Key takeaways
- Use oxygen only at the flow rate prescribed by the doctor.
- No smoking, diyas, agarbatti or gas stoves near oxygen.
- Use distilled or boiled-cooled water in the humidifier bottle and change it daily.
- Keep a backup cylinder or inverter for power cuts.
How an oxygen concentrator works
A concentrator draws in room air, removes most of the nitrogen and delivers oxygen-rich air through tubing to a nasal cannula or mask. Home models commonly provide up to 5 or 10 litres per minute. Unlike a cylinder, it does not run out as long as it has electricity.
Setting it up
- Place it in a well-ventilated spot at least 30 cm from walls and curtains.
- Fill the humidifier bottle with distilled or boiled-and-cooled water up to the marked line.
- Connect the tubing and nasal cannula, switch on and allow a few minutes to reach full purity.
- Set the flow meter to exactly the rate prescribed by the doctor.
- Check oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter as advised.
Safety rules
Oxygen makes fire burn much faster. Keep the concentrator and tubing at least two metres away from flames, gas stoves, diyas, agarbatti and heaters. Nobody should smoke in the room. Avoid oil-based creams on the face; use water-based products instead. Do not increase the flow rate on your own — too much oxygen can be harmful for some lung patients.
Daily and weekly care
- Change the humidifier water daily and wash the bottle with soap and water.
- Wash the external filter weekly and dry it fully before refitting.
- Replace nasal cannulas and tubing as advised, or sooner if dirty or hardened.
- Wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth; never spray liquids into it.
Power cuts
Keep an inverter or UPS rated for the concentrator, or a small oxygen cylinder as backup. Patients who cannot be without oxygen even briefly should always have a backup ready.
Rent or buy?
Renting suits short-term needs — after COVID or pneumonia, after surgery or during a hospital-to-home transition — and usually includes delivery, installation and servicing. Buying may make sense for patients needing long-term oxygen, such as advanced COPD or lung fibrosis. Compare the monthly rent against the purchase price and expected duration.
Frequently asked questions
What flow rate should an oxygen concentrator be set at?
Only the rate prescribed by the doctor. Many patients need 1 to 5 litres per minute, but this varies by condition and oxygen saturation.
Can I run an oxygen concentrator all day?
Yes, concentrators are designed for continuous use, provided the filters are clean and the machine has proper ventilation.
Is a 5 litre concentrator enough?
For most home patients who need up to 5 litres per minute, yes. Patients needing higher flows require a 10 litre model as advised by the doctor.
This guide is general information for families, not medical advice. Always follow your treating doctor’s instructions. In an emergency call 108 / 112.