Collection: FAQ

Oxygen Concentrator Questions


What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that extracts and provides concentrated oxygen from the surrounding air, helping individuals with respiratory conditions receive the oxygen they need.

How does an oxygen concentrator work?

Oxygen concentrators work by drawing in room air, removing nitrogen, and delivering purified oxygen through a nasal cannula or mask.

Who might benefit from using an oxygen concentrator?

Individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other conditions that affect oxygen intake may benefit from using an oxygen concentrator.

What is the difference between a stationary and a portable oxygen concentrator?

Stationary concentrators are designed for home use, providing continuous oxygen flow. Portable concentrators are smaller and battery-powered, allowing users to be mobile while receiving oxygen.

How do I choose the right oxygen concentrator for my needs?

Consider factors such as prescribed oxygen flow rate, portability requirements, battery life, and additional features. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

What is the lifespan of an oxygen concentrator?

The typical lifespan of an oxygen concentrator is around 5 to 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regular cleaning and proper care can extend the device's life.

Can I use an oxygen concentrator while sleeping?

Yes, oxygen concentrators are designed for continuous use, including during sleep. Ensure proper positioning of the tubing to prevent any obstruction.

How loud is an oxygen concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators generally produce a noise level between 40-60 decibels, similar to a quiet conversation. Some models offer quieter operation than others.

Are oxygen concentrators covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage varies. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage for the purchase or rental of an oxygen concentrator. A prescription from a healthcare professional is usually required.

Can I travel with an oxygen concentrator?

Yes, many oxygen concentrators are designed for travel. Check with the airline and relevant authorities for specific guidelines on using oxygen concentrators during travel.

How do I clean and maintain my oxygen concentrator?

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and maintenance. Regularly clean filters, tubing, and nasal cannulas to ensure optimal performance and hygiene.

What safety precautions should I take when using an oxygen concentrator?

Keep the device away from open flames, follow proper electrical safety guidelines, and ensure good ventilation in the room. Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Can I use an oxygen concentrator without a prescription?

No, it is illegal and unsafe to use an oxygen concentrator without a prescription. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate oxygen flow rate for your needs.

What are the common troubleshooting steps for an oxygen concentrator?

Refer to the user manual for troubleshooting guidance. Common issues include power supply problems, alarms, and filter blockages. Contact the manufacturer's customer support for assistance if needed.

Product Support


Does a portable oxygen concentrator need to be cleaned?

Yes, like any piece of equipment cleaning them is very important in sustaining the device. Make sure to refer to your owner's manual for proper cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Does an oxygen concentrator need servicing?

Not all concentrators are built the same way. Many modern concentrators are built in a way that the patient is able to perform any servicing themselves, while others may need to be brought into your dealers location for internal maintenance.

How do you change a filter for an oxygen concentrator?

If your oxygen concentrator's gross particle filter (intake filter) can be taken out and cleaned, you should do so about once a week. Make sure the concentrator is off and unplugged, and follow the instruction manual for how to remove the filter on your...

How do you connect an oxygen concentrator to a CPAP machine?

In order to connect your CPAP device to a oxygen concentrator you will need a tubing device called a bleeder valve.

How do you calibrate a portable oxygen concentrator?

Refer to your owners manual for your specific unit's maintenance on how to calibrate a portable unit.

Sleep Therapy Product Questions


Can my CPAP run on battery power?

Yes! A marine boat battery may be used if your machine has a DC power outlet all you will need is an adapter cable with alligator clips. If your CPAP does not have a DC outlet, you will need an inverter in order to run your unit on battery power.

What preparations are needed for travel with a CPAP?

It is very important that you carry a copy of your prescription and TSA ruling letters. Allow for a minimum of 10-20 minutes at security, it is not customary but it can happen.

How can I contact you regarding a CPAP question?

Please feel free to call us at 010 006 5651 or send an email to info@oxymed.co.za.

Concentrator Buybacks


Can you sell your portable oxygen concentrator?

The short answer is YES! But there are a few things to know about selling your portable oxygen concentrator.

Obviously, the most important factor is to make sure you have the “rights” to sell the concentrator. If the concentrator was provided to the patient via Medicare, the unit MAY NOT be yours to sell. The easiest way to quickly determine this is to check for a stick on the unit. If there is a sticker, call and talk to the provider as you don’t want to be responsible for selling a “stolen” item. In the event there is not a sticker on the unit, you should be able to call the manufacturer and, if the unit is in warranty, they can tell you who purchased the unit.

Another key consideration is the fact that the sale of a portable oxygen concentrator is regulated by the FDA, and it is considered a drug. This is important because selling a concentrator comes with certain responsibilities – specifically that the unit is functioning and meets the designated specifications and requires a doctor’s prescription. For these reasons, it is STRONGLY recommended that you never sell your concentrator directly to a third party/patient but instead only sell the unit to a reputable DME or oxygen retailer.

By selling your used unit to a certified and accredited operation, you reduce any hassle and, more importantly, eliminate any liability.

How do I sell my portable oxygen concentrator?

The best way to sell a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is to find a reputable DME or Oxygen Concentrator Retailer. Reselling units that are no longer needed is a great way to prevent increasing the landfill and making a little cash. A reputable retailer will make the process easy and safe for you. Because oxygen concentrators LEGALLY require a prescription, it is not recommended that you attempt to sell it directly on third-party sites like Facebook Market place and third party

Here is what you will likely need:

  • Proof of ownership. You must have proof you purchased the unit, and Medicare did not provide it. Except in certain circumstances, Medicare units belong to the company that provided the unit and can not be sold.
  • You will need the serial number of your unit and all of the associated accessories. Accessories are expensive, so missing accessories will reduce the amount you might be paid.
  • It’s good to turn on the unit and see if it is working correctly or alarming. Machines are often expensive to fix, so machines that are not functioning properly MAY not be worth trying to resell. If your unit is alarming, make sure to let the company purchasing the unit know ahead of time, so you are not wasting shipping dollars.
  • Some retailers have easy online sites where you can get an estimate of the value of your unit.

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