What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

In recent years the world of medical device development  has made great advancements towards making oxygen concentrators easier to use while still delivering optimum health outcomes.

What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that helps individuals with breathing-related disorders intake air easily. Those with lower levels of oxygen concentration in their blood often need a concentrator to acquire new oxygen within their blood. There are several viable options today including at-home stationary concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) for those struggling with difficulties related to their respiratory system. These machines are clinically advised for those in need of increasing their blood oxygen concentration consistently or on a regular basis. 

How does it work?

The way an oxygen concentrator works is quite simple. The machine begins by purifying outside air and then distributes newly formed oxygen. As we know, air is made up of 20 percent oxygen and 80 percent nitrogen. The oxygen concentrator is designed to use the principle of Pressure Swing Absorption which is designed to take that outside oxygen and increase it so that the air is released as 90 to 95 percent of pure oxygen and 5 to 10 percent nitrogen. The concentrator then works to separate the oxygen from the nitrogen so that the patient receives as much oxygen as possible. This ease of use concentrator has made oxygen therapy much more accessible over the last  several years as prior to their development this way of purifying air was only possible if the individual was hooked up to a handful of machines. 

Oxygen concentrators contain other particles that play a significant  role in making sure that the quality of the air being released is optimum. The cooling system found inside keeps the concentrator from overheating and the nasal cannula helps improve the way oxygen is transported into the filtration system. It is also equipped with sieve beds and these assist in the process of removing nitrogen from the air in order to release the purified oxygen. Oxygen concentrators also include electronic user interfaces so that the patient can adjust the levels of oxygen concentration. The patient can inhale the oxygen using a nasal cannula or specified mask that is attached to the concentrator. 

It's important to find the right oxygen concentrator manufacturers to make sure that you get exactly what you need.

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits in using either portable or in-home oxygen concentrators and doctors may recommend this form of oxygen therapy to patients with various medical conditions. If you have had blood work done or your pulse has been checked to assess your oxygen levels, and the tests came back to show that you have low levels of oxygen found in your blood, a practitioner may prescribe oxygen therapy. This can be either short-term or long-term, but regardless of how long your care needs may be, oxygen concentrators are a viable and convenient solution. 

Therapeutic supplements that assist an individual’s breathing are designed for patient use and are cited as incredibly safe to use. However, it is important that users are equipped with knowledge regarding the necessary safety measures to prevent any harmful damage or complications. When using an oxygen concentrator, you should maintain distance from any fires or open flames as fire and oxygen are a hazardous mix. Your concentrator can not be exposed to any water or moist air, users must avoid smoking near the concentrator, avoid all aerosol products as they are highly flammable, and do not block intake vents to ensure that you are getting the correct amount of oxygen. 

What are the different types?

As stated previously, there are stationary (in-home) and portable oxygen concentrators for patients. Portable devices are relatively smaller and lightweight, but still provide essential oxygen for those with breathing difficulties. There are major brands that are approved by the FAA so that patients are allowed to bring a concentrator onto certain carriers such as a plane or a train. In-home concentrators are often slightly larger and offer a continuous flow of oxygen other than a pulse that is used in the portable ones, but both are incredibly effective and easy to use. 

Oxygen concentrators have helped individuals control and boost their oxygen intake  so that they are able to accomplish day to day activities and maintain a healthy respiratory system. It is important to note that if you or your loved ones have any concerns regarding breathing or low oxygen concentration found within your blood, talk to your doctor about therapeutic breathing methods and oxygen concentrator use.

 We at Chaban are leaders amongst Israeli medical device companies and will supply you with what you need.