A tip on oxygen concentrator maintenance: Try ‘blowing the drip’
Bubblers and tubing need regular cleaning, and make sure to use distilled water
Written by |
Growing up in West Virginia, free natural gas was one of those peculiar perks of living along the oil and gas rights-of-way. Landowners granted access in exchange for this benefit, and it kept our homes warm — but not without complications. On the coldest nights, the gas would sputter out, and my father had to “go blow the drip.” Moisture collected in the lines, blocking the flow, and until he drained it, the house sat in silence, waiting for warmth to return. My mother and I would check every burner and pilot light, ensuring nothing was left open that could fill the house with danger once the gas surged back.
That ritual of vigilance has stayed with me. Today, I live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and find myself tending to another kind of drip line — this one attached to the bubbler (humidifier bottle) on my stationary oxygen concentrator. The parallel is uncanny: Both systems rely on clear pathways, require regular maintenance, and carry risks if neglected.
Just as water in the gas line could choke off our heat, water in the oxygen line can harbor invisible hazards. Many people are tempted to fill their bubbler with tap water, but tap water carries minerals, bacteria, and impurities that can threaten respiratory health. For someone with COPD, that’s not a minor risk — it’s an invitation to infection. The safest choice is distilled water, ensuring the oxygen you breathe is as clean as possible.
My durable medical equipment technician told me he often has to replace bubblers and tubing because people use tap water instead of distilled water. The minerals from the tap water clog the bubbler, prompting requests for replacements. I requested a new one myself after learning the importance of changing the bubbler to ensure it remains sanitary.
Sanitation matters, too. Bubblers and tubing need regular cleaning with warm, soapy water, followed by a rinse with distilled white vinegar. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria, so if the bubbler is used infrequently, the water should be changed. It’s easy to forget, especially when the equipment runs quietly, but neglect can turn a lifeline into a liability. In my childhood, we learned to respect the invisible dangers of gas; in my recovery, I’ve learned to respect the invisible dangers of water.
The drip line metaphor reminds me that resilience is rooted in stewardship. Whether it was my father braving the cold to keep the gas flowing or me tending to my oxygen equipment, the lesson is the same: Survival depends on vigilance, care, and the willingness to do the unglamorous work of maintenance. Free gas wasn’t truly free — it demanded attention. Oxygen isn’t truly effortless — it demands the same.
Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Leave a comment
Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.