Oxygen concentrators have become an increasingly popular option for those requiring supplemental oxygen. As concentrators have improved portability and functionality over the years, they offer users great freedom and independence. This article explores the many conveniences that today’s oxygen concentrators provide.
How Oxygen Concentrators Work
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device designed to deliver purified, concentrated oxygen on demand. It works by filtering nitrogen out of room air and concentrating the oxygen to deliver higher levels than what is usually found in the atmosphere.
Most home oxygen concentrators today utilise a technology called pressure swing adsorption. Air is drawn into the device through specialised filters that trap particles. The air then passes through cylindrical tanks filled with a molecular sieve material, which absorbs nitrogen when pressurised and releases oxygen when pressure is reduced.
This rapid pressurisation and depressurisation within the tanks leads to an ongoing oxygen concentration, which is then delivered to the user through a nasal cannula. Concentrators eliminate the need for heavy oxygen tanks by producing oxygen directly from the air.
Advantages Over Traditional Oxygen Sources
Oxygen concentrators provide some significant advantages over traditional oxygen sources like tanks and cylinders:
Unlimited Supply
Unlike finite oxygen supplies from tanks, which need periodic refills and deliveries, concentrators offer a theoretically unlimited supply of oxygen from the air around you. As long as electricity is available to power the device, oxygen can be produced on demand.
Lower Costs
The unlimited oxygen production of a concentrator can lead to significant long-term savings compared to routinely paying for cylinder rentals and deliveries. Despite higher upfront equipment costs, concentrators often pay for themselves over time.
Increased Portability
Thanks to significant advances in the portability of oxygen concentrators over the past decade. Devices have gotten smaller and lighter and can now operate cordlessly via battery power.
This allows users much more mobility and freedom to move around both in their homes and while travelling without the burden of heavy oxygen tanks.
Low Maintenance
Oxygen concentrators require little maintenance or servicing outside filter cleanings and replacements. More convenience and cost savings compared to the upkeep requirements of other oxygen equipment.
Features to Look for in Oxygen Concentrators
If considering an oxygen concentrator, keep an eye out for the below helpful features:
Flow Settings
Look for multiple flow rate settings to control the amount of oxygen delivered per minute. Flows are usually adjustable from 1 to 5 or more litres per minute to suit changing oxygen needs.
Alarms and Alerts
Important safety alerts that monitor oxygen production and notify you if something is not working correctly. These ensure you’re getting uninterrupted oxygen.
Battery Operation
Battery-powered operation frees you from outlet dependency and allows you to move freely while on oxygen. Battery durations of 2+ hours provide extended cordless use.
Portable Design
Compact, lightweight devices in the 5 to 10-pound range make for easy mobility and transport. Carrying handles and bags also facilitate portability.
Warranties
Multiple years of coverage provide peace of mind and protection on your investment. Good warranties show the manufacturer stands behind their product.
Enhancing Lifestyle Through Better Breathing
Oxygen concentrators have undeniably positively impacted many oxygen therapy users’ quality of life. Their independence, mobility, and reliability reduce lifestyle restrictions and disruption.
As concentrators continue improving, even more exciting innovations likely lie ahead. But for many requiring supplemental oxygen, these devices provide the enhanced freedom to breathe easier while still enjoying life on their terms.
Future Possibilities in Concentrator Technology
While portable oxygen concentrators offer great convenience for mobility today, what does the future hold for this technology? Below, we explore some emerging innovations.
Even Lighter Weight
As components like batteries and plastics grow ever lighter yet more robust, portable concentrators are slimming down even further for more effortless transportability. Sub-5 pound models could soon be commonplace.
Longer Cordless Operation
Extended battery life and better power efficiency will enable longer hours of continuous use without being tethered to an outlet. Multi-day battery life could make overnight and extended travel much more straightforward.
Smart Capabilities
Integrating intelligent features like patient monitoring, automated adjustments, usage tracking, and connectivity to phones and computers could take oxygen concentrators to the next level. This could allow customisation and data collection like never before.
Higher Concentration Capacity
Upgrades allowing devices to produce 90%+ oxygen concentrations reliably could expand treatment capabilities and enable fewer device adjustments for some users. This could further simplify oxygen therapy.
Style Improvements
More choice in concentrator aesthetics and ergonomics would allow better customisation to user lifestyle needs and preferences. This could lead to increased adoption rates.
Cost Reductions
Manufacturing advancements and more competition could steadily drive costs down and bring oxygen concentrators like the Philips Respironics Everflo oxygen concentrator within the financial reach of more patients than ever before.
Making supplemental oxygen therapy as minimally disruptive and cost-prohibitive as possible will remain a key driver of innovation. Exciting breakthroughs likely lie ahead in the coming years!
