[Equipment] O2 Check Valve

[justMongo]

I induce 2LPM of O2 from a concentrator into my xPAP stream with a Tee on the output of my H5i humidifier. Sometimes, even though I have several labels to remind me, I forget to turn on the concentrator.

I really need a check valve in the O2 line to prevent air from the xPAP, which contains moisture, from flowing upstream to the concentrator.

Does anyone know where I can get one? I need one with the standard O2 tubing barbs.

[retired_guy]

This should do it:

[justMongo]

I have the puppies...

[surferdude2]

Google smartproducts dot com and take a look at their model #502 check valve. I didn't go any further to see about pricing and shipping but that'll give you some idea what's available. Also check with your local O2 and cannula supplier to see what they suggest. No doubt cheaper locally if you have such.

snippet:


Model #502
Barbed - 1/8"

Fits Tubing I.D.
1/8" (3.18mm)

Body Materials
Polypropylene, PVDF, Polycarbonate, Ultem®

O-ring Materials
Buna-N, EPDM, Viton®, Silicone, Fluorosilicone

Spring Pressure
0.09 - 20 PSI

[bwexler]

I use 3 liters of O2. I place the T between the heated tube and the short mask tube.
Since I never forget to turn on the concentrator, it never occurred to me to use a check valve.
Besides I don't think any moisture could fit in that tiny 1/8 tubing.
What would happen if we simply put the humidifier jar back in the circuit on the concentrator.

[nite ranger]

Respironics makes a check valve for this, dont know about the barbs, their part # is 302418 runs about $ 16.50

[justMongo]

That's a backflow valve that goes in the 22mm hose between the humidifier and the O2 Tee.
It's to prevent buildup of O2 inside the xPAP machine if the concentrator is on; but the xPAP is off.

Standard O2 fittings are 1/4" barb. The barb just keeps the hose from slipping off easily.

[archangle]

That's a backflow valve that goes in the 22mm hose between the humidifier and the O2 Tee.
It's to prevent buildup of O2 inside the xPAP machine if the concentrator is on; but the xPAP is off.

Standard O2 fittings are 1/4" barb. The barb just keeps the hose from slipping off easily.

I believe you are right, and that part prevents oxygen from going into the CPAP blower, not prevent CPAP air from flowing back up the oxygen tube.

Is backflow into the concentrator a problem? I don't know if air can run backwards up the O2 tube into the concentrator. Maybe you could put your mouth on the end of the O2 tube with the power off and see if you can gently blow air back up the hose. Maybe the mechanism of the O2 converter doesn't allow backflow like that.

[justMongo]

I believe you are right, and that part prevents oxygen from going into the CPAP blower, not prevent CPAP air from flowing back up the oxygen tube.

Is backflow into the concentrator a problem? I don't know if air can run backwards up the O2 tube into the concentrator. Maybe you could put your mouth on the end of the O2 tube with the power off and see if you can gently blow air back up the hose. Maybe the mechanism of the O2 converter doesn't allow backflow like that.

There is no problem with back flow to the concentrator when the concentrator is on. It's a constant flow device that will push the set flow against a pressure as high as 5 PSI.

My concern is when I forget to turn on the O2 even though I have several reminder labels.

There might be a check valve in the concentrator; but I cannot find an internal diagram. Best I can find is how to disassemble and change the mirco particle filter. Looks like the oxygen purity sensors are near the output with no check valve.

[archangle]

There is no problem with back flow to the concentrator when the concentrator is on. It's a constant flow device that will push the set flow against a pressure as high as 5 PSI.

My concern is when I forget to turn on the O2 even though I have several reminder labels.

There might be a check valve in the concentrator; but I cannot find an internal diagram. Best I can find is how to disassemble and change the mirco particle filter. Looks like the oxygen purity sensors are near the output with no check valve.

Even if there isn't a "check" valve, I think there are positive displacement pumps in there that probably won't let air flow backwards, but there might be some other path for airflow. Try blowing into the hose and seeing if you feel air flowing backwards.