A portable oxygen concentrator is an oxygen supply device that provides a source of pure oxygen to an individual. Portable oxygen concentrators are a type of medical device that can be used at home, in the office, or on the go.
There are many options when it comes to portable oxygen concentrators, but the most important thing is to find the one that suits your needs.
Why Do We Need An Oxygen Concentrator
Oxygen concentrators are used to provide oxygen therapy to people who are unable to breathe on their own. It is a device that pumps air into the lungs. It is also called an oxygen supply machine.
The reason why we need an oxygen concentrator is that it helps patients with lung diseases, such as emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who have trouble breathing.
How it works
Oxygen concentrators are machines that produce pure oxygen from ambient air. They work by removing nitrogen and other gases from the air to create a pure oxygen stream.
There are three main components of an oxygen concentrator: a fan, a zeolite tower, and an electronic control module. The fan draws in air and passes it through the zeolite tower where the nitrogen is removed. The remaining air is then passed over a heated platinum catalyst which removes any remaining impurities before it is released into pure oxygen.
Understanding Oxygen Delivery Types
Continuous flow oxygen and pulse dose oxygen are two different ways of delivering oxygen to a patient.
Continuous flow oxygen is delivered in a constant stream at a set rate. It is usually delivered through a tube that attaches to the patient's nasal cannula or face mask. This type of delivery provides consistent levels of oxygen, but it may not be appropriate for patients who need varying levels of oxygen concentration.
Pulse dose oxygen is delivered in short bursts, which allows the patient to breathe normally and catch their breath between doses. This type of delivery provides variable levels of oxygen, but it may not be appropriate for patients who need consistent levels of concentration.
Understanding Flow Rates
The flow rate is the amount of oxygen that is processed every minute. The formula for calculating the flow rate is:
Flow Rate = Liters per Minute (LPM)
The number of litres of oxygen processed per minute by the oxygen concentrator
The higher the flow rate, the more oxygen can be delivered to a patient in a shorter period of time.
Low flow concentrators have a flow rate of 250 to 750 litres per minute, while high flow concentrators have a flow rate of 2 to 10 litres per minute.
Noise Levels
Oxygen concentrator noise levels can be a major concern for those who have to live with one. It is important to find out the noise level of your oxygen concentrator and make sure that it is not too loud.
SimplyGo by Philips Respironics is one of the quietest portable oxygen concentrators on the market. It has a noise level of only 46 decibels, which is about as loud as a whisper.
Battery Life
Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to last for hours on a single charge. The length of time they last depend on the model and how it is being used. For example, if you are using the device in an airport terminal with low air pressure, it will drain faster than if you were using it at home. The battery life can vary anywhere from 3 to 12 hours.
Warranty
To get the most out of your device, it's advisable to review the warranty policy before purchasing. Don't risk getting a faulty device just because you didn't do your research!
Brand
There are many portable oxygen concentrator brands on the market today. However, not all of them are created equal. Below is a list of some of the best portable oxygen concentrator brands that you can find.
- Philips Respironics
- AirSep
- PureO2
Weight
The weight of an oxygen concentrator is an important factor to consider when purchasing one. The weight of portable oxygen concentrators varies depending on the model, but most weigh less than 20 pounds.
FAQs of Oxygen Concentrator
Is a medical prescription needed to buy an oxygen concentrator?
Some people who are looking for a portable oxygen concentrator have been asking whether they need a medical prescription to buy one. The answer is yes, but the process can be much easier than you imagine.
The first step is to find a supplier that sells the product in your country. You can either use an online search engine or ask your doctor for advice on reputable suppliers in your area. Once you have found a supplier, you will need to contact them and ask them if they require a medical prescription before they ship the product to you. Some suppliers may require an email from your doctor with their permission before they will ship the product, but most of them won't need anything more than your name and address to ship it out.
Are oxygen concentrators as good as oxygen tank?
Oxygen concentrators are the best option for people who need to use oxygen at home. They are more portable and allow you to take them anywhere.
The only downside is that they are expensive and not as reliable as oxygen tanks.
Can you fly with an oxygen concentrator?
Yes, it is possible to fly with an oxygen concentrator. In fact, there are many people who do so every day. To fly with an oxygen concentrator, you will need to make sure that it has a battery and that the battery is charged and that you have a spare battery on hand for emergencies. You will also need to be checked in early so that the airline can make sure your device can be stored in accordance with FAA guidelines.
