Oxygen Concentrator

What is Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that gives you extra oxygen. Air is made up of about 20% oxygen. An oxygen concentrator uses the air in the atmosphere, filters it, and gives you air that is 90%-95% oxygen.

How does Oxygen Concentrator work?

Utilizing a process known as PSA -pressure swing adsorption.

  1. Atmospheric air is drawn through a gross particle and intake filter before moving through a compressor.
  2. The pressurized air passes through a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature before entering sieve beds that contain zeolite, a mineral material that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen gas (N2) at high pressures.
  3. As each sieve bed is depressurized, N2 is released.
  4. Valves open to deliver concentrated oxygen into a reservoir where it accumulates, and from which a flowmeter can be used for measured and continuous release of oxygen to the patient at a specified flow rate.

When to use Oxygen Concentrator?

Your doctor may prescribe one for you if you have a health condition that causes your oxygen level to drop too low (usually measured by finger pulse oximeter), such as:
Asthma
Lung cancer
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
The flu
COVID-19
Sleep apnea
Heart failure
Cystic fibrosis Bronchitis

Components of Oxygen Concentrator

Main Unit
Humidifier Bottle
Oxy mask/set
Dust Filter
HEPA Filter

Capacity of Oxygen Concentrator

5 Liter Per Minute (5LPM) – This type of oxygen concentrator can give oxygen up to a maximum of 5 liters per minute, which the user can set as per their requirements from 0.5LPM to LPM (usually with increments of 0.5L).

10 Liter Per Minute (10LPM) – This type of oxygen concentrator can give oxygen up to a maximum of 5 liters per minute, which the user can set as per their requirements from 0.5LPM to LPM (usually with increments of 0.5L). Some 10LPM machines are dual flow – meaning two patients can be given oxygen up to 5LPM each.

Pros of Oxygen Concentrator

Continuous oxygen supply at a low running cost
Since no oxygen is stored in the oxygen concentrator – no chance of leaking
Lower running cost compared to oxygen cylinder – which needs regular refilling

Cons of Oxygen Concentrator

Requires continuous power supply
Requires maintenance (filter change)
Noise (newer models have relatively low noise)

Precautions While Using Oxygen Concentrator

Maintaining a proper power supply (use voltage stabilizers)
Change & clean filters regularly
Change water in the humidifier bottle regularly
Read the user manual provided by the manufacturer carefully

Some popular & reliable models

Oxymed Oxygen Concentrator 5LPM – Learn More

Nidek Nuvo Lite Oxygen Concentrator 5LPM – Learn More