For family members who require long-term oxygen therapy, the oxygen concentrator acts as a thoughtful guardian, running silently day and night to deliver a steady supply of oxygen to loved ones struggling with breathing. Many family members and home caregivers ask, "Can an oxygen concentrator run all day?" While concerned about the durability of the equipment, they are also equally concerned about the well-being and health of their family. 對於需要長期氧療的家人,製氧機就像貼心守護者,日夜默默運轉,為呼吸不順的親人送上穩定的氧氣。許多家屬、居家照護者會問:「製氧機可以開整天嗎?」在關心氧氣機設備耐久度的同時,也在乎家人的安心與健康。
The Principle of Continuous Operation of an Oxygen Concentrator 製氧機連續運轉的原理 An oxygen concentrator uses Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology to separate and concentrate oxygen from the air, providing high-purity oxygen to the user. Theoretically, as long as the electricity supply is stable, it can work non-stop. However, continuous, long-term operation can still lead to heat accumulation, which might trigger the machine's overheating protection mechanism and cause an automatic shutdown. Therefore, it is essential to properly maintain unobstructed air intake and exhaust vents, ensure good indoor air circulation, and perform regular maintenance to extend the machine's lifespan.
Home-Use Concentrators: Can be used continuously for 24 hours to maintain a stable oxygen supply.
Regularly Monitor Oxygen Concentration: Periodically check the oxygen concentration to ensure the machine is operating normally.
Set Oxygen Flow Rate According to Medical Prescription: The oxygen flow rate must strictly follow the doctor's prescription; avoid adjusting it on your own to prevent excessive or insufficient oxygen supply.
Safe and Comforting Home Usage Guidelines 安全又溫馨的居家使用守則 In addition to allowing the oxygen concentrator adequate rest to extend its lifespan, creating a comfortable and safe environment is equally important:
Ventilation and Heat Dissipation Space: Maintain at least $30$ cm of open space around the machine to ensure proper air circulation.
Filter and Humidifier Bottle Maintenance: The air intake filter cotton (or external filter) requires cleaning every $100$ hours of use. The internal air intake filter is recommended to be replaced after $3,000$ hours of machine operation. The humidifier bottle needs cleaning every $2$ to $3$ days; do not attach a damp humidifier bottle directly back onto the main unit, and ensure all parts are completely dry before use.
Emergency Backup Power: It is recommended to use a professional, medical-grade UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) system of at least $500$ VA to provide continuous power to the oxygen concentrator at all times.
Backup Oxygen Source: It is advisable to also have an oxygen cylinder ready as an emergency backup oxygen supply.