How to Check If Your Oxygen Concentrator Is Delivering Pure Oxygen

When it comes to respiratory care at home, ensuring that your home oxygen concentrator is delivering the right level of oxygen is critical for your well-being. Whether you use it for chronic conditions like COPD or post-recovery support, the purity of the oxygen matters just as much as the flow rate. In this article, we’ll explain how to check if your home oxygen concentrator is delivering pure oxygen and what to do if it's not.

Why Oxygen Purity Matters

Your body relies on a consistent supply of oxygen to function effectively. Most home oxygen concentrators are designed to deliver 90–96% pure oxygen. If the oxygen is diluted or impure, it can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, or other complications. This is especially true when using a nasal cannula oxygen setup, where precise delivery is essential.

Signs Your Oxygen Concentrator May Not Be Delivering Pure Oxygen

There are a few tell-tale signs that your home oxygen concentrator may not be functioning correctly:

• You're feeling more breathless than usual.

• The machine sounds louder or has alarms.

• You notice condensation or blockage in the nasal cannula oxygen tubing.

• The concentrator’s display shows an error or low purity warning.

How to Check Oxygen Purity at Home

Here are a few methods to test the purity of oxygen from your home oxygen concentrator:

1. Use an Oxygen Analyzer

The most reliable way to test oxygen purity is to use an oxygen analyzer. These handheld devices measure the percentage of oxygen being delivered. Simply connect the analyzer to the outlet port or nasal cannula oxygen line and observe the reading. For most units, a reading above 90% is considered optimal.

2. Check the Flow Meter

Ensure the flow meter is set to your prescribed level. Setting it too low or too high can alter the output, affecting the oxygen concentration.

3. Inspect Filters and Tubing

Clogged filters or kinked tubing can restrict airflow. Regularly clean or replace your intake and exhaust filters. Also, inspect your nasal cannula oxygen tubing for moisture buildup, cracks, or blockages.

4. Listen to the Machine

Unusual noises, beeping, or overheating can indicate a problem with the compressor or sieve beds, which are responsible for filtering nitrogen and delivering pure oxygen.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Oxygen Pure

To ensure long-term performance, maintain your home oxygen concentrator with the following steps:

• Clean filters weekly.

• Replace the nasal cannula oxygen tubing every 2–4 weeks.

• Keep the device away from dust and moisture.
  

When to Contact for Technician Service

If your oxygen levels remain low even after troubleshooting, it's time to contact us for repair or maintenance. Consistently impure oxygen from your home oxygen concentrator may signal the need for part replacement, like sieve beds or compressors.

Conclusion

Using a home oxygen concentrator should offer peace of mind—not uncertainty. By regularly checking oxygen purity and maintaining your equipment, you ensure that your nasal cannula oxygen therapy remains safe and effective. Tools like oxygen analyzers, good maintenance habits, and early troubleshooting can make a big difference in your health and comfort.