Modern technology has come a long way, allowing oxygen concentrators to become smaller, quieter and lighter than ever while still ensuring that they deliver high performance. Older oxygen concentrators were rather large and bulky, making it difficult to acquire oxygen therapy outside the hospital or home. However, modern concentrators have made them smaller and more portable.
The Purpose Of An Oxygen Concentrator
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that can deliver oxygen at a high concentration to those with breathing disorders and respiratory issues. Those who use oxygen concentrators suffer from a low oxygen concentration in their blood due to some respiratory disorder. Typically speaking, oxygen concentrators need to be prescribed by doctors following a medical evaluation, which then requires proper training in the responsible and appropriate use of the machine. Oxygen concentrators have special filters built in which remove nitrogen from the air to purify the air and provide pure oxygen.
Modern oxygen concentrators are equipped with electronic user interfaces that allow users to adjust the levels of oxygen concentration and the delivery settings. When the machine is on, the patient can breathe the oxygen in through a special mask or nasal cannula.
Oxygen concentrators can help the lungs absorb oxygen more effectively and transfer it into the bloodstream. While some conditions require acute and short-term oxygen therapy, chronic conditions might necessitate oxygen supplementation over the long term.
How It Works
In essence, oxygen concentrators work in a similar way to air conditioners. They pull air in, convert it and then deliver it back out. But instead of cooling air, oxygen concentrators suck in air, purify it by removing other gasses and then expel purified oxygen. Those who medically require it can then breathe in the purified air and receive supplementary oxygen treatment.
Oxygen concentrators essentially compress the air through a cooling mechanism that helps ensure that the concentrator doesn’t overheat. It then sucks air in from the room that it is in, removes nitrogen by passing the air through sieve beds and filters, and then pushes the oxygen out through a nasal cannula or mask. The sieve bed comprises crystalline zeolite, which separates the nitrogen from the air and ensures that it is purified.
How It Helps
In the past, patients who needed oxygen would carry around pressurised oxygen tanks. While these were effective, they were inefficient because suppliers had to visit patients regularly to replenish the tank’s oxygen supply.
Moreover, there was always the constant danger that an oxygen tank might run out when needed most. The major upside to an oxygen concentrator is that it can provide oxygen 24/7 without ever needing to be refilled. Typically, oxygen concentrators can provide anything from 5 litres to 10 litres of 90% to 95% pure oxygen per minute.
Compared to pressurised oxygen cylinders and liquid medical oxygen, oxygen concentrators can be easy to transport and do not ever run out. However, the only downside is that they are typically unsuitable for the minority of patients who need a high supply of oxygen, such as 40 litres to 45 litres of oxygen per minute, because they cannot produce at that level. This is one of the only major drawbacks of an oxygen concentrator, although this affects very few patients. Despite this, more powerful oxygen concentrators are being developed.
To rent or buy oxygen concentrators and associated paraphernalia, browse our online store and order the equipment you need today! At Limitless Health, we ensure that we supply the best oxygen supply equipment that money can buy.
