Cleaning the Filter in Your Oxygen Concentrator

Cleaning the Filter in Your Oxygen Concentrator

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The cabinet filters, other wise known as the intake filter, are made so that you don’t have to replace them very often. The filter that came with your oxygen concentrator, depending on how often you use it, will last you anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

You will, however, need to keep it clean so that the machine will continue working properly. In most oxygen concentrators, this filter is easy to remove from the machine and easy to clean. It’s important to keep this oxygen concentrator filter clean at all times not only to protect the machine, but to prevent things like hair, dust and dirt debris from entering the machine to be breathed in.

Question: How do you clean the intake filter?

Answer: First, make sure the machine is off and unplugged while you remove the cabinet filter door and remove the filter. Refer to your owners manual to locate the filter, and how to remove it. If you need constant oxygen, you should have a second filter that you can replace the first one with while the other is being cleaned. This is a convenient method for anyone, though, since you won’t feel rushed to get it cleaned.

Run the filter under tap water to remove the dirt. Using soap is unnecessary, and can leave a residue on the filter. Some gentle detergents might be safe to use, such as a mild dish washing liquid in a small amount. For a very dirty filter, put some warm water in a clean plastic tub, add 1 teaspoon of mild dish liquid and use a soft, lint-free cloth to scrub the filter clean.

Set the filter on a clean paper towel to dry in a safe, clean, dry place. Allow it to dry completely before you put it back inside the machine.

Question: How often should I clean the filter?

Answer: Once a week should be sufficient, but if you’ve taken your concentrator to dusty places, or if you were outside and there was a lot of pollen in the air, you may need to clean it sooner. You may be able to tell just by looking at the filter – you will be able to see tiny particles or hairs stuck to the filter.

Question: When should I buy a new filter?

Answer: Having one or two extra filters on hand will save you from rushing into buying a new one when the old one begins to show its wear and tear.

If the filter begins to tear even slightly, it’s time for a new one. Any tears or holes in the filter mean its no longer doing its job properly, because more particles are able to enter the machine – this bad news for both you and the oxygen concentrator.

If the filter feels thinner and bends more easily than before, it’s too weak to hold back the particles in the air and needs replaced. If you use constant oxygen, you may need to replace the filter as often as every 6 months. If you only use it for a few hours a day, you might not need to do it for 12 months or more.

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

19 thoughts on “Cleaning the Filter in Your Oxygen Concentrator

    • Sandra, we are happy to hear that you find this information useful. Please check back often as we are always adding new information.

  1. Medical Supply that brought mine after it was ordered when I was hospitalized, has never been back!! I was wondering about cleaning and looked it up! So disappointed in people!!

    • I hope you found what you were looking for and the information helpful. If you have additional questions please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at 877-303-9289.

  2. It is indeed very helpful to know about cleaning the air filter. Since I use it only about eleven hours a day, it was heartening to note that I need to change the filter once a year only.
    I didn’t know that it needs to be cleaned weekly. I will check it out now. Thanks

  3. This is greatly appreciated! So glad my daughter found this website, I did not know any of this info-very helpful.

  4. the filter is inside cabinet on invacare platinum 10. it looks like a plastic clear bottle but how do you get the plastic casing open?

    sharon

      • My Score oxygen concentrator has a 2″ x 2″x 1″ triangle foam filter pushed into s hole on the bottom of concentrator. I felt that it is oily. No dust on it. Also oily residue on inlet and outlet vents. As well as a powdery light colored residue in all seams of the machine. I do feel as though it has been making me Ill and shortness of breath. When I use the cylinder tank I feel and breath much better. Can you please advise. Scary. Very concerned about this. Strange!? Help.

        • That is unusual. Please switch to an alternate source of oxygen and contact customer service to get your unit repaired.

  5. My Score oxygen concentrator has a 2″ x 2″x 1″ triangle foam filter pushed into s hole on the bottom of concentrator. I felt that it is oily. No dust on it. Also oily residue on inlet and outlet vents. As well as a powdery light colored residue in all seams of the machine. I do feel as though it has been making me Ill and shortness of breath. When I use the cylinder tank I feel and breath much better. Can you please advise. Scary. Very concerned about this. Strange!? Help.

  6. I get a very odd smell/taste sometimes.. could that be from dust or particles.. from needing a new air filter??

  7. I have an INOGEN at HOME oxygen concentrator.
    My question: There seem to be two different filters on this machine. There is a small particle filter on the side of the machine which is easy to remove and clean. Which I clean weekly.
    There is apparently also an air-inlet filter at the back of the machine. Does this filter need to be cleaned ? If yes, how?
    Thanks for your help

    • Hello Every, thanks for your concern. Rightly said Inogen At Home features two user-replaceable filters. The particle filter on the side can be removed, washed, dryed and placed back. The particle filter needs a replacement mostly when it is damaged. However, the Air-Inlet filter cannot be washed. The purpose of this filter fine particles, viruses and bacteria. You only need to replace the filter when it appears, visually, dirty. View this page to purchase the replacement Inogen At Home Air Inlet Filter (RP-401).

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