What is an oxygen concentrator and how do I use it?

An oxygen concentrator is a device intended for home oxygen therapy. It increases the comfort of life for people with respiratory insufficiency. Check when it is worth using this equipment. Find out how an oxygen concentrator works and how to use it step by step.

What is oxygen therapy?

By the time you finish reading this sentence, you will probably have taken two breaths. An adult breathes in and out roughly 12-17 times per minute.

Breathing provides your body with oxygen. It is needed to produce energy, which “fuels” the body’s physiological processes. Without food you can survive two weeks, without water a week. Without oxygen – a few minutes at most.

This is why respiratory failure can be such a big problem, which can leave the body hypoxic. Sluggishness, lack of strength, problems with concentration, poorer appetite, insomnia, shortness of breath, shallow breathing, accelerated heartbeat – these are the negative effects of too low oxygen concentration in the body.

The solution is oxygen therapy. What does it consist in? As the name suggests, it is treatment with oxygen, which increases the comfort of life of a person with respiratory failure, supports rehabilitation measures and improves the functioning of the organism.

If you or a loved one requires oxygen therapy, the best solution is to get an oxygen concentrator. This is an easy-to-use device that can be used at home.

The concentrator ensures unlimited access to properly saturated with oxygen air. It is a more comfortable solution in comparison with an oxygen bottle which has to be replaced when the gas supply runs out. Moreover, the concentrator is a handy device, the size of which resembles a small household appliance. You can move it from place to place and you do not have to manage more space for it as in the case of a cylinder.

Oxygen Concentrator – 1 to 6 L/min – up to 90 % oxygen concentration

Oxygen concentrator – what is it and how does it work?

An oxygen concentrator is an oxygen therapy device that can be used at home. It is not always a substitute for hospitalisation, but it can avoid it and have a positive impact on everyday life.

Remember, a concentrator is not a ventilator! What is the difference between these devices? A ventilator is a piece of equipment for so-called active oxygen therapy, used when a person has difficulty breathing on their own or is unconscious. A mixture of gases in the right concentration is forced mechanically into the airways.

The concentrator, on the other hand, is designed for passive oxygen therapy, i.e. oxygen therapy in which the patient is conscious, breathing on his own, but needs support due to respiratory failure.

How does an oxygen concentrator work? Device:

• draws in ambient air,
• filters the air,
• separates oxygen from nitrogen,
• saturates the remaining air with oxygen.

Finally, the equipment sends a concentrated dose of oxygen to a cannula or mask. Oxygen can make up to 90% of the mixture. Thanks to the high concentration, the element enters the body in greater quantity, improving the saturation.

WATCH THE VIDEO ON HOW TO USE THE UNIPRODO UNI_OC_100 OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR!

When to use an oxygen concentrator?

Home oxygen therapy is especially recommended for people who suffer from respiratory insufficiency caused by respiratory diseases, cardiac diseases or oncological diseases. An oxygen concentrator can help, among others, patients with:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• cystic fibrosis,
• pulmonary fibrosis,
• bronchial asthma,
• chronic bronchitis,
• bronchopulmonary dysplasia,
• emphysema,
• pulmonary fibrosis,
• circulatory insufficiency,
• myocardial fibrosis,
• lung cancer,
• angina pectoris,
• hypertension and hypotension,
• psychosomatic shortness of breath.

What about the oxygen concentrator and COVID-19? Also in the case of coronavirus, oxygen therapy can be helpful, as one of the effects of infection can be reduced saturation and respiratory problems.

Home oxygen therapy – how long to use an oxygen concentrator?

Regardless of the condition, an oxygen concentrator should only be used after prior medical consultation! What should you ask your doctor before using the device? First of all:

• recommended settings for the oxygen concentration level,
• recommended oxygen flow rate per minute,
• how long to use the oxygen concentrator per day.

The doctor will adjust the oxygen therapy to the type of disease and the condition of the person who is to use the concentrator. In patients with advanced respiratory failure it may be necessary to use home oxygen therapy even for several hours a day, also during sleep.

How to use the Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 oxygen concentrator?

Oxygen concentrator Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 – what to do before first use?

Will you be using an oxygen concentrator for the first time? Remember to:

• emove the safety devices (triptychs),
• place the oxygen concentrator on a level, clean and fireproof surface,
• the equipment should be located in a place that provides good air circulation and easy access to contacts,
• the unit should not be exposed to sunlight,
• the oxygen concentrator should be used in an environment where the temperature is between 10 and 40 °C and the humidity does not exceed 75%.

Oxygen concentrator Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 – overview

Oxygen concentrator stands in a safe place that allows comfortable use by the person receiving oxygen therapy? Great, now you can take a closer look at the device and learn how it works. For ease of reference, the various pieces of equipment have been numbered.

Oxygen concentrator Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 – Operating Instructions

To use the oxygen concentrator:

1. press the tank removal button [6],
2. pull out the water tank [5].
3. open the reservoir by pulling out the silicone plug,
4. fill the container with distilled or clean cold water,
5. close the container with the stopper,
6. Insert the reservoir into the oxygen concentrator – you should hear a click,
7. connect oxygen concentrator to the electrical outlet,
8. turn the power switch [8] on the back of the unit to the on position – the red light should be on, indicating that the unit is ready for use,
9. using the upper panel or the remote control press the ON/OFF button [18] and wait until the display switches on.
10. use the buttons [16] and [17] (plus and minus) on the display or remote control to set the flow rate and oxygen concentration (for details below, see ->Flow rate and oxygen concentration – available settings),
11. after selecting the correct value, connect the tube or inhaler to the outlet [2] located on the top of the equipment,
12. attach the tubing or inhaler in a similar way to the headset,
13. using buttons [14] and [15] you can set the operating time of the oxygen concentrator (for details see below->Setting the operating time of the oxygen concentrator – how does it work?).

Flow rate and oxygen concentration – available settings

When you switch on the concentrator, you can set the level of oxygen-enhanced airflow. There are six settings to choose from. Remember, before using an oxygen concentrator, the airflow level should be consulted with your doctor!

Level	Flow rate and oxygen concentration
Level 6	6 l, 28%
Level 5	5 l, 30%
Level 4	4 l, 32%
Level 3	3 l, 40%
Level 2	2 l, 50%
Level 1	1 l, 90%

Setting the oxygen concentrator operating time – how does it work?

The Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 oxygen concentrator has a time setting function. As with the airflow level, you should also consult your doctor!

1. you can set the automatic oxygen flow time using buttons [14] and [15] – up to a maximum of 3 hours,
2. press button [15] to extend the time by 15 minutes.
3. hold button [15] to extend the time continuously – the time will increase until you release the button
4. press button [14] when you want to shorten the device operating time by 15 minutes,
5. holding button [14] shortens the time continuously – the time will decrease until you release the button
6. after the set time has elapsed the display will show “00:00” and the oxygen flow will be turned off,
7. to reset the time press button [15].
8. when the time value is not set, the display will show “- -H- -M”, which means that the automatic timer has not been activated – the concentrator will run continuously until it is switched off.

Stopping and switching off the device step by step

1. to stop the device press the power button [18].
2. to switch off the device hold down the button [18].
3. disconnect the intranasal cannula after using the oxygen concentrator.
4. on the back of the device, switch off the power supply using the switch [8], and then unplug the power cord from the power source.

Cleaning the oxygen concentrator filter

1. The filter [9] is located at the bottom of the unit.
2. Clean the filter insert every 15 days.
3. Pull the mains plug and wait until the device has cooled down completely before removing the filter.
4. Clean the filter with a mild detergent (for food contact), then rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
5. Dry the filter thoroughly before inserting it in the device.
6. Check the condition of the filter cartridge regularly (dirt is visible through the transparent walls) and replace it if necessary.

Oxygen concentrator Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 – Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use the concentrator if I have cancer/coronavirus/pneumonia/migraine/after training at the gym etc.?
    Before using the device, consult your doctor! Oxygen therapy should only be used if recommended by a specialist.
2. For how many hours a day can I use an oxygen concentrator? What flow rate and oxygen concentration should I set?
    The duration of use and the settings related to the oxygen concentration level should be consulted with your doctor!
3. Can the Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 oxygen concentrator be used while travelling or walking?
    The Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 oxygen concentrator is a stationary device. It must be connected to a 230 V socket.
4. Does the device work when connected to a 110 volt contact or does it run on batteries?
    No, the concentrator needs to be connected to a 230 V contact.
5. The oxygen concentrator makes strange noises during use. What is the cause?
    Before the first use, make sure that the transport safety devices (triptychs) have been removed.
6. Can two people use the concentrator at the same time?
    No, the equipment is designed for one person.
7. Can a fragrance or medication be added to the water tank?
    No, the equipment does not work as an air freshener. Only water should be poured into the tank.
8. What is the SOS button used for and how does it work?
    The SOS button [19] on the control panel and remote control is used to call for help when needed. When pressed, it emits an acoustic signal.
9. Is it possible to connect two oxygen concentrators together so that they work together?
    This is not possible.
10. Can you increase the air concentration level above the factory setting, increase the level above 90%?
     No. You can adjust the oxygen concentration level – from 1 l – 90%, to 6 l – 28%.
11. Can people with latex allergy use the concentrator?
     Yes, the equipment has no latex components.
12. How often do I have to change the water in the device?
     The water in the oxygen concentrator is not replaced. The water is used up during operation. The tank is refilled with water before use.
13. Does the concentrator increase the level of air concentration in the room without connecting an oxygen tube/inhaler?
     No, the equipment is for individual oxygen therapy, administering oxygen via a tube or inhaler.
14. Will the concentrator work with an oxygen mask outside the kit?
     Yes.
15. Does the Uniprodo UNI_OC_100 oxygen concentrator have an air ionisation function?
     Although there is a negative ion generation button on the remote control and control panel [12], this model does not have this function.
16. How often should I clean the filter?
     Every 15 days.
17. Where is the filter located?
     On the bottom of the unit – a black piece [9] with a small handle for easy removal.