Oxygen Concentrators and Heat Don't Mix – Summer Concentrator Safety

Oxygen Concentrators and Heat Don’t Mix – Summer Concentrator Safety

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Just like any other type of electronic, or piece of medical equipment that you depend on, there are things you should know about the proper safety precautions for your oxygen concentrators. With the approaching hottest months of the year for much of the country, you will need to consider how your oxygen concentrator will fair out in the high temperatures. High heat, and especially flames near your unit, can be extremely dangerous, as well as harmful.

Maximum Operational and Storage Temperatures

The maximum operational temperatures vary between the different models. The maximum operational temperature is the highest temperature at which the oxygen concentrator will run safely. If it gets hotter than that and the oxygen concentrator is not running, it won’t be harmful to the machine. Using it while the temperature is above the maximum operational temperature will heat up and damage the inner system and the batteries (if it uses batteries).

The maximum storage temperature is the highest temperature at which the oxygen concentrator can be stored, and still function properly later. You can find the maximum operational temperature and the maximum storage temperature in the owner’s manual that came with your oxygen unit under the specifications, or on the individual product pages on our website. Most of the machines can be operated safely up to 104°F (or 40°C), while they can be stored in temperatures up to 158˚F (or 70˚C).

How to Use Your Oxygen Concentrator During High Heat

It’s important to use your oxygen concentrator indoors, in an air-conditioned or otherwise cool area that is well below the maximum operational temperature. Not only is it more comfortable and safe for you, but it will help your oxygen concentrator have a longer life.

The best and most comfortable temperature range, as well as the safest for your machine, is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have to use your portable oxygen concentrator outdoors, find a shaded area under some trees or by a building. Keep an eye on the weather to ensure it won’t be near the maximum operating temperature and plan your day around when it will be safe to use your concentrator outdoors.

Signs of Overheating in Oxygen Concentrators and What To Do in Such Situations

– Increased noise or vibration from the concentrator
– Unusual heat emanating from the device
– Frequent alarms or error messages on the display
– The concentrator automatically shuts off

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage or potential safety hazards. Here’s what you can do. Turn off the concentrator and unplug it from the power source. Move the concentrator to a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow the concentrator to cool down for at least 30 minutes before attempting to use it again.

Stay Away from Open Flames

Open flames and sources of heat are also dangerous while using a concentrator. You definitely should never smoke a cigarette, or be near smokers while using your oxygen concentrator. As a general rule, you will need to stay at least 15 feet away from lit cigarettes. You should also stay away from things like gas or electric stoves, space heaters, and campfires.

You can join the fun around the campfire once you’ve finished using your oxygen concentrator. While it’s not in use, it should still be no less than 8 feet away from heat sources to protect it from getting too hot and ruining the outside of the concentrator.

Related COPD Information

Updated: June 19, 2023
Published: May 29, 2014

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Ryan Anthony, BS, RRT is a registered respiratory therapist and content writer and medical blogger currently located in Los Angeles, California. As a Respiratory Therapist, he performs a wide range of hospital duties including adult and neonatal intensive care, nitric oxide therapy, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, conventional mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, BiPAP, CPAP, intubation assistance, bronchoscopy assistance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chest physiotherapy, and nebulizer therapy.

About Ryan Anthony:

Ryan Anthony, BS, RRT is a registered respiratory therapist and content writer and medical blogger currently located in Los Angeles, California. As a Respiratory Therapist, he performs a wide range of hospital duties including adult and neonatal intensive care, nitric oxide therapy, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, conventional mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, BiPAP, CPAP, intubation assistance, bronchoscopy assistance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chest physiotherapy, and nebulizer therapy.

17 thoughts on “Oxygen Concentrators and Heat Don’t Mix – Summer Concentrator Safety

  1. I live in AZ. I no longer use my oxygen concentrator, so I store it in the garage. I’m concerned about safety this summer as the temps can get as high as 118. Will this be a fire hazard at all? My garage is not air conditioned. Thanks.

    • Thank you for your comment, Lauren. It is certainly unsafe for your machine to be at extreme temperatures. Please refer to your owners manual for your specific oxygen machine to see it’s individual temperature limitations and safety. Concentrator’s that are left in extreme weather, whether it be cold or hot, can easily begin to become damaged and unsafe to use.

    • Question…..I would like to take my grandchild to the beach. I have a traditional O2 cylinder, which I will need. How do I manage this?

    • Hello, Lauren. I live in a small apartment and have found that an over a door hook or wall hook is a good place to store a portable oxygen concentrator. It is different for a home concentrator. Try to stay cool in AZ. It is hot now in NM.

    • If you have a pulse oximeter at home check your oxygen saturation levels. If your oxygen levels are low consult with your doctor. Heat can sometimes take the energy out of you as well.

    • I live in Ottawa Canada is the temputure today is to hot like the afternoon they are calling for 32 Celsius plus humidity. Let say 32 degree plus high humity would be 42 degree celcius

  2. i live in an one room apt. i have a bigger concentrator that heats up the whole apt. can i put it in the patio through the day? i live in houston texas

    • It likely would be fine but the one thing to be mindful is the dust and outside dirt in the air might require more frequent cleaning of the machine and the filters. Also if you machine is running warmer than you remember, it might need to be serviced if it has not been done in a while.

    • I keep mine outside like that sometimes when we travel. Here is a solution I came up with:

      1. Just go to the hardware store and buy a HEPA furnace filter (about $8).
      2. cut the filter into 6” squares.
      3. Take five of these filter squares and use tape, stapler or hot glue gun to fashion them into a 6”x 6”x 6” filter box with one open side.
      4. When completed tape your new filter box over the air intake opening on the o2 concentrator with the open side facing the concentrator, making sure to seal any gaps with tape.
      (Note: If your machine already has a mesh pre-filter on the outside of the concentrator, just leave it in place and install your filter box directly over top of it. If the pre-filter or intake opening is larger than 6”x 6”, adjust your filter box size to fit the opening. Also note that this homemade filter box does not replace the existing air filters that come with your concentrator, it is merely a supplement. Leave those existing filters in place and service them regularly as recommended by your owner’s manual.
      5. Change the filter box every 3 to 4 months. If you live in a really dusty environment, you may need to change it every 2 months. depending on how dusty your environment is.

      Disclosure: I am not a doctor or an engineer. I’m just a guy with idea that worked for me. My machine was not harmed from using my homemade filter box. You decide for yourself whether this will work for you.

    • Hello Karla. I spent 36 years in the Houston/Lake Livingston areas. It is so beastly hot and humid there. As a hospice RN I once put an oxygen concentrator in a hallway. Unfortunately, it was under the HVAC thermostat and it over did the A/C unit. Have you tried the bathroom with the exhaust fan on? You might need to move it out when you bathe or shower.

  3. I’m going on vacation this summer and I have a portable concentrator and the temp outside is usually 80 will my machine be ok

    • Hi Darlene,
      Most of the portable oxygen concentrators can operate up to 104ºF. I’m not aware of which device you are using so please refer to the user manual. Anyways, when you are operating the machine on battery power, it also contributes to increasing the temperature. Keep the following tips in mind so that you enjoy your summer to the fullest:
      • Use AC power (wall outlet) or DC power (Car’s cigarette lighter) when possible
      • Keep in the shade when possible
      • Periodically, check whether the device or the battery seems hot more than usual
      • Switch to the second battery when the one in use seems hot
      • Do not leave your oxygen concentrator in a parked car where it may become hot
      Hope this helps!

      • I have the oxygen canister that’s last 24 hrs. It’s in a shed that is shaded by two big trees. Is that ok? What’s the maximum heat for it to be put there?
        Thnx ~ Lisa

        • Traditional oxygen tanks or cylinders should not be exposed to a temperature higher than 125ºF. If you think the canister is getting hot then switch to an alternate source of oxygen and bring the canister to a cooler place. Hope that helps. Stay safe!

  4. I have a large oxygen concentrator that heats up my apartment terribly. I use it 24/7 and at bedtime leave it outside the bedroom because it’s so loud and hot.
    Is there anything I can do so it doesn’t throw off so much heat and noise? Can I use an extension cord. Any kind of information or help is greatly appreciated!
    Thank you!

    • Hi Amanda, if you think your oxygen concentrator is heating and making noise more than usual, then contact your equipment provider for repairs.

      However, I’d suggest doing these quick checks first:
      • Make sure your concentrator is at least 6 inches away from the wall, furniture, curtains or anything else that may obstruct the air intake
      • Ensure the particle filter, inlet filter, and outlet vents are clean and free of debris
      • What was the last time you got the sieve beds (also known as columns) replaced? Is there any alert on the machine? If the sieve beds are worn out, the concentrator will exert itself to filter oxygen and that may cause overheating
      • Are you using the correct cannula type? A high flow of oxygen requires high-flow nasal cannulas

      Generally, it’s advised against using an extension cord. If you must use it, don’t connect anything else to the extension cord and check the user’s manual to determine the proper kind of cable.

      Hope this helps. Stay safe!

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