First lets discuss how an oxygen concentrator works. As we all know there is oxygen in the air that we breath. It is made up of approximately 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and about 1% argon and some other trace gases. The conventional oxygen concentrator extracts the oxygen from room air, scrubs or bypasses the other gases and moisture, accumulates the oxygen and thus provides a continuous stream of highly concentrated oxygen (over 94%). The schematic is how the typical oxygen concentrator works.
Conventional Two-Bed Oxygen Concentrator
So now that we have the science lesson over with, how do I decide which concentrator is best for me?
There are literally dozens of oxygen concentrators on the market. Each with their own advantages and operational characteristics. We have seen some small machines that are put together with Velcro and tie wraps which aren’t able to survive a trip on a UPS truck.
I look for a product whose manufacture that has been in business for years, will stand behind their products. With years of experience behind each of them, such companies as DeVilbiss, Invacare and CHAD.
Next, how often is the concentrator going to be used, a couple hours of the day, just at night while the patient is sleeping or does the patient require continuous oxygen 24/7, what liter flow does the prescription call for? Is the patient ambulatory, do they still work part-time?
If the patient needs oxygen at low flow a few hours each day or while sleeping the DeVilbiss 303 http://www.etrode.com/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/23790 is a good, bullet proof device. So is the Invacare IRC5 http://www.etrode.com/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/11242. Both companies provide a reliable product.
A New portable Oxygen Concentrator is also availaible. The SeQual Eclipse System. I can be wheeled about like a suitcase and can run on AC power, DC power (car connector included) and by a rechargable batter for from 1 - 5 hours depending on the setting. Please visit our webpage for more information: http://www.etrode.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=8954.
You can also go to our entire selection of Oxygen Concentrators by clicking on this paragraph.
