| Oxygen concentrators are electrically-driven units that extract oxygen from the surrounding air and make it available in a steady flow. They are among the most cost-effective sources of oxygen. A significant and growing number of oxygen patients use portable oxygen units both at home and as they travel for regular errands, and even long distance car, train, and air travel.
Prior to advent of portable oxygen units, most patients’ lives were significantly constrained because they had to remain within range of large, heavy metal oxygen cylinders, which were essentially stationary. But oxygen concentrators changed all that. They don’t store a supply of oxygen in a tank. Instead, they provide oxygen from the air wherever they are, by taking in that air and removing the nitrogen. The result is a gas that that can be up to 95 percent pure oxygen (in some cases slightly more). This easily satisfies Medicare’s requirement of 85 percent.
Oxygen concentrators are actually fairly straightforward devices. That makes them reliable, easy to operate and low-maintenance. The main requirement is to ensure that unit’s intake filter is kept clean. Because they make available nearly pure oxygen, there is also a common-sense safety requirement: Oxygen concentrators should not be used near anyone smoking, or near flammable materials or sources of heat.
Portable oxygen concentrators are available in different capacities. The lighter-weight units have oxygen production limits that in some cases may be insufficient for prolonged use—you should discuss this with you doctor before deciding which level of capacity to look for in your concentrator. You should also be aware of battery life. This has improved in recent years, with some units able to function for eight hours or more before the batteries must be recharged.
Some oxygen concentrators are equipped with a device that senses the amount of oxygen being produced. They trigger visual and audio alerts if the level falls too low. If your concentrator doesn’t have this feature, you should get its output tested regularly.
For more details log on to http://www.oxygenmobility.com or call at 800-716-6674. |
