Oxygen is an essential part of life that we breathe in from the air. But in certain conditions, this oxygen is not sufficient so you need to rely on supplemental oxygen, also known as oxygen therapy. For these different types of oxygen, products are available in the market such as compressed gas systems, portable oxygen concentrators, and liquid oxygen systems. While oxygen accessories such as a nasal cannulas, facemasks, humidifiers, and others facilitate in providing a constant pure oxygen supply to patients with low blood oxygen levels.
Regarding medical oxygen, 'one size fits all is not an option. It's because each patient requires different doses of oxygen based on the medical condition they are going through. Patients with low oxygen levels need a medical oxygen prescription from a professional doctor. FDA has set this requirement to ensure that the patient gets the correct percentage of oxygen as needed.
Who Need a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
Oxygen products deliver pure medical-grade supplemental oxygen that can be prescribed to people with:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Severe hemorrhage
- Asthma
- Shock
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Trauma like cardiac or pulmonary arrest
- Chronic bronchitis
- Lung cancer
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Artificial ventilator
Portable oxygen concentrator
Today oxygen therapy has extended to outpatients, enabling patients with COPD to have an independent source of oxygen. For this, the portable model is very helpful.
How does It work?
Air is a mixture of different gases, including the highest percentage of Nitrogen (71%), Oxygen (21%), and 1% of other gases. A portable oxygen concentrator draws surrounding air, removes other gases, and delivers 90% to 95% of pure oxygen to the user. Moreover, it also filters out dust, microbes, and other pollutants that are usually found in the air. It ensures that the oxygen produced is pure, free from all harmful particles and substances. Pure oxygen extracted is then inhaled through a nasal tube (cannula) or mask.
The setting panel is on most portable oxygen concentrators where you can find the buttons to operate the device.
- A switch to turn the device on/off
- Knob to set the prescribed dose
- Alarms that indicate different warnings such as the low battery, no detection of breath, and others. It is essential to respond to the alarms promptly as these show that something went wrong.
What are Pulse Dose and Constant Dose?
Generally, a portable oxygen concentrator model provides 5-10 liters of oxygen per minute by pulse dose. It means that the oxygen comes out in the form of a small burst based on the patient's breathing pattern. Other models also work by steady dose, providing the oxygen at the same rate each minute. Before choosing the model, it is imperative to consult the doctor to pick the one that suits the best as per your health condition.
How to Use the Portable Unit?
It is a lightweight and easy-to-carry device that can be carried outside and in the car. The device can be packed in a bag that you can hang on the shoulder and walk easily. It runs on rechargeable oxygen car batteries, making it even more convenient. That makes it possible to recharge your car's batteries using a charger.
Points to Consider When to Buy an Oxygen Concentrator
Before buying the device, it is important to consult your doctor first to know about the required dose for the patient. According to experts, the following points should be considered:
- The flow rate of oxygen is one of the most crucial factors. It is the rate at which oxygen is delivered to the patient.
- The number of filters or sieves present in the device varies. So, check how many filters are present in the concentrator to make sure that you get 90% to 95% of pure oxygen.
- Choose a portable oxygen concentrator with a capacity greater than the actual need.
- While picking the concentrator, you should know about the energy consumption, portability, noise level it makes, warranty, and others.
Things to Remember for Oxygen Safety
While using portable concentrators with oxygen car batteries, it is vital to take safety measures:
- Avoid smoking near the concentrator or never let others light up. Remember that matches, flames, and cigarette lighters are strictly prohibited as they can lead to a fire breakout.
- Similarly, flammable products such as cleaning agents, aerosol cans, and hand sanitizers should be kept away from the device.
- The concentrator should be placed 5 feet away from the stove, heaters, candles, or lighted fireplaces.
- Place the device in an upright position or it's better if you attach them to a stable and fixed object.