We visited Thyolo ,Mulanje, Zomba and Chiradzulu district hospitals located in the southern region of Malawi. The purpose for this trip was to investigate the reasons why compressors in oxygen concentrators break down and find out ways of protecting concentrators from dust.

 

Common types of oxygen concentrators:

• Devilbliss
• New life

Usually these concentrators work for 24 hours everyday.

The concentrators have filters to trap dust and bacteria.

• Two air filters which are reusable
• Bacteria filters cannot be cleaned or reused.

Common problems in oxygen concentrators

• Over heating of motor
• Bursting out of cables.
• Wearing out of seal and cups in the compressor due to friction.

Ways of protecting concentrators from dust

• Clean air filters weekly
• Mop floor everyday.