Your oxygen concentrator runs silently in the background, day after day, delivering the therapy you depend on. But like any mechanical device, it can develop problems over time — and because oxygen therapy is critical to your health, identifying early warning signs could make all the difference.
Here are five signs that your concentrator urgently needs a professional service, according to the technicians at Oxyfix.
1. The Low Oxygen Alarm Is Triggering
Most concentrators are designed to alert you when oxygen purity drops below 85–87%. If this alarm is going off, it is not something to reset and ignore. It indicates that the molecular sieve beds — the core of your device’s oxygen-generating system — may be exhausted or contaminated.
Low oxygen purity is a serious health risk, particularly for patients with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or heart failure. Book a service immediately if this alarm activates.
2. Unusual Noises — Rattling, Grinding, or Excessive Humming
A healthy concentrator produces a consistent, low hum. If you notice:
- Rattling or clanking sounds — could indicate loose internal components
- A grinding noise — may signal compressor wear
- Loud or irregular humming — could point to a failing motor or vibration dampener issue
These sounds should never be dismissed. Left unaddressed, a failing compressor can cause a complete breakdown and may cost significantly more to repair.
3. The Device Is Running Hotter Than Usual
Oxygen concentrators generate heat during normal operation, but they should not feel excessively hot to the touch. Overheating typically points to a blocked air filter, restricted ventilation, or an overworked compressor.
If the unit is hot enough to make you uncomfortable touching the casing, or if it shuts itself off due to thermal protection, stop using it and have it inspected.
4. Noticeably Reduced Airflow
If you feel less airflow through your cannula than usual, or need to turn the flow rate higher than prescribed to feel comfortable, your concentrator’s output may have dropped. This can result from a blocked filter, degraded sieve beds, or a failing compressor.
Never simply increase your flow setting without investigating the cause — and never adjust your prescribed flow rate without consulting your doctor.
5. The Device Has Not Been Serviced in Over a Year
Even if your concentrator appears to be working fine, the absence of symptoms does not mean everything is healthy internally. Sieve beds degrade gradually, and oxygen purity can drop slowly below safe levels without triggering an alarm until the problem is severe.
The standard recommendation for most home concentrators is a full professional service every 6–12 months, or every 2,000 hours of use — whichever comes first.
What to Do Next
If you have noticed any of the above signs, do not delay. Oxyfix offers fast, professional repairs across South Africa with a 1–3 working day turnaround on most services. We also provide loan units so your therapy is uninterrupted while your machine is with us.
Book your service online or call us directly. Your health is too important to wait.
Fast turnaround, certified technicians, and loan units available across South Africa.