How to Tell If Your Oxygen Concentrator Is Really Producing Oxygen (Simple At-Home Tests)

When you rely on an oxygen concentrator, especially a continuous flow portable concentrator, you need confidence that it’s actually producing oxygen every time you turn it on. As a brand focused on everyday users, HIDGEEM hears this question often: “How can I tell if my machine is truly putting out oxygen?”

Good news: you don’t need tools, technical skills, or medical training. Below are simple, beginner-friendly methods anyone can use at home.

Why It Matters: Hidden Drops in Oxygen Output Are More Common Than You Think

Most oxygen concentrators including portable units—work by absorbing nitrogen from the air and delivering purified oxygen. But after long hours of use or poor maintenance, oxygen purity can drop.

Industry data shows that up to 20–25% of concentrators over three years old experience oxygen purity decline when filters aren’t maintained. That means the machine runs, the airflow feels strong, but the oxygen level may no longer be therapeutic.

That’s exactly why quick at-home checks are helpful.

Test #1: The Warm-Air Fingertip Test (Fast & Beginner-Friendly)

This is one of the simplest ways to sense whether your concentrator is actively producing oxygen.

How to do it:

1. Turn your concentrator on.

2. Set your usual flow rate.

3. Let it run for 2–3 minutes.

4. Place two fingers about ½ inch from the outlet.

What you’re looking for:

• Slight warmth: Most concentrators generate mild heat as oxygen is purified.

• Consistent airflow: The stream should feel steady rather than pulsing (unless your model uses pulse mode).

If the air feels unusually cold or weak, your machine may not be producing oxygen effectively.

Why it works:
A working molecula sieve generates heat during nitrogen separation. No warmth often means reduced activity.

Test #2: The Water Bubble Test (Great for Continuous Flow Units)

If you have a continuous flow portable concentrator, this method is especially helpful.

You’ll need:

• A cup of clean water

• Your nasal cannula

Steps:

1. Insert the tip of the cannula into the cup.

2. Turn the concentrator on and select your normal flow level.

3. Look for steady bubbling.

What steady bubbles mean:

• Airflow is consistent.

• Proper pressure is being delivered.

What irregular or no bubbles mean:

• Kinks in the tubing

• Blocked filters

• Internal flow decline

This test shows airflow strength, which is directly tied to oxygen delivery.

Test #3: The Smell & Feel Check

Pure oxygen itself has no smell, but concentrator airflow typically has a “clean,” almost crisp sensation.

You can test this by:

• Running the machine for 2 minutes

• Holding the cannula a few inches from your nose

• Taking a slow breath in

If the air smells stale or musty, your filters may need replacing—a common cause of purity problems.

When to Take Action

If one or more tests above seem off, you should:

• Inspect and replace the molecular sieve

• Check tubing for bends or cracks

• Confirm power supply stability

• Contact the manufacturer for service

For HIDGEEM users, customer support can walk you through diagnostics step-by-step.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need special tools to know whether your oxygen concentrator is working properly. With just a few simple tests, you can quickly confirm whether your device is truly producing oxygen—and keep yourself or your loved one safe.

If you're using a continuous flow portable concentrator from HIDGEEM, these tests can help you stay confident in the machine’s performance every day.