Oxygen concentrators deliver highly purified oxygen, which is inherently a dry gas. Continuous exposure can cause discomfort, such as dryness, irritation, or cracking of the nasal passages and throat. The humidifier bottle accessory mitigates these symptoms by introducing moisture into the oxygen flow. This device enhances comfort during continuous oxygen therapy, and correct setup is necessary for safety and effectiveness.
Essential Preparation and Supplies
Before assembly, gather all necessary components: the oxygen concentrator, a compatible humidifier bottle with its lid and gasket, and the oxygen delivery tubing (including the cannula or mask tubing). Using the correct type of water is important for machine longevity and patient safety.
The bottle must be filled exclusively with distilled water, which is purified to remove minerals. Tap water contains minerals that can cause scale buildup, clogging the bottle’s components and potentially damaging the concentrator. Tap water may also harbor microorganisms that multiply in the warm, moist environment, posing a risk of respiratory infection. Fill the bottle only up to the maximum fill line indicated on the reservoir. Overfilling risks pushing water droplets into the delivery tubing or the concentrator unit itself.
Detailed Steps for Concentrator Attachment
To prioritize safety, ensure the oxygen concentrator is turned off and unplugged before setup. Locate the oxygen outlet port on the concentrator, typically a barbed or threaded nozzle near the flow meter. The correctly filled humidifier bottle, with its lid securely fastened, is now ready for connection.
Depending on the concentrator model, the bottle may screw directly onto a threaded port or attach via a short, high-pressure nipple adapter. If threading the bottle directly, align the inlet nut with the port and hand-tighten the connection until it is snug. Do not over-tighten, which can crack the plastic or cross-thread the connection, leading to an oxygen leak. A leak compromises the prescribed oxygen flow. Once secure, the bottle is often placed into a designated holder or strapped to the side of the concentrator unit to ensure it remains upright and stable during use.
Connecting the Oxygen Delivery Tubing
After attaching the humidifier bottle to the concentrator’s outlet, connect the long delivery tubing that carries the humidified oxygen to the user. The bottle lid has a second, smaller outlet nipple for this purpose. Press the end of the oxygen tubing firmly onto this nipple to create a tight seal.
A secure connection prevents oxygen from escaping and ensures the full prescribed dose reaches the patient. Once connected, power on the concentrator and set the flow meter to the prescribed rate. The oxygen flows from the machine, through the water to pick up moisture, and out through the delivery tubing. Gentle, consistent bubbling within the humidifier bottle visually confirms the system is operating correctly.
Post-Setup Safety Checks and Troubleshooting
Verifying the system’s operational integrity is the final step after assembly. Gentle bubbling confirms oxygen flow and humidification. A lack of bubbling, even when the concentrator is on, suggests a significant leak or blockage requiring immediate attention. Listen for distinct hissing sounds, which indicate a loose connection, often at the bottle’s threads or the nipple adapter.
A loud, high-pitched whistling sound signals that the humidifier bottle’s pressure relief valve is activating. This usually happens because the oxygen flow is blocked downstream, such as by a kink in the tubing or a cross-threaded lid creating back pressure. If whistling occurs, turn the machine off immediately. Check the entire length of the tubing for kinks, then re-check the bottle and cap connections for proper alignment. The concentrator’s air intake vents must remain unobstructed to prevent overheating or malfunction.