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Oxygen Concentrator



 

What is an oxygen concentrator?

How does the device work?

Parts of the Oxygen Concentrator and how they operate?

What are the different types of oxygen concentrators?

Who should use an oxygen concentrator and when?

What differentiates oxygen concentrators from oxygen cylinders and LMO?

Usage of Oxygen Concentrator

Chronic Conditions that need Oxygen Therapy

Advantages of Oxygen Concentrator

Disadvantages of Oxygen Concentrators

How to operate an oxygen concentrator?

Things to consider about when purchasing an oxygen concentrator

Best Oxygen Concentrators in India

 

For those suffering from severe pneumonia and other respiratory disorders, such as COVID-19, oxygen is a life-saving therapeutic medicinal gas. Many COVID-19 patients require immediate oxygen assistance to live. 

While oxygen cylinders are in short supply, oxygen concentrators are among the most sought-after technologies for oxygen therapy in home isolation.

It is important to remember, however, that the device should only be used by persons who have minor COVID-19 symptoms. The device is not suitable for individuals with oxygen saturation levels less than 85% or those with severe COVID-19. Such patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that concentrators can only provide 5 to 10 litres of oxygen per minute. As a result, they are inappropriate for critical patients requiring 40 to 45 litres of pure oxygen per minute.

What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a type of oxygen administration equipment that is used to treat a number of respiratory conditions such as COPD, cystic fibrosis and mild COVID-19 symptoms.

Oxygen concentrators are  like oxygen cylinders that supply medical-grade oxygen that is inhaled through a nasal cannula or oxygen mask.

However, a concentrator, unlike oxygen cylinders, does not need to be refilled and may give oxygen 24 hours a day. A typical oxygen concentrator can produce pure oxygen at a rate of 5 to 10 litres per minute (LPM).

The main distinction between oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders are that oxygen concentrators do not contain compressed oxygen or any other liquid. Thus , oxygen concentrators don't have nearly as many of the safety concerns as compressed oxygen does. They're also a lot easier to use and less expensive, so they're a common long-term therapy choice for a range of lung disorders.

The device consists of a compressor oxygen tank, sieve bed filter, pressure valve, and a nasal cannula (or oxygen mask). 

How does the device work?

An oxygen concentrator takes in fresh air, filters it, and then distributes it. Prior to entering the concentrator, air is composed of 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen. When air is passed via an oxygen concentrator, it includes 90-95 percent pure oxygen and 5-10% nitrogen. The nitrogen is separated to provide the patient with the maximum dose of oxygen possible, as obtaining that proportion of oxygen without the assistance of a medical instrument is difficult.

Parts of the Oxygen Concentrator and how they operate?

The concentrator's major components are the compressor and the sieve bed filter. The compressor compresses the filtered air before sending it in a continuous stream to the concentrator.

The pressurised air is then sent to the sieve bed filters. The sieve bed filter is essential since it is the device that eliminates nitrogen from the air. The sieve bed contains a substance called Zeolite, which is a six-sided tiny cube with holes on each side and is responsible for removing nitrogen from the air.

In the concentrator, there are two sieve beds. Air is driven into the first filter bed after it has been compressed in the concentrator. Oxygen is introduced into the product tank. The first sieve bed is then filled with nitrogen. The compressed air is then transported to the second sieve bed once the gas flow is switched. The first sieve bed's compressor is moved to the outside room, and the air from the product tank is returned to the first sieve bed.

The Zeolite releases nitrogen due to the reduction in pressure from the first sieve layer and the weakening of oxygen. The Oxygen and Nitrogen recombine and are released back into the room as ordinary air. The compressed air is then transferred to the second sieve, where oxygen is carried through it to the Product Tank. After a few seconds, the cycle begins again with the first sieve.


Other critical components are the cooling system, which prevents the portable oxygen concentrator from overheating, and the nasal cannula, which provides the filtered oxygen once it has passed through all of the sieve bed filters. The cannula aids in oxygen absorption.

What are the different types of oxygen concentrators?

Oxygen concentrators are classified into two types:

Continuous flow: Regardless of whether the patient is inhaling the oxygen or not, this sort of concentrator provides the same flow of oxygen every minute unless it is switched off.

Continuous flow is similar to what an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank would provide.

Pulse dose: These concentrators are rather smart in that they can detect the patient's breathing pattern and release oxygen when inhalation is detected. The amount of oxygen delivered per minute by pulse dose concentrators varies.

Pulse flow concentrators are nearly usually smaller and lighter than their continuous flow equivalents, which is one of their main advantages.

Who should use an oxygen concentrator and when?

Only mild to moderately unwell individuals with oxygen saturation levels ranging from 90% to 94 percent, should utilise an oxygen concentrator under medical supervision. Patients with oxygen saturation levels as low as 85% can also utilise oxygen concentrators in an emergency or until they are admitted to the hospital. However, such individuals should be switched to a cylinder with a greater oxygen flow and brought to a hospital as soon as possible. The device is not recommended for ICU patients.

What differentiates oxygen concentrators from oxygen cylinders and LMO?

Oxygen concentrators are the ideal alternative for cylinders and liquid medical oxygen, both of which are difficult to store and carry.

Concentrators are a one-time purchase. Concentrators are more expensive than cylinders, although they are a one-time investment with low ongoing costs.

Concentrators don’t require refilling. Concentrators, unlike cylinders, do not need to be refilled and can produce oxygen 24 hours a day using just ambient air and electricity.

However, Concentrators are ineffective for critically ill patients who need 40 to 45 litres of pure oxygen per minute.

Usage of Oxygen Concentrator

Some of the acute and chronic disorders listed below can benefit from oxygen concentrators.

Acute Conditions that need the use of an oxygen concentrator

Acute conditions that would need the use of an oxygen concentrator for short-term oxygen treatment include:

Asthma: This is a disorder in which your airways get inflamed and produce a lot of mucus, making breathing difficult. While there are a variety of medications that may be used to treat and manage asthma, an oxygen concentrator can deliver high quantities of oxygen to the patient's bloodstream, if they are suffering from or have previously suffered from an asthma attack

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an illness in which one or both of your lungs' air sacs become inflamed and, in many cases, fill up with fluid. Many pneumonia patients have been administered oxygen treatment, and their clinical results have been positive.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): RDS is a respiratory condition that usually affects babies, especially those delivered six weeks or more before their due date. RDS causes neonates to generate inadequate surfactant (a substance that coats the lungs), causing their lungs to collapse and making breathing difficult. Oxygen treatment, which involves the use of oxygen concentrators, helps to pump oxygen into the newborns' bloodstream and lungs, reducing the risk of future difficulties.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD): RDS-affected newborns are at an increased risk of developing BPD. This is a serious lung ailment that need long-term breathing assistance.

After the surgery. You may require oxygen for a short length of time following surgery in some cases.

Chronic Conditions that need Oxygen Therapy

The following are some chronic diseases that necessitate the use of an oxygen concentrator on a long-term basis:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):  When you have COPD, your lungs suffer from chronic lung disease, making it difficult for them to absorb adequate oxygen. As a result, you may experience breathing difficulties, which oxygen treatment using a concentrator can alleviate.

Cystic fibrosis: This disease  harms the digestive system and the lungs. It's an uncommon disease that affects the cells in the body that make mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. The fluids are altered, resulting in a stickier, thicker solution that clogs the sick person's ducts, tubes, and passageways.

Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping problem in which a person's breathing intermittently stops and starts throughout their sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), weight loss, and physical activity are usually used to treat this disease, while some persons with sleep apnea may require oxygen therapy.

Advantages of Oxygen Concentrator

The following are some prominent benefits of using an Oxygen Concentrator.

  1. No Refilling is required. Oxygen concentrators do not require refilling. The Oxygen Concentrator Machine is powered by electricity and produces a limitless supply of oxygen.
  2. One of the primary benefits of the Oxygen Concentrator is its portability. Portable concentrators weighing up to 4.5 kg and designed to be used "on the move" are widely available on the market. These oxygen treatment devices have a battery pack that may provide up to 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Oxygen Concentrator devices are more handy than compressed gas cylinders, and they may last up to 1500 hours.
  3. Different Models and makes. Oxygen concentrator devices come in a variety of sizes, models, designs, and constructions. Each concentrator is custom-made to meet your specific needs. You may also choose to install a fixed Oxygen Concentrator unit at your location based on the available space.
  4.  Safety Assured. One of the significant benefits of Oxygen Concentrator Machines is their safety. Leaks and oxygen waste are common problems with oxygen cylinders. An oxygen-rich atmosphere also feeds the flames. On the contrary, there is no need to be concerned about oxygen wasting or leakage difficulties while using oxygen concentrator devices.

Disadvantages of Oxygen Concentrators

 The drawbacks of an oxygen concentrator differ based on the model, kind, or variety.

  1. External Power Source. When you run out of batteries and there is no power outlet nearby to charge them, using an oxygen concentrator might be tough. Even though it is a fixed oxygen concentrator equipment, it must be placed in a location where the wall socket can be accessed. Because oxygen concentrators rely on electricity to work, this might be one of its major drawbacks. If you have unscheduled power interruptions in your home, the problem may get more complicated.
  2. One of the most prevalent drawbacks of Oxygen Concentrators is noise. An Oxygen Concentrator is made up of many components that collect, filter, and compress air. The noise emitted by a portable oxygen concentrator might be more upsetting for patients. Although this is one of the minor drawbacks of oxygen concentrators, some individuals may find it distracting, and it can cause communication issues for persons with hearing impairments.
  3. Regular maintenance. The cylinders, filters, and electric operations must be serviced on a regular basis. People who use stationary oxygen concentrators must change their filters on a weekly basis or as directed by the manufacturer. In addition, the battery-powered Oxygen Concentrator requires battery replacement on a regular basis. It is usually preferable to have a spare for backup purposes.
  4. Maintenance Costs. When comparing maintenance expenses between an oxygen cylinder and a concentrator, the latter has significant disadvantages. An oxygen concentrator includes several moving parts as well as electrical systems/batteries that might fail. The majority of the parts are pricey and are rarely accessible on the market.

How to operate an oxygen concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators are available in both fixed and portable types. There are some differences between both model kinds, but the methods below will work for either device. 

Here are the steps to using an oxygen concentrator:

  1. Connect Your Device to a Grounded Wall Outlet. Plugging your equipment into an unground wall outlet might cause irreversible damage to your concentrator as well as an electrical hazard. Always plug the power line into a grounded wall outlet for your safety and the durability of your device.
  2. Remove Your Device from Any Walls. Place your device at least 1–2 feet away from any wall to properly draw in room air and minimise overheating.
  3. Inspect the Air Filter. Your gadget will contain an air filter that will remove dust and other particles from the air before it is released as concentrated oxygen flow. It is critical to inspect your air filter on a regular basis to prevent clogging, which can put pressure on your equipment.
  4. Attach the Oxygen Tubing/Cannula. Connect your oxygen tubing to the concentrator before turning it on, as well as any attachments such as a humidifier, extension tubing, or CPAP mask adaptor, if applicable.
  5. Switch on the power. To turn on your device, press the power button. It may take 10–20 minutes for your device to achieve the greatest oxygen purity levels. During this warm-up phase, however, most oxygen concentrators will start releasing modest amounts of oxygen. So now is the time to put your oxygen tube on.
  6. Adjust the Flow. Adjust the flow control to obtain your doctor's advised flow rate.
  7. Check for Flow. Covering the prongs of your cannula with a clean hand is the simplest way to verify for appropriate flow coming out of the oxygen tube. As the pressure inside the tube rises, swiftly release it. If your device is functioning properly, you should hear and feel a gust of air when you remove your hand from the prongs. Check your connections for any loose components, leaks, or kinked tubing if you don't hear or feel anything.
  8. Examine the alarms. Before utilising your concentrator, always double-check your alarms to ensure they are functional. Although there are several alarms to learn about in your operator's manual, the most essential alarms are power loss and no oxygen flow.
  9. Connect the Oxygen Tubing. If you haven't already attached your oxygen tubing, now is the moment.

Things to consider about when purchasing an oxygen concentrator

Before purchasing an oxygen concentrator, check with a physician to determine the quantity of oxygen per litre that the patient requires. Before acquiring an oxygen concentrator, a person should consider the following factors, according to medical and industry experts:

  • Checking the flow rate capabilities of an oxygen concentrator is one of the most crucial elements to consider when purchasing one. Flow rate refers to the rate at which oxygen can be delivered from the oxygen concentrator to the patient. The flow rate is expressed in litres per minute (LPM).
  • The oxygen concentrator's capacity must be more than your requirement. For example, if you need a 3.5 LPM oxygen concentrator, get a 5 LPM concentrator. Similarly, if you need a 5 LPM concentrator, you should get an 8 LPM machine.
  • Examine the oxygen concentrator's sieves and filters. The number of sieves/filters in a concentrator determines the oxygen quality output. The concentrator's generated oxygen must be 90-95 percent pure.
  • Other considerations when choosing an oxygen concentrator are power consumption, mobility, noise levels, and warranty.

Best Oxygen Concentrators in India

Dr Odin Oxygen Concentrator Machine 5L with 1 Year Warranty

The Dr. Odin oxygen concentrator machine is a life-saving type of tech that works to alleviate a patient's respiratory problems. The machine saves money by using an oil-free compressor and being powered by a battery or electricity.

The air supply is never depleted due to the large oxygen capacity. It's a fantastic kit for increasing oxygen levels in a patient's blood. As a result, those suffering from respiratory difficulties can regain their health.

Key Features: 

  • Improves oxygen levels. Using PSA technology, the machine increases oxygen concentration in the blood.
  • Large capacity. The oxygen concentrator equipment has a capacity of about 5 litres of oxygen.
  • Safety. It is fully safe for those with severe respiratory problems to use.
  • Lower maintenance costs. Because the machine operates on an oil-free compressor, it is considerably less expensive to maintain.
  • A must-have for emergencies. The Dr. Odin oxygen concentrator is a fantastic life-saving device for serving critical patients by increasing oxygen levels.

MEDTECH Oxygen Concentrator Oxytec-Smart, 5 L

The Oxytec-Smart Oxygen Concentrator by Medtech is a lightweight, small, and well-ventilated equipment.

Key Features :

Easy Transportation:  It includes an easy-to-carry stainless steel outlet that will not break during transit or use. The Oxytec-Smart also has a built-in flow indicator and a lockable flow controller, which limits the possibility of the machine being mistakenly turned off.

Rugged use. Oxytec-Smart can even be used in non-air conditioned rooms without concern of damaging internal parts or sieve beds.

Safety : The on/off switch of an oxygen machine is located inside a cavity to prevent the device from being accidentally turned off. Its Bacteria Filters and One Way Valves keep polluted air out of the machine, ensuring patient safety.

Warranty : All of our customers receive a two-year guarantee from Medtech.

Accusure Oxygen Concentrator 5L

 It is now easier to provide patients with high-quality, well-titrated oxygen. The Accusure Oxygen Concentrator facilitates in the effective delivery of therapeutic oxygen to ambulatory patients at any moment throughout their daily activity or sleep.

Key Features :

YOUR SAFETY IS ENSURED: In some cases, providing oxygen becomes unavoidable. The Accusure Oxygen Concentrator ensures a reliable and secure oxygen delivery.

THE BETTER KNOWING MACHINE: The equipment is carefully designed to protect us from disasters such as high or low voltage or excessive power usage. When the need comes, the alarm system alerts us.

FRIENDLY TO POWER: The Accusure concentrator uses a very low power of roughly 0.3kW/hr, which saves us from any short circuit tensions.

IT is ECO-FRIENDLY: The Accusure Oxygen Concentrator is environmentally friendly and does not emit any dangerous by-products that pollute the air in our home.

A CONSTANT FLOW OF PURE OXYGEN: This concentrator, which delivers oxygen at a flow rate of 0.5-5L/min, ensures that the oxygen is nearly 95 percent pure.

CARE FOR YOUR PATIENTS: The oxygen concentrator's homogeneous delivery system allows us to address the therapeutic and lifestyle demands of respiratory patients at home, without the constant stress of going to the hospital.

Dr Diaz oxygen concentrator 5L

Dr Diaz medical oxygen concentrator model K5BW uses PSA technology to get oxygen, which is the most sophisticated method by which air is compressed by the compressor, and nitrogen is separated from air by a molecular sieve and then released. A portable device can be utilised in a variety of settings, including the home or clinic.

Key Features :

Long usage : Dr Diaz Oxygen Concentrator is a long-lasting piece of equipment that may be used constantly for 24 hours.

High Oxygen Purity : Oxy Concentrator has dense Oxygen purity is 93%±3% with (0-5)L/min(medical oxygen level) and completely filter dangerous chemicals in the air, as well as refill the air with rich oxygen

Easy handling : Low noise from the silent motor and mobility make it simple to use, and the equipment is ecologically and health-friendly, making it especially appropriate for elderly persons to move around on their own.

Stability: Extremely stable, consistent, and long-lasting.

Certifications. CE and ISO13485 certifications are available.

Warranty: 1 year manufacturer's warranty (offsite).

Naulakha Oxygen Concentrator 5L

An oxygen concentrator is a medical equipment that provides oxygen to persons who need it. It may be necessary for those who have a disorder that causes or results in low amounts of oxygen in their blood.

Key Features:

  • High oxygen purity 93% ± 3%
  • More than 10000 hours of life span
  • Suitable for 24 hours continuously work
  • Low sound level less than 45db
  • Low power consumption < .3kw/hr

Equinox EQ-OC-09 Oxygen Concentrator (White)

Easily transportable product

Increased output pressure to assure optimum flow delivery.

Low noise

Innovative cooling technology improves the unit's reliability and lifespan.

High pressure and low pressure alarm

Power loss and low purity alarm

Maintenance alarm