Portable Oxygen Concentrators with Humidifiers

If a patient is experiencing nosebleeds, a sense of dryness, or irritation when using a portable oxygen concentrator, it most likely means the user is not receiving enough moisture from the air it delivers. While this isn’t a problem for everyone, patients don’t need to suffer from these issues since multiple portable oxygen concentrators support humidifiers. These add moisture to the oxygen output, so that the delivered air is more comfortable to breathe.

Symptoms of Air That Is Too Dry

● The patient has dry or cracked lips

● The patient is experiencing a bloody nose or has blood in their airways

● The patient has been having a sore throat

● The portable oxygen concentrator is causing coughing fits

● Respiratory symptoms are becoming worse

How a Portable Oxygen Concentrator With a Humidifier Works

Portable oxygen concentrators with humidifier attachments work by adding moisture from distilled water to the oxygen flow. This is because pure oxygen is very low in moisture and often has a drying effect on patient airways. When oxygen passes through water, the oxygen absorbs water vapor, which is the process of humidification. With a portable oxygen concentrator, distilled water is added to a humidifier that incorporates into the oxygen flow, which is then delivered to the patient via the cannula or oxygen mask.

Why Pulse Dose-Only Models Aren’t Compatible with Humidifier Bottles

While each of the products in this collection supports pulse flow modes, it’s only in continuous or constant flows that a patient will be able to use a humidifier bottle. In fact, this is the reason why pulse dose–only models don’t typically have support for humidification. With these kinds of devices, the focus is on higher portability, which is why pulse models tend to be lighter and have longer battery lives.

Because pulse dose delivery responds to the patient’s breathing rate, it doesn’t push air with enough pressure through a humidifier bottle the way continuous flow models do. Since oxygen delivery is on-demand and intermittent, there’s not enough time or pressure for the machine to add moisture to the oxygen stream.

Pros and Cons of a Portable Oxygen Concentrator With a Humidifier

How to Use a Humidifier Bottle With a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Putting Water in the Humidifier Bottle

1. Remove the cap, which typically screws off the bottle.

2. Fill the container with distilled water up to the max line.

3. Tightly reattach the cap—ensure it’s screwed on properly to avoid leaks.

Attaching the Bottle to a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

1. Place your concentrator on a stable, flat surface. If it has wheels (e.g., the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5), lock them before proceeding.

2. Locate the oxygen outlet port on the concentrator (usually on the front). Connect one end of the humidifier tubing to this port and secure it firmly.

3. Place the filled humidifier bottle into its holder on the unit. Ensure the bottle sits level and cannot tip.

4. Attach the other end of the tubing to the bottle’s adapter; push the tubing into the adapter and twist the wingnut clockwise to tighten.

5. Finally, connect the cannula tubing to the humidifier bottle outlet, pushing it in until it’s snug.

What to Consider for a Portable Oxygen Concentrator with a Humidifier

Quick Reference Guide

Find the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator for Your Needs

Choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator can be a daunting task, but we're here to make it simple. Our quick reference guide highlights the key benefits of each model, helping you easily determine which one best fits your lifestyle and oxygen therapy requirements.