Imagine waking up each morning with shortness of breath. For the millions of people with chronic respiratory illnesses, this is not a one-off—it’s their reality every day. Stability in oxygen supply is a necessity more than a convenience.
However, using oxygen tanks can limit mobility. That is where oxygen concentrators step in and allow significantly more mobility and versatility in use both in and outside the home environment. These compact devices have revolutionized oxygen delivery.
Millions of patients experience improved quality of life for continuous uninterrupted flow of oxygen driven by this technology advancement. We will discuss the ways how oxygen concentrators work, the various kinds of them, and how they sustain oxygen concentrations at moments where it counts.
What is an Oxygen Concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is a stand-alone apparatus that pulls air from the surrounding environment and dispenses enriched oxygen, not as an oxygen cylinder that already has a fixed, usable volume of oxygen stored within it.
The concentrator works by pumping air from the environment and continuously filtering out nitrogen thereby supplying oxygen. For patients with COPD, severe asthma or other lung related illnesses, it is a basic and a life-improving tool that assists with breathing when it is most critical.
How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?
Air is roughly 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. To ensure that the user receives oxygen free from these other gasses, a concentrator separates the mixture via a cycle that includes the use of compression and filtration parts.
The nitrogen is subsequently removed leaving concentrated oxygen stored in the device and readily available for use and availability is thus guaranteed for the user. The process by which it does this is called pressure swing adsorption.
Here's how it happens:
1. Air Intake and Compression: The concentrator has an intake system that brings ambient air into the system as the compressed air the filtration process requires.
2. Filtering and Nitrogen Removal: A filter and molecular sieves are employed and the nitrogen is filtered out and only the oxygen is retained.
3. Oxygen Storage and Delivery: The oxygen flows through the filter, and is accumulated in a small receptacle, so that a constant flow is provided directly to the patient.
If this sounds like what you need, turn to Readyo2 for more options in portable oxygen therapy.
Types of Oxygen Separation Technology
Portable oxygen concentrators use different technologies to deliver oxygen effectively for individuals with respiratory needs. Understanding these technologies can help users choose the right option for their requirements. Below, we explore two common types of oxygen separation technology: Pressure Adsorption Separation (PSA) and Membrane Separation Technology.
1. Pressure Adsorption Separation (PSA)
PSA is the most used technology in the latest models of oxygen concentrators because of its high oxygen purity that works using molecular sieves that trap nitrogen and allow the oxygen to pass through. It is reliable and serves the intended purpose well, which is why the portable oxygen concentrators require it to deliver high levels of oxygen purity, all the time.
● Advantages: PSA technology provides high levels of oxygen impurity to meet the needs of patients who require consistent and regular oxygen therapy.
● Disadvantages: The filter has to be replaced or cleaned if performance is to remain high.
● Best Fit: This technology is most suitable for people with high oxygen requirements for example those suffering from COPD. If you are seeking a flexible, cost-conscious, lightweight and easy to use PSA-based option, consider the
ReadyO2 Pro - Oxygen Concentrator. 2. Membrane Separation Technology
Unlike PSA, membrane separation doesn’t rely on molecular sieves. What it does instead is to employ a membrane that allows it to selectively remove all gasses other than the oxygen gas. It is relatively less noisy and consumes less power than PSA and is ideal for persons who require low levels of oxygen delivery in an integrated device.
● Advantages: It is energy efficient and is very quiet, making it a very low maintenance appliance.
● Disadvantages: It usually supplies a lower amount of oxygen compared to the other systems, therefore, not ideal for demanding application.
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Best Fit: Suits users who just require a smaller more portable oxygen concentrator with low oxygen requirements. Check out our
Ready O2 Lite Oxygen Concentrator to see the best of oxygen therapy.
Key Components of an Oxygen Concentrator
Every single part of an oxygen concentrator has its specific function. Here’s a closer look at the four main components that make this possible:
● Filtration System: Before the air gets into the core parts, it is passed through a filtration system. This removes dust, allergens and other particulate materials. This helps to keep internal components free of dirt while also maintaining the quality of air intake. Regular cleaning or replacement of the filter therefore is an important procedure in oxygen concentrators’ maintenance.
● Compressor: The compressor is a major component in the concentrator. It compresses the incoming air and gets it into the right pressure for the oxygen isolation process. Compressors must maintain relatively constant speed as well as temperature in order to ensure that the concentrator functions appropriately. Abnormal amount of noise or vibration might also suggest that the compressor is in its bad state.
● Molecular Sieve: This is where PSA technology in oxygen concentrators comes into play. This sieve is packed with a material, usually zeolite, which absor●Molecular Sieve: This is where PSA technology in oxygen concentrators comes into play. This sieve is packed with a material, usually zeolite, which absorbs the nitrogen molecule leaving only concentrated oxygen. Essentially, the molecular sieve plays the biggest role in the purity level of the oxygen and hence is considered a major part of the concentrator.bs the nitrogen molecule leaving only concentrated oxygen. Essentially, the molecular sieve plays the biggest role in the purity level of the oxygen and hence is considered a major part of the concentrator.
● Storage Device: Finally after compressing and purifying the air, the storage device contains the purified oxygen with high concentration till dispensed. This component can range from a small internal reservoir to a tank in more extensive systems, allowing for a smooth, consistent flow.
Each part fulfills a role and therefore, oxygen concentrator maintenance is paramount if each part is to operate as it was designed. Proper maintenance extends the device’s lifespan and guarantees a safe, reliable oxygen supply.
User Guide for Safe and Effective Use
Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:
● Positioning: The oxygen concentrator should be kept in a ventilated room at least six inches away from other objects. Do not place it close to walls or areas with little circulation as this will lead to overheating of the device.
● Setting the Flow: The flow settings should be adjusted in accordance with the doctor’s advice always. Altering the scale above or below that recommended will not help to regulate the oxygen levels that are necessary and could lead to some more additional complications.
● Check for Regular Maintenance: It is crucial to understand how to maintain your oxygen concentrator so that your device will work correctly. Make sure to clean or replace filters every month to prevent blockages and to keep the air fresh. When you want to do a deep cleaning or actual servicing, please refer to the instruction manual that came with it or talk to the manufacturer of the product.
Each part fulfills a role and therefore, oxygen concentrator maintenance is paramount if each part is to operate as it was designed. Proper maintenance extends the device’s lifespan and guarantees a safe, reliable oxygen supply.
Oxygen Concentrator Safety Tips
While concentrators are generally safe, taking a few precautions can make your experience even safer. Follow these oxygen concentrator safety tips:
1. Avoid Open Flames: Oxygen is extremely combustible and the device should not be used too close to any fire, hot plates, or even a cigarette light. This is crucial to prevent fires which may be as a result of an accident in the sensitive area.
2. Use Only Approved Power Sources: To avoid damaging your concentrator, it is always advisable to plug your device into a surge protector or use an inverter when traveling.
3. Stay Alert to Alarms: Most of them have audible alarms that alert the user when the oxygen level is low, when it has power failure or has some other technical problem. It helps to get to know these signals so they can be responded to before they turn into an issue.
Each part fulfills a role and therefore, oxygen concentrator maintenance is paramount if each part is to operate as it was designed. Proper maintenance extends the device’s lifespan and guarantees a safe, reliable oxygen supply.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
With regular use, it’s natural for minor issues to come up. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for some common problems:
● Low Oxygen Output: This could be due to a blocked filter, kinked tubing, or insufficient power supply. Check these areas first, and clean or replace filters if needed.
● Device Overheating: Overheating can be caused by restricted airflow around the machine. Make sure the concentrator has adequate ventilation and isn’t stored near a heat source or in direct sunlight.
● Strange Noises or Vibrations: Sometimes, moving the concentrator to a flat surface can help, as uneven positioning may cause vibrations. If the noise persists, it might be a sign of compressor issues—contact customer support if needed.
Our Support Team can assist with these and any other concerns, providing comprehensive troubleshooting help. Please
contact us at info@readyo2.com if you encounter any challenges.
Conclusion
Oxygen concentrators are far more than breathing enablers; they are also a way of giving people their freedom irrespective of the extent of their respiratory problems. The opportunity to have a source of oxygen close by can really change one’s quality of life and help keep up the physical activity.
Now that you know how these devices function, the technology behind them, or how you can ensure they remain in excellent working condition, you stand ready to get optimum benefit from oxygen therapy.
If you are in need of an additional level of mobility,
Readyo2 portable solutions provide the steadiness you need, no matter where life leads you; allowing you the freedom and security needed to live life to the fullest, knowing that oxygen is never far away.
