Understanding Low-Flow Vs. High-Flow Home Oxygen Delivery Systems

How do you know if you need a home oxygen delivery system?

 Hypoxemia is a condition that occurs when levels of oxygen in the blood are lower than normal. There are various symptoms one might experience which suggest that they have low oxygen levels in their blood.

These can include fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, poor concentration and dizziness. 

There are many medical conditions that can cause Hypoxemia, such as:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Asthma
• Anemia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Heart diseases
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary fibrosis or any scarring and damage to the lungs
• Sleep apnea 

Supplemental oxygen is fundamental to the treatment of hypoxemia. Oxygen is like any medicine, one must have a prescription in order to obtain it. Typically, in order to determine whether or not one might need a portable oxygen concentrator to use at home, a blood test is done to check levels accurately, but a full oxygen assessment is usually required as well. A normal blood oxygen level varies between 75 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). 

 Only people with chronically low levels of oxygen in their blood will be prescribed home oxygen, depending on a doctor’s decision and the individual case. The aim of treatment is to try to raise blood oxygen levels back to normal.

Oxygen delivery systems are categorized as either Low-flow or High-flow

 Low-flow systems provide a lower oxygen flow rate than the natural respiratory flow. When the patient inhales, the oxygen is diluted with the air around them. The level of dilution will depend on how much oxygen the patient is actually breathing in. Low-flow oxygen therapy is usually more comfortable for the patient, and choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator to use at home is extremely easy and generally doesn’t require much help to use independently.

However, if traditional oxygen therapy isn't proving to be effective, the patient might be recommended to try high-flow oxygen therapy which can help deliver a more precise level of oxygen. It works by creating a small amount of pressure that builds up in the lungs and reduces the effort one needs to put into breathing but it is often uncomfortable and obtrusive. The devices needed here are often big and heavy and are only generally used in hospitals, but in more severe cases, they can be prescribed and used at home under the regular supervision of a pulmonologist.

But which one is better to use?

 Exposure to too much oxygen can be dangerous so It is vital to consult with your health providers regarding your specific oxygen requirements, both at rest and exertion.  If you require home oxygen therapy, your doctor will prescribe you a specific oxygen flow rate based on your condition and the oxygen levels found in your blood tests. 

 If you are looking for a reliable, convenient source of oxygen for therapy needs, designed by trusted and expert portable oxygen concentrator manufacturers, the Oxytec-5S/Oxytec-8/Oxytec-10 (providing 5LPM/8LPM/10LPM of oxygen flow), are advanced oxygen delivery systems that provide its users with a higher standard of care.

It is a lightweight solution for patients requiring high and low-flow oxygen therapy and suitable for in-home, nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and assisted living facilities.

 It’s time to breathe more easily knowing that you are in good hands.