Oxygen generators are medical devices that concentrate the oxygen from the air around us and deliver it to patients who require supplemental oxygen. They work through a process called pressure swing adsorption where air is passed through molecular sieves that trap nitrogen and deliver oxygen-enriched air to the patient. Oxygen generators allow patients to receive supplemental oxygen in their home without the need for large, bulky oxygen cylinders.
How Oxygen generators Work
Oxygen generators have two major components - a compressor and molecular sieve beds. The compressor takes in room air and increases the pressure. This pressurized air is then passed through the molecular sieve beds which contain zeolite minerals. Zeolite has tiny pores that are sized to only allow oxygen molecules to pass through while trapping nitrogen and other gases. The enriched oxygen from one sieve bed is delivered to the patient while the other bed is simultaneously purging nitrogen and recovering. Then the beds switch roles continuously to deliver a steady flow of oxygen. Modern oxygen generators use pulsed dose technology which allows them to concentrate oxygen levels up to 90-95% from room air.
Benefits of Using Oxygen Concentrator
There are several key benefits of using oxygen generators for patients who need supplemental oxygen:
- Portability: Oxygen Concentrator is much smaller and lighter than oxygen cylinders. This makes them highly portable and allows patients to remain mobile while receiving oxygen therapy at home, work or during travel.
- Independence: As they do not require delivery of bulky oxygen cylinders, concentrator use provides greater independence to patients. They no longer have to wait for refills or be dependent on delivery schedules.
- Safety: Oxygen generators eliminate risks involved with handling of compressed oxygen cylinders such as explosions. They also ensure a continuous supply of oxygen is available.
- Cost-effectiveness: While the initial cost of a concentrator may be more, they prove significantly cheaper than cylinder oxygen over time. Concentrators also minimize additional costs of cylinder refills and deliveries.
- Quiet operation: Modern concentrators equipped with magnetic bearings operate very quietly as compared to the hissing sounds of oxygen flowing from cylinders. This allows discreet use.
- Environment friendly: Concentrators consume only room air and contribute to reducing medical waste from empty cylinders.
Types of Oxygen Concentrator
There are mainly two types of oxygen generators based on their flow rate capacity:
- Stationary concentrators: These large concentrators are designed to remain in one location like a home. They have a higher oxygen production capacity of up to 10 liters per minute which means they can support patients with very high oxygen requirements. Due to their size, they cannot be portable.
- Portable concentrators: Weighing around 5-10 kgs, portable concentrators have a flow rate of 1-5 liters per minute. This makes them highly mobile and convenient for travel or active patients. They run on batteries as well as AC power allowing limited portability. Many newer portable models are even smaller and lighter for enhanced mobility.
Factors Influencing the Choice of an Oxygen generators
When choosing the type of oxygen generators for a patient, doctors consider several factors:
- Medical need: The primary factor is the exact liter flow of supplemental oxygen needed by the patient based on their diagnosis and symptoms.
- Mobility: Portable concentrators are preferred for active patients while stationary ones suit sedentary lifestyles.
- Usage habits: If the patient will predominantly use oxygen at home, a stationary unit works. But portable ones are needed for travel/work.
- Lifestyle: Concentrator size, weight and portability influence lifestyle - a smaller portable one suits an active lifestyle.
- Backup needs: Dual concentrators or cylinders may be prescribed for emergency backup of oxygen supply during power/equipment outages.
- Costs: While stationary units are cheaper upfront, total costs of portable concentrators are lower in the long run.
With advanced technology, Oxygen Concentrator today come in different sized options that make it possible for patients to receive therapy from the comfort and convenience of their homes without major restrictions to lifestyle. This has vastly improved the overall quality of life of patients dependent on supplemental oxygen.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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