P.S. I was just fooling with it and I may need longer tubing to reach the kitchen or an out-of-the-way hard floor. So, bottom line, how long tubing can I use? And, is it safe to use an extension cord on the concentrator. I think my instructions said "no extension cord."

Thanks again.
J

My supplier provides me with 2 25' lengths of tubing, so I have 50' plus the cannula. We can no longer get shorter lengths.

My concentrator runs 24 hrs a day and, while the floor under it is warm, it's not warm enough to concern me. It quite heats up the room, though.

It's my opinion that an extension cord wouldn't be a good idea.

http://extww02a.cardinal.com/mps/focus/respiratory/abstracts/abstracts/ab2003/OF-03-025.asp

This should answer your questions about tube length. Some folks do not worry about length, but I do.

My daughter also has a carpet, and I set mine in the bathroom that opens off the bedroom

Someone could make you a large board to sit it on.

Extension cord may not be good idea.

Keep it close enough you can hear any alarms

BJ

I would NOT use an extension cord. connect directly to an outlet.

I use 50 ' plus the 7 ' cannula for 57 ' away from the concentrator and it still works fine. I have an in-line flow meter installed in the cannula tubing that verifies the liters of flow that is reaching my nostrils.

It lays on my chest so it is easy to glance and see that I am maintaining the correct level.

I moved the concentrator out of our den (noise) and put it in a carpeted room next to the den. it has been there for over a year and no problems. The supplier services it there and has not suggested that I remove it.

One warning: Make sure that the filter that can be checked by you is done so on a regular schedule or if internal , by the service people on a regular basis. Carpets and wood flooring can necessitate the changing of filters

Do not let the service company tell you that you shouldn't worry that the filters are ok. Ask them to show you.

Do not burn candles in your home as the filters for your Air/htg plus the concentrator filter will pick up the sooty deposits.

Hope not TMI for you. It is the experience that I have had
Good breathing
Anna

First off, it is very important to appreciate that any discussion on concentrators and heat output tends to be subjective and very dependent on where it is being used the room dimensions, its facing, Central Air, Window unit, where you live, etc. and of course the setting, 2 l/m, 4 l/m, . And finally, what is intolerable for you, is probably OK for someone else.

I say very important because this is the information often left out when others offer advice, whether professionals, vendors, or from the laity. Youll often hear somebody reporting that their experience with Brand X was excellent with someone else saying their experience was miserable. Later you find out one person lives in Colorado, the other working out in a Florida sunroom. (Smile)

Definitely talk to your supplier. They are usually more familiar with your area (but then also appreciate he may only have one or two brands available so he has to say something nice.)

Regular A/C concentrators blow hot air and the output can become quite hot to the touch. My EverFlo on a hot day can easily read 120 degrees. This is not abnormal. I have not found that to be a problem on a rug. Shouldnt matter, but Im not sure I would trust that amount constantly on one spot on say a wooden or vinyl floor. Its not the material, but the glue/binding But again - Im no expert. Ive tried multiple units and so far the EverFlo has been the coolest. It is a PITA during the dog days of summer (Ozarks), but kind of cool in the winter as it keeps my room toasty all by itself. (Smile)

50 hoses are not uncommon, I believe 30 is about the optimum length you can use, and seems to be pretty much the standard length all suppliers provide. Beyond that you run into a simple problem with physics - ambulant air pressure and how hard the internal compressors have to work. Have read a few technical articles on the subject, and while I consider myself technically savvy I have to admit my eyes started to glaze-over after the first two or three pages. LOL So Ill take their word for it.

As an aside, you might consider purchasing a Flowmeter if you use a longer length. You attach to the end of your hose and can measure exactly how much O2 your are getting and increase your units output accordingly. But be aware, the higher the setting the higher the heat output.

A small pocket one costs about $20-25. Often your supplier will give you one if you ask nice.

I can tell you that, for me, my EverFlo runs quieter and cooler than anything else Ive tested. BUT we need to know more about your situation the brand you are using for example.

Hi, I would call your supplier and have your concentrator replaced for safety. I have mine running 24/7 on carpet and sure it may be warm but not hot. Summer is 50' tubing to go out on the back deck and the winter is 25' tubing. With both I use the 7' cannula. Check your filters every week and clean them. Also change your cannula weekly or bi-weekly and your tubing on a monthly basis, just for health reasons. Just make sure you can hear your alarm if it's in another room. Bob

I run my concentrator on a carpet, so as to keep the noise to a low roar. I run 50' + the cannula inside the house. when I am out side around the house I link in another 50' and crank up the O2 to 4.5 LPM to compensate for joint leakage and the extra exertion/effort I am expecting to expend working outside. Works good enough for me...

Hugs,
Dennis

I had the same concern with my concentrator on carpet. I bought a
metal rack and raised it off the floor a couple inches. Anhother solution would be to pick up a few floor tiles and put your contrator on that.

Thank you all so much. Now I have choices. I did what I originally thought about and that is put one of the ceramic tiles, the owners had left over from doing the kitchen, on the carpet & put the concentrator on it. If that feels better in the morning I'll probably leave it there. To answer Gnott, it is an Invacare Perfecto2 and does put out a lot of heat. Our AC was out for a whole week (in Florida in August!!) and I kept the door to that room only slightly cracked. In the morning when I opened that door, it must have been 110 or higher in there--unbelievably hot!

I think I will look into getting a flowmeter to have if needed. I have another big learning curve if and when I have to go to 24/7 use, Denny. You work in the yard using tubing to your concentrator in the house????? I used to think that when you have to use it 24/7, you use one of those little tanks I see people with out shopping. Then somewhere along the way someone told me you use your concentrator in the house. What do you do if you have an enormous house, different levels, & stuff??--just curious. I don't have that problem here--this is a big house but not that big, especially if I can go outside & work in the yard too!! Ahha, that's a thought--maybe I could work in the yard, which I love and cannot do anymore, if I did it like Denny says???

Sorry, I'm rambling. But I am curious. Thanks again to my panel of experts!!

Hugs,
J

Just wear an N95 or equivalent mask over your cannula when you are playing outside.
Here's a link for a flow meter: http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Pocket_Flowmeter_for_Air_2_to_15_LPM_Fits_3_16_to_7_16_ID_Tubing/UX-32500-88

Hugs,
Dennis