If you have low levels of oxygen in your blood, an oxygen concentrator can be a real life-saver. These medical devices can run on household electricity or battery power, providing purified air. Discover what an oxygen concentrator is, how it works, and which model may be best for you!
What Does An Oxygen Concentrator Do?
Oxygen concentrators have one simple purpose: to take polluted air from its environment and purify it for people who have respiratory issues. Breathing air is about 80 percent nitrogen, leaving approximately 20 percent oxygen. However, oxygen concentrators remove the nitrogen from the air and deliver an incredible 90-95 percent oxygen to users. 1 Needless to say, you’re unlikely to ever breathe such pure oxygen without this medical device.
Now, how does this approach differ from an oxygen tank? While both devices offer supplemental oxygen, tanks only contain a certain amount and cannot continually generate oxygen from the ambient air like oxygen concentrators do. Plus, oxygen tanks are less safe, since they contain compressed oxygen that is under intense pressure at all times.
How Does An Oxygen Concentrator Work?
Underneath the protective shell of an oxygen concentrator lies an intricate series of gears and parts that purify oxygen so effectively. First, ambient air is vacuumed into the machine via a motor and compressor, and then channeled through a heat exchanger and surge tank.
From there, the air is collected into molecular sieve beds, which use a material called zeolite to separate the nitrogen from the oxygen. 2 Once that key process has been completed, the purified oxygen is pressure-regulated and released for an individual’s improved respiratory function. Most people use a nasal cannula to receive the oxygen.
Oxygen Concentrators: Needs and Applications
There has never been a greater need for oxygen concentrators. Chronic respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with a prevalence of 454.6 million cases reported back in 2019. 3 Since then, the emergence of COVID-19 has only reinforced the need for advanced respiratory health technology.
Oxygen concentrators are frequently used in hospitals, clinics, and the homes of people who have chronic respiratory conditions. The constant stream of purified air brings relief to individuals who suffer from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, lung cancer, and various other conditions. 4
Benefits of Oxygen Concentrators
The effect an oxygen concentrator has on someone with respiratory illness can be transformative, both improving their quality of life and extending their survival rate. While its positive effects depend upon individual health scenarios, its role in oxygen therapy helps patients breathe easier.
This simple benefit, in turn, allows patients to have more energy for daily activities and enjoy better sleep at night. 5 It also permits individuals to exercise for longer intervals, which carries a host of obvious health benefits such as stronger muscles, bones, and — of course — lungs.
Oxygen concentrators frequently alleviate mental health issues that are associated with debilitating health conditions. Since individuals have more independence and freedom, they tend to experience less symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Types of Oxygen Concentrators
There are several top brands of oxygen concentrators to choose from, including Inogen, CAIRE, and Precision Medical. 6 Most brands will offer home-based and portable oxygen concentrators, and each option has different strengths and weaknesses:
- Home oxygen concentrators: These units boast higher oxygen output levels and some models can function for up to a decade. However, they require an electrical outlet.
- Portable oxygen concentrators: These units run on battery and are ideal for traveling or outdoor use. The catch with portable options is that they offer much lower oxygen output and need frequent recharging.
How to Choose the Right Oxygen Concentrator For Your Needs
Beyond finding a quality model that addresses your particular respiratory concerns, the criteria for selecting an oxygen concentrator typically boils down to the following factors:
- Sound: Whether you’re a social person or simply like to hear the birds in the trees, the volume of your oxygen concentrator will quickly become a key issue for you.
- Continuous flow: Optimal oxygen output is generous and consistent, so make sure you prioritize this feature.
- Size: Many devices are lightweight and can be concealed on your person. Of course, these models tend to be pricier.
- Battery power: If you spend a lot of time away from home, you’ll want a battery charge that lasts for at least eight to 12 hours.
- Energy efficiency: Finding a home-based model that offers reduced power consumption is a cost-effective choice.
- Durability: An oxygen concentrator is an investment, so it’s imperative to find a unit that is reputed to last for many years.
Since an oxygen concentrator will be by your side for hours per day, it’s important to consider which factors are most important to you before selecting a model.
Potential Dangers
While the benefits of oxygen concentrators are clear, it’s important to understand some drawbacks to this technology. Since this technology uses pure oxygen, which is flammable and combustible, there is the potential for danger if the unit is too close to gasoline, oils, or various heat sources (BBQs, cigarettes, etc.).
Even electrical devices can spark, which makes them hazardous to have nearby when using an oxygen concentrator. From space heaters to electric razors, it’s important to monitor your surroundings to ensure a safe environment. 7
Finally, it’s of utmost importance to use your oxygen concentrator with a prescription and following the guidance of your doctor. Individuals can get lung damage from taking in more pure oxygen than their condition requires.
Improve Your Well-Being With An Oxygen Concentrator
Millions of Americans require oxygen therapy and, for many of them, oxygen concentrators bring the necessary relief. These devices offer comfortable breathing, greater independence, and the opportunity to live longer, happier lives.
If you are struggling with a respiratory condition and looking for an alternative to traditional oxygen tanks, reach out to your doctor to learn whether an oxygen concentrator can help you. As the need for these devices grows, so does the market, and there are many convenient and innovative models to investigate. Improve your quality of life and learn more about oxygen concentrators today!