Oxygen concentrators have become essential devices for individuals requiring quality oxygen therapy.
But how does an oxygen concentrator work?
Keep reading to find out how it functions and learn all you need to know about those machines.
What is an Oxygen Concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that extracts oxygen from the surrounding air by removing nitrogen, producing 90-95% pure oxygen for patients with respiratory conditions. It continuously filters and concentrates oxygen through specialized filters, delivering enriched oxygen via a mask or nasal cannula.
Oxygen Concentrator Uses – Medical Conditions
Oxygen concentrators are commonly used to manage several medical conditions, including:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Sleep apnea (for which you can go for quality CPAP devices as well)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Heart failure
- The flu
- COVID-19
How Do Oxygen Concentrators Work?
The air we breathe comprises around 78% nitrogen and only 20% oxygen. Therefore, some individuals with breathing problems need oxygen concentrators to increase their oxygen intake.
But how exactly do oxygen concentrators work?
Let’s see the step-by-step-process:
1. Air Intake
The oxygen concentrator begins its operation by pulling in ambient air from the surrounding environment through an air filter.
2. Air Compression
Once the air is drawn into the machine, it is forced into a compressor. The air is then compressed and travels to special filters.
3. Filtration & Nitrogen Removal
Compressed air passes through molecular sieve beds filled with zeolite material. These special filters trap and remove nitrogen from the air, letting oxygen molecules pass through.
4. Oxygen Concentration
The purified oxygen is then collected and concentrated to ensure it reaches medical-grade levels, typically between 90% and 95% purity. This concentrated oxygen is stored temporarily within a tank before being released.
5. Oxygen Delivery
Finally, the concentrated oxygen is delivered to the patient through a nasal cannula or a face mask, ensuring they receive the necessary oxygen levels to support their respiratory needs.
The entire cycle repeats continuously, providing a steady stream of concentrated oxygen for medical use.
Oxygen Concentrator Types
There are 2 main types of oxygen concentrator machines:
Home (or Stationary) Oxygen Concentrator
Home oxygen concentrators are large, stationary units providing a continuous oxygen supply. They are commonly used for long-term oxygen therapy at home providing higher oxygen flow rates compared with portable units.
Home oxygen concentrators run on electricity, so they need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in your home.
How to use a home oxygen concentrator – Tips
- Set the oxygen flow rate as prescribed by your doctor and don’t adjust it without their approval.
- Consider adding a humidifier with distilled water to prevent dryness.
- Consider extending the tubing up to 50 feet, but watch for tripping hazards.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight, battery-operated devices designed for mobility. They supply oxygen by pulse flow, i.e. in the form of short inhalations.
With pulse flow, this type of oxygen concentrator “senses” the moment when the patient is ready to take a breath, providing oxygen only during inhalation.
They are ideal for travel and daily activities, ensuring oxygen therapy on the go.
They usually provide the patient with lower oxygen levels compared to stationary concentrators.
How to use a portable oxygen concentrator – Tips
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and the device manual.
- Always carry a spare battery in case you’re out for a while.
- Clean the tubing or mask weekly with warm water and mild soap, or more often if you’re sick. Let them air dry and replace damaged tubing as needed. Clean the filter as directed by the manufacturer.
Advantages of Oxygen Concentrators
Let’s see now the main advantages of oxygen concentrator machines:
Continuous Supply
One key benefit of an oxygen concentrator is its ability to provide a continuous supply of oxygen without the need for frequent refilling, unlike traditional oxygen tanks.
Cost-Effective
Although the initial investment may be high, oxygen concentrators can save costs in the long run by eliminating the need for oxygen refills or cylinder replacements.
Disadvantages of Oxygen Concentrators
Electricity or Battery Dependency
Oxygen concentrators require a power source to function, making them impractical in areas with frequent power outages or during emergencies without backup power.
If you have a portable concentrator, you should always have backup batteries.
Noise Levels
Some concentrator models (especially older ones) can be noisy, which may disturb sleep or daily activities, particularly in quiet environments.
Maintenance Requirements
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and checking components, is necessary to ensure the device’s optimal performance and longevity.
Potential Hazards
Pure oxygen can also be dangerous. It isn’t flammable by itself but can make a fire burn hotter and faster.
So make sure you keep your oxygen concentrator several feet away from:
- Cigarettes
- Ovens
- Grills
- Rubbing alcohol
- Gasoline
- Oil
- Electrical devices (e.g. hairdryers, electric blankets, etc.)
When Should I Call a Doctor — Oxygen Toxicity or Hypoxia
Call your doctor if you suspect oxygen-related issues. Oxygen toxicity occurs from prolonged high oxygen levels, while hypoxia results from insufficient oxygen.
Oxygen concentrators usually have alarms that go off when something is wrong with oxygen levels. It may also be a good idea to have a pulse oximeter at home so that you can measure your blood oxygen levels.
Seek medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Oxygen Toxicity
- Dizziness or confusion
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
Hypoxia
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or bluish skin
- Slow heart rate
- Headaches
How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work – FAQs
1. Is it safe to use an oxygen concentrator?
2. How does an oxygen mask work?
3. Why is oxygen administered to a patient?
4. How long can a patient be on the oxygen concentrator?
5. What are the side effects of being on oxygen?
How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work – Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you understand all you need to know about those devices, which provide essential support in case of various respiratory conditions.
Explore Advanced Healthcare’s selection of oxygen concentrators and ensure a better quality of life!
