Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance, Filters, and Long Term Care

A portable oxygen concentrator is a big investment, and good maintenance is what keeps it reliable, quieter, and easier to use over time. The best part is that most care is simple and only takes a few minutes.

This guide is educational only. Always follow your clinician’s guidance and the user manual for your specific model.

Why maintenance matters

Regular care helps you:
• Keep airflow consistent
• Reduce dust buildup and overheating risk
• Protect the device during travel and daily use
• Extend the life of filters and batteries
• Catch small issues early, before they become interruptions

If you own any of these popular models, this applies directly:
• Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Rhythm P2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Refurbished
• OxyGo Next Refurbished

The simple maintenance schedule that works for most people

Use this as a practical routine, then adjust based on your manual and your environment.

Daily

1. Wipe the exterior with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth

2. Check the air intake area for visible dust or lint

3. Make sure vents are not blocked by fabric, blankets, or a bag

Weekly

1. Inspect the external filter area

2. Clean reusable intake filters if your model uses them

3. Check your carrying bag for dust and debris that can get pulled into vents

Monthly

1. Review the manual for filter replacement or deep cleaning intervals

2. Inspect power cords, chargers, and battery contacts for dust or damage

3. Confirm the device is running smoothly and not louder than usual

Every 3 to 6 months

1. Replace filters if your model requires scheduled replacements

2. If you are in a dusty home, have pets, or use the device outdoors often, you may need to do this more frequently

Filters, what to know and what most people get wrong

Filters are one of the biggest reasons concentrators start acting up. Most performance problems that feel “random” are actually airflow problems caused by dust buildup.

Intake filters

Many portable concentrators use intake filters to keep dust out of the system. Depending on the model, these can be reusable or replaceable.

Best practices:
• Check filters more often if you have pets or carpet
• Never operate the device with missing filters
• Let reusable filters dry completely before reinstalling, if your manual allows washing
• Do not use harsh chemicals unless your manual specifically recommends it

If you are shopping for a portable model that fits your routine, here are common options people choose:
• Inogen One G5
• Rhythm P2
• Inogen One G4 Refurbished
• Inogen One G3 Refurbished

Outlet filters

Some devices have additional filtration at or near the outlet. These are usually replaceable and have specific intervals. Follow the manual exactly.

Battery care, how to keep performance stable

Battery performance depends on settings, temperature, and charging habits. A few habits make a big difference.

Do:
• Charge batteries in a cool, dry place
• Keep battery contacts clean and dry
• Use the recommended charger for your device
• If you store a device for a while, check the manual for the best storage charge level

Avoid:
• Leaving the device in a hot car
• Blocking vents while charging or running
• Storing batteries in extreme heat or cold

If you want a portable model where battery planning is a big part of daily use, people often compare:
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Refurbished
• OxyGo Next Refurbished
• Inogen One G5 Refurbished

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Inogen One G5 replacement batteries, 8 cell vs 16 cell

If you use an Inogen One G5, having a fresh spare battery is one of the best ways to avoid interruptions, especially for longer outings, travel days, or busy schedules where charging is not always convenient.

In general, battery runtime depends on your setting, your breathing pattern, and temperature. Higher settings and colder or hotter environments usually reduce runtime. That is why many users keep a second battery ready so they can swap and keep moving instead of hunting for an outlet.

Here are the two brand new replacement options we carry:

8 cell battery
Best for errands, daily use, and lighter carrying
https://orderyoursupplies.com/products/inogen-one-g5-replacement-battery?variant=51181542834492

16 cell battery
Best for longer days out, travel, and fewer battery changes
https://orderyoursupplies.com/products/inogen-one-g5-replacement-battery?variant=51181542867260

Battery tips that extend runtime and lifespan
• Charge in a cool, dry place
• Avoid leaving batteries in a hot car
• Keep battery contacts clean and dry
• If you store a spare battery, check it periodically and recharge as needed

If you are unsure which battery size fits your routine, open a chat with us. You will see the chat option at the bottom right of our site and we can help you choose based on how long you typically spend away from home.

Cleaning, what is safe and what to avoid

Safe habits in most cases:
• Use a soft dry cloth for the exterior
• If needed, use a slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately
• Keep liquids away from vents, ports, and battery contacts

Avoid:
• Spraying cleaner directly on the device
• Soaking any part of the concentrator
• Using strong solvents that can damage plastics

If you are unsure, the manual is always the best source for your exact model.

Storage and travel tips that prevent damage

Storage tips:
• Store the device in a clean, dry place
• Keep it away from dust and pet hair
• Do not stack heavy items on top of it
• If using a carrying case, make sure it is clean inside

Travel tips:
• Give the device breathing room. Never block vents inside a tight bag
• Pack chargers and backup accessories in an easy to reach place
• If flying, confirm airline requirements ahead of time

Travel friendly options many customers choose include:
• Inogen One G5
• Rhythm P2
• SimplyGo Mini Refurbished

Signs your concentrator needs attention

If you notice any of these, stop and check the basics first:

1. The unit is louder than usual

2. The device feels hotter than normal

3. Alerts or alarms appear more often

4. Battery life feels shorter than it used to

5. Air intakes look dusty or blocked

Start with:
• Checking vents and intake areas
• Cleaning or replacing filters as your manual recommends
• Confirming cables and battery seating are secure

If you still have questions, our team can help you troubleshoot the next step.

New vs refurbished care differences

In daily use, maintenance habits are basically the same for new and refurbished units. The biggest difference is your attention to the first few weeks of ownership.

For refurbished, it is smart to:
• Check filters early and keep a consistent routine
• Confirm charging habits and storage are correct from day one
• Ask questions if anything feels off, rather than waiting

Refurbished options available now:
• Inogen One G5 Refurbished
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo Refurbished