A medical device known as an oxygen concentrator pulls oxygen from the air and provides it to patients who have trouble breathing on their own or who need additional oxygen. By removing nitrogen and other gases from the air, these devices provide a concentrated stream of oxygen that can be utilised therapeutically.
A variety of medical illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma and other respiratory problems, are treated with oxygen concentrators. They are frequently used to give patients who are unable to breathe on their own oxygen during surgical operations and in hospital settings.
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What do oxygen concentrators actually do?
A type of medical gadget called an oxygen concentrator helps supply oxygen to those who have trouble breathing. Those with low blood oxygen levels frequently need an oxygen concentrator to restore the extra oxygen they need.
Before compressing it to the necessary density and supplying the patient with medical-grade oxygen via a continuous stream or pulse-dose delivery mechanism, oxygen concentrators purify the ambient air.
Work of Oxygen Concentrators
Oxygen cylinders or oxygen concentrators can be used by patients who are unable to get the necessary amount of oxygen on their own. Oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators both function similarly. Moreover, there is medical equipment that draws oxygen from the ambient air.
Concentrating oxygen while eliminating waste gases like nitrogen from the environment is the goal of oxygen concentrators. Also, it forces it through the patients’ pipes so they can only breathe pure oxygen. At least 5 to 10 litres of oxygen can be delivered per day via concentrators.
How to Operate an Oxygen Concentrator
The typical oxygenator that residents are permitted to use inside and outside of their homes weighs about 30 pounds. It is portable because it is the same size as kitchen trash. When in operation, the concentrator makes a soft buzzing noise that is peaceful and can help youngsters go asleep.
Concentrators are less convenient for travel due to their size. They lack a rechargeable battery and cannot be used unless they are plugged in. To find out which concentrator is ideal for them, people might speak with their doctor. Moreover, portable concentrators are available. Unfortunately, because their battery backup is only 1-2 hours, they are inadequate for lengthy journeys.
Purchase of an oxygen concentrator
An oxygen concentrator often cannot be bought over the counter. Only a doctor who has conducted a complete medical evaluation may prescribe it. The proper way to utilise these concentrators at home and when travelling was routinely demonstrated to the patients by the doctors.
On the market, there are many different brands. The Philips Oxygen Concentrator is among the best oxygen concentrators available. It makes little noise and has a three-year warranty. A cost-effective and convenient alternative is to buy an Oxymed oxygen concentrator. The proper brand of medical-grade oxygen concentrator must be chosen. Another more affordable option is to rent oxygen concentrators for a short period of time. Concentrators are available for rent from Prime Healers at a fair price.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
| Convenience | Oxygen concentrators provide a continuous supply of oxygen and, unlike oxygen tanks, do not require frequent refills or replacements. |
| Cost-effective | Oxygen concentrators may be less expensive in the long run than purchasing oxygen tanks or cylinders. |
| Environmentally friendly | Because oxygen concentrators do not require frequent replacements or refills, they reduce the number of cylinders and tanks that must be disposed of. |
| Ease of use | Oxygen concentrators are simple to operate and do not require any special training or expertise. |
Cons:
| Dependency on electricity | To operate, oxygen concentrators require a consistent source of electricity, which can be difficult during power outages or in remote locations without access to electricity. |
| Noise | Some oxygen concentrators can be noisy and may disturb the patient or their family members. |
| Mobility limitations | Oxygen concentrators are typically not portable and must be operated in a stationary location, limiting their mobility and making them inconvenient for patients who want to move around. |
| Maintenance | Oxygen concentrators require routine maintenance to ensure proper operation and some parts may need to be replaced on a regular basis. |
FAQs
An oxygen concentrator works by taking in ambient air, compressing it, and then filtering out nitrogen and other gases to provide a concentrated stream of oxygen that can be delivered to the patient through tubing.
Yes, oxygen concentrators are commonly used at home to treat patients with respiratory issues. They can also be used in hospital settings and during surgical procedures.
Yes, you typically need a prescription from a healthcare provider to purchase an oxygen concentrator. This ensures that the device is being used appropriately and safely.
Yes, some oxygen concentrators are designed for travel and are more compact and lightweight than traditional models. However, it’s important to check with the airline or transportation provider for any specific requirements or restrictions.
Oxygen concentrators typically require periodic servicing and maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. The manufacturer’s instructions should provide guidance on the recommended maintenance schedule.
The lifespan of an oxygen concentrator depends on several factors, including the quality of the device, how frequently it is used, and how well it is maintained. In general, oxygen concentrators can last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
While oxygen concentrators are generally safe and effective, there are some risks associated with their use, such as fire hazards, electric shock, and oxygen toxicity if too much oxygen is administered. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work closely with a healthcare provider to minimise these risks.
