[Equipment] Oxygen Concentrators: Noise vs. Output Level Setting?

[cogskies]

Question:  With oxygen concentrators, does the noise level vary depending on the continuous flow rate setting that you select (e.g. 2 L/min vs. 5 L/min)?

Context:

• I am looking at adding supplemental oxygen to my CPAP.
  
• In theory, I should need less than 5 L/min oxygen flow to achieve my target. But, in practice, I might need a higher oxygen flow to compensate for the CPAP's dilution and full face mask leak rate.
  
• I am trying to decide between 2 models:
  
• Philips Respironics Millennium M10: 10 L/min max flow, 48 dB noise, 600 W average
  
• Philips Respironics EverFlo: 5 L/min max flow, 45 dB noise, 350 W average.
  
• So: If I get the Millennium M10 and only run it it at 5 L/min (50% max output setting), will it be quieter than 48 dB and closer to the EverFlo?
  

Thanks.

[Crimson Nape]

I don't know how O2 concentrators are currently supplied, but when my sister had one, it came with 15 kilometers (exaggeration) of hose, so the base unit could be placed in another room. Is this not the case now, or is this impractical for you?

- Red

[staceyburke]

I am on 01 24/7. I have a 50 ft oxygen line. My concentrator is in the.middle of the house and when I am in another room I cannnot hear any noise.

[robbob2112]

A couple of things.

Yes a concentrator is quieter on a lower setting, but probably note as big a difference as you assume. The compressor running is what causes most of the noise but there are also fans to draw cooling air across the compressor. Larger compressor usually means louder base noise level.

All that said you can run a hose up to 100ft if needed and place the concentrator anywhere. But, be practical and use the shortest hose that works. I need 2l/m of o2. Using a 25ft or less hose I set the concentrator on 2l. At 50ft I had to turn it up to 2.5ish. At 100ft I had to turn up to almost 4l. All to get the same rate of flow and pressure. note: I has using a non calibrated flow/pressure meter

It has been to many years since I took fluid dynamics but I think it is a result of drag and backpressure from that drag (friction).

[cogskies]

Appreciate the suggestions around moving the oxygen concentrator to another room. Unfortunately, given the floor plan here, placing the concentrator in another room isn't much of an option. I might be able to place it in the bedroom closet with some ventilation and an air quality monitor, though.

Yes a concentrator is quieter on a lower setting, but probably note as big a difference as you assume. The compressor running is what causes most of the noise but there are also fans to draw cooling air across the compressor. Larger compressor usually means louder base noise level.

Thanks! This is what I was looking for. It sounds like I can maybe lose a couple dB when running a large concentrator a lower setting, but should not expect to match the noise efficiency of a lower-output model.

[robbob2112]

One other suggestion, 

Place a sheet of rock wool or other noise dampening material between you and it.  Putting it in an enclosed space like a closet or otherwise blocking the airflow would likely cause it to overheat or burn out quicker.  I uses an Everflow 5L model to heat my mother's room in winter, and I live at 9k ft so it gets cold.

[Crimson Nape]

My sister placed hers in the bathroom with the door kept closed, and opened a window. From what I remember, they do generate some heat.

-- Red