8 FAQs On Portable Oxygen Concentrators

What Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC)?

People with breathing disorders or lung diseases require supplemental oxygen.  Portable oxygen concentrators draw oxygen from the environment. They are medical devices that help people who have a low level of oxygen in their blood. They do not contain refillable oxygen canisters or tanks. They receive air, purify it, and distribute the changed air. Oxygen concentrator uses that air then it comes out as 90 to 95% pure oxygen and 5 to 10% nitrogen.

How Do They Look Like?

Oxygen concentrators come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They are lifesaving and life-changing little machines. You can plug them in an electrical outlet or use them by a battery. Most forms of oxygen concentrators contain a setting panel that contains

1. An on/off switch

2. A knob to adjust the flow rate

3. An alarm to indicate if there is going to be an immediate power loss.

4. There is a replaceable intake filter that can easily be cleaned and inserted into the machine.

How Do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Work?

The devices contain manuals and “how to use” information that helps people to use them easily. The working principle is easy to understand. An oxygen concentrator works as follows.

1. The device draws in air from around you.

2. Air is compressed inside the device.

3. Nitrogen is filtered out of the air.

4. Pure oxygen is inhaled through the nasal tube or mask.

What Are The Benefits Of Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

They are small, efficient, and easy to carry devices. For easy transportation, they come with backpack or bag options. Wherever you are, may it be your living room, a park, or in a plane, an oxygen concentrator can work and can complete the process.

Oxygen concentrators are available in a pulse-flow and continuous delivery model that helps customers to choose which works for them better.

How Oxygen Concentrators Help People With Breathing Problems?

1. During sleeping, the levels of oxygen may drop, even in healthy individuals. Patients with chronic obstructive lung disease may suffer from transient nocturnal desaturation which interfereswith their good night’s sleep causing substantial health issues. Doctors prescribe supplemental oxygen therapy that helps them sleep better.

2. Oxygen therapy can help people with low levels of oxygen to carry out their daily tasks.

3. Supplemental oxygen helps people with lung disease to stay healthier and live longer. A better quality of life is possible by using these devices.

What Are The Limitations Of Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

POCs are a bit costly and the most basic device can cost more than $2,300. Some devices may have low battery life and may produce noise. But they are problems to be ignored.

What Are The Various Portable Oxygen Concentrators Available In The Market?

1. Inogen one G3

2. RespironicsSimplyGo

3. Airsep freestyle 3

4. SeQual Eclipse 5 mobile unit

5. Precision Medical Easypulse PM4150

6. Airsep Focus

7. Invacare Platinum

8. The oxlife independence

What Are The Things To Consider Before Buying Oxygen Concentrators?

The size and weight are major things to consider when buying a portable oxygen concentrator. Decide whether you want to opt for pulse flow or continuous flow concentrator. Pulse Dose means that the oxygen is delivered to the patient only when the patient initiates a breath. Continuous flow means that the machine delivers oxygen on a constant level.

Prefer an oxygen concentrator that has better battery life. Also, define your oxygen needs before you plan to buy a POC.