Wearing home supplemental oxygen doesn’t have to be a hassle, thanks to home oxygen concentrators (also called HOCs or stationary oxygen concentrators). If you need oxygen for daytime use, around-the-clock use, or only while you sleep, you may have been prescribed a HOC by your doctor.
Although home oxygen feels intimidating at first, once you learn how to set up and use your new unit, you’ll obtain the freedom to move around your home, performing day-to-day tasks while wearing your oxygen.
If using a HOC is new to you, keep reading to learn how to get started with your HOC.
Unboxing Your HOC
When your HOC box arrives, it’s a good idea to set it up by the wall outlet where you plan on plugging in your unit. As you open the packaging, set aside the invoice and packaging in case you need it in the future.
In your package, you should receive:
- The unit
- The unit’s accessories
- A user’s manual
- The invoice
- A humidifier bottle (optional)
Refer to your manual if you have questions about the unit or accessories.
Unboxing and Getting Started with a HOC Video
Setting Up Your HOC
To get started with your HOC, follow these steps:
Attaching the filter
When you’re ready to set up your HOC, first, make sure the filter is attached. Some units require you to attach the filter yourself.
Installing the humidifier bottle
Since wearing continuous flow oxygen can dry out your nose and upper airways, purchasing the optional humidifier kit is recommended.
First, fill the humidifier bottle with distilled water. Do not use tap water.
Once you’ve filled the bottle with water, attach the bottle to the unit. If your unit has a velcro strap around the humidifier bottle, tighten the strap to secure the bottle in place.
Next, connect the tubes to the humidifier, connecting the short tube to the concentrator and the long tube to the humidifier bottle.
Plugging your unit into an outlet
Once your humidifier is secure, and the filter is in place, plug your unit into an outlet. It’s a good idea to keep your unit about 6-12 inches away from the wall, furniture, or curtains and to check your manual for further safety instructions.
Your HOC must stay plugged into the outlet to work correctly. If your unit becomes unplugged or there is a power failure, the unit will alarm.
Note: In case of a power failure, it’s wise to have a backup source for oxygen, such as an oxygen tank or portable oxygen concentrator (POC), especially if you need continuous oxygen supplementation. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider.
Turning on your unit
To turn on your unit, hit the power button. Some units have a switch or a button requiring a short, long, or double press. If you’re unsure about yours, check your manual.
Setting your flow
Your doctor prescribes your flow setting, and the prescription shows the number in liters per minute (lpm). If your prescribed flow is “2 lpm”, set the flow meter to the number two. If the unit has an analog flow meter, the middle of the ball determines the liter flow.
Note: Oxygen is a drug, so do not change your liter flow without talking to your doctor first.
Connecting your nasal cannula or face mask
First, connect your nasal cannula (or face mask) to your HOC unit. Before placing it on your face, make sure it has oxygen coming through by placing your fingers on the nasal prongs. Then, place your nasal cannula on your face.
Standard nasal cannulas can accommodate up to 6 lpm oxygen. If you need a higher flow rate, then ensure that you use a high-flow cannula.
Generally, HOCs are compatible with oxygen tubing of up to 50 feet. A few units can work with as long as 200 feet of tubing. Please refer to the user’s manual to determine how many feet can your unit support. Some units come with connection tubing to extend the length of your cannula, but you can purchase additional tubing through your oxygen supplier if you need it. Be careful not to trip over your tubing while walking around your home. To prevent tripping, many patients purchase the bright green color tubing.
Some HOCs offer a nebulization option for patients that take breathing treatments. To do this, connect your nebulizer tubing to the port. Check your manual for further instructions.
HOC Maintenance
After getting started with your HOC, you’ll need to maintain the unit and accessories to keep it running correctly. Check your manual for specific instructions.
Here are general recommendations for maintaining and cleaning your HOC:
Weekly Cleaning
Wash your nasal cannula or mask with warm water and mild dish soap every week, ensuring you don’t get water inside the tubing. Allow your cannula, mask, and tubing to air dry thoroughly. If water gets in the tubing or it becomes damaged, replace it. You can buy additional equipment from your oxygen supplier.
If you’re sick, wash your nasal cannula or mask more frequently.
Cleaning Every Three Days
Clean your humidifier bottle with warm water and mild dish soap every three days. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with hot water, removing all the soap.
Then, soak your humidifier in a vinegar and water mixture for a few minutes, removing any bacteria left inside. After soaking, use a paper towel to dry the humidifier, and finish by completely airdrying.
Monthly Cleaning
Clean the particle filter every month. Begin by removing the filter and dipping it into a clean bowl filled with warm water and mild dish soap. Next, scrub it with a washcloth, removing excess dirt or dust. After cleaning the filter, rinse it under water and fully air dry.
Leaving Your Home with Supplemental Oxygen
Since HOCs require an electrical power outlet to run, you should consider options for leaving your home. Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) or small metal oxygen tanks are options for portable oxygen. Speak with your healthcare provider about the option that’s right for you.
Getting started with a Home Oxygen Concentrator is quick and easy. Remember to maintain your HOC for an uninterrupted oxygen supply. If you have any questions about getting started with your unit, refer to the manual or speak with our service team at 877-303-9289.
Date Published: January 13, 2022
Kristina Diaz, RRT, is a health writer and registered respiratory therapist with over a decade of emergency and critical care experience. She earned respiratory care and journalism degrees in Michigan, where she was born and raised. She now resides in Florida, where she works as a full-time freelance writer and part-time respiratory therapist.
Kristina began her respiratory career in 2011 in Saginaw, Michigan. She now works in Lakeland, Florida, in one of the busiest emergency departments in the nation, treating people with various lung conditions, like COPD, asthma, and sleep apnea, among others. She maintains her Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification and is a member of the trauma team at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Her favorite part of being a respiratory therapist is providing relief to people struggling to breathe.
Kristina began freelance health writing in 2014, and her work is published on multiple websites, including Philips Respironics, the American Sleep Association, the Sleep Doctor, and more. She writes about lung health, sleep disorders, nutrition, and other health-related topics. Since she was a child, she’s always wanted to write, and now she gets to combine her passion for writing with the knowledge obtained from her respiratory career.
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Kristina Diaz, RRThttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/kristina-diaz/
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Kristina Diaz, RRThttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/kristina-diaz/
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Kristina Diaz, RRThttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/kristina-diaz/
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Kristina Diaz, RRThttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/kristina-diaz/
