FAQ

Frequently asked questions

and the answers to those questions, of course 😉
Do I need a humidifier? What types of humidifiers are there?

Humidifier can be very helpful in preventing the nose, mouth, and throat from becoming too dry. If you use a humidifier, be sure to replace the water once a day with distilled water.

There are several different types of humidifiers:

  • Evaporative Cool Mist – These humidifiers work by blowing air over a wet wick.
  • Impeller – Uses a fan to blow air droplets into the air.
  • Ultrasonic – Inaudible sound waves blow water mist into the air. Rarely used currently.
  • Vaporizer – Boils water which evaporates in the air.
  • Warm Mist – Uses a different method than the vaporizer to boil water.
What type of mask do I need ?

The tubing is flexible and can be wrapped around eyeglasses or behind the ear. Many people find the tubing more aesthetically pleasing than the mask. However, the tubing can cause dryness in the nose and cannot be used when you have a stuffy nose. To prevent this dryness, place padding, such as gauze pads or cotton wrap, between the tubing and your skin. The tubing cannot be used while sleeping. The masks can also deliver more oxygen per minute; therefore, tubing may be inappropriate for some patients.

Can I use a portable O2 concentrator to fill O2 cylinders?

No, oxygen cylinders used compressed oxygen, which requires an oxygen concentrator. Vitality Medical does not currently sell compressors.

What are the Precautions during usage of the oxygen concentrator?

The precautions to be observed are:
 The concentrator should be placed as far away from the window as possible to avoid dust and moisture.

 The concentrator should not be used to deliver oxygen through head box or face
mask but use cannula.
 It should be kept far away from open flames.
 Oxygen cylinders are recommended as a backup oxygen supply system in case
of power failure as the oxygen reservoir in the machine lasts for only 2-3 minutes.
 When a flow-splitter is being used, the total flow should not exceed more than 4
liters per minute or the concentration of oxygen will decrease. This happens
because the canisters have a defined volume and can only separate a known
volume of nitrogen at a given time. Therefore, concentrators must not be used at
flows higher than those stated by the manufacturer.

Are there any limitations of the oxygen concentrator?

In general oxygen concentrators have few problems during use but it is important to
be aware of a few limitations.
ï‚· When air is hot and humid, as may be the case in many tropical countries during
summer season, the concentration of oxygen may be reduced to 70% because in
these circumstances moisture is absorbed by the molecular sieve material in
preference to nitrogen.
ï‚· Low voltage may pose a similar problem by overheating the machine due to
inefficient running of the motor. A voltage regulator should be used in these
circumstances.
ï‚· At high altitudes (4000 meters), the oxygen concentration may be reduced to
80% due to low oxygen concentration in the air itself, but this should not cause
serious difficulties in most cases.
ï‚· Small concentrators are not intended or suitable for compressed gas anaesthesia
(Boyle’s) machines or ventilators.

What is the life of the Zeolite sieve filters?

The life of the zeolite crystals can be expected to be at least 20,000 hours which in most situations would give about 10 years use.