An oxygen concentrator is a type of medical device used for delivering oxygen to individuals with breathing-related disorders. It takes in air and removes nitrogen from it, leaving an oxygen-enriched gas for use by people requiring medical oxygen due to low oxygen levels in their blood.
How does an oxygen concentrator work ?
An oxygen concentrator takes regular air and purifies it to 90-95% oxygen. To do this, the concentrator uses a compressor that moves air into sieve bed filters to remove the nitrogen. It then distributes the purified oxygen through hoses inserted into the nostrils. The nitrogen is later released back into the air.
Types of oxygen concentrators ?
Stationary oxygen concentrators are also known as home oxygen concentrators and serve the purpose of being your at-home, continuous flow oxygen therapy device. They may weigh around 10 kgs and have wheels to make their transport easier. The flow at which they provide oxygen can range from 5 LPM (litres per minute) to 10 LPM.
Portable oxygen concentrators give more treatment flexibility to patients who don’t need high doses of oxygen. They weigh between 1 to 4.5 kgs. Some models are small enough to fit in a backpack.
Benefits of using an oxygen concentrator ?
An adequate supply of oxygen improves your sleep and mood, increases your mental alertness and stamina, allowing you to get more done during the day.
They provide an unlimited supply of oxygen, unlike cylinders, given a consistent power source.
They do not need to be taken elsewhere to be refilled.
Portable oxygen concentrators are used to increase your body stamina and maintain it at a higher intensity to prepare your body for longer and intense exercise periods.
Difference between an oxygen concentrator and an oxygen cylinder ?
On the other hand, an oxygen concentrator can concentrate oxygen from a gas supply through selective removal of nitrogen to give an oxygen-enriched product gas stream. Oxygen concentrators can provide an infinite supply of medical-grade oxygen if they continue to have power backup.
Cost of oxygen concentrator ?
The cost of an oxygen concentrator varies depending on the type and model. Medical-grade oxygen concentrators can cost anywhere between ₹36,000 to ₹2 Lakh in India.
To write a content on this is not easy because there will be a lot of information. So tried to inform a Non-tech person in a very superficial way. Thank you.
Mr. Shivu Y S
Biomedical Engineer
Manasvi Healthtech
Mysore, KA - 570009
