An oxygen concentrator is a machine, and like all machines, it makes noise, but you can learn how to reduce sounds from it. The noise level of your oxygen concentrator will change depending on the model, size, and frequency of use, and some people find this noise level irritating. So how can you make your oxygen concentrator quieter? There are some tricks you can use, but if your machine is beeping, this can be a sign of other issues. However, if it seems louder than usual, keep reading to learn how to reduce the noise from an oxygen concentrator so you can eliminate this irritation and feel at peace in your home.
How Loud Is a Standard Oxygen Concentrator?
Oxygen concentrator noise reduction is necessary in some homes, even though these machines don’t get too loud. The average oxygen concentrator creates about 45 decibels of noise, which is comparable to what you would hear if two people were having a calm conversation near you in a room. Most oxygen concentrators do not create more than 50 decibels of noise, which is still in the same average category. Anything higher than 60 decibels is considered noisy, and prolonged exposure could cause nerve damage, but it’s extremely unlikely that your oxygen concentrator would make this much noise unless it’s having mechanical problems.
How Can You Reduce This Noise?
While 45 decibels isn’t considered loud or even noisy, it may still grate on your nerves. And the more you use your concentrator, the greater risk you run of something eventually going bad and causing more noise. You should also be aware that constant noise from your concentrator could be a sign of another issue and it might need to be serviced. There are multiple ways that you can address noise when it occurs.
Interior Fixes
Sometimes unwanted noise comes from the inside of your oxygen concentrator where screws are loosening or other pieces are rattling together. These unpleasant noises can bother you, and if the pieces rattle together long enough, or the screws come completely loose, your machine could be damaged.
Prevent this damage and get rid of the noise with internal fixes. Tightening the screws inside the concentrator can help reduce noise levels and keep everything in its proper place. Some concentrator manufacturers also have custom foam that will fit inside your concentrator to prevent pieces from scraping each other, further reducing noise problems.
Most concentrators also have mufflers built inside. The muffler is much more important than some loose screws, and if it’s making noises, you’ll need to repair or replace it as soon as possible.
Surface Changes
Another reason your concentrator may be making more noise than necessary is if it’s on a surface that increases noise. Hard surfaces like tile and hardwood floors amplify noises, making them sound worse than they are. If your concentrator is sitting on a surface like this with no padding underneath, it’s probably annoying you with all the noise it’s making. Moving it to a carpeted surface that still gives the filters plenty of room or investing in anti-vibration padding for underneath it will help fix this problem and get rid of the noise.
Filter Cleaning
Oxygen concentrators use filters to make sure you’re getting the air that you need. As dirt and dust clog the filter, your machine’s engine has to work harder and harder to collect the air you need. This creates unnecessary and often annoying noise. Cleaning your filter regularly so your engine can run quietly and easily do its job will help prevent that noise from happening.
The cleaning process is simple. Turn off your oxygen concentrator, wait for it to cool down, and then remove the filter. Run it under warm water until the visible dirt buildup is gone. If buildup or stains persist, gently scrub it with mild dishwashing soap and your fingers. Do not use a brush, sponge, or any other cleaning device. Once the dirt is gone, you can pat it dry with a paper towel and leave it to finish air drying in a well-ventilated room away from potential allergens.
Room Movements
Even if you fix any internal problems, add padding, and clean your filter, your concentrator may still make more noise than you prefer. This is the nature of the machinery, and its priority is to get you the oxygen you need, not be the quietest thing in your home. If you can’t get used to the noise level of your oxygen concentrator, then consider moving it to another location.
While it needs to stay in a well-ventilated area that you can easily reach, you can move it almost anywhere in your home if you have enough tubing. Remember to keep it away from open flames or heat sources. That should still leave you with plenty of options, such as spare bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and bathrooms.
If your concentrator is on wheels, consider moving it as you move. For example, you could leave the concentrator in your bedroom so you can talk to your family and hear the TV in the living room during the day but then move the concentrator into the living room so you can sleep without the noise at night.
If your concentrator isn’t on wheels, measure out how much tubing you have and where the most central location is. Once you discover a central location that can house the concentrator, consider how you can soundproof the area without compromising ventilation. For example, you could hide the concentrator behind a bookcase or room divider. You could also place a white noise machine nearby to swallow the noise as it comes out of the machine.
Is It Safe To Drown Out Concentrator Noise?
It’s understandable that many oxygen users want to drown out sounds from their concentrators. Doing so can help you forget that you’re oxygen dependent and allow you to enjoy your life to the fullest. The only thing you need to worry about when covering concentrator noise, especially with another noise like a white noise machine, is whether it will drown out any emergency alerts your concentrator provides, such as low oxygen levels. You need to be able to hear these important alerts, even if it means you can also hear more annoying noises. Experiment with sound devices like white noise machines to get them at the right noise level to cover unwanted noise while still keeping you safe.
You can reduce the noise from an oxygen concentrator with internal fixes, surface changes, filter cleaning, and by moving the concentrator to different rooms. The most important thing to remember is to not drown out the noise of the oxygen concentrator with a noise that covers helpful alerts. If you’re in need of a home oxygen concentrator that doesn’t make too much noise and can keep you healthy, we can help. Our concentrators are quiet and reliable, and many come on wheels so you can move them at your convenience. You can also explore our site to learn more about reducing oxygen concentrator noise, or you can contact us directly. We provide some of the quietest oxygen concentrators available.
