Oxygen concentrators have revolutionized how we approach respiratory care, offering a significant leap in performance and convenience. Compact, silent, and lightweight, these devices starkly contrast to the past’s bulky and heavy oxygen concentrators, which often restricted patient mobility and travel.
In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of a medical oxygen concentrator: how they function, the benefits they bring, and what to look for when choosing one.
What Is An Oxygen Concentrator?
Oxygen concentrators, referred to as oxygen generators, are medical devices that provide oxygen to patients with breathing-related diseases. Individuals with a lower-than-normal oxygen content in their blood often need a medical oxygen concentrator to replenish this oxygen.
In general, concentrators cannot be purchased over the counter. It must be prescribed by a physician after a comprehensive medical examination. Physicians will also instruct patients on utilizing these medical equipment when traveling and at home.
Through a pulse-dose delivery system or continuous supply system, an oxygen concentrator filters the outside air, compresses it to the proper density, and gives the patient medical-grade oxygen.
To ensure that the patient is given completely pure oxygen, it is also equipped with special filters and sieve beds that remove nitrogen from the air.
These gadgets also provide an electronic user interface for modifying the settings for oxygen concentration and delivery. The oxygen is breathed in using a special mask or a nasal cannula.
Oxygen output is typically measured in LPM (liters per minute). Your oxygen needs, which may change during rest, sleep, and exercise, will be determined by your doctor.
What Distinguishes Oxygen Concentrators From Oxygen Cylinders And LMO?
Oxygen concentrators are superior alternatives to oxygen cylinders and liquid medical oxygen, which are difficult to carry and store. They are more costly than cylinders, but they are a one-time purchase with minimal operating expenses.
An oxygen concentrator, unlike the cylinders, do not need refilling and may produce extra oxygen supply in 24 hours per day using ambient air and an electrical source. However, the most significant disadvantage of medical oxygen concentrators is that they can only provide 5 to 10 liters of oxygen per minute. This renders them inappropriate for critically ill patients who may need 40 to 45 liters of pure oxygen per minute.
Uses Of Oxygen Concentrator
Oxygen concentrators have a variety of applications, and doctors may recommend oxygen therapy for several conditions. Usually, oxygen is taken in from the air by the lungs and transferred to the bloodstream.
Imagine that you recently had blood testing or pulse oximetry to evaluate your oxygen saturation levels, and it was found that you have low blood oxygen levels. If so, your doctor could recommend either a short- or long-term oxygen therapy regimen.
You’re most likely curious about what a concentrator is used for. Acute disorders often need short oxygen therapy. These circumstances usually take a little bit of time.
In contrast to chronic disorders, when symptoms steadily worsen, they may present suddenly. However, certain respiratory or chronic conditions need routine medical oxygen therapy.
How Does A Oxygen Concentrator Work?
An oxygen concentrator takes in air, alters it, and distributes it differently, similar to a window air conditioner. An oxygen concentrator draws air in and filters to provide medical oxygen to patients with low blood oxygen levels.
- Compressing air as the concentrator’s cooling mechanism prevents it from being overheated.
- Taking in the air from its environment.
- Utilizing a digital interface to modify delivery parameters.
- Nitrogen removal from the air using sieve beds and a filter.
- Providing oxygen filtered via a mask or nasal cannula.
Patients who needed home oxygen treatment (supplemental oxygen) mainly used pressurized tanks in the past. Even while these tanks are incredibly effective, they are also relatively inefficient since suppliers must often visit patients to refill their tanks.
Severe Conditions Demanding The Use Of An Oxygen Concentrator
Acute conditions that need the use of an oxygen concentrator for short-term oxygen therapy include the following:
Asthma
This illness occurs when the airways become inflamed and produce excessive mucus, making breathing difficult. While various medications help treat and manage asthma, an oxygen concentrator can provide high concentrations of oxygen into the patient’s bloodstream during or after an asthma attack.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
RDS is a respiratory condition that primarily affects babies, especially those delivered six weeks or more before their due date. Insufficient surfactant (a lung-coating liquid) in infants with RDS causes their lungs to collapse and increases their respiratory effort. Oxygen treatment with an oxygen concentrator helps pump oxygen into the circulation and lungs of infants to prevent future difficulties.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a condition in which the air sacs of one or both lungs become inflamed and often get filled with fluid. Numerous individuals with pneumonia who were administered oxygen treatment had favorable clinical results.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
RDS-affected infants have an increased chance of developing BPD. This is a severe lung ailment that requires long-term assistance with breathing. After surgery, you may sometimes need oxygen for a brief time.
Chronic Conditions Requiring Oxygen Therapy
The following chronic conditions need long-term oxygen concentrator use:
Cystic Fibrosis
You have inherited this fatal illness. It affects the digestive system and causes lung problems. It is an uncommon disorder that affects the cells in the body that produce mucus, perspiration, and digestive secretions. The altered fluids result in a thicker, stickier solution that clogs the sick person’s ducts, tubes, and passageways.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Approximately 16 million individuals suffer from COPD, yet an oxygen concentrator may be an effective therapy. Chronic lung deterioration associated with COPD makes it difficult for the lungs to absorb adequate oxygen.
Consequently, you may have trouble breathing, and oxygen treatment administered through a concentrator may be of assistance.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleeping problem that causes the individual’s breathing to cease and resume intermittently throughout sleep. Some individuals with sleep apnea may need oxygen therapy in addition to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and weight reduction.
Positive Aspects Of Oxygen Concentrators
Both stationary and portable oxygen concentrators provide various benefits to oxygen-dependent patients. They are far safer than typical oxygen cylinders, which, if burst or leaking, might cause or accelerate the pace of fire combustion.
In contrast, oxygen concentrators offer no such risk. Oxygen concentrators for the home and on the go that can produce their own oxygen have grown more popular and widespread than oxygen tanks.
Mobility is facilitated and enhanced with oxygen, the second significant advantage. A oxygen concentrator offers the required oxygen wherever the user travels, even on a flight.
All U.S. aircraft with more than 19 seats must enable oxygen-dependent passengers to carry FAA-approved portable concentrators. Additionally, foreign carriers must allow a oxygen concentrator on all flights to and from U.S. territory.
Considerations When Purchasing An Oxygen Concentrator
According to medical and industry experts, the following factors should be considered before purchasing an oxygen concentrator:
- The flow rate capabilities are among the most essential considerations when purchasing an oxygen concentrator. Flow rate specifies the rate at which oxygen may be delivered to the patient from the oxygen concentrator. The rate of flow is expressed in liters per minute (LPM).
- The oxygen concentrator’s capacity must be more than your needs. For instance: if you need a 3.5 Liters Per Minute (LPM) oxygen concentrator, you should purchase a 5-LPM concentrator. Likewise, if you need a 5 LPM oxygen concentrator, you should get an 8 LPM unit.
- Examine the oxygen concentrator’s number of filters and sieves. A oxygen concentrator’s output quality depends on the number of sieves or filters. The oxygen generator must have a purity of 90 to 95%.
- Other considerations while purchasing an oxygen concentrator are power consumption, mobility, noise levels, and warranty.
Different Types Of Oxygen Concentrator Available
Oxygen concentrators are an durable medical equipment used to boost oxygen levels in patients with respiratory problems. There are several varieties of oxygen concentrators, each with unique characteristics and advantages. Let’s examine below.
Resmed Activox™ Portable
A flexible and ideal oxygen concentrator for the active user. It features an internal battery, allowing you to unhook it and carry it wherever you go.
Inogen At Home Stationary
A home oxygen concentrator that provides high quantities of continuous oxygen. It is one of the most compact and lightweight stationary concentrators on the market. It produces a continuous flow of one to five liters per minute.
Philips Respironics Simplygo Transferable
This oxygen concentrator is for those who desire to carry their oxygen treatment with them while going about their everyday activities. It offers pulse dosage and continuous flow modes for increased adaptability.
Philips Respironics Simplygo Mini Transferable
A oxygen concentrator designed with attachments and functions for an active lifestyle. It delivers a pulse dosage flow, which helps prolong the battery life.
Inogen One G3 Transferable
A oxygen concentrator designed to provide pulse doses of oxygen at home or on the road. Its weight of 4.8 pounds makes it ideal for travel.
Inogen One G4 Portable
The Inogen One G4 generates its own oxygen supply from ambient air. It is the most oxygen concentrator available. It is light and compact enough to carry like a handbag or tote bag.
Takeaway
Oxygen treatment may be a lifesaving treatment when lung disorders prevent a person from breathing in sufficient oxygen. You may need supplementary oxygen all day, every day, or sometimes. Your health care provider may talk to you about the different oxygen treatment delivery systems so you can choose the one that works best for you. When using oxygen treatment, it’s crucial to observe specific safety precautions.
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