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.
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.
A healthy concentrator produces a consistent, low hum. If you notice:
These sounds should never be dismissed. Left unaddressed, a failing compressor can cause a complete breakdown and may cost significantly more to repair.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your oxygen concentrator is one of the most important medical devices in your home. Whether you rely on it around the clock or only during sleep, keeping it properly maintained is essential — not just for the device’s longevity, but for your health and safety. Neglecting regular care can lead to reduced oxygen purity, unexpected breakdowns, and costly repairs.
At Oxyfix, we service hundreds of oxygen concentrators across South Africa every year. Here are the seven maintenance habits our technicians recommend most.
The air intake filter is your concentrator’s first line of defence against dust and airborne particles. A clogged filter forces the compressor to work harder, reducing efficiency and potentially shortening the motor’s lifespan.
How to do it: Remove the filter panel (usually on the side or back), gently wash the foam filter in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, allow it to air-dry completely, and reinsert. Never run the machine with a wet filter.
Dust and household grime can accumulate on vents and surfaces, restricting airflow. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the unit weekly. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or spraying liquids directly onto the device.
Oxygen concentrators need good airflow to function efficiently. Ensure at least 30 centimetres of clear space on all sides of the unit. Avoid placing it in enclosed cabinets, near curtains, or in rooms with poor ventilation.
Inspect your oxygen tubing and nasal cannula every day for cracks, kinks, or blockages. Replace the cannula every two to four weeks, or sooner if you notice any damage. Kinked tubing reduces oxygen flow even when the machine is performing normally.
Most modern concentrators have a purity alarm or indicator light. If yours alerts you to low oxygen output, do not ignore it. Reduced purity (below 87%) can mean the molecular sieve beds are exhausted and require professional replacement — something only a qualified technician should perform.
Note down the machine’s running hours, any unusual sounds, and the dates of your at-home cleaning. This information is invaluable when booking a professional service — it helps technicians diagnose issues faster and keeps your warranty valid with most manufacturers.
Even with diligent home care, your concentrator needs professional attention at least once a year. A qualified technician will replace sieve beds, check compressor pressure, test oxygen output, and inspect internal components that are inaccessible to end users.
At Oxyfix, our standard service includes a full 14-point inspection, genuine replacement parts, and a written report. Most services are completed within 1–3 working days, and loan units are available so your therapy is never interrupted.
Maintaining your oxygen concentrator doesn’t require technical skills — just consistent habits and the right professional support. Follow these seven steps and your device will deliver reliable, safe oxygen therapy for years to come.
Need a service? Contact Oxyfix today and let our certified technicians take care of the rest.
Being prescribed oxygen therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you are faced with a range of unfamiliar equipment options. The right oxygen concentrator depends on your medical needs, lifestyle, living situation, and budget — and making the wrong choice can affect your health and quality of life.
This guide is designed to give patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals a clear framework for selecting the most appropriate device. At Oxyfix, we work with all major brands and models, so our advice is based on experience rather than a sales agenda.
These are the standard choice for patients who require oxygen therapy primarily at home. They plug into the wall and deliver a continuous, reliable flow of oxygen — typically between 1 and 10 litres per minute (LPM).
Best for: patients with high oxygen requirements, continuous therapy users, palliative care, and retirement or care facilities.
Common models: Philips Respironics EverFlo, Invacare Platinum, DeVilbiss 5-litre series.
Portable concentrators are battery-powered and designed for active patients who need oxygen on the go. They are smaller, lighter, and FAA-approved for airline travel. Most operate on a pulse-dose delivery system, though some offer continuous flow at lower rates.
Best for: active patients, frequent travellers, and those requiring supplemental oxygen only during exertion.
Common models: Inogen One G5, Philips Respironics SimplyGo, Caire FreeStyle Comfort.
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand:
Always confirm with your pulmonologist or respiratory therapist which delivery mode has been prescribed before purchasing or renting a device.
Your prescribed flow rate (measured in LPM) will largely determine which device is appropriate. Most home concentrators deliver 1–5 LPM, while high-flow models reach 8–10 LPM for patients with more severe needs.
Never purchase a device that cannot meet your prescribed flow rate, even during peak demand such as activity or sleep.
Cost is a real consideration for South African patients, many of whom fund oxygen therapy out of pocket or through medical aid schemes with limited benefits. A professionally refurbished concentrator from a reputable provider can offer significant savings without compromising safety — provided it has been properly serviced and tested.
At Oxyfix, any refurbished unit we supply has undergone a full 14-point inspection, with certified oxygen purity output and new sieve beds where necessary. We provide a written condition report with every unit.
Questions to ask before buying refurbished:
Before finalising your choice, confirm the following with your prescribing physician:
Whichever device you choose, regular professional servicing is non-negotiable. Oxygen concentrators are medical devices, and their output degrades over time. At Oxyfix, we recommend a full service every 6–12 months or every 2,000 hours of operation.
We service all major brands across South Africa, with nationwide courier collection, 1–3 day turnaround, and loan units available while your device is with us.
Choosing the right oxygen concentrator comes down to three things: your medical prescription, your lifestyle, and the quality of after-sales support you can access. Get the first two right with your healthcare team, and let Oxyfix take care of the third.
Have questions about a specific model or need advice on servicing your existing device? Get in touch with our team — we are always happy to help.
