When do you need an Oxygen Concentrator?

by Bikram Paul A Professional Blogger

Oxygen concentrators are a device for isolated oxygen therapy and are frequently required for geriatric patients suffering from lung distress. In the past months, the demand for oxygen concentrators has increased due to the COVID 19 surge. Here is what you need to know about oxygen concentrators.

 

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that offers supportive oxygen to patients suffering from distressed breathing. Patients who are not able to intake adequate oxygen in sufficient amounts need a supporting device that helps them to breathe in comfort. The components in an oxygen concentrator include a sieve bed filter, compressor, oxygen tank, nasal cannula, and pressure valve. The function of an Oxygen concentrator is no different from an oxygen tank or cylinder. In oxygen cylinders, the content needs to be refilled while the concentrator on the other hand can supply oxygen for 24 hours a day. It can supply 5-10 liters of pure oxygen per minute.

How does the device work?

The work of the concentrator is to provide pure oxygen (90-95%) to patients. It filters the oxygen molecules from the ambient air. The concentrator traps the air, adjusting pressure. A crystalline sieve bed, Zeolite, acts as a separator and eliminates the nitrogen from the air mixture. Two separate sieve beds work together; one separates nitrogen and allows it to return to the atmosphere while the other sends the concentrated oxygen to the cylinder. This cyclic method helps in procuring concentrated oxygen. The oxygen moves in a regulated flow through the pressure valve supplying 5-10 liters and the patient takes in the oxygen through the oxygen mask nasal cannula.

Who needs an oxygen concentrator?

Not all patients need oxygen concentrators. When oxygen saturation dips below 90% to as low as 85%, one can use an oxygen concentrator. Levels below that need hospital admission. On hospital admission, patients are switched to cylinders as the oxygen flow is higher in hospitals. Oxygen concentrators are not given to ICU patients. 

 

Do you know the different types of oxygen concentrators available?

Oxygen concentrators come in two different types, continuous flow, and pulse dose. 

Continuous flow is a supply of oxygen in a consistent flow per minute. The oxygen flows regardless of the intake of the same by patients. 

Pulse dose detects the breathing pattern of patients and releases oxygen intelligently. Therefore the release of oxygen per minute varies. 

What is the difference between an oxygen cylinder and a concentrator?

For homes, oxygen concentrators are better alternatives to oxygen cylinders. Though more expensive, they are a one-time investment. The operational cost is lower than oxygen cylinders as they do not require refilling. They can produce oxygen 24hours a day by utilizing the ambient air. The only drawback is you do not get more than 5-10 liters of oxygen per minute and therefore are not the best for critical patients where a minimum of 40-45 liters is a must.

 

What are the lookouts when buying an oxygen concentrator?

Check the flow rate of the concentrator.

The concentration should be higher than what the patient requires. 

Check the number of sieves.

Also check its power consumption, portability, noise level, and warranty.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Created on Oct 28th 2021 06:31. Viewed 232 times.

Comments