How to Clean Your In-Home Concentrator

Start by cleaning the outside of the concentrator.

Cleaning the outside of your machine will help prevent debris and other unwanted particles from getting in. A clean machine will function better and longer. Start by unplugging your concentrator from its power source. With a soft washcloth, warm water, and mild dish soap, carefully wipe down the concentrator. Wipe down the machine again with a damp cloth to remove any excess soap off the machine. Allow your machine time to air dry completely before using it.

Take out and clean the particle filter.

Follow your machine’s manufacturer’s instructions to remove the particle filter. This step may vary based on your individual machine. Fill a sink with warm water and mild dish soap. Place your filter in the soapy warm water to soak for about an hour. Remove the filter from soaking and use a wet washcloth to wipe it down, be sure to get off all of the soap. Rinse it with warm water under the sink. Lay the filter out to air dry before returning it to your machine.

Clean the out the nasal cannula.

It’s very important to keep your nasal cannula clean as it is the part of your concentrator delivering clean oxygen to you. Similar to your filter, begin by removing your cannula and soaking it in a sink bath of warm water and dishwashing soap. To be sure any potential bacteria is killed, you may want to follow up with a soak in a water and vinegar solution. The ratio of this solution should be 10 to 1, water to vinegar.

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that will help ensure maximum cleanliness. After soaking, rinse the cannula thoroughly with warm water. Hang it to air dry completely before using it again. You can also wipe down the tubing that connects the nasal cannula with an alcohol swab daily to prevent infection.

Take care of your machine.

Now that your concentrator is clean, there are a few other things you can do to keep it clean and running smoothly. Avoid using your concentrator in dusty environments. For at-home concentrators, this means keeping your home clean. Another tip—give your concentrator a break every once in a while. For every eight hours of use, let your concentrator rest for thirty minutes. If you do use your machine continuously, you should replace your nasal cannulas and tubes monthly. These things should still be replaced, even when the machine isn’t used continuously, but won’t need to be replaced as frequently.

You should be cleaning your machine at least monthly, possibly more often depending on how often you use your concentrator and the environment you live in. The owner’s manual will likely have some helpful recommendation for taking care of your machine.

Replace the batteries if you notice that they are having trouble holding a charge. It is also recommended that you leave a few feet of clearance between your machine and the wall.