Maintenance Checklist: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Care for Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Owning a portable oxygen concentrator or oxygen machine portable is a big step toward independence, whether you need supplemental oxygen for medical reasons or want support during travel and daily activities. But like any medical device, a portable oxygen generator works best when properly cared for. Regular maintenance ensures your oxygen concentrator delivers consistent oxygen flow and prolongs the life of key components such as molecular sieves, batteries, filters, and nasal cannulas.

Let’s go through a simple daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance checklist for your continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator.



How a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Works

Before diving into maintenance, it’s useful to understand the basics. A portable oxygen generator pulls in ambient air and separates oxygen from nitrogen using molecular sieve tube. The device compresses air, traps nitrogen in the zeolite sieve, and delivers concentrated oxygen through a nasal cannula. Continuous flow oxygen concentrators supply a steady stream of oxygen, while pulse flow units deliver oxygen only when you inhale. Proper maintenance ensures your oxygen machine continues to function at peak performance.



Daily Care

  1. Check the battery – Make sure the battery in your oxygen machine portable is fully charged. Low battery levels can reduce oxygen flow or interrupt therapy.

  2. Inspect the nasal cannula – Check for bends, cracks, or discoloration. Replace as needed, typically every 1–2 weeks depending on usage.

  3. Monitor alarms – Modern continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators, like the Hidgeem SJ-OX1C, alert you to low oxygen output, battery issues, or airflow problems. Never ignore them.

  4. Clean the exterior – Wipe down your oxygen generator with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the device.



Weekly Care

  1. Clean or replace filters – Many portable oxygen concentrators have reusable foam filters. Rinse weekly with mild soap and water and dry completely. Replace disposable filters according to manufacturer instructions.

  2. Check tubing connections – Ensure all hoses and adapters are securely connected to prevent leaks and maintain consistent oxygen delivery.



Monthly Care

  1. Inspect molecular sieve beds – The zeolite material in your molecular sieve can absorb moisture over time, reducing oxygen output. If you notice decreased oxygen concentration, unusual sounds, or frequent alarms, the sieve may need replacement. High-quality sieves in devices like Hidgeem SJ-OX1C can last thousands of hours but should still be monitored regularly.

  2. Battery health check – Rechargeable batteries degrade over time. Shorter run times may indicate it’s time for a replacement.

  3. Replace nasal cannulas and tubing if worn out or discolored.

  4. Inspect filter housing and vents – Dust buildup can reduce airflow. Clean gently using a soft brush or vacuum attachment.


battery oxygen concentrator

General Tips

  • Keep your oxygen generator in a dry environment to protect molecular sieves from moisture.

  • Ensure proper ventilation during operation; don’t cover the device while it’s running.

  • Follow manufacturer recommendations for sieve bed, filter, and battery replacement to maintain consistent oxygen flow.

  • Schedule professional servicing annually or as recommended by your supplier.

 

If there is any question of the maintenance of your oxygen concentrator, you are welcome to call us for assistance: +1 (833) 443 4336.

Or you can send e-mail to: service@hidgeemoxygen.com. Thank you!