense of security, which is even worse than not doing the test.

5. Infection control

All returned equipment must be cleaned and disinfected prior to use by another patient. This will protect both the patients and your business.

6. Documentation and audit readiness

Payers, accreditors, and regulatory bodies require evidence that you are maintaining your equipment. Records that are easy to find and organize can greatly reduce the anxiety of an audit.

7. Parts and inventory management

When you are planning for future needs in terms of filtration, cannulas, tubing, and replacement parts, make sure that you order enough to meet your anticipated requirements. If you run out of the correct filter, what would have been a ten minute procedure can easily turn into several days of waiting.

8. Patient education

A concise handbook provided to patients upon receipt of the equipment that details both daily and weekly responsibilities will significantly reduce the number of unnecessary service calls. Patients with a clear understanding of how to operate the equipment are more likely to notify the company of issues with the equipment prior to it breaking down.

Building all of these items requires time, people and equipment. Many providers choose to outsource due to the costs associated with building the items themselves.

Why Providers Outsource Oxygen Concentrator PM

Many HME & DME companies find that having an internally managed preventive maintenance program can be expensive in terms of time, money, and staff resources. It requires hiring and training employees, buying test equipment, setting up a parts supply chain, purchasing software to manage schedules and records, and devoting management’s attention to keeping the program operating smoothly. This can take away valuable employee time and financial resources from providing direct patient care and expanding your business. Oxygen concentrator.

There are many ways that outsourcing preventative maintenance to a specialty partner may benefit your company:

• Consistent Quality. All of our technicians are trained to perform all of their work in accordance with a set of established standards.
• Decreasing unexpected shut down time. Scheduled maintenance identifies potential problems prior to becoming service calls.
• Costs can be predicted. It is much simpler to plan for maintenance, which will help you save money on unforeseen emergency repairs and replacement costs.
• Audit-ready records. Documentation is built into the process.
• Scalability. You can scale your business up or down with your fleet size as needed, rather than having to hire and train additional in-house staff.
• Better focus. Staff members will be able to spend time building relationships with patients, processing incoming patients (intake), and referring patients to other services as needed.

At MSI Health Solutions, oxygen concentrator preventive maintenance is a service specifically designed to address these concerns. If you operate a group of oxygen concentrators and wish to reduce equipment failure rates, improve recordkeeping and decrease the amount of work required to maintain your operations; please visit our site to find out about how we can assist you. Oxygen Concentrator PM page.

Ready to simplify your equipment program? Outsource your PM program and let a dedicated team keep your concentrators running.

Oxygen concentrators will operate reliably for many years, as long as they receive regular maintenance. Taking just a few moments each day to check on the unit; washing filters weekly; and having a technician inspect the device once per year, can result in fewer breakdowns, enhanced safety for patients, and reduced costs associated with repairs.

If you are a patient or a caregiver, use the daily and weekly tasks above to begin. You are an HME/DME provider, review your current PM processes to determine if they are being consistently used; if they are documented; and if they can scale. If they cannot meet those criteria, then developing a structured program — either developed internally, or externally — Oxygen concentrator.