Air inhaled from the atmosphere contains about 78 percent nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% additional gases. An oxygen concentrator separates nitrogen from oxygen, allowing the user to breathe in over 95% pure oxygen for therapy purposes.
Types of Oxygen Concentrators
There are 2 types of oxygen concentrators i.e. Stationary oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators but today we are going to focus on the latter. Once the user has decided upon a portable oxygen concentrator, there are some key features that they have to keep in mind to buy the device that is most suitable for them. The user has to compare all these features and the corresponding devices which offer these features and analyze their priorities in order to buy the best oxygen concentrator the market offers and the most suitable one for them.
Key features to consider when comparing portable oxygen concentrators.
- Battery life
The amount of time the device is used and the setting it is on has an impact on its battery life. A larger battery may be more appropriate if the item is used while traveling, however, this is heavier and less handy. If a vehicle has an electronic outlet, it may be more convenient for more mobile patients. It’s usually a good idea to keep a replacement battery on hand, and when flying, the battery must be able to last twice as long as the flight period, according to regulations.
- Capacity
The larger the oxygen machine, the greater its output capacity. However, larger units are not always the most convenient, especially if the user enjoys travelling. Before committing to a concentrator, patients should test it out.
- Size
Size is a significant issue for those who are constantly on the move. You’ll want to consider the various possibilities to discover which one best suits your needs and lifestyle. Because these gadgets will have to accompany you wherever you go, you may want them to be as tiny as possible, or you may require a more powerful device. Make sure to compare each device’s dimensions and oxygen output, as well as how you’ll transport it.
- Weight
A portable oxygen device’s weight will vary. Some units can be carried on the back of the patient, while others can be rolled along the ground. A continuous portable oxygen device weights between 17 and 20 pounds, while a pulse flow portable device weighs between 3 and 10 pounds. You’ll want to weigh your options to discover which is the most practical for your daily life.
- Noise Level
An oxygen concentrator will normally be between 37 and 43 decibels, based on the average quiet home’s decibel unit of 40 dBA. This sounds like a quiet hum, like the inside of a refrigerator or a library. Because of the difference in size, portable concentrators are generally quieter than home-based units. It may also be determined by the device’s settings. Check the dBA of the units you’re thinking about to see how loud they’ll be when they’re in use.
- Warranty
The oxygen concentrator will have a warranty to ensure that it is functional and reliable. If there is ever a problem, the manufacturer will replace or repair it. The warranty will usually be for three years, though most products will last much longer. If a less expensive model is available without a guarantee, you run the risk of spending future fees to replace the gadget if it breaks.
Popular Portable Oxygen Concentrator Brands
Another important factor to consider while choosing a portable oxygen concentrator is the brand of the device. There is a wide variety of brands out there and every single one of them offers different advantages and disadvantages. Some of the brands are:
Philips Respironics
The EverGo pulse machine from Respironics features six settings in 0.5 increments. It weighs only 8.5 pounds and can operate at an altitude of 8000 feet. The Respironics SimplyGo, on the other hand, has both continuous and pulse dosing modes. This variant is only 10 pounds and has a portability time of 4.6 hours. The continuous flow rate is 2 LPM.
Inogen
The Inogen range has two pulse-dose variants to choose from. The G3 and G2 versions of the Inogen One. Both of these gadgets are among the quietest on the market, with a 4-hour battery life and a working altitude of 10,000 feet. The G2 has a range of 1 to 5 LPM, which is higher than the G3, which only has a range of 1-4 LPM. The batteries are rechargeable, and depending on the battery type, it takes between 2 and 8 hours to recharge them.
DeVilbiss
The DeVilbiss IGo is for those who need a stronger pulse dose. Due to its ability to produce a greater continuous and pulse dose of 3 and 6 LPM, it weighs 19 lbs. It comes with a carrier cart to aid transporting due to its weight.
SeQual
One of the most energy-efficient mobile units on the market is the SeQual Eclipse 5. It weighs 18 pounds, which is significantly more than other portable types, but it comes with a trolley that can be used to transport it. It’s also possible to carry it in a backpack. It’s tough and can survive high elevations. On the highest setting, the battery lasts 4.4 hours and provides a pulse dosage of 1-6 LPM.
AirSep
There are three different models of pulse-dose air steps. The Airsep Freestyle 3 and the Freestyle 5 are the first two. The Freestyle weighs only 5 pounds and is extremely light, but the Freestyle 5 weighs 7 pounds. They have a pulse rate of 3 to 5 LPM and are extremely portable. The Airsep Focus is the third model. With a weight of only 2 lbs and a pulse dosage rate of 2 LPM, this gadget is likewise incredibly compact.
Affordability is one of the obvious factors to consider when choosing the most suitable device. A medical-grade Best portable oxygen concentrator price is around, ₹ 1.90 Lakh to ₹ 2.30 Lakh. These prices are relatively higher than stationary oxygen concentrators as these are much more compact and light and the costs incurred to make them are much higher.
Disclaimer
The information provided is for general knowledge only. Consult your doctor for personalized advice and treatment. Medikart HealthCare is not liable for any actions taken based on this info.