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About oxygen concentrator use

Types of oxygen concentrator uses

Oxygen Concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are medical devices that deliver pure oxygen to patients with breathing complications. These apparatuses siphon ambient air, expelling the nitrogen to augment the oxygen concentration in the air.

Oxygen concentrators come in two principal forms, portable and stationary. The portable types are small and can be carried around without stressing physical space. The bigger stationary types are intended to be immobile and often have larger oxygen output capacities.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Portable types can be moved around and are particularly useful for patients who want to continue their oxygen therapy while on the move, such as during travel or outdoor activities. They are generally lighter, compact, and powered by batteries, making them convenient for active lifestyles.

Specifications and maintenance

Technical specifications

  • Oxygen output: This stipulates the amount of oxygen that can be delivered per minute by the concentrator.
  • Purity: The oxygen concentration level in the air generated by the concentrator is referred to as purity. Typically, the purity range is around 90, ±3 percent.
  • Pressure pulsation: Pulsation is the oxygen rhythm and oscillation cycle in the oxygen outlet. This is mainly stated in millimeters of mercury.
  • Sourse: The oxygen concentrators operate mainly using electricity. Some portable concentrators are powered by batteries, which can be recharged. There are also configurations for external charging.
  • Size and weight: The stationary concentrators are bigger, and the portable types often weigh between 1 to 3 kg.

Temperature conditions

Oxygen concentrators work effectively under different ambient temperatures. However, oxygen concentration performance can be negatively influenced when the temperature is low or high than the recommended range.

The recommended temperature range is generally between 5 and 35 degrees Celsius. Apart from performance constraints that an oxygen concentrator may face due to temperature variation, a high or low temperature may also affect the longevity and durability of the device.

Maintenance and care

Improper device maintenance may decrease oxygen concentration output and purity. A thorough understanding of oxygen concentrator maintenance is important for device users and hospital owners to uphold quality service delivery.

The maintenance practices include regular checks and replacement of oxygen concentrator parts that are worn out, such as filters and sieve beds. Cleaning the device is an important practice for many medical apparatuses, and oxygen concentrators are no exception.

The wearable oxygen concentrator is portable and small compared to traditional ones. Patients can move around freely while the device fits easily into small bags or pockets. Even though they are small, these portable oxygen concentrators are still robust and capable of delivering the right medication. They are battery-powered and can work for several hours without recharging. Many come with extra batteries that can be easily changed while on the go.

How and where to use

Installation and usage

Installing an oxygen concentrator is easy because there are no complicated procedures. Using the apparatus on an average day is as easy as plugging it, switching power, and adjusting settings to optimum level.

Oxygen concentrators should be placed in locations with minimal dust, humidity, and minimal interference. Such places are easily found and are suitable for the machine to run without disruption. Even though Oxygen concentrators are built to run continuously, stopping them occasionally will contribute to low efficacy and go through breakdown sooner than expected.

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen concentrators are used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients who need it to help them breathe better. Medical professionals set the flow rate and duration of oxygen delivery based on individual patient requirements.

The concentrators are usually connected to nasal cannulas, masks, or tracheal tubes to transport the concentrated oxygen to patients.

Emergency Situations

Oxygen concentrators can also be used in emergencies, especially in settings where oxygen tanks are not accessible. They can be used to quickly provide oxygen to patients experiencing respiratory distress or during transport to the hospital.

Monitoring oxygen levels

Healthcare professionals should routinely check oxygen levels on pulse oximeters for accuracy, then adjust the flow as required. This is considered more accurate than relying solely on concentrator readings.

Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Cleaning equipment daily, such as oxygen hoods and catheters, is required. Disposable filter membranes should be replaced periodically, while steady-state autoclavable tube equipment must be washed daily and replaced regularly.
  • Record-keeping: Records of oxygen concentrators and gas cylinders should be regularly up-to-date.

How to choose oxygen concentrator

Flow Rate

The flow rate is the amount of oxygen the concentrator can deliver per minute, which needs to be matched with the patient's requirements. Continuous flow concentrators provide a steady oxygen supply, while pulse dose models deliver oxygen in short bursts.

Purity

The purity of oxygen is the percentage of oxygen within the delivered gas. It is important because higher purity means that more oxygen is available to the patient in every breath, which can improve their health. Purity is usually tested at the maximum flow rate as that is where it will be lowest, and producers will often state a higher percentage in other areas.

Warranty

Oxygen concentrators usually come with warranty periods that last one year or more. Exposure to heat due to unventilated storage impacts the warranty period and usage of the oxygen concentrator. The warranty period can be sheltered by avoiding such situations.

Battery life

The battery life of portable oxygen concentrators should be evaluated before buying the device so that there are no inconveniences when using the instrument. The runtime is typically based on the flow rate used, and the more oxygen needed, the shorter the battery life will be. Advanced oxygen concentrator devices usually come with additional battery options, allowing users to swap batteries out that have run low for fully charged ones.

Alarms and safety features

Portable concentrators are equipped with specific safety features, such as low and high oxygen percentages, low and high temperatures, low batteries, and system malfunction.

Q&A

Q. Can you sleep with an oxygen concentrator?

A. Yes. Many people benefit from using oxygen at night to help them sleep more easily.

Q. Do oxygen concentrators use a lot of electricity?

A. No, oxygen concentrators are quite efficient and use less energy than many other devices.

Q. Do concentrators help with Covid?

A. An oxygen concentrator can assist people who have respiratory problems due to COVID-19 by providing extra oxygen to breathe.

Q. How long does an oxygen concentrator last?

A. This depends on how well the concentrator is cared for, and maintenance can help it last longer.