Cleaning and Maintenance

1. The concentrator cabinet and power cord can be cleaned with a mild household cleaner applied with a damp cloth or sponge and wiped dry. 
   1. WARNING: Disconnect power before cleaning the cabinet).
   2. Do not use cleaning liquid directly on the concentrator or utilize any petroleum-based solvents or cleaning agents.
2. The air intake particle filter should be rinsed weekly.
   1. Only use water to rinse filter, do not apply cleaning products or detergents.

Mechanical Failure or Power Outage

1. MedCare provides each customer with a gaseous portable unit to be utilized in the event of a mechanical failure or power outage.
2. In the event of a power outage, mechanical failure, or if the audible alarm sounds, switch to the gaseous oxygen reserve and contact your local branch.

Troubleshooting Your Oxygen Concentrator

Oxygen Safety and General Information

Oxygen (sometimes called O2) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Oxygen is essential to life, but it is also a potentially hazardous substance. O2 DOES NOT EXPLODE. O2 DOES NOT BURN by itself. O2 is one of the ingredients necessary for a fire to occur. The others are combustible or flammable materials and a source of ignition. To ensure the safe handling and use of oxygen, the following instructions should be observed:

1. Oxygen equipment should be turned off when not in use to prevent accumulation of oxygen in the room.
    
2. Matches, cigarette lighters, burning tobacco, and candles must be eliminated from the room where oxygen is being used and stored.
    
3. Radios, television sets, window air conditioners, fans, electric razors, and all electrical equipment should be at least SIX (6) FEET from the oxygen unit.
    
4. All electrical equipment should be properly grounded.
    
5. Oxygen equipment should not be in a confined area.
    
6. Oxygen equipment should not be oiled or greased.
    
7. Aerosol sprays should not be used around oxygen equipment.
    
8. Heavy coating of oily lotions, face creams, hair dressings, or petroleum jelly should NOT be used while receiving oxygen. A water soluble gel such as K-Y Jelly or Blairex Gel can be substituted in place of petroleum jelly.
    
9. Oxygen units should not be placed near heating units (electric, kerosene, etc.).
    
10. Oxygen cylinders must be secured by a chain, cord, in a stand, or lying flat on the floor in a traffic-free area.
     
11. Liquid oxygen units must remain in the upright position.
     
12. Do Not touch frosted fittings or piping on a liquid oxygen system.
     
13. Oxygen may be transported in your vehicle when properly secured and with windows open approximately one (1) inch.
     
14. Repair of oxygen equipment should be made by trained personnel only.
     
15. Never alter the oxygen liter flow from what your physician prescribes.
     
16. A gaseous portable oxygen unit is your “back-up” in the event of a power failure. Always maintain a minimum of a four (4) to five (5) hour supply of oxygen for this purpose.

Facts About Your Humidifier

Humidifier Care

1. Add only distilled water to your humidifier. Be sure to fill it every day.
    
2. The water in the humidifier should be changed every 24 hours.
    
3. Your humidifier should be cleaned and sanitized a minimum of once each week (more often if your respiratory therapist instructs).

Humidifier Cleaning

1. Disassemble the humidifier.
    
2. Wash in warm, sudsy water.
    
3. Rinse all parts under hot water.
    
4. Soak all parts in a vinegar solution (one-part white vinegar to three-parts water) for 60 minutes.
    
5. Remove from the vinegar solution and rinse all parts in hot water.
    
6. Place on paper towels and allow to air dry.
    
7. It is recommended that you have two humidifiers, one in use while the other is being cleaned.

Preparing your E Cylinder

Oxygen Cylinder Approximate Run Time

The below chart details the expected run time (in hours) of each oxygen cylinder size, based on the set continuous liter flow rate.