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Oxygen concentrators are medical instruments that sift pure oxygen from ambient air.
These devices are instrumental in helping people breathe, especially people with respiratory conditions. Having one minimizes shortness of breath, which may arise due to insufficient oxygen.
Oxygen concentrators were bulky devices that medical personnel had to carry back and forth. Today, there are smaller portable ones called portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). Among the first-ever was Inogen One, produced in the early 2000s.
These versions are suitable for multiple settings, including traveling by air. POCs are lightweight and battery-powered, allowing you to carry them anywhere.
This section includes OC’s basic mechanism and the main difference in oxygen delivery. Let’s begin with the basic mechanism.
An oxygen concentrator takes in ambient air (what surrounds us). Then, it removes nitrogen and delivers purified oxygen. These devices use a technology called the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). PSA separates gases from mixtures by binding specific gases under pressure.
In every device, air compresses and passes through a nitrogen-absorbing material. What passes is oxygen. The pressure reduces and releases the absorbed nitrogen. The oxygen machine readies the system for another cycle. This allows a user to get a steady supply of purified oxygen.
The main parts of oxygen concentrators that get this job done are the following:
Your device carry-on bag can hold all the above items while protecting them from damage. Many portable oxygen concentrator models come with a protective bag for easing transportation.
Oxygen concentrators use two oxygen systems to deliver medical oxygen to a user. They do this at chosen flow rates. These are Continuous Flow and Pulse Dose Flow.
This mode delivers oxygen regardless of the user’s breathing pattern. It is like having a tap open. If the valve is open, the air flows out whether one uses it or not.
Continuous flow measurements are in liters per minute (L/min or L-1Min).
Most devices with continuous flow are ideal during sleep. They are also suitable for people who need a constant supply of oxygen.
This oxygen-delivery system has benefited patients with hypoxaemic chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Patients using continuous flow for 24 hours face lower mortality. This is in comparison to when using oxygen therapy only during the day.
The significant downside is that they consume more power. These versions might also be a bit bulkier.
Pulse dose delivers oxygen in short pulses or bursts. These bursts match the user’s breathing pattern. Using sensors, they only provide the dosage or bolus amount a patient requires per breath. In the example of a tap, it is having the tap open when you need it and shut when you don’t.
Pulse dose delivery measurements are milliliters per breath (mL/breath). Note that hospitalized adults breathe about 12 to 20 times per minute.
The pulse dose delivery is more efficient because you only use it when you inhale. Such devices use less power, and they can be notably smaller.
The biggest issue with pulse delivery is inconsistent oxygen delivery. And this begs the question, “Can someone with a dwindling breathing rate die using one?”
It is possible, but researchers have dug into a solution for modern POCs. A study on Improving Breath Detection From Pulsed-Flow Oxygen Sources Using a New Nasal Interface has the solution.
The study focused on the new nasal interface. It claims that this new interface makes pulse-flow oxygen delivery more effective. This interface works better than the standard cannula. A cannula is a tube which delivers oxygen from the device to the nostrils.
There was more resistance in breathing, but that was manageable. More studies, as always, are necessary.
The two main types are portable oxygen concentrators and home oxygen concentrators.
POCs are designs with movement in mind. So, they are ideally:
These types usually have pulse-dose oxygen delivery to keep the battery running longer.
Conversely, home oxygen concentrators are designed for home use. This means that they are:
The main difference between the two types of oxygen concentrators are:
The first perfect candidates for oxygen concentrators are patients with chronic respiratory conditions. The second group is those wanting a reliable oxygen supply during certain activities.
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions include people with:
Before getting a recommendation, your doctors look at your medical history. Have there been past episodes? Is there a breathing condition in the family lineage?
After that, they conduct physical examinations of the alleged condition.
One notable test is a non-invasive one called the Pulse Oximetry.
They clip a small device on the patient’s finger, earlobe, or toe. This device measures the blood oxygen concentration levels. Doctors consider recommending the device if the levels are lower than 92%.
However, this is only after they do more definitive tests like the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test. Here, doctors draw from an artery to gauge blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Blood acidity is also determined in this test.
Of the two, studies support that the ABG test is the gold standard. If the numbers drop below 90%, the pulse oximetry might fail to detect.
Your doctor will keep checking the blood oxygen levels in different scenarios. They’ll do it while one is sleeping, walking, and exercising. The goal is to understand the full scope of one’s oxygen needs in different settings.
The healthcare provider will then recommend using supplemental oxygen based on the results. Other factors, such as the patient’s age and condition, will influence the decision.
Situational use of extra oxygen therapy relies more on the activity/situation. For instance, when exercising, hiking in high altitudes, and during sleep (sleep apnea).
How does a doctor clear one of using supplemental oxygen therapy for situational use?
The process starts the same, but the additional tests are particular to the event.
For example, sleep apnea (breath-related sleep disorder). They start with a sleep study (Polysomnography). Here, the patient undergoes overnight tests to monitor blood oxygen. This narrows the sleep apnea diagnosis and the severity of oxygen desaturation.
Pulse oximetry and ABG tests follow. Then, doctors evaluate the symptoms of oxygen saturation. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is usually the first therapy for sleep apnea. When one doesn’t respond well, they get cleared to use supplemental oxygen.
That decision falls on three main questions:
You never pick the first POC you see, but instead, first, focus on:
Patients requiring high oxygen flow may need an at-home concentrator. Those seeking mobility should opt for a lightweight, portable concentrator.
The golden rule in medicine is always to seek medical advice. Do this before purchasing and using any treatment. It is the same for an oxygen concentrator.
So, consult a healthcare provider to decide the right oxygen therapy plan. They will base the selection on your medical needs.
To care for your device, you have to follow routine practices. Then, safety guidelines ensure you are using the device well.
Oxygen concentrators seem like just any medical device. However, they are a lifeline for others. They ensure one gets the right amount of oxygen wherever they are. They’re ideal for medical use for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They also help fight shortness of breath in situational scenarios.
They come in two main types (home and portable oxygen concentrators). Each operated on either or both continuous and pulse dose delivery. You go with what the doctor recommends based on your situation or condition. They’ll run tests and confirm the diagnosis. From this, your doctor helps you pick one that meets your needs.
After that, oxygen machine care and maintenance of the POC or home oxygen therapy device is up to you. You may seek help from the manufacturer where needed.
Now that you understand what an oxygen concentrator is, if you think you need one, see a doctor before buying any.
