How An Oxygen Concentrator Works

An oxygen concentrator is a substitute for traditional oxygen tanks. It doesn't require oxygen refills since it filters oxygen from the surroundings. Different models have varying output levels. Your choice model specifications must conform with your healthcare provider's prescription and lifestyle.

All oxygen concentrators use a combination of key components to produce medical-grade oxygen. The devices also come with digital innovations for additional features.

There are two main models of oxygen concentrators:

• Stationary or Home Oxygen Concentrators: They mainly use AC outlets and are meant for use within the home for less active patients.

• Portable Oxygen Concentrators: They are small and use rechargeable batteries. The devices are ideal for an active person in need of oxygen therapy.

Like any other electronic machine, a concentrator has primary and secondary components. The main components produce oxygen, while secondary parts control delivery. Here are the main components of an oxygen concentrator. 

• Air Filter: As an oxygen concentrator sucks air, it pushes it through a series of filters. The filters need regular cleaning (once a week). Accumulation of dirt on the filters reduces the flow of air. Some models, like ReadyO2 Pro, use automatic filtration with removable, easy-to-clean filters.

• Compressor: It allows the machine to draw in air and compress it for delivery inside other components. It pushes the sucked air through molecular sieve beds for nitrogen filtration.

• Sieve Beds: The components are of zeolite material (microporous aluminosilicate mineral). The mineral can trap Nitrogen from the air. A concentrator uses two sieve beds alternatively. As one filters, the other releases the trapped Nitrogen after being packed.

• Switch Valve: It regulates the flow of air between the sieve beds. Shut the one emitting Nitrogen while the other one is working.

• Oxygen Outlet: It allows the connection of the delivery system a patient is using. The oxygen outlet design allows for a leak-secure connection.

• Flow Meter: An oxygen concentrator can deliver oxygen in a continuous or pulse flow setting. A flow meter sets the delivery volume (Lpm) per the patient's needs.

The main components of an oxygen concentrator work systematically to produce oxygen. The concentrator system draws in air, compresses air, filters Nitrogen and other particles, and delivers pure oxygen. Here is how an oxygen concentrator's components work.

A home and portable oxygen concentrator work the same way. However, the two have capacity, flow rates, and portability differences. So, what are the working differences between a home and a portable concentrator?

The main difference is in the flow control system. The flow control system determines the device's oxygen delivery mode. 

Home oxygen concentrators use a continuous flow system and deliver higher volumes up to 10 lpm. On the other hand, most portable concentrators use pulse flow settings with volumes of up to 5lpm. 

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that aids patients needing supplemental oxygen. Patients with respiratory conditions such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder can benefit from a concentrator.

Others who can benefit are patients with low blood oxygen levels due to various conditions, including:

• Physical injury in the lung

• Asthma

• Pneumonia

• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs)

• Congenital heart disease

• Sleep apnea

• Emphysema

A portable oxygen concentrator is also a suitable device for mountain climbing. It can help prevent acute mountain disease due to thin air in high altitudes.