An oxygen concentrator (OC) is a device that draws in ambient air, separates the oxygen from other gases, and delivers a continuous, concentrated supply of oxygen to a user. This medical equipment provides a safe and reliable source of supplemental oxygen. The short answer is that an oxygen concentrator should remain upright, and manufacturers strongly advise against horizontal positioning for both use and transport.
The Immediate Risks of Horizontal Positioning
Operating an oxygen concentrator while it is tilted or laid on its side poses immediate risks to the device and the user. The most significant hazard involves blocking the air intake and exhaust vents, which are typically located on the sides and back of the unit. These vents are essential for drawing in room air and venting heat, and their obstruction can lead to rapid overheating and potential shutdown.
A horizontal position also interferes with the unit’s ability to operate efficiently, leading to a drop in the purity of the oxygen it delivers. When the device is not on a hard, flat surface in an upright position, it can increase internal noise during operation. Furthermore, laying the machine down creates a risk of mechanical failure, which could interrupt the user’s prescribed oxygen therapy.
Internal Components Affected by Orientation
The necessity of keeping the unit upright is rooted in the design of its two primary functional systems: the compressor and the sieve beds. Many oxygen concentrators use a compressor that requires a small amount of oil for lubrication and cooling. Tilting or laying the machine down can cause this specialized compressor oil to migrate or leak out of its intended reservoir.
Compressor Oil Migration
This improper pooling of oil can lead to two major problems. The compressor can seize up due to a lack of lubrication, causing immediate mechanical failure, or the oil can contaminate the air path, potentially fouling the oxygen supply.
Sieve Bed Integrity
The second system affected is the pair of sieve beds, which contain zeolite pellets. These pellets are responsible for filtering nitrogen from the air, allowing for high oxygen concentrations. Severe tilting or rough handling can cause the zeolite pellets to shift or settle unevenly within the sieve columns. This disturbance reduces the efficiency of the molecular sieves, which lowers the purity of the oxygen being produced.
Safe Handling and Transport Guidelines
To maintain the longevity and functionality of an oxygen concentrator, users should always adhere to strict handling and transport guidelines. When moving the unit, whether it is a stationary or portable model, it should be kept upright and moved using its wheels or handles. For transport in a vehicle, the concentrator should be placed on the floor or on a seat and secured with a seat belt to prevent it from tipping over.
If the unit has been accidentally knocked over or laid on its side, it should be returned to the upright position immediately. Users should then wait for a period, typically between 10 to 30 minutes, before turning the machine on, which allows any migrated compressor oil to resettle. For long-term storage, the concentrator must be kept vertical in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Routine cleaning, such as wiping the exterior or changing filters, should be done without excessively tilting the unit to avoid internal component disturbance. Before any transport or storage, the water from the humidifier bottle must be poured out to prevent spillage into the machine’s electrical components.