1

August 2022 Med Tips
Don't miss out on our upcoming Virtual Service Schools!
CAIRE Service School Trainings and Webinars 2022
CAIRE offers In-person and Virtual Service Schools covering both LOX and Concentrator lines.
With the easing of travel restrictions due to COVID, CAIRE will be returning to in-person Service Schools
at its Ball Ground location beginning with the November classes. Each class is a comprehensive programthat focuses on the technical and service aspects of the CAIRE family products. Class time is divided
between lecture and hands-on workshops. The seminars will help the student develop a better
understanding of how liquid oxygen equipment or concentrators work, how to identify the symptoms
and causes of potential problems and how to use the technical information that is available in theTechnical Manuals. Registration for CAIRE’s Service Schools is mandatory. Registration forms must be
received two weeks prior to the start of the class to guarantee availability and materials.
Table 1 - Details of upcoming training.

TypeLOX
LOX
CONC
LOX
CONCCONC
LOX

Language

Location

Training Dates

GermanLATAM
LATAM
ItalianGermanEnglishEnglishLangenfeld, Germany
Toulouse, FranceToulouse, FrancePadova, Italy
Langenfeld, Germany
Ball Ground, GA USA
Ball Ground, GA USA

September 14
September 20
September 21-22-23
October 18
October 25-26-27
November 7-8-9
November 10

Registration
bySeptember 1
September 6
September 6
October 4
October 11
October 25
October 25

Training TypeWeb Training
Web Training
Web Training
Web Training
Web Training
In-person Training
In-person Training*We reserve the right to cancel training seminars at short notice. Customers should ensure that they take necessary
precautions to ensure costs are covered in case of cancellation.

Concentrator Service School Topics include:
•••
••
•

Concentrator hazards and safety precautions
Principles of pressure, flow, and saturation
Functions of the major components of a portable/stationary concentrator
Theory of operation
Set up and use of test equipment
Troubleshooting, repair, and performance verification/testing procedures

LOX Service School Topics include:••••

Liquid oxygen (LOX) hazards and safety precautions
Principles of pressure, flow, and liquid oxygen saturation
Functions of the major components of a liquid oxygen system
HELiOS™ system theory of operation2••

Reservoir and portable filling procedures
Set up and use of test equipment

Please submit your registrations forms no later than the dates in Table 1 above. If you are interested in theservice schools mentioned above, and it is past the registration date, please reach out to the registration emails
below. Please note that as travel restrictions, and Covid-related guidelines evolve, we intend to restore CAIRE
Service School to in person.
To register for Service School, please email:Techservice.global@caireinc.com for USA Training or jim.gibson@caireinc.com for European Training.

PRODUCT UPDATESStorage of CAIRE® Concentrators
CAIRE would like to remind its' customers of the recommended storage environment for CAIRE oxygen
concentrators. Table 1. below lists the various products and storage temperature details as given in therelevant technical manual. Further to this CAIRE would also recommend that during extended storage
periods, all concentrators are run up for a minimum of 1 hour each month. For portable concentrators,
this will require they be switched to test mode for the duration of the run up. The procedure to switch
the equipment into Test Mode is detailed in the service bulletin listed below.

ModelStorage Temp (°F)

Storage Temp (°C)

Companion 5-13°F to 158°F-25°C to 70°C

Eclipse 5-4°F to 140°F-20°C to 60°C

FreeStyle Comfort
FreeStyle/FreeStyle 5-13°F to 158°F-4°F to 140°F-25°C to 70°C
-20°C to 60°C

Focus

-4°F to 140°F-20°C to 60°C

NewLife Series-13°F to 158°F-25°C to 70°C

Visionaire Single LED-4°F to 140°F-20°C to 60°C

VisionAire 3 LED-13°F to 158°F-25°C to 70°C

Please refer to Service Bulletin PN 21496778 for more details.

3FreeStyle® Comfort® Battery Pack Duration Test
The below procedure should be used to test the performance of the FreeStyle Comfort battery pack. Be
sure to only use a FreeStyle Comfort that is in good working condition for this test. If the device displays
an alarm while in test mode, the unit will need service before being used to perform the battery packtest.
1. Remove the FreeStyle Comfort from any carrying bags, backpacks, or other accessory carryingcases.
2. Fully recharge the battery using either a FreeStyle Comfort connected to AC power or a desktopcharger.
3. Install the fully-charged battery pack into a FreeStyle Comfort and remove any external powercords.
4. Turn the FreeStyle Comfort on and enter Test Mode by pressing +, +, -, -, +, -, +, - on the keypad.
The entire sequence needs to be entered within 5 seconds. If a mistake is made while entering
this sequence, the user must wait 5 seconds before attempting the sequence again.
5. Once in test mode the flow can be increased or decreased as usual. The battery duration test
can be done using any flow setting.
6. While in test mode, the unit will pulse at a pre-programmed frequency of 20 breaths perminute.
7. Using a stopwatch or timer, record the time it takes for the FreeStyle Comfort to completely
shut down.
8. Take the time recorded and compare it to the full capacity operating time of a new battery packin the table below. If this time is less than 50% of the full capacity of a new battery pack, it isrecommended that the battery pack be taken out of service. See table 1 below.
9. To exit test mode, turn the device off or enter the test mode sequence a second time. Be sure toexit test mode before returning the unit to patient use.
10. If it is determined that the battery is in good condition, fully charge prior to next use.

Setting12
3
4
5

FreeStyle Comfort Battery Duration
New Single (8-cell)
Minimum Duration
New Double (16Battery Duration
Time (50% of Newcell) Battery
Single Battery)
Duration
Up to 8 hours
4 hours (4:00)
16 hours
Up to 4 hours
2 hours (2:00)
8 hours
Up to 3 hours
1.5 hours (1:30)
6 hours
Up to 2.25 hours
1.12 hours (1:07)
4.5 hours
Up to 2 hours
1 hours (1:00)
4 hours
Table1 – FreeStyle Comfort Battery Duration

Minimum Duration Time(50% of New Double
Battery)
8 hours (8:00)
4 hours (4:00)
3 hours (3:00)
2.25 hours (2:15)
2 hours (2:00)

4

NOTE: There are many factors that influence battery run time on FreeStyle Comfort:
••
•
•
•

Ambient temperature
Ambient pressure
Compressor hours
Device condition
Battery age

FreeStyle Comfort batteries are designed to last 300 charge/discharge cycles: however, battery packs
may perform to specifications past 300 charge/discharge cycles.
Note: If the unit is not in use, it is recommended to remove the battery from the unit when notconnected to a power source to maximize the battery duration when needed.
Please refer to Service Bulletin PN 21494318 for more details.

Helpful Hints & FAQs
Liberator Harness Heat Shrink
When replacing or repairing the G4 harness on the Liberator range of LOX vessels, please ensure to reseat the heat shrink over the solder joint as shown in the picture below. Should the heat shrink become
damaged, it can be replaced by ordering PN 20677616 TUBE HEAT SHRINK 1’ FEP .025WT (1 foot is equal
to 30,48 cm length, customer can order quantity of feet as required). See picture below.

5Document Update
We advise our valued customers to monitor and check that they are using the most recent revision ofany documents for the model of equipment they have. Below is a list of documents that were recentlyreleased/updated.
••••••••

ML-CONC0074 SOC Combo Piece Rev B
ML-CONC0082 VisionAire 5 Cutsheet English Rev G
ML-CONC0084 NewLife Intensity Cutsheet English Rev H
ML-CONC0052 CAIRE Authorized Internet Retailer US MAP Policy Rev U
ML-CONC0254 FreeStyle Comfort Infographic GSU Comparison Study Rev A
ML-CONC0142 Companion 5 Cutsheet Rev F
MN239-23
NewLife Intensity: Romanian Manual Release Rev F
ML-CONC0142 Companion 5 Cutsheet Rev G

Med Tips Distribution!
The CAIRE team is asking all current subscribers to CAIRE’s Med Tips Newsletter to register in order tocontinue receiving this monthly communication.
Please click this link - http://go.pardot.com/l/710913/2022-01-17/2pgcj9 - and provide us with yourcurrent information. Thank you and we appreciate your support.

CONTACT:For technical questions or concerns, contact Technical Service:USA:

800-482-2473

techservice.global@caireinc.com
Europe:+44 (0) 118 936 7060

techservice.global@caireinc.com
For ordering information or general inquires, contact Customer Service:USA:

800-482-2473

customerservice.usa@caireinc.com
Europe:+44 (0) 118 936 7060

customerservice.europe@caireinc.com© Copyright 2022 CAIRE Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAIRE Inc. reserves the right to discontinue its products, orchange the prices, materials, equipment, quality, descriptions, specifications and/or processes to its products at
any time without prior notice and with no further obligation or consequence. All rights not expressly stated herein
are reserved by us, as applicable.
Please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings,precautions, and detailed safety information.

PN 21496778 A

RELEASE DATE:March 20, 2021

MODEL:All CAIRE® Concentrator models

ISSUE:

Storage of CAIRE® Concentrators

NOTES:CAIRE® would like to remind its customers of the recommended storage
environment for CAIRE® oxygen concentrators. Table 1. below lists thevarious products and storage temperature details as given in the relevant
technical manual. Further to this CAIRE® would also recommend thatduring H[WHQGHGstorageSHULRGV, all concentrators are run up for aminimum of 1 hour each month. For portable concentrators, this will
require they be switched to test mode for the duration of the run up. The
procedure to switch the equipment into Test Mode is also listed below.

Model
Companion 5
Eclipse 5FreeStyle Comfort
FreeStyle/FreeStyle 5Focus
NewLife Series
Visionaire Single LED
VisionAire 3 LED

Storage Temp(°F)

Storage Temp(°C)-13°F to 158°F-4°F to 140°F-13°F to 158°F-4°F to 140°F-2°F to 140°F-13°F to 158°F-4°F to 140°F-13°F to 158°F-25°C to 70°C
-20°C to 60°C
-25°C to 70°C
-20°C to 60°C
-20°C to 60°C
-25°C to 70°C
-20°C to 60°C
-25°C to 70°C

Table1 – Model and Storage Temperature range
Test Mode Procedure for POC Equipment
FreeStyle Comfort - With the unit turned on, press the following sequenceof buttons “+ + - - + - + -”. For the unit to recognize the following sequence,
it has to be entered within a 5 second period. If the sequence of buttons isentered correctly, the unit will alarm and the screen will change, having a
red border around the screen, indicating the unit is now in test mode. Theunit will begin auto-pulsing, enabling O2 concentration testing.
To exit test mode, turn off the unit or re-enter the test mode sequence. Be
sure to exit test mode before returning the unit to patient use.
Copyright © 2021 CAIRE Inc.
CAIRE Inc. reserves the right to discontinue its products, or change the prices, materials, equipment, quality, descriptions, specifications and/or
processes to its products at any time without prior notice and with no further obligation or consequence. All rights not expressly stated herein
are reserved by us, as applicable.
Ref 21496778 Rev A

Page 1 of 2
www.caireinc.com

FreeStyle/FreeStyle5 - Connect the POC using the supplied AC power
supply to a 100-240 volt, 50/60 Hz electrical outlet. Turn unit on by pressing
setting 2 on keypad. Simultaneously press and hold settings [1] and [3] forten seconds if using a FreeStyle. Simultaneously press and hold settings[1] and [5] for ten seconds if using a FreeStyle 5. After approximately ten
seconds, the alarm will sound and the LEDs above each flow setting will
illuminate verifying auto pulse mode (Test Mode).
To exit test mode, turn off the unit by pressing the corresponding lit buttonon the keypad.
Focus - Turn the power switch on. Wait for the red and green LEDs to stop
flashing and the green LED to remain on. Within 2 seconds of the green
LED staying on, power the unit off. Turn the unit on and off three times
while the startup buzzer is alarming leaving the unit on the third time. The

red and green LEDs will remain solid for 10 seconds followed by an
audible tone indicating that test mode is active.
To exit test mode, power off the Focus with the in-line power switch.

CONTACT:For technical questions or concerns, contact Technical Service:USA:

800-482-2473

Europe:+44 (0) 118 936 7060

techservice.global@caireinc.com
For ordering information or general inquires, contact Customer Service:USA:
800-482-2473
customerservice.usa@caireinc.com
Europe:+44 (0) 118 936 7060

customerservice.europe@caireinc.com

Copyright © 2021 CAIRE Inc.
CAIRE Inc. reserves the right to discontinue its products, or change the prices, materials, equipment, quality, descriptions, specifications and/or
processes to its products at any time without prior notice and with no further obligation or consequence. All rights not expressly stated herein
are reserved by us, as applicable.
Ref 21496778 Rev APage 2 of 2
www.caireinc.com

PN 21494318 BRELEASE DATE:

November 19, 2019

REVISION
DATE(S):

July 28, 2022 (rev B)

MODEL:FreeStyle® Comfort®

ISSUE:FreeStyle Comfort Battery Pack Duration TestNOTES:The below procedure should be used to test the performance of the FreeStyle
Comfort battery pack. Be sure to only use a FreeStyle Comfort that is in goodworking condition for this test. If the device displays an alarm while in test mode,
the unit will need service before being used to perform the battery pack test.
1. Remove the FreeStyle Comfort from any carrying bags, backpacks, or otheraccessory carrying cases.
2. Fully recharge the battery using either a FreeStyle Comfort connected toAC power or a desktop charger.
3. Install the fully charged battery pack into a FreeStyle Comfort and remove
any external power cords.
4. Turn the FreeStyle Comfort on and enter Test Mode pressing +, +, -, -, +, -,+, - on the keypad. The entire sequence needs to be entered within 5seconds. If a mistake is made while entering this sequence, the user must
wait 5 seconds before attempting the sequence again. Patients should notbreath off the device while it is in test mode.
5. Once in test mode the flow can be increased or decreased as usual. Thebattery duration test can be done at any flow setting.
6. While in test mode the unit will pulse at a pre-programmed frequency of 20
breaths per minute.
7. Using a stopwatch or timer, record the time it takes for the FreeStyle
Comfort to completely shut down.
8. Take this time recorded and compare it to the full capacity operating time ofa new battery pack in the table below. If this time is less than 50% of the fullcapacity of a new battery pack, it is recommended that the battery pack betaken out of service. See table 1 below:
9. To exit test mode, turn the device off or enter the test mode sequence asecond time. Be sure to exit test mode before returning the unit to patientuse.
10. If it is determined that the battery is in good condition, fully charge prior tonext use.

Copyright © 2022 CAIRE Inc.
CAIRE Inc. reserves the right to discontinue its products, or change the prices, materials, equipment, quality, descriptions, specifications and/or
processes to its products at any time without prior notice and with no further obligation or consequence. All rights not expressly stated herein
are reserved by us, as applicable.
Page 1 of 2Ref 21494318 Rev B
www.caireinc.com

FreeStyle Comfort Battery Duration
New Single (8-cell)battery Duration

Minimum Duration
Time (50% of New
Single Battery)

New Double(16-cell)
BatteryDuration

Minimum Duration
Time (50% of New
Double Battery)1234

Up to 8 hours
Up to 4 hours
Up to 3 hours
Up to 2.25 hours

4 hours (4:00)
2 hours (2:00)
1.5 hours (1:30)
1.12 hours (1:07)

16 hours8 hours
6 hours
4.5 hours

8 hours (8:00)
4 hours (4:00)
3 hours (3:00)
2.25 hours (2:15)

5Up to 2 hours

Setting

1 hour (1:00)
4 hours
Table 1 – Battery Duration

2 hours (2:00)

NOTE: There are many factors that influence battery run time on FreeStyle Comfort:xxxxx

Ambient temperature
Ambient pressure
Compressor hours
Device condition
Battery age

FreeStyle Comfort batteries are designed to last 300 charge/discharge cycles: however, battery
packs may perform to specifications past 300 charge/discharge cycles.
Note: If the unit is not in use, it is recommended to remove the battery from the unit when notconnected to a power source to maximize the battery duration when needed.
CONTACT:For technical questions or concerns, contact Technical Service:USA:

800-482-2473

Europe:+44 (0) 118 936 7060

techservice.global@caireinc.com
For ordering information or general inquires, contact Customer Service:USA:
800-482-2473
customerservice.usa@caireinc.com
Europe:+44 (0) 118 936 7060

customerservice.europe@caireinc.com

Copyright © 2022 CAIRE Inc.
CAIRE Inc. reserves the right to discontinue its products, or change the prices, materials, equipment, quality, descriptions, specifications and/orprocesses to its products at any time without prior notice and with no further obligation or consequence. All rights not expressly stated herein
are reserved by us, as applicable.
Page 2 of 2

Ref 21494318 Rev B
www.caireinc.com