Avoid Oxgen Concentrator Rain-Out This Winter

What springs to mind when you think of wintertime annoyances? Snow, surely. Cold temperatures. A lack of sunlight. For those who work in long-term care, oxygen concentrator rain-out is likely on the list as well.

Rain-out refers to the condensation that develops and collects in oxygen tubing when a humidifier is being used. As warm, humid, oxygenated air travels down the tubing, moisture condenses and collects when it hits cooler areas of the tubing, typically in the section of tubing that sits on the floor. This moisture, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to respiratory infections, eventually makes its way out of the tubing and into the resident’s nose.

Rain-out worsens in the winter because floors tend to be colder during this time of year. It is also more likely to occur when long oxygen tubing is used. For example, 50 feet of tubing allows the oxygen to come in contact with the cold surface for a longer period of time than 25 feet of tubing.

The following tips can help you curb rain-out in your facility:

• Eliminate the humidifier, if feasible.
• If a humidifier is used, fill the bottle with room temperature or cool water.
• Shorten the tubing length or use hooks or straps to elevate the tubing off the floor.
• Use tubing that features an in-line water trap, which collects water and prevents it from being passed on to the resident. It should be located in the tubing near the cannula end to achieve the best results.
• Place the concentrator in a shaded, larger and well-ventilated room. This will prevent a buildup of heat from the sun or other heating sources.
• Keep the machine at least eight inches from the wall to provide adequate ventilation. You should also make sure that the air intake filter is kept clean.
• Make sure there are no leaks, kinks or weak connections in the tubing.