How to Choose an Oxygen Concentrator: 5 Checks Before You Buy
Oxygen concentrators look alike on paper but perform very differently. Here are five checks that separate a reliable machine from a risky one.
An oxygen concentrator turns room air into medical oxygen, which makes it a practical alternative to cylinders when supply is unreliable. But not every machine delivers what its brochure promises. Check these five things first.
1. Look at purity at the flow rate you’ll actually use
WHO technical specifications require more than 82% oxygen at the maximum rated flow, and good devices usually exceed 90%. Read the spec sheet carefully. A claim like “90%” may only apply at a low setting, and at higher flow rates the purity can be much lower. Ask for purity figures at the flow you need.
2. Match the flow rate to your patients
The two most common models deliver 5 or 10 litres per minute. A 5 L/min unit suits most single-patient use, while a 10 L/min unit can serve higher demand. WHO specifications also call for a built-in flowmeter with flow control, a minimum of 0.5 L/min for paediatric use, and no output above the rated maximum.
3. Insist on a low-oxygen alarm
A built-in alarm that sounds if purity drops below 82% is strongly preferred. It warns staff that the machine is no longer delivering safe therapy.
4. Plan for power and the environment
Oxygen concentrators run continuously, so check power consumption, voltage tolerance, and how the machine performs in heat and humidity. Make sure your generator, inverter or UPS can support it, and keep a backup oxygen source for outages.
5. Vet the supplier
Ask whether the unit is new or refurbished, what warranty and certification it carries, and who provides installation, training, filters and servicing locally. Confirm current requirements with NAFDAC.
A safety note: oxygen therapy should be prescribed and supervised by a qualified clinician. Never use open flames or smoke near oxygen equipment.
Want the background? Read our earlier post on the WHO’s guidance on oxygen therapy.
DAFFSER Medicals Equipment Ltd supplies oxygen therapy equipment for hospitals and clinics across Nigeria. Browse our products or contact us for a quote.
Sources: WHO Technical Specifications for Oxygen Concentrators (2016), Open Critical Care, MediAssist.