The Risks of Using a Humidifier Bottle with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Q: Can I use a humidifier with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC)?

A: You can only use a humidifier with portable oxygen concentrators that have a continuous flow option. A humidifier should not be used when a POC is in pulse mode because water can travel backward into your machine between pulses and cause internal damage to your machine. Examples of POCs with continuous flow capabilities are the GCE Zen-O, the Caire Sequal Eclipse 5, and the O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence.

Major factors:

• Is a humidifier necessary: While it may be uncomfortable for some, it is not necessary to use a humidifier with an oxygen concentrator. A humidifier does not increase the purity of oxygen delivered by the concentrator.

• Is a humidifier safe: It can be safe to use a humidifier with some POCs, but there are risks.

  • If you use a humidifier with a POC, you must be careful to use it only in continuous flow mode. If you use a humidifier while in pulse mode, the change in air flow between pulses can create back pressure that sucks water into the machine. Water inside a machine can cause significant damage to the circuit board and other internal components. This type of damage could void your warranty and require expensive repairs to correct.

  • Using a humidifier can also lead to condensation in your tubing. This water can pool and flow through your cannula into your nose. Water left pooled in the tubing, can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of infection.

• Type of water: Always use distilled water in a humidifier when in use with any oxygen concentrator. Using tap water can cause mineral build up in the humidifier which may block air flow and promote bacterial growth.

• Ease of use: If you are planning to be moving about a lot while using your POC, carrying a humidifier along with it could be difficult. It adds to the weight of your load, can lead to water spills, and is generally more cumbersome. Some manufacturers recommend using a humidifier only when the POC is stationary.

  
  

Some POCs, such as the Respironics SimplyGo Mini, the GCE Zen-O Lite, and the Inogen 3,4,5, and Rove 6, only have pulse delivery options and should never be used with a humidifier. If you choose to use a humidifier with a POC, it must have a continuous flow option (e.g. GCE Zen-O) and be used only while in continuous flow mode.

Humidifiers can reduce the discomfort of nasal passages caused by inhaling dry air. However, there are several risks associated with humidifier use including water damage to your concentrator, exposure to bacteria and other pathogens, and water flow into the nasal passage.

You should consult a healthcare professional before using a humidifier with your POC.

REFERENCES

Contamination of humidifier bottles - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5584085/

Water damage to PCB - https://www.pcbinq.com/will-water-damage-a-pcb-circuit-board-a-complete-guide/

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