Oxygen concentrators have recently gained popularity, and most individuals have no idea what they are or how to purchase one. To assist you, we will provide detailed instructions on everything you should consider when purchasing an oxygen concentrator so you can make a wise choice.
Oxygen Purity
Oxygen purity is one of the crucial factors that you must look at first.
The lungs of a hypoxic person are unable to filter out 21% of the oxygen in the air. To ensure that blood obtains the oxygen it requires, he or she demands oxygen with a purity level of more than 90%.
At all flow rates, an ideal oxygen concentrator can supply oxygen with a purity level of above 90%. As a result, before you put your money down, double-check the specifications. Also, be cautious with adjustable purity oxygen concentrators, as the oxygen purity level declines dramatically when the flow rate is increased.
International Approvals
You must search for the following international approvals to ensure that you are receiving a high-quality product:
- US FDA approval means that specialists have studied the product and determined that the product’s advantages exceed its hazards. Purchasing an oxygen concentrator that has been approved by the FDA will ensure that it is safe to use at home.
- CE: This certification indicates that the product is safe for sale within the European Economic Area. Only when the oxygen concentrator meets all of the safety requirements then the experts provide a CE certificate. As a result of this clearance, its dependability and quality will be assured.
- If you’re planning a long vacation, ensure your portable oxygen concentrator is FAA authorized. The Federation Aviation Administration has given their approval for you to fly using your portable oxygen concentrator.
Flow Rate
The doctor will prescribe oxygen therapy with flow rates ranging from low to high, depending on the severity of your condition.
In low-flow oxygen concentrators: a 3 LPM oxygen concentrator is recommended for people who are prescribed supplemental oxygen at a flow rate of 3 LPM or less. A 3 LPM model, however, is made by a small number of companies. As a result, a 5 LPM oxygen concentrator might be a better option.
Almost all models of portable oxygen concentrators can meet your requirements.
If your doctor has recommended oxygen therapy at a flow rate less than 5 LPM, a 5 LPM home oxygen concentrator or a portable oxygen concentrator with a pulse setting of 5-6 LPM would suffice.
However, most portable oxygen concentrators that offer it provide oxygen at a flow rate of less than 2 LPM. As a result, we recommend having a home oxygen concentrator on hand as a backup.
Patients with chronic respiratory disorders may be supplied oxygen at a flow rate of greater than 6 LPM. In such situations, a home oxygen concentrator with an output of 8 or 10 LPM will be the most trustworthy supply. There aren’t many firms that produce an 8 LPM model. The 10 LPM machine is the next closest option.
However, the majority of portable oxygen concentrators are incapable of meeting high-flow demands. Sequal Eclipse 5 and Sequal Equinox are two versions that can provide oxygen at such high pulse settings. However, these concentrators have a number of disadvantages, including weight, a shorter lifespan, and so on, that must be considered.
Power Consumption
Home oxygen concentrators require electricity. People who are on oxygen therapy for long periods of time may be concerned about their electricity bills. A 5 LPM home oxygen concentrator uses approximately 250-350 watts of power.
To be able to deliver oxygen at high flow rates, a 10 LPM machine’s compressor requires a lot of electricity. As a result, nearly all of the 10 LPM types need 600-700 W of power.
We believe that other requirements and features should not be overlooked merely because of these criteria. When choosing the next best option, there should be at least a 50-watt difference.
Oxygen Purity Indicator
Finally, ensure the oxygen concentrator you choose has a low oxygen concentration alarm, commonly known as an Oxygen Purity Indicator.
It’s a safety feature that illuminates when the oxygen purity drops below 86 percent, indicating that the machine can’t give oxygen at a therapeutic level. If this indicator illuminates, double-check that there is sufficient space between the concentrator and the walls, as well as that the cannula is not blocked. If the light stays illuminated even after that, you’ll need to transfer the patient to an emergency backup and transport the equipment to a service center.
These were some of the tips from our side so we hope that it was a useful article for you. Stay tuned with us to know more about oxygen concentrators.
