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Traditionally, oxygen tanks or cylinders were the primary source of supplemental oxygen. Today, you can get a continuous oxygen supply with the help of an electronic oxygen generator.
These medical devices are known as oxygen concentrators. They relieve patients with COPD or other respiratory issues needing supplemental oxygen.
These devices come in different sizes, with varying oxygen output levels. There are portable models for mobility and stationary models for home use. Both machines serve the same purpose but have some differences. Here, we'll explain the key features of each as well as their differences.
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is medical equipment for supplemental oxygen on the go. The devices are small and lightweight. They use rechargeable batteries as their primary power source.
A POC is a portable model of an oxygen generator. POCs can deliver oxygen up to 5L/min using pulse doses oxygen delivery mode. The devices are a great help for patients with mobility during oxygen therapy.
An Oxygen concentrator uses sieve beds to filter oxygen from surrounding air. The device uses a compressor to concentrate filtered oxygen before delivery. It doesn't use pressurized or liquid oxygen. Oxygen concentrators use electricity to deliver medical-grade oxygen from ambient air.
A home oxygen concentrator is bigger and heavier than a POC. The device is also known as a stationary oxygen concentrator. It is capable of delivering up to 10L/min of pure oxygen. Home oxygen concentrators are not ideal for oxygen on the go.
Home oxygen concentrators are bigger than POCs. These devices are for use at home. Stationary concentrators have suitcase-like designs with wheels for dragging from room to room. They depend on the primary outlets for power.
Home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators have some similarities and differences.
They are similar in the following ways:
The differences between a home oxygen concentrator and a portable oxygen concentrator are:
Portable oxygen concentrators have a compact design and are smaller. POCs come in wearable carry-on bags to ease portability.
Most portable oxygen concentrators have a height of 7 to 10 inches. You can carry a POC using a backpack or side bag.
Home oxygen concentrators have a height of about 30 inches or above. The size of a stationary or home oxygen concentrator limits it for on-the-go oxygen. You can move a stationary concentrator by dragging it on its wheel on paved surfaces, like a suitcase.
Manufacturers design a smaller oxygen generator with low output to compensate for the weight and size.
Potable models of oxygen concentrators have lower oxygen output levels. They provide up to 5 liters per minute of pure oxygen. There are some devices that output below 1,000ml/min.
The oxygen output level for a home oxygen concentrator can be above 5 liters to 15 liters per minute. A home oxygen concentrator is the best device for patients with high-volume prescriptions of medical oxygen. A stationary oxygen concentrator can be a substitute for oxygen tanks.
Most portable oxygen concentrators use a pulse dose flow setting. The pulse flow setting helps in conserving battery power. Pulse dose delivers oxygen depending on the user's breathing rate. However, some models support continuous flow or both.
Most stationary oxygen concentrators deliver oxygen using Continuous flow oxygen delivery mode. They provide oxygen full-time when breathing in or out. The setting ensures a patient has an oxygen supply even when no breath is detected.
Portable concentrators are much lighter than home oxygen concentrators. A model like ReadyO2 Lite weighs less than 2 pounds. A POC weight is the main factor that makes it the ideal oxygen machine for use on the go.
Average home concentrators weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. Oxygen generators above 20 pounds are stationary concentrators.
The device's weight may be an inconvenience for an active person. They come with a long oxygen tube to enable movement within a room.
A POC uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery as its primary power source. You can charge the device from an AC outlet or a car DC charger.
Some POC models like Inogen and Caire have double batteries lasting over 10 hours.
Home concentrators mainly use AC power directly from the outlet. However, some have battery options in case of power outages. Always ensure you have power backup to avoid downtimes. Oxygen is vital in our bodies. Low blood oxygen saturation can be fatal.
Because of their size, portable oxygen concentrators are more expensive. The device uses cutting-edge technology to compensate for size and weight. POC prices range from $800 to above $4,000.
Home oxygen concentrators cost between $900 to over $2,500. Prices for both devices range depending on your oxygen needs and extra features. Some models use innovative technology to ease their use.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance cover the cost of oxygen concentrators. You can also buy a second-hand or refurbished concentrator at a lower price. For short-term use, you can look into rental options.
Using supplemental oxygen will impact your lifestyle and medical needs. Both portable and stationary oxygen concentrators have unique strengths and limits.
Portable models are ideal for those seeking mobility and the freedom to be active away from home. The devices are suitable for a patient needing a low volume of oxygen. A POC will also serve as a secondary oxygen supply when a patient is away from home.
A home oxygen concentrator is the best for a patient requiring continuous oxygen at high flow rates at home. It is the most ideal for inactive patients at home with severe lung conditions in need of 24/7 oxygen therapy.
Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the right choice for your oxygen needs, depending on your lifestyle. Oxygen concentrators need a prescription from a healthcare provider on purchase or rental.
There are several factors to consider when choosing oxygen equipment. Here's how to make an informed choice:
You need a prescription from your doctor to determine the right oxygen device. The prescription shows the specific oxygen flow rates.
A prescription helps identify which type of oxygen equipment is suitable for you. Excess oxygen in our bodies can lead to respiratory complications and other conditions.
Failing to choose the right oxygen generator can affect your lifestyle.
A portable and a home concentrator will be the best option for some individuals. You will use a stationary model for the primary source of oxygen and a POC for flexibility. Combination oxygen therapy is the best option for patients needing long-term oxygen therapy.
A home oxygen concentrator is a workhorse and is more durable. A POC is easily portable and gives you the freedom of mobility.
Consult a healthcare professional to diagnose your oxygen needs according to your lifestyle. A doctor's prescription helps to choose the right device according to its specifications. A POC gives you flexibility and freedom of movement if you are active.
We recommend using a home oxygen concentrator as your primary oxygen source and POC as your supplementary oxygen source. A stationary oxygen concentrator provides more oxygen output. It makes it better for patients with high oxygen needs and use during sleep.
Your POC will come in handy when traveling or outdoors. Most POC models are fit for air travel. They have FAA approval for commercial flights. A POC is also the best device for high altitude and mountain climbing if you are prone to altitude sickness.
A portable oxygen concentrator will also serve as your backup. Some POC models have batteries that can last up to 8 hours. You can use the device during power outages or when away from the main outlets.
The lifespan of a portable oxygen concentrator is between 800 to 1,500 hours. We recommend using a less expensive stationary concentrator at home and a POC when on the go. Conserving your POC hours for when you are away from primary power sources will be economical.
You can use a POC as your sole oxygen source, depending on your oxygen needs. However, portable oxygen may not be enough for some patients as a sole oxygen source. POCs are suitable for supplementing oxygen sources when mobile and away from AC power.
