How to choose a suitable oxygen concentrator?

Human beings cannot survive without oxygen, but oxygen deficiency can be remedied by the use of Oxygen of Concentrators. What these machines do is filter out nitrogen from the surrounding air providing pure oxygen.

This device is commonly used for various respiratory issues.

People experience oxygen shortages due to conditions such as:

• Covid
• Asthma
• COPD
• Lung Cancer
• Emphysema

The concentrator should not be used without consulting the doctor. The doctor provides guidance as to the necessary treatment time, oxygen flow rate required, and other considerations. The use of the oxygen machine will require a basic understanding of how it works.

Use of the Oxygen Concentrator:

As mentioned, the oxygen concentrator assists the lungs by taking oxygen from the surrounding air to deliver to the blood.

Depending on a patient’s requirements, this therapy may be short-term, but the person with a severe respiratory disorder will need long-term therapy.

 

How the Oxygen Concentrator works:

Oxygen machines differ from oxygen tanks. A tank works by using liquid or gas oxygen while the concentrator delivers pure oxygen (90% +) after filtering out nitrogen from the atmosphere.

The oxygen is inhaled through a tube with two tips that fit in your nostrils (known as a nasal cannula). As an alternative, some patients use a face mask allowing you to breathe through the nose and mouth for more highly concentrated oxygen and comfort.

Oxygen concentrators are available as stationary or portable devices.

The home-based Concentrator Unit:

A stationary oxygen concentrator or home oxygen concentrator is designed for use at home for continuous flow oxygen therapy.

There is a range of oxygen concentrators available for purchase in the market. Selection may be made according to the price range and the medical requirements of the user. Rentals are available as a cost-effective alternative or for short-term use.

Oxygen therapy may be made more comfortable by the use of oxygen extension tubes allowing greater mobility and a humidifier bottle that alleviates nose dryness.

The Portable Oxygen Concentrator Unit:

This type of portable unit works the same as the home-based unit, the difference being that the unit is light enough to be carried. The whole kit bag is carried on the shoulder for use outdoors, travel, or work purposes.

Although, like a laptop computer, it can be plugged into a power source, battery life when unplugged, differs according to model and flow settings.

 

Important considerations before buying an Oxygen Concentrator

Firstly, as mentioned, it is imperative to consult the doctor and supplier for guidance.

Listed below are some essential points.

The Battery

Batteries are made to fit specific models and will be replaced accordingly.

Fully charged there should be enough power to accommodate various activities such as a trip to the shops, a visit to a friend, travel, or other shorter-term activities.

Most airlines require that a passenger carry an extra fully charged battery on the flight. It is a good idea to have a fully charged spare battery readily available for example when stranded, waiting for transportation, or experiencing a power outage.

As battery life varies from model to model, it is important to check this when comparing model and price. Importantly, battery life also depends on the flow rate of oxygen required. The battery of the user requiring a higher oxygen dosage will deplete more rapidly.

Size and Weight

Portable Concentrators.

Smaller portable concentrators can weigh as little as 2kg or less whereas the larger ones can weigh 8kg or more.

Stationary Concentrators

Weight between 12kg and 30 kg

Particularly with portable oxygen concentrators whereas it would be generally better to buy the smaller ones for easier handling and transportation, it is important to confirm, if desiring to purchase a smaller model, that it can produce the required oxygen flow rate.

However, with the advance of technology, models in both categories above(stationary and portable) are becoming smaller and smaller.

Flow rate:

The flow rate of oxygen of a concentrator is an important primary factor as to whether a machine will have the capacity to meet user needs.

There are two types of oxygen concentrators.

• The first type is the continuous flow concentrator which provides a constant flow of oxygen via a cannula. The flow only stops when the machine is turned off.
• The second is the pulse flow oxygen concentrator that provides puffs of oxygen only when the user inhales.

There are models that can produce both continuous flow and pulse flow oxygen.

They are generally used by patients with higher oxygen requirements

Commercial brands- some recommendations.

Stationary:

Owgels 5l and 10l , Oxyflow-5, Everflo 5l

Each brand has its own strengths in terms of attributes such as flow rate, sound level, oxygen purity, and weight. Redmark will discuss tailored solutions with the potential buyer.

Portable:

Inogen One G5 has exceptional battery life, the highest oxygen flow against competing models, and is known for reliability. FAA approved for flight purposes.

DualFlow:

LoveGo LG103 offers good mobility and high oxygen output