Oxygen Conserver Maintenance Tips: Make It Last Longer

Patients dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience a limited airflow with associated symptoms of chronic cough, shortness of breath, and excessive mucus production. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 of the top 10 causes of death in the US is COPD. These patients require regular oxygen supplementation through an oxygen cylinder connected to an oxygen-conserving device. Here, the oxygen conserver maintenance becomes significant as well, as it ensures the efficient performance by the device, resulting in pulsed oxygen delivery to the patient.

Oxygen therapy helps support breathing in hospitalized patients

In this article, we will dive into the tips regarding the oxygen conserver maintenance on a daily and weekly basis. In addition, some of the well-known respiratory product brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What are Oxygen Conservers?

Oxygen conservers, also known as oxygen conserving devices (OCD) or demand oxygen delivery systems (DODS), are the medical devices used for delivering oxygen to patients in a controlled manner. These, when attached to an oxygen cylinder or tank, detect the normal pattern of breathing.

When the patient starts inhaling, the oxygen conserver allows the transfer of oxygen from the cylinder to the nasal cannula/face mask. However, once the inhalation is over, the patient starts exhaling air. During this phase, oxygen intake cannot happen, so the device restricts its flow until inhalation starts again. This way, the system only lets the oxygen out of the cylinder when the patient needs it.

Oxygen Conserver Maintenance: Tips and Tricks

Although many oxygen conservers are disposable items, some of these require proper cleaning and maintenance to achieve the best results due to their option of multiple use. In this regard, the following guidelines regarding the oxygen conserver maintenance should be kept in mind:

Daily Oxygen Conserver Maintenance

When it comes to the daily oxygen conserver maintenance, it is important to check the device for obstructions. For this purpose, inspecting the tubing is essential. There should be no kinks in the tube that could block or restrict the flow of oxygen. In addition, the condition of the inlet as well as the outlet passages must be examined.

It is also advised to clean the outer body of the oxygen conserver. A damp cloth can be used for this purpose to remove the dust. Moreover, the flow control orifice must also be checked for any possible blockages, as this component is responsible for regulating the oxygen concentration that is to be delivered to the patient.

Weekly Oxygen Conserver Maintenance

The next step of oxygen conserver maintenance is its inspection every week. In this regard, the condition of the main and sensing diaphragm should be checked. As these diaphragms are responsible for restricting or allowing the oxygen flow depending upon the pressure changes within the nasal cannula, their proper functioning ensures proper oxygen delivery.

Furthermore, the condition of the pressure-sensitive valve should also be estimated. This works by opening and closing the vent passage to allow or restrict the oxygen flow, respectively.

Battery Replacement

While learning oxygen conserver maintenance, keep in mind that if your oxygen conserver is battery-powered, the device can show signs of malfunctioning if the battery needs replacement. This problem is signaled by the device by showing a low power sign in the battery indicator feature. In such cases, the old battery should be replaced with a new one based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Oxygen supplementation helps improve the patient’s quality of life

Replacement of Disposable Oxygen Conservers

Unlike reusable systems, some of the disposable oxygen conservers need replacement every three weeks. In some cases, this usage period is further shortened, requiring an early replacement, possibly due to usage conditions or hygiene issues.

An example of such products is the Oxymizer disposable oxygen conserver that is a single-use item and does not require maintenance but timely replacements. An in-depth analysis of the features of this product will be discussed as follows.

When to Replace a Reusable Oxygen Conserver?

While learning about the oxygen conserver maintenance, it is also important to look into the factors that indicate the need for device replacement. In this regard, some of the following should be taken into consideration while making a replacement decision:

Physical Damage

If an oxygen conserver is showing signs of physical damage, it is time to go for a replacement. These signs include the presence of cracks, dents, breakage, etc. While learning about the oxygen conserver maintenance, keep in mind that at this stage, replacement becomes necessary because a damaged device can compromise the flow of oxygen to the patient.

Malfunctions

During regular oxygen conserver maintenance, if a system malfunction is detected, the user or caregiver must consider replacing the system. This malfunction is often associated with restricted oxygen delivery or inability to change the oxygen flow settings.

However, if the fault is minor, the conserver can be sent for evaluation and repair after consulting with your respiratory therapist. As for the major issues in the oxygen conserver, a replacement is recommended.

Change of Medical Needs

While learning about the oxygen conserver maintenance, keep in mind that, as oxygen conservers are not for everyone, their use should be discontinued when the patient does not need them anymore. To do so, consult with your medical team and make a replacement or discontinuation as per their recommendations.

Nasal cannulas are often preferred for oxygen delivery using oxygen conservers

Oxygen conservers are ideally used with a nasal cannula

Oxygen Conservers at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Oxygen conservers are the pulsed oxygen supply systems that provide oxygen therapy to patients needing respiratory assistance. These are the devices that are known to increase the lifespan of the oxygen cylinder or tank and, therefore, reduce the cost of oxygen supplementation.

When it comes to learning about the oxygen conserver maintenance, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:

Oxymizer® Disposable Oxygen Conserver

US$449.88

Product Details

Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers are one of the best oxygen conserving systems available in the US market. These are useful for patients who require a pulsed oxygen delivery during their hospital stay or at home. These devices are known to provide a streamlined high-flow oxygen therapy to patients with minimal risk of oxygen wastage.

Expanding on the reduced oxygen wastage, these Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers have been designed to provide a 4:1 oxygen savings ratio. This way, the device only allows the transfer of an amount of oxygen from the cylinder to the nasal cannula that is needed by the patient. As a result, the oxygen cylinder can be used for longer, and the refill cost is reduced.

Furthermore, these Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers are also capable of maintaining the patient’s oxygen saturation level by not letting it drop below the target range. Hence, the patient’s comfort is enhanced. The device is also highly versatile and adaptive, depending on the user.

While learning about the oxygen conserver maintenance, patients are often concerned about the hassle they have to go through. Keeping this in mind, these Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers are disposable and single-use items that need to be replaced after three weeks of usage. This way, there is no need to wash or clean the device. In addition, this feature also makes the product ideal for patients with limited dexterity.

Another advantage of these Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers is that they do not cause problems that are often associated with oxygen therapy. The primary reason behind this is that the oxygen supply with these devices is pulsed and irregular, which does not let the mucosal membranes become dry and irritated.

Moreover, these Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers are available in two styles, which include a mask-style oxygen conservers as well as a pendant-style product. The former ones are worn under the nose and remain in place for longer, while the latter is an ideal choice for people looking for a more discreet and less conspicuous option. Both of these styles allow the mouth to remain uncovered, thus letting the user enjoy activities like eating, drinking, or talking.

When it comes to learning how to use an oxygen conserver, these Oxymizer disposable systems come in handy due to their ease of use. As for their integration with other systems, these oxygen conservers can be seamlessly connected to compressed gas cylinders, concentrators, liquid oxygen systems, etc. As the device does not disturb the patient, it can be worn throughout the day as well as while sleeping.

The oxygen flow rate offered by the system is 15 LPM. As for its operational humidity, a value between the ranges of 15% to 93% is considered suitable. However, an ideal operational temperature for the Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers is between 5°C and 40°C (41°F to 104°F) as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Each pack of these Oxymizer disposable oxygen conservers comes with 24 disposable pieces that can be purchased at the above-mentioned price.

Drive Medical Mini Oxygen Regulator 18302GMN

18302GMN REGULATOR, OXYGEN 0-15LPM MINI

US$36.88

Product Details

Drive Medical 18302GMN mini oxygen regulators are another essential respiratory care device. These are small in size and, therefore, easy to handle. As for their functionality, these Drive Medical 18302GMN mini oxygen regulators work as well as the standard-sized devices. The system is also easy to use and offers an oxygen supply range between 0 and 15 liters of oxygen per minute (LPM).

In addition, these Drive Medical mini oxygen regulators have also been approved by UL. Moreover, these also come with a barb outlet and a CGA-870 connector. As for the inlet and outlet pressure ranges, these are between 300 and 3000 psi and 50 psi, respectively.

While learning about the oxygen conserver maintenance, patients also often ask about the maintenance requirements of these Drive Medical 18302GMN mini oxygen regulators. In this regard, these systems are easy to clean, light in weight, and therefore, portable. Due to their discreet design, these Drive Medical 18302GMN mini oxygen regulators can be fitted into a small carrying case.

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

Oxygen conserver maintenance ensures an efficient product performance

The products mentioned in this article, while learning about the oxygen conserver maintenance, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of respiratory products.

Conclusion

Oxygen supplementation is necessary for multiple patients dealing with chronic respiratory illnesses. This is because conditions like emphysema, COPD, cystic fibrosis, etc. restrict the oxygen flow into the lungs, which further leads to compromised oxygen saturation in the blood. Resultantly, body cells do not receive enough oxygen to fulfill their energy production demands.

To address the problem, oxygen therapy is given via oxygen cylinders or tanks that are often affixed with oxygen conservers to increase their lifespan. When it comes to oxygen conserver maintenance guidelines, one must check if their device is disposable or reusable. The disposable ones do not require maintenance and must be replaced after three weeks, while the reusable oxygen conservers should be inspected and cleaned on a daily as well as weekly basis to ensure performance efficiency.

Considering their importance, oxygen conservers should be kept in healthcare facilities as well as in home settings to use whenever necessary. For purchasing different types of oxygen conservers as well as other respiratory aid products, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.