Types of Oxygen concentrators

Types of Oxygen Concentrators

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that provides supplemental or extra oxygen to people with breathing issues. The device works by filtering and concentrating oxygen molecules from the ambient air to provide 90-95% pure oxygen to patients with low oxygen levels. In today’s unpredictable time this medical device is of utmost importance with the pandemic (COVID-19) just off of our heads. The demand for this product skyrocketed in the past 2 years and tons of new manufacturers emerged with this spike in demand.

Types of oxygen concentrators

On the basis of mobility:

• Portable oxygen concentrators – A portable oxygen concentrator is a device that draws pure oxygen from the environment for delivery to patients. It is smaller in size and more mobile.

• Stationary/ Home oxygen concentrator – A stationary oxygen concentrator is a device that draws pure oxygen from the environment and delivers it to patients. It is mmuch heavier and bulkier and can deliver oxygen at higher flow rates.

• On the basis of capacity:

  • 5L oxygen concentrator – A 5L oxygen concentrator can provide 5 liters of oxygen per minute.

• 10L oxygen concentrator – A 10L oxygen concentrator can provide upto 10 liters of oxygen per minute.

• On the basis of flow:

  • Continuous flow oxygen concentrator – A continuous flow oxygen concentrator delivers oxygen steadily and continuously at a specified rate

• Pulse dose oxygen concentrator – A pulse flow oxygen concentrator delivers oxygen in puffs or pulses with each breath and only during inhalation.

• Oxygen concentrator brands

  • Philips respironics – Philips respironics oxygen concentrators are very popular worldwide and especially in India because of their large network of dealers and quality products. The most popular and reliable oxygen concentrator is Philip’s Everflo which provides 5 liters of pure oxygen with ease.

• Drive DeVilbiss – Drive DeVilbiss is a renowned brand in the oxygen concentrator market with customers across the globe and on the rise. The company has a complete line of durable products with a dealer network that’s exponentially rising.

• Inogen imports their oxygen concentrators to India from the US. Their product line includes high-end, top-notch products but is known to be slightly overpriced in the Indian market. The Inogen At Home 5 LPM oxygen concentrator would set you back Rs. 1.75 lakh-1.95 lakh, which is more than three times the cost of any other 5 LPM oxygen concentrator on the market in India.

• Airsep – Airsep is one of the oldest players in the oxygen concentrator market and is known for its dependable products. Airsep Newlife Elite is one of the most reliable oxygen concentrators in the Indian market. It is now outdated because of its bulky size and higher power consumption than its rivals.

• Invacare – Invacare is a popular brand in India. Invacare oxygen concentrators atre known for being affordable and reliable

• Oxymed – Oxymed oxygen concentrator’s price is the lowest among all other good-quality oxygen concentrators in the market. It is the fastest growing brand in India.

• Nidek – Nidek medical oxygen concentrators are popular in the market for their good quality and proven durability. These oxygen concentrators are imported in India for the US. The company has dealers and offices all across India and hence are widely available in India.

How to use an oxygen concentrator

1. Turn on the primary power source connected to the Oxygen Concentrator’s power wire.
2. Place the machine in a well-ventilated area, preferably 1-2 feet away from the wall, with unobstructed access to the intake and exhaust.
3. The humidifier should be connected (Usually required for Continuous Oxygen flow of more than 2-3 LPM)
4. Make sure the particle filter is installed.
5. Connect the Nasal Cannula/Mask and check for kinks in the tubing.
6. Press the ‘Power’ button/switch on the machine to start it up.
7. On the flow meter, set the oxygen flow as prescribed by the doctor.
8. The Nasal Cannula outlet ensures a continuous oxygen flow by bubbling out when inserted into a glass of water.
9. Using the Nasal Cannula/Mask, take a deep breath.

Factors to consider while choosing an oxygen concentrator

• Flow Rate

The flow rate capabilities are easily one of the most significant elements to consider when selecting an oxygen concentrator. We refer to the speed of oxygen transfer from the machine to the patient as the flow rate.

• Power consumption

You can determine an oxygen concentrator’s wattage by considering its size and the settings you use. It will not run on batteries if you want to use a stationary oxygen concentrator. They are larger and heavier, designed for people who require more oxygen. You can use a concentrator that runs on batteries if your oxygen needs are low and consistent.

• Oxygen concentration

Oxygen concentrators filter the surrounding air and supply oxygenated air with a predetermined percentage of oxygen to the user. This is what is known as oxygen concentration. The oxygen concentration levels are usually between 87 and 99 percent, which is the same as the oxygen concentration in an oxygen cylinder. Patients with chronic respiratory difficulties require the highest oxygen concentration possible to breathe.

• Portability

When looking for oxygen concentrators, one of the first and most significant things to consider is how mobile you’ll need your concentrator to be. The size and portability of oxygen concentrators can vary greatly.

• Brand

Only buy from well-known brands. Oxygen concentrators are available throughout the country from a variety of brands and websites. Not all of them guarantee high quality. Medikart, Philips, and a few brands are the most popular in India.

• Capacity

The oxygen concentrator’s capacity must be greater than your requirement. For example,  If you need a 3.5 LPM oxygen concentrator,  you should get a 5 LPM concentrator. In the same way, if you need a 5 LPM concentrator, you should get an 8 LPM machine.

• Price

There are numerous online and offline sellers of respiratory care goods, and big discounts are frequently available. Before you go out and buy an oxygen concentrator, you should have a rough sense of how much each variety costs.