Oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen devices are great tools for people that have difficulty breathing or a condition that impacts the lungs. Both devices serve similar purposes and overall improve the quality of life of the user.
Oxygen concentrators
Oxygen concentrators purify the air around you to deliver 90% to 95% pure oxygen, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Users can breathe through a mask that goes over the nose and mouth or through a plastic tube with two prongs that go into your nostrils, which is called a nasal cannula.
The air that most people breathe every day is about 20% oxygen and mostly nitrogen and other gases. The concentrators work by taking in the air, removing the nitrogen and collecting pure oxygen for you to breathe. It sucks atmospheric air through an air compressor and pressurizes the air, pushing it through special filters and creating pure oxygen.
It’s important to note that breathing pure oxygen when not prescribed by a doctor is dangerous and could lead to breathing problems.
Kinds of oxygen concentrators
There are two kinds of these devices: Stationary and portable.
Stationary concentrators weigh about 22 pounds and have handles or wheels you can use to roll it. These devices must be plugged in, and in the event of an electrical outage, they may have a backup battery that can be used.
Portable concentrators are smaller and lighter, which means that they’re easier to travel. Their oxygen output is usually lower than stationary devices, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and most of them use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Benefits/risks of oxygen concentrators
Oxygen concentrators provide a lot of relief for people with shortness of breath and other potential lung issues. They won’t cure a condition, but they will make it easier to breathe.
While oxygen concentrators cost more up front, the quality of the machines are good, and you will most likely only need to purchase an occasional replacement part every few years.
The fact that oxygen concentrators must use a power source makes it risky to use in the event of a power outage or a dead battery. It’s important to be diligent and keep backup batteries just in case something goes wrong with the one in your device.
Pure oxygen can also be dangerous as it can make fire burn hotter and faster, despite not being flammable. The risk of explosion is also high. Being safe with your oxygen concentrator around sources of high temperature or flammable materials like cigarettes, ovens, grills, gasoline and more is very important to ensure you’re being as safe as possible.
Oxygen tanks
While oxygen concentrators take in the air around you, oxygen tanks carry a finite amount in them. Tanks do not require electricity.
Kinds of oxygen tanks
There are two main kinds of oxygen tanks: Compressed and liquid.
As mentioned earlier, the atmospheric air most people breathe consists of about 20% oxygen, the rest being nitrogen. Compressed oxygen gas is at least 99.5% oxygen and comes with a gauge on top that tells you how much is in the tank. Patients use these with a regulator that allows you to breathe in compressed oxygen when you inhale and stop as you exhale.
A liquid oxygen tank carries 100% oxygen as a very cold liquid, according to Cleveland Clinic. Oxygen will turn into a liquid at -297 degrees Fahrenheit, and then manufacturers compress it into a liquid oxygen tank. When you release the oxygen from the tank, it turns into gas.
Similarly to oxygen concentrators, patients use a nasal cannula or oxygen mask to get the benefits from these devices.
Benefits/risks of using an oxygen tank
Using one of these devices can help you feel more energized throughout the day. If your body is not receiving enough oxygen on its own, it can make you feel fatigued because there is not enough oxygen in your bloodstream. This could make a huge difference in a patient’s life, allowing them to exercise, play with potential children or grandchildren and allows them to do everyday tasks with more ease.
Another added benefit of oxygen is that it can help patients sleep better, which also gives them more energy.
Like oxygen concentrators, keeping large amounts of oxygen near flammable items is a large fire risk, as oxygen can make fires spread faster. It’s important to keep oxygen tanks away from electrical equipment and open flames. Other electrical equipment like hairdryers, electric blankets, space heaters, electric razors and vape pens can be a risk.
Oxygen tanks can also be heavy, and a falling tank can cause an injury or break. If it breaks, escaping air could send the tank soaring through the air. It’s important to secure your oxygen tank in a carrier or cart.
Who could benefit from an oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank?
Oxygen concentrators are usually prescribed for people who cannot maintain normal blood oxygen levels on their own. People with chronic lung conditions and heart conditions could benefit from using one of these machines.
Patients with the following conditions could benefit from one of these devices:
- COPD
- Severe asthma
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Congestive heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Cancer patients
- Post-surgery patients
Oxygen poisoning
Oxygen poisoning is when breathing in too much supplemental oxygen damages your lungs. If you experience the following symptoms, you should call a doctor:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
Where to get an oxygen device
Now that you’ve heard all about oxygen devices, it’s time to visit On the Mend! We have a wide array of options that will be guaranteed to give you the results you need. Call us for a consultation today!
