Portable oxygen concentrators are the real support for the person having cardiac abnormalities at home. It indeed becomes a necessity for caretakers to put them under constant monitoring so that they can detect early symptoms. In this case, portable oxygen concentrator are a great support for out-of-hospital scenarios.  

Using health devices has to be done with a lot of precautions and this blog guides you in the proper understanding of portable oxygen machine.   

Here are a few tips on dos and don’ts of using a portable oxygen concentrator:  

1. Proper upkeep and maintenance  

Every at-home medical care device includes different usage manners and the materials used for the product. Understand your portable oxygen machine better for the right maintenance of it. Know when the device needs to be cleaned, changed with the batteries and tubes, etc.  

2. Change the tubing at regular intervals  

Tubes in the portable concentrators are the ones that connect your concentrator to the nose for the supply of oxygen, these tubes need to be checked every now and then as even the smallest pores and cracks in the tube affect the supply of oxygen.  

Ask your provider about the frequency, the tube needs to be changed.  

3. Back up and support for power outages  

Drained battery problems might occur anytime if you are not home. Power outages are also the conditions to be considered while you are using a portable oxygen concentrator. Have battery support for extra 4- 5 hours during power outages at home and it is recommended by the experts to carry extra batteries whenever you step out since uncertain schedules can affect your routine and can be a risk arranging for batteries.  

And, only whenever you’re home, draining the batteries completely from 100% to 0% once in a while can prolong the life of the batteries.  

4. Maintain hygiene and sterilize the attachments often 

Sterilize the tubes, humidifiers, and cannulas often as they hold the dirt and dust. Usually, when you are traveling, there are high chances of cannulas being dragged and damaged, carrying extra pairs of cannulas is a priority suggestion by experts.  

5. Follow the storage instructions; keep the POCs dry.   

Use the protective covers whenever you’re out to prevent the portable oxygen machine from getting wet leading to complications. Instead store the concentrators by using cases given by the manufacturer to keep them dry, protected, and not prone to water damage. It is an electronic device and should be avoided keeping in wet and moist places 

Portable oxygen concentrators should be avoided keeping in congested spaces and should be taken care to avoid overheating of the device that can lead to fire and malfunctioning of the unit  

6. Avoid smoking around concentrators at any cost  

Smoking should be strictly avoided wherever there are oxygen concentrators whether it’s in use or kept aside. Pure oxygen turns out to fire immediately even with the ashes of the cigarette. Most of the cases that lead to death are because of the fire around the concentrators as it tends to be highly inflammable even with a spark of ashes and cigars. Avoid open flames, any kind of candles, and diyas near your concentrator.  

Experts warn about the circumstances during the outdoor routine, since people will not be aware of the risks pertaining to concentrators  

7. Read the user manuals thoroughly  

The manual is the instruction booklet provided by your manufacturer. This contains all the major instructions, and guidelines to be followed whenever you’re using portable oxygen concentrators.  

Most of the manuals cover safety measures since there will be differences in the product design that differs from one manufacturer to the other. Keeping the manual available will help you with proper and authenticated guidelines.  

8. Strictly avoid POCs leaving in your cars during high temperatures 

Cars and any other vehicles tend to emit the heat accumulated by driving and from the environment. Since the portable oxygen concentrators should be kept completely away from the heat premises, do not leave your POC in the hot car.  

During the warm seasons and hot destinations take precautionary measures not to leave the POC heated for a longer duration as there tend to be higher risks that lead to device circuits.  

9. Do not leave the POCs unattended for months  

Portable oxygen concentrators are just like any other electric portable device you use at home. They tend to malfunction if left unattended and unused. Experts recommended using them for at least 4-5 hours a month so that they remain conditioned 

10. Quickly reach out in case of difficulties in understanding the product   

It is highly recommended to do thorough research on the product before using it. Carrying a prescription and device manual is the best way to keep you informed and prepared for the circumstances where you face confusion. The queries should not be left unanswered in health conditions. Reach out to the manufacturer or the experts from your list for any kind of clarification for confident use.  

Wrap-up: 

Clinically designed POCs are the best for home use and the portable oxygen concentrator price in India differs according to various factors from the quality of the product to the capacity of a battery. Hence be 200% sure about the product research or initiate a quick call with us for clear information about the POCs.