What Concentrator Can Be Used with a CPAP Machine?

User Question: What Concentrator Can Be Used with a CPAP Machine?

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A user recently asked this question: Which oxygen concentrator can be used with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine? We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to answer this specific question but also expand on it a bit to address the overall subject of using oxygen with CPAP.

Let us begin by briefly exploring the need for a CPAP machine, then discuss why you might need to use oxygen with CPAP, and finally address the process of connecting an oxygen concentrator to your CPAP machine.

A Brief Overview of Sleep Apnea and the Need for Supplemental Oxygen

Sleep apnea is an umbrella term that includes both central and obstructive sleep apnea. Of the 2 types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is by far the most common.

If you have already been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by your doctor, you probably also have a CPAP machine to use at night during sleep. A CPAP machine’s core function is to prevent the collapse of your airway while sleeping using pressurized air. However, the pressurized air still retains the normal concentration of oxygen as regular air, which is 21% oxygen.

Untreated OSA can lead to serious complications in the future, but the immediate result of OSA is a persistent lack of oxygen during sleep. If your doctor has determined that your oxygen levels drop too low or too often while you sleep, even while using a CPAP machine, they might also prescribe supplemental oxygen to be used in conjunction with your CPAP machine to keep your oxygen levels normal. This is achieved by “bleeding-in” oxygen into your CPAP system to increase the percentage of oxygen to greater than 21%.

If you have gotten this far in your therapy, but are wondering how a CPAP machine would work at the same time with your oxygen concentrator, the answer to this question is very straightforward.

How to Connect Your Oxygen Concentrator to Your CPAP Machine

The model of your concentrator does not determine whether or not it will work with a CPAP machine. As long as it has the continuous oxygen dosage setting you need, your oxygen concentrator will work with your CPAP. The determining factor of how you will use oxygen with your CPAP machine is the type of mask and/or CPAP tubing you are using.

Most standard CPAP nose masks have a bleed-in port directly on the mask that will allow you to attach oxygen tubing from the oxygen concentrator right to your mask. When not in use, you can easily cap this port and use your CPAP without oxygen again.

However, some masks do not have this bleed-in port directly on the mask. Luckily, there is another way you can connect your oxygen concentrator to your CPAP machine: using an oxygen bleed-in adapter.

An oxygen bleed-in adapter is simply a small plastic adapter that you would place in-line between the CPAP tubing and your CPAP machine. The adapter has a small port where you can attach oxygen tubing from your oxygen concentrator, and bleed-in oxygen into your CPAP system. For entire the procedure on how to place this adapter into almost any CPAP machine, visit our Connect a CPAP Machine to Your Oxygen Concentrator” how-to page.

Instructions: How To Connect a CPAP Machine to Your Oxygen Concentrator

There is another necessary procedure to follow when turning both machines on and off.

Always make sure to turn on the CPAP machine first—before the oxygen concentrator. When you are done using them, the oxygen concentrator should be turned off first, then turn off the CPAP machine. The reason for this procedure is because high oxygen concentrations can cause damage to the CPAP machine over time.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you can now see how easy it is to use oxygen with CPAP, regardless of the oxygen concentrator brand you are already using. With a small adapter (or the port already on your mask) and oxygen tubing, you can easily connect these two devices and go about getting a good night’s sleep.

Updated: September 9, 2020
Published: December 30, 2015

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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.

55 thoughts on “User Question: What Concentrator Can Be Used with a CPAP Machine?

    • Thank you for your comment, Judith. We do, in fact, sell continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators. For more information, including the most up-to-date pricing, contact our Oxygen Specialists at 877-774-9271 or via email at sales@amsrco.com.

      • I have an Airsense 11. My doctor says use of an Oxygen concentrator will risk carbon dioxide poisoning because I am healthy and do not have COPD I want to use higher oxygen level for athletic reasons. Is what he said accurate? Does not seem to make sense to me.

        Thank you.

        • Airsense 11 is a CPAP machine from ResMed and it’s used to treat sleep apnea. CPAP machines do not supply medical-grade oxygen but oxygen concentrators do.
          Oxygen concentrators remove nitrogen from the air to provide medical-grade oxygen. They do not create or supply carbon dioxide.
          I would take a second opinion on this.

          • I was confused as well. I assumed he meant nitrogen upon exhale. Do you have a suggestion for an oxygen concentrator that functions with the Airsense 11 Sanket? I have already purchased the adapter in the article.

          • All oxygen concentrators that can supply a continuous flow of oxygen are compatible with CPAP machines. Now, it depends on your oxygen requirement that which one will fulfill your needs.

        • You can get co2 poisoning if u are getting too much oxygen. Your lungs exchange the two gasses, and sometimes if theres more oxygen, the co2 cant exchange properly and some will be held back. Plus you would be obliviously sleeping and never know. This is more dangerous to some people (copd) than others, but why take the chance if you dont need to.

    • I tried to call and Brett told me that he couldn’t help me so maybe I can get help here.
      I have a Dreamstation Cpap unit with an O2 adapter that I connect my O2tubing into my concentrate to and its on 2liters. They are both new and were just swapped out for another new pair. My issue is that after an hour on it alarms. Help !!!

      • From everything I have read the concentrator MUST be capable of continuous airflow or as the CPAP works the concentrator thinks you have stopped breathing and the alarms go off. I only found one that was portable and capable of continuous flow and that is the SimpleGo by Resptronic.

        • Within the brands we carry, apart from Respironics SimplyGo, Caire Eclipse 5 also works with a CPAP Machine on a continuous flow of oxygen.

        • I have Seaqual Eclipse 5 . I use it on continuous flow with my PHILLIPS RESPERONIC CPAP. and it works fine. I have two batteries and both the ac and dc power supples. It works well in my care too. Review the use with each type of power supples before use or call for help.

    • Absolutely, Pam. As long as you have a prescription from your doctor that indicates your need for Sleep Apnea equipment you can absolutely purchase a new mask. If you reach out to one of our Oxygen Specialists at 877-774-9271 they can discuss the various mask types and pricing options!

    • Most CPAPs have an input port on the back that you plug the hose from the concentrator into. You may have to purchase an inexpensive adapter that screws into this port.

  1. Hello, will my INOGEN G4 work with my CPAP machine. I just bought a portable oxygen generator and hoping to replace the big, noisey home one. Thank you. Arthur

    • For your CPAP to work with a portable oxygen concentrator you will need to have one that does continuous flow and not just the pulse dose option.

  2. I am confused; in 2017, this blog on CPAP and portable concentrators says that you can use any type of concentrator with a cpap. However, the current blog, dated May 2018, says you can’t use a pulse dose concentrator, only a continuous flow one. Which is it? I need to know if I want to take my CPAP on the trip.

      • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  3. Can a POC Portable Oxygen Concentrator be used for my sleep apnea(2%oxygen) and also during the day. Is it dual purpose, for sleep and awake?

    • It can if you have a continuous flow oxygen concentrator. Please contact us at 888-360-9628 to have a specialist walk you through this.

  4. My husband has to have a CPAP machine with Oxygen. The Oxygen unit is heavy and on rollers. My question if we want to travel is their a continuous flow portable oxygen unit compatible with his CPAP machine.

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  5. I have a ResMed AirCure 10. And now I need Oxygen at night. My doctor said an Oxygen concentrator is heavy and noisy. I wonder if some of these new one are less so. I travel and need to take at lease the CPAC along.Does Medicare cover
    oxygen concentrators, at least in part?

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  6. Can I use my heated humidifier on my cpap machine with oxygen? Also what type of tubing do I need to connect oxygen to my bleed in adapter? Thanks

    • Yes, you can use a heated humidifier with your CPAP and oxygen. They type of tubing you need will need to be open on both ends. If you use require over 5LPM, then you will need to make sure that you have high flow tubing.

  7. I am on oxygen and have a house machine, for travel I have a Inogen g3. At home I have a ResMes air 10 CPAP and a SoClean also. For travel I got the ResMed AirMini how can I connect the inogen g3 to the ResMed AirMini? Is there an adapter I need, where do I find it
    Thank you

    • There is an adapter available. But the products you are using might be incompatible so it might be best to call us to discuss the adapter and how this may (or may not ) be the best option. Give us a call at 877-303-9289

    • We can help you and get one ordered. Call us at 855-838-0926 and one of our specialists can get one shipped to you.

  8. I’m in need of a portable oxygen machine that will attach to my CPAP for travel purposes. I’m on 2% oxygen now.

    • Hi Gary,
      There are several options that can be used. The best way to narrow the search and find the make and model that will be best, you should speak to one of our oxygen specialists at 888-616-6423 who can help you understand your presciption and options that will work best for you. Good luck!

    • CPAP machines work with continuous-flow oxygen concentrators. Inogen G5 is a pulse-dose only unit and it won’t work with a CPAP machine. All stationary oxygen concentrators provide a continuous flow of oxygen and will work with a CPAP machine. If you are interested in Inogen, Inogen at Home would be the continuous flow unit.

      • I wish they would of told us this because we told the people that we were going on a four week trip, so they should of called the company if they didn’t know that it would work…… VERY DISAPPOINTED. We didn’t get to go because of the virus, but we made it to L.A., then turned back. Sent to the hotel and we couldn’t get the INOGEN ONE G5 to work. We feel like we are stuck with a machine that doesn’t work for our needs.

        • Hi Gloria, sorry to hear about your experience. I don’t know why some companies deal like that.
          There are three options when you want a portable oxygen concentrator that works with a CPAP machine. They are Philips Respironics SimplyGo, SeQual Eclipse 5 and, if your oxygen needs are high, Inogen at Home 5 Liter. SimplyGo and Eclipse 5 can be used in a car via a DC power cord but Inogen at home needs to be plugged in a wall outlet.
          If you are looking for an oxygen solution in the future do keep us in mind. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements.

  9. I have a cpap machine and a oxygen concentrator machine that runs through my cpap because my oxygen level drops while i sleep. It is set on 2. My question is can i adjust the level of my oxygen because i still feel very tired during the day

    • Hello Cindy, We cannot give any medical advice. Please consult with your physician or health care provider. They are the qualified experts to assess the condition and provide the treatment.

  10. I recently had oxygen added to my Phillips Respironics B-PAP Dreamstation. When the medical rental/supply company delivered the oxygen concentrator, there was no connector or valve delivered with the machine. The User manual says that if the O2 is added at the exit of the generator or humidifier, a Pressure Valve is required. When adding to the mask end, disposable filters must be in place on the flow generator. Questions:
    – Should the O2 be added at the exit of the device with the pressure valve included?
    – If installed at the mask end, are the filters referred to the standard installed filters in the Dreamstation device?

    Having difficulty getting straight answers or intelligent information from my medical supplier / rental company and the Philips websites offer no other assistance either.

    Thank you in advance

    • Hi Gordon,
      The pressure valve can be attached directly to the BiPAP machine air outlet port, meaning the pressure valve should be between the oxygen flow and CPAP machine in order to prevent oxygen backflow.
      Yes, I think, you are correct that by filters they mean the standard filter in the machine. There are two filters in the Respironics BiPAP machine. One is the reusable blue-colored pollen filter and another is the disposable light-blue ultra-fine filter.
      Hope this helps.

  11. I use continuous supplemental oxygen 2 L at night bled into my CPAP ( Phillips Resperonicsdream station). I have a large heavy oxygen concentrator, it’s very noisy and I have to keep the concentrator in another room and run the tubing to my room so I don’t hear the noise. I would like to get a smaller unit that would be easier to transport when we go on trips and is quieter so it I can tolerate it in my room . While traveling I can’t always locate the concentrater in another room. Lastly I use a nasal mask without a port and the suppumental O2 adaptor does not work with the heated tubing that is a dream machine option I loved, the tubing that has been sent in its place is extremely inferior, stiff,inflexible and makes a very loud squeaky noise when it is moved a certain way. Any suggestions you recommend for a replacement o2 concentrator and a tubing that is quiet and flexible.

    • Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at (888)572-5831.

    • We cannot give any medical advice; please consult with your physician or health care provider. They are the qualified experts to assess the condition and provide treatment.

  12. Hello,
    I have been on a cpap machine for 6 years now. I had a thymic tumor removed and the doctor touched my phrenic nerve, and it left me with a paralyzed diaphragm. I have used an AirSense 10 and 8L of oxygen at night until last year. It had a port at the end of the controlled heated tubing that oxygen could be bleed into. Sadly, it died, and I have a new AirSense11. I still need 8L of oxygen at night. There is not an oxygen port on the climate controlled heated tubing.
    They had me buy an aftermarket product to bleed the oxygen into the line. It does not work right. It is cumbersome and does not allow me to side sleep or move around much. It connects to the port near my mask. Might you have any other solutions? Thank you for any and all assistance.

    • It sounds like you have a unique and challenging medical condition that requires the use of both a CPAP machine and supplemental oxygen at a high flow rate. The lack of an integrated oxygen port on your AirSense 11 machine can make it more challenging to maintain both therapies comfortably. Talk to our Oxygen Specialist for a free consultation – they’ll gladly help, please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

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