An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air. Atmospheric air has about 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen, with other gases making up the remaining 1 percent.
What is an oxygen concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is a portable machine from which pure oxygen is supplied through a cannula (cannula), nasal tube, or mask. The oxygen obtained from it is 90 to 95 percent pure. Oxygen concentrators use āPressure swing adsorptionā technology. Oxygen concentrators are more commonly used in places where there is discomfort in using pressurized oxygen and liquid oxygen. It is more commonly used in doctorās clinics or homes.
Small portable oxygen concentrators provide up to two liters of oxygen a minute. While large concentrators can provide five to ten liters of oxygen per minute. A healthy person needs 5 liters of oxygen every minute. Serious patients need 40ā50 liters of oxygen per minute, which requires oxygen cylinders.
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How does an oxygen concentrator work?
The air in our atmosphere contains 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and 1 percent other gases. Air is drawn from the atmosphere by an oxygen concentrator and the gases, including nitrogen, carbon available in this air, are ejected and pure oxygen is supplied through a nasal tube or mask. This entire process goes on simultaneously. It is designed in such a way that it can give oxygen to the patient for a long time.
The oxygen concentrator can be attached to several tubes if needed so that it can provide oxygen to two or more patients simultaneously. But according to experts, this should not be done in cases of the corona, as it carries the risk of cross-infection.
Difference between Oxygen Concentrator and Oxygen Cylinder (Oxygen Concentrator vs Oxygen Cylinder)
The oxygen concentrator is powered by electricity, so as long as the supply of electricity is done, the supply of oxygen will continue while the oxygen cylinder is refilled after the oxygen is exhausted, for which the oxygen cylinder is taken to the oxygen plant and then in it again. Oxygen has to be filled.
Types of oxygen concentrator
There are two types of oxygen concentrators ā
1. Continuous FlowĀ OxygenĀ Concentrator
A continuous flow concentrator supplies oxygen in a single flow until it is stopped.
2. Pulse Dose Oxygen Concentrator
A pulse concentrator supplies oxygen as much as is needed by understanding the patientās breathing pattern.
Advantages of oxygen concentrator
- Oxygen concentrators are portable which are easy to carry anywhere compared to oxygen cylinders.
- Oxygen is available at a low cost.
- It is also a cheap source of oxygen in industrial processes.
- They require very low maintenance at a low cost.
- Patients can use the oxygen concentrator at their convenience under the supervision of doctors or healthcare workers at home.
- Oxygen concentrators are for long-term use.
- No other device is needed with the oxygen concentrator.
- The oxygen concentrator can be run from the inverter when there is no electricity.
Limitation of oxygen concentrator
- The oxygen concentrator supplies 5ā10 liters of oxygen per minute, which is not sufficient for serious patients. Severe patients require more oxygen per minute.
- The oxygen concentrator is beneficial for patients whose oxygen saturation level is between 80 or 85 percent but is not effective for patients with severe corona conditions.
- They can be used continuously from 8 to 24 hours only.
- It is necessary to keep them closed for 30 minutes for cooling.
- It is necessary to keep them closed for 30 minutes for cooling.
Oxygen concentrator price
The price of oxygen concentrator ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 3.50 lakh. The rent of an oxygen concentrator can range from Rs 3000 per month to Rs 10,000 per month. Although oxygen cylinders cost between 8000 to 20000 rupees, maintenance costs in the concentrator are very low and do not have to be refilled like oxygen cylinders.
| Oxygen concentrator | Price |
|---|---|
| 5 LPM Stationary Oxygen Concentrator | Ā Rs 30,000 to Rs 65,000 |
| 8 LPM Stationary Oxygen Concentrator | Rs 66,000 to Rs 95,000 |
| 10 LPM Stationary Oxygen Concentrator | Rs 70,000 to Rs 1.30 lakh |
| Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator | Rs. 1.60 Lakhs to Rs. 2.25 Lakhs |
| Plunge and Continuous Flow Portable | Rs. 1.80 Lakhs to Rs. 3.50 Lakhs |
Safety tips for using an oxygen concentrator
- Keep oxygen concentrators at least 10 feet away from the gas stove.
- Do not keep matches, lighters, burning candles, and diffusers near it.
- Do not smoke around
- Do not use any flammable thing near it.
- It is necessary to keep some time off for continuous cooling when using it continuously.
- Always keep fire fighting equipment nearby.
Disclaimer
You must consult a doctor before using an oxygen concentrator. Using an oxygen concentrator without medical guidance can be extremely harmful.
