What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
A portable oxygen concentrator is a transportable device that can be easily transported and used to provide a supply of oxygen to individuals who have low levels of blood oxygen.
Portable oxygen concentrators are helpful for those who need oxygen while on the go, and can provide high concentrations of oxygen even outdoors. If you want to know more, read on.
What Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Look Like?
Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be small, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them convenient for travel. They typically have a rectangular or cylindrical shape and can be carried over the shoulder or in a carrying case. Many models are about the size of a small handbag, and some are small enough to fit in a backpack or purse. They have a control panel that displays the flow rate of oxygen and other important information. Some models have a rechargeable battery, while others can be plugged into an electrical outlet or a car's DC power outlet.
For example, TTLife portable oxygen concentrator NT-02 uses the principle of molecular sieve to filter out the oxygen in the air, and provides dual oxygen delivery modes of 1-5L/min and high efficient oxygen concentration of 93%±3%. This oxygen concentrator NT-02 is lightweight at 2.2kg and comes with a versatile bag that can be handheld, carried cross-body, or over one or both shoulders, adding more convenience to provide a reliable source of oxygen on the go. Great for the outdoors, plateau use, car use and more.
How to Choose a Portable Oxygen Concentrator for Your Needs?
Choosing the right oxygen concentrator is crucial for those in need. To choose the portable oxygen concentrator you need, you can judge it by the following three aspects:
Flow Modes
The dual oxygen delivery modes typically found in portable oxygen concentrators (POC) are pulse dose delivery and continuous flow delivery. Pulse dose delivery is a mode in which the POC detects the patient's breathing patterns and delivers oxygen only when the patient inhales. This mode is designed to conserve oxygen and extend battery life. Continuous flow delivery, on the other hand, delivers a constant flow of oxygen regardless of the patient's breathing patterns. This mode is typically used for patients who require a higher flow rate of oxygen or who have difficulty breathing.
It is important to note that not all POCs offer both pulse dose and continuous flow delivery modes, and some may only offer one or the other. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which delivery mode is appropriate for your specific medical condition and oxygen needs.
Oxygen concentration
Oxygen concentration may vary from device to device. Before choosing one, you need to know your doctor's prescription and the level of oxygen concentration you need for your situation.
Battery Life
If you are concerned about the battery life of a portable machine, you can pay attention to whether this machine is equipped with an extra battery, so that you can use the machine with peace of mind on the road.
How Do I Know if A Portable Oxygen Concentrator Will Work for Me?
The first thing you need to check before choosing an oxygen concentrator is whether it can control your oxygen saturation while at rest, walking, and sleeping. The level should remain between 88% to 90%, and anywhere lower than 88% during your rest and exercise means that the device you are using is not enough.
Your doctor will then give you a prescription based on the oxygen test results. You should also have a pulse oximeter at home to monitor your blood oxygen saturation while traveling and performing everyday tasks.