Causes and solutions for water droplets appearing in the oxygen concentrator oxygen absorption tube

What causes water droplets to form in the oxygen tube?

• Weather reasons: This situation is more common in winter, especially during the transition between seasons. Because the oxygen from the oxygen concentrator is compressed by a compressor, it generates a certain amount of heat. Water passing through the humidification cup will carry some water vapor. If the indoor temperature is low or in a relatively humid environment, it is normal for condensed water to form in the oxygen tube. This will not affect the use of the machine.
• The oxygen tube is too close to the wall, counter, etc., causing a temperature difference.
• The oxygen inhalation location is different from where the oxygen machine is placed, and there is a temperature difference (for example: one is an air-conditioned room and the other is not).

How to solve the water droplets in the oxygen tube/ How to get rid of water in oxygen tubing

• Not using a humidifier cup can reduce water in the oxygen tube

This method is suitable for 10% of patients. Some people have rhinitis and are extremely sensitive to water droplets and cannot inhale oxygen through a humidifier cup. The oxygen inhalation tube can be directly connected to the oxygen outlet of the oxygen concentrator.

• Solve the temperature difference around the oxygen concentrator can reduce water in the oxygen tubing

Winter: In the north, you can turn on the heater, and in the south, you can turn on the air conditioner.

Summer: Do not turn the air conditioner temperature too low, it is best to adjust it to 26°.

• Install a water collector to reduce water in oxygen tubes

Install a water collector between the humidification cup and the oxygen tube to collect water droplets. Check frequently to see if the water inside is full and pour it out in time.

• The home oxygen concentrator should be placed in a spacious and dry place, away from water and moisture.
• Do not place the oxygen tube close to the wall, furniture, or floor. This is to prevent the temperature of the wall, furniture, and floor from being too low, causing a large temperature difference and generating condensation water.
• Frequently change the oxygen tube in the water oxygen machine

It takes time for condensed water to form in the oxygen tube, usually 2 hours after the machine is turned on. After condensed water appears, you can change to a new oxygen tube and dry the previous one for later use.

If there is a lot of water in the tube, you can adjust the flow rate of the oxygen concentrator to the maximum to blow out the water droplets in the oxygen tube. When you are not breathing oxygen, hang the oxygen tube up, let the oxygen end hang down naturally to let the water droplets flow out, and keep the oxygen tube dry.

• Check if there is too much water in the humidifier cup

There are scale lines inside the humidifier cup. When adding water, it should be a little higher than the lowest level and never exceed the highest water level.   Generally, 1/3 of the cup is enough.

• Poke a few more holes in the humidification cup and remove the cap of the vent The purpose of this is to allow the gas to go out from the multiple holes of the humidification cup, which can disperse the heat of oxygen. The advantages of this method are low cost and simple operation.

What is nebulization and is it necessary?

You need to consult a doctor before doing it and follow the doctor’s advice.

Nebulization is to use of high-pressure air or oxygen or ultrasonic vibration to atomize liquid medicine or water into very small aerosol particles (the general standard is that more than 95% of the particles are smaller than 5um).

Through breathing, it enters the deep layer of the human respiratory system to treat some tracheal or lung diseases. If you don't have such diseases, you don't need to do it.