Home Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Guide

Home Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Guide

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Like all machines, stationary home oxygen concentrators (HOCs) require routine maintenance and service to ensure they operate correctly. Properly caring for your HOC also lengthens its lifespan.

Fortunately, HOCs are easy to care for. We put together this maintenance checklist to show you how and answer your questions.

Home Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Checklist

Follow these general guidelines to keep your HOC running efficiently. However, note that these are general guidelines; each manufacturer may have guidelines for your specific model.

Make sure your unit sits in a well-ventilated space.

Place your concentrator in a well-ventilated location with around 6 to 12 inches of space around the unit. Avoid placing it in small areas, like closets or bathrooms and keep it away from furniture, walls, and curtains.

Since your concentrator uses surrounding air to deliver medical-grade concentrated oxygen, the unit must stay clean, so it’s essential to keep it away from dust, dirt, pet hair, or other debris. Nevertheless, all concentrators feature a particle filter to filter these out.

Keep the unit clean.

Not only should your unit remain in a clean, well-ventilated area, but the unit itself must remain clean to ensure it’s working correctly. Keep an eye on your unit, wiping it down at least once per week or more frequently if needed.

If you frequently clean dust or pet hair off your unit, it’s a good sign that the filter also needs frequent changing (see the instructions below for how to change your filter).

Run your HOC for at least 10 hours per month.

Running the unit for at least 10 hours every month ensures that the lubricants continue to move parts and prevents the sieve bed from hardening. And caring for the sieve bed is crucial to your oxygen therapy; the sieve bed creates medical-grade oxygen by filtering out nitrogen and other trace gases from the air.

Note: You don’t need to run your unit for 10 consecutive hours, just hours total.

Clean your humidifier every time you add water.

If you use a humidifier with your HOC, keep it clean to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria. The American Lung Association recommends cleaning it every time you refill it.

Here are some tips for cleaning your humidifier:

  • Wash the bottle and the top with warm water and mild soap.
  • Use a soft cloth to avoid scratches in the plastic since bacteria thrive in those small spaces. Avoid abrasive sponges and cleaners.
  • Rinse the humidifier and use water pressure to clean.
  • It’s time to replace the humidifier bottle if you can’t remove dirt or debris with rinsing and water pressure.
  • If needed, you can rinse the tube connecting the humidifier to the nozzle on your unit, although it should not require cleaning or monthly replacement.

Know when to clean and replace your filters.

Most HOCs use a gross particle filter, a HEPA filter, or both.

Filters for Home Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance

Gross Particle Filters
Visually monitor these filters monthly. It typically looks like foam and trap dust, particles, and pet hair out of the air, keeping them from entering the concentrator. If it appears dirty, wash it with warm soapy water and air dry before installing it back. Replace the filter if it will not rinse clean or seems deformed.

HEPA Filters
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap 99.97% of airborn particles, including dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. HEPA filters can even trap particles that contain Coronavirus. HEPA filters typically look like white paper within a clear plastic. Monitor your HEPA filter quarterly, replacing it when the white paper appears dirty.

Concentrator Filters

Unit–Specific Home Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance

Here, we’ve summarized the required maintenance for each unit. However, always read over the user’s manual to ensure proper care of your concentrator.

CAIRE Companion 5 Maintenance

Gross Particle Filter: If your equipment provider includes the optional gross particle filter, it’s located at the upper back of the unit inside the device handle. Inspect and clean your gross particle filters weekly.

  1. Remove the filter.
  2. Using a mild soap, wash the filter with warm soapy water.
  3. Thoroughly rinse the filter with water and squeeze it to drain excess water.
  4. Allow the filter to air dry.
  5. Reinsert.

Humidifier: Check the humidifier daily, ensuring the water level remains between the minimum and maximum fill lines, refilling with distilled water as needed. Clean the humidifier as recommended by the manufacturer, generally every three days.

Cleaning the Unit: Before cleaning, turn off the unit and disconnect the plug from the power source. Do not spray liquid directly onto the unit, but rather, spray mild soap solution onto the washcloth or sponge and wipe down the cabinet and power cord. If your unit requires disinfection, follow the steps above using Lysol® Brand II (or equivalent).

Other relevant information for the maintenance of the CAIRE Companion 5:

  • Routinely replace your nasal cannula and tubing as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Your equipment provider should perform routine maintenance every two years, including changing your air intake filter.

For more information, view the CAIRE Companion 5 Manual.


Respironics EverFlo Maintenance

Cleaning Your Unit

  • Always unplug your unit before cleaning.
  • Too much moisture may impair the unit’s function.
  • To clean your unit, periodically wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using medical disinfectants.

EverFlo Service: The EverFlo contains fewer parts than other concentrators, with no parts for you to service yourself. The only replacement parts on this unit are the air inlet filter and humidifier connector tube that is hidden behind the filter cap. Change the air inlet filter every two years.

For more information, view the Philips EverFlo Manual.


Inogen at Home 5L Maintenance

Other than weekly filter cleaning, Inogen designed this unit to require minimal maintenance.

Cleaning Your Unit

  • Periodically, wipe the outside of your unit with a damp cloth using mild soapy water.
  • Clean or replace your accessories as instructed by your healthcare provider or manufacturer’s instructions.

Filter Cleaning and Replacement

  • Particle filter: Clean the particle filter weekly to ensure adequate air flow. Remove the filter from the side of the unit and clean it with soapy water, using a mild liquid detergent. Allow to fully air dry, and reinstall into the unit.
  • Air inlet filter: Replace the air inlet filter as needed, when it gets dirty. Either yourself or your equipment provider can change this filter.
  • Outlet filter: The outlet filter protects you from inhaling small particles within your gas flow. It’s located behind the removable cannula nozzle fitting. Replace this filter yourself or contact your equipment provider.

For more information, view the Inogen 5L Manual.


Invacare Perfecto 2 Maintenance

Invacare designed the Perfecto 2 to require minimal preventative maintenance, which should be performed by your equipment provider.

Always ensure the unit is disconnected from its power source before performing routine maintenance.

Cleaning the Cabinet Filter

  • The cabinet filter requires weekly cleaning at minimum.
  • It may require more frequent cleaning depending on the surrounding environment, like high dust areas.
  • After unplugging the unit, remove the cabinet filter and use a vacuum or wash it in a mild soapy warm water mixture.
  • Rinse the filter and allow to fully air dry.
  • Clean the cabinet with a mild cleaner, using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.

Cleaning the Humidifier

  • Clean the humidifier daily.
  • Wash the humidifier in soapy water and rinse with a vinegar solution (10 parts water to 1 part vinegar).
  • Rinse with hot water.
  • Refill the humidifier with distilled water.

For more information, view the CAIRE Companion 5 Manual.


CAIRE AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 Maintenance

  • Always power off and unplug your unit before routine cleaning and maintenance.
  • If you use a humidifier, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.

Filter Cleaning and Replacement

  • The air intake gross particle filter is located at the back of the unit.
  • Wash the filter weekly unless your equipment provider recommends more frequent cleaning.
  • After unplugging your unit and removing the filter, wash it in a warm water and mild soap mixture.
  • Thoroughly rinse the filter and remove excess water with a towel.
  • Allow the filter to fully air dry.
  • Replace the dry filter.

The Intensity 10 contains a product filter located inside the unit, which provides additional filtration to your supplemental oxygen. Your equipment provider maintains the product filter.

For more information, view the Invacare Perfecto Manual.


Respironics Millennium M10 Maintenance

Cleaning and Replacing the Air Inlet Filter

  • Like all units, ensure you unplug your concentrator before performing maintenance or cleaning.
  • Clean the air inlet filter weekly.
  • Remove the filter cap, and take out the filter.
  • Inspect the filter for holes, tears, or other damage. If you notice damage, replace the filter.
  • Wash the filter and rinse with warm water. If using a mild soap, make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed.
  • Remove excess water and allow the filter to fully air dry.
  • After the filter dries, ensure no damaged was caused during cleaning.
  • Reinsert the filter and then the filter cap.

Cleaning the Unit: Use a damp cloth to routinely wipe down the unit’s exterior.

For more information, view the Philips M10 Manual.


When to Call the Support Care Team

If your home concentrator alarms, contact our customer service team for help diagnosing the problem; most problems only require a phone call.

Current home oxygen concentrators don’t require much regular servicing, and HOCs used regularly function best over time. However, certain sounds or alarms may indicate a problem that requires service. Most HOCs alarm or light up while warming up, and these alarms can last up to 20 minutes. If the lights or alarms continue (or begin) after 20 minutes, there’s likely an issue, and you should contact our customer support team.

Although sounds can get louder over time, your concentrator should never run louder than a refrigerator, and you should never here knocking or grinding sounds, which indicate a problem.

HOCs also monitor the oxygen purity level and will alarm when this level drops. Using a pulse oximeter ensures you’re getting the oxygen saturation you require and helps us diagnose potential problems over the phone. Keep in mind that HOCs need enough air to function, so never place your unit in an area with poor ventilation, near smoke, or other environmental contaminants.

If you believe your concentrator is not working properly, please give our Customer Support Team a call at 1-877-774-9271 and we will happily help. For information on portable units, view our Portable Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Guide.

Updated: March 27, 2023
Published: April 9, 2018

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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.

About Kristina Diaz, RRT:

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.

51 thoughts on “Home Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Guide

      • Hola que tal busco respuesto de las 3 columnas de un consentrador de oxigeno everflo de 5 litros.

        Hello, how am I looking for a response from the 3 columns of a 5-liter everflo oxygen generator?

    • I would start by calling the company where you purchased the unit. If the machine is covered under warranty the,y will not only help troubleshoot the issue on the phone but also help you get it sent off for repairs if needed.

    • You should clean the filters on at least an every other week basis and let them dry completely but other than that there isn’t much maintenance to these machines.

      • I have changed the filter on the unit and blown out any excess dust particles, but the machine is still beeping with a red light. Is there anything else that I could do to get the machine working properly? I dont believe it is under warranty any more and my mother doesnt have the money to have it replaced. Any advice would be appreciated.

        • I would check and see if her air lines have any kinks in them or something on top of them restricting the air flow. The concentrators air filters my need cleaning or replacing the Hepa filter on the inside of the unit.

      • I have a DeVilbiss 525DS, the internal filters look dirty. Do you provide in home service to change the filters? if not could you refer me to someone who does?

        • Hello Elizabeth, we do not deal with this model. Please contact your equipment provider (where you purchased the concentrator from) or the manufacturer to get your unit serviced.

  1. I am using the oxygen concentrator from past one year. The reading showing is 5988. I have observed some abnormal function of the machine. Do it requires any maintenance/servicing. Plz suggest.

    • Hello Prakash,
      Without knowing which model of concentrator you are using, it is difficult to diagnose. If you give our service department a call they are really good at helping with questions like this. Just give us a call and talk with them on what you are seeing. 877-794-5853.

        • The particle filters at the air inlet should be cleaned weekly. You can use mild liquid dish soap and warm water to clean it. Ensure to rinse and air dry before use. If the particle filters look damaged, they should be replaced.

  2. I use a respironics home oxygen concentrator 22/7. This unit has not been serviced in over a year. The heppa filter, (which I found difficult to access,) looks like there’s an alien growing within the plastic box. I tried to vacuum it out but there’s only a tiny hole to access? Apparently it’s a sealed unit? Due to my poor health and the fact that I have two large dogs, my home is rather dusty dirty and hairy. Should I replace my filter more often? Because I’m already compromised due to my respiratory disease. Could a dirty filter pose me any added health risk? Thank you for your prompt reply.

    • Hi Amy,

      You should look to clean it more frequently. Like any machine that draws air in, the filters should be cleaned regularly while the ability to deliver oxygen to you is likely not impacted, the life of the machine and the quickening of needing service could occur as it is needing to work harder to get air into the machine through your alien life. Also it can make the machine run hotter which can create service issues. Thanks for posting and good luck.

      • If I use a oxygen Machine 24 7 do I need a home unit
        Also use an AVAP at night
        When I use other machine
        Understand theý are supposed to all come from the SAM COM.

        • If you use an oxygen machine 24/7 and also use an AVAP (Average Volume Assured Pressure Support) device at night, it is likely that you already have a home oxygen unit. The home unit is a stationary oxygen concentrator that provides a continuous flow of oxygen. If AVAP or CPAP machine is required in addition to supplemental oxygen, then it should be with a continuous flow oxygen concentrator.
          It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you have the appropriate equipment and setup for your specific needs. They can assess your condition and recommend the most suitable combination of oxygen therapy and ventilation support devices.

  3. I have a choice of buying a used stationary oxygen concentator. 1 has 465786.4. On the meter. The other has 08142.0 on the meter. They are both the same price. Which one is the best buy. What do the numbers on the meter mean. Please answer by e mail. Thank you

  4. On the everflo. The filter inside the 02 concentrator. How often should it be changed? can it be cleaned with hot water?

    • Air inlet filter on EverFlo should be inspected quarterly and gently cleaned with a dry brush. If the filter seems damaged or very dirty, it needs to be replaced.

  5. Hello, I live in College Station Texas and need service on my Respironics O2 concentrator. Any suggestions on where I should take it? Thank you

    • Please contact the manufacturer or your equipment provider to get the machine fixed. You can also check the user’s manual to see if you can fix it yourself. For more information view our Concentrator Manual page.

  6. I have a VisionAire AirSep model V0171163 that was given to me. I cleaned the filters and reset the hours. It works for about five minutes then starts beeping. Since I don’t have a Manuel and the unit is an older model, it there somewhere I can get this fixed.

  7. If Amy says there is an Alien growing in her machine I think we should send a service tech to investigate. Ed your response was poor at best and not the least bit funny. Amy you don’t need luck all you need is your faith and a service tech. Ignore Ed’s weak comment.

  8. Need to locate a service provider in my area for an Invacare, Perfecto2 V. I am located in Texas, Montgomery county near zip codes 77380 or 77354, Conroe, Texas, or far North Houston, Like Spring , Texas need help asap / Thank you so much, Linda Patterson

  9. Can the “EverFlo oxygen concentrator” be used for a person who need the external oxygen after the cure from COVID-19 but weak lungs and breath shortage and low oxygen in blood? Currently we use oxygen cylinder at home as there is no space at local hospitals, so CAN the “EverFlo oxygen concentrator” provide at least the same pressure and oxygen purity level ?
    Best Regards

    • EverFlo oxygen concentrator is a good substitute for oxygen tanks. It can supply up to 5 LPM on continuous flow. If you already have a prescription for oxygen, contact us at (877) 644-4581 to purchase one. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements.

  10. I have a Inogen Home. I have had it for ten years. It has been so great to travel with. I clean the vents and filters quite often. I see that there are two canister looking things in the machine. Do they ever need to be replaced?

    • Hi Ruth, they need to be replaced when the alarm goes off in the unit. These two canisters are sieve beds which filter out the air to supply medical grade oxygen. If you haven’t replaced them in ten years – that’s an oddly long period of time. We recommend to replace them as soon as possible to get medical-grade oxygen. Replacing the sieve beds is effortless. You can watch DIY videos and change them at home. You can purchase them by calling us at (877) 644-4581.

  11. I have a concentrator that has sat for several years, at least four. It was working when I put it in the closet. Now need it again. Can get one through Medicare but wanted to utilize this one just because I might be able to.

    Unable to find a service/maintenance provider in Missoula, Montana who will consider working on a machine that is not through their company and no one has been able to give me a provider that might have a “side” business.

    Do you believe it worth my effort to find filters (and do YOU have them?) for a Perfecto 2 Invacare system? I appreciate your time and assistance

    • Hello Wilma, we do have Invacare Perfecto2 Gross Particle Filter in stock. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.
      However, your unit may require some repairs and/or sieve bed replacement as well.

  12. Hello is there a way fo provide some kind of ventilation ? My Mom’s room gets so hot because it has to run 24/7

    • I can suggest keeping the unit outside the room in a well-ventilated space in your home. Most home oxygen concentrators support at least 25 feet of max tubing. Caire Companion 5 supports 50 feet and Caire Intensity 10 supports 200 feet of tubing.

  13. The company where I received my concentrator from went out of business. So how can I get someone to service it?

  14. I want to test the air where my home concentrator is located. I think there may be not enough air being circulated and there may be a very high level of nitrogen or some other problem with the air. Can you recommend a device I could buy to test the air quality where my home concentrator is located? What would be the problem if the home concentrator does not get the proper air flow?

    • If you have concerns about the air quality where your home oxygen concentrator is located, it’s important to address those concerns for your health and the proper functioning of the concentrator. Here are some steps you can take:
      Ventilation Assessment: Ensure that the room where your concentrator is located has proper ventilation. Good airflow and ventilation are essential for maintaining oxygen levels and preventing the buildup of nitrogen or other gases. Make sure there is no obstruction around the concentrator’s air intake and exhaust ports.
      Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Oxygen (O2) Levels: If you’re concerned about the levels of gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2) in the room, you may consider using an indoor air quality monitor or meter. These devices can measure various air quality parameters, including CO2 and O2 levels. Some models also measure humidity and temperature.
      Consult a Professional: If you have persistent concerns or issues related to air quality and the operation of your oxygen concentrator, it’s advisable to consult with a professional, such as an HVAC technician or an indoor air quality specialist. They can assess your specific situation, check for any potential problems, and recommend appropriate solutions.

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