What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a type of medical device used for delivering oxygen to individuals with breathing-related disorders.

Individuals whose oxygen concentration in their blood is lower than normal often require an oxygen concentrator to replace that oxygen.

An oxygen concentrator device uses a battery or plugs into an outlet to receive, purify, and distribute air for those who have a low level of oxygen in their blood.

These devices are lighter and less bulky than traditional oxygen tanks. They can lead to a more active lifestyle for those who have additional oxygen needs.

What is an oxygen concentrator
What is an oxygen concentrator?

Medical oxygen concentrator

what does an oxygen concentrator do?

Generally, you can’t buy an oxygen concentrator over the counter. A doctor must prescribe it after they’ve completed a thorough medical evaluation. The doctors will also typically show the patients how to effectively use these concentrators while traveling and in their home.

Oxygen concentrators filter surrounding air, compressing it to the required density and then delivering purified medical grade oxygen into a pulse-dose delivery system or continuous stream system to the patient.

An oxygen concentrator device uses a battery or plugs into an outlet to receive, purify, and distribute air for those who have a low level of oxygen in their blood.

These devices are lighter and less bulky than traditional oxygen tanks. They can lead to a more active lifestyle for those who have additional oxygen needs.

How do home oxygen concentrators work?

Home oxygen concentrators are powered through a wall outlet and are intended for stationary therapy.

All these machines are in continuous flow mode and deliver a constant rate of oxygen, regardless of inhalation or exhalation. Home oxygen concentrators can deliver anywhere between 1-10 liters per minute of oxygen, based on your prescription.

As a result, these machines are heavier. They typically weigh between 40-60 lbs, and are often on wheels to easily be moved from one room to another.

When making a purchase, it is important to compare several factors including liter flow, weight, noise, power usage, and altitude.

Oxygen concentrator how it works?

An oxygen concentrator receives air, purifies it, and then distributes the newly formed air. Before it goes into the concentrator, air is made up of 80 percent nitrogen and 20 percent oxygen.

An oxygen concentrator uses that air then it comes out as 90 to 95 percent pure oxygen and 5 to 10 percent nitrogen.

The nitrogen is separated to give the patient the highest dose of oxygen possible, as it is difficult to get that percentage of oxygen without the help of a medical device.

Does an oxygen concentrator produce pure oxygen?

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air. This oxygen, compressed and dispensed through a cannula, is 90-95 percent pure.

What are the side effects of being on oxygen?

Oxygen therapy is generally safe, but it can cause side effects. They include a dry or bloody nose, tiredness, and morning headaches.

More on this story

Smallest Portable Oxygen concentrator

The AirSep Focus is an extremely lightweight portable concentrator and doesn’t require refilling it with oxygen.

What portable oxygen concentrators are approved by the FAA?

The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, has ruled that all passengers who require oxygen must be allowed to bring FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators on all U.S. aircraft with more than 19 seats.