A low blood oxygen level can be life-threatening and risky to anyone suffering from it. If you, or your loved one, needs supplemental oxygen therapy, it's important to choose the best home oxygen concentrator for your needs.
With so many models on the market, how can you be sure that you're making the right choice?
In this guide, we will help you understand how to choose thebest home oxygen concentrator for your needs. We'll discuss factors to consider when deciding and provide tips for finding the right model for your lifestyle and budget. Let's get started!
What Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators?
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are small, lightweight devices that can provide supplemental oxygen therapy to people who need it.
POCs use adsorption to separate oxygen from the surrounding air. The resulting concentrated oxygen is then delivered to the user through a nasal cannula or mask.
POCs are an alternative to larger, stationary oxygen concentrators often used in home settings. POCs offer the same benefits as their larger counterparts, but they're much more portable and can be taken wherever you go.
Pulse Flow Vs. Continuous Flow
Most portable oxygen concentrators offer two types of oxygen delivery: pulse flow and continuous flow.
When inhaled, pulse flow of oxygen is delivered in short bursts or "pulses." This type of delivery is most efficient for people who only require a small amount of supplemental oxygen.
The pulse flow oxygen concentrator is ideal for treating respiratory conditions that do not need a high LPM (liters of oxygen delivered per minute) dispensation. Due to its relatively low LPM requirement, manufacturers have been able to make this device compact and lightweight.
One benefit of the pulse flow concentrator is that oxygen is given at your own pace.
On the other hand, a continuous flow concentrator delivers oxygen at a constant rate, regardless of whether you're inhaling or not. This type of delivery is best for people who need a constant supply of supplemental oxygen.
Unlike the pulse flow concentrator, which does not require a high LPM, the continuous flow concentrator is advisable if your prescription contains a high LPM requirement. The continuous flow concentrator works non-stop for as long as you want.
How to Choose a Home Oxygen Concentrator That Is Right for You
If you were prescribed a home oxygen concentrator, or you decided to purchase one, there are certain things you should keep in mind:
Oxygen concentration
After compression and filtration occur inside a concentrator, the oxygen delivered to a patient carries a particular percentage of pure oxygen content. This pure oxygen content is known as oxygen concentration.
The oxygen level concentration is most times affected due to the filter system design that can be seen in a particular oxygen concentrator and the effectiveness of the nitrogen sieve output system.
Flow rate
This is one of the most important factors to be considered when choosing an oxygen concentrator. The flow rate shows how oxygen moves from the machine to the patient and is usually read through the flow rate.
Some oxygen concentrators may vary in their flow rate, where you can have a machine with a high flow rate of 10 Lmin−1, while others will give a lower flow rate of 0.5–5 Lmin−1.
Higher flow rate products are specifically designed for patients who require a high oxygen flow and can also give higher oxygen concentration. It is best to consult your doctor for recommendations on an acceptable flow rate before purchasing.
Portability
Another thing to consider is the size of the unit. If you're only going to be using it for a short period, then you might be able to get away with a smaller unit. However, if you plan to use it for extended periods, you'll need to ensure that the unit is large enough to accommodate your needs.
Some concentrators are small and portable enough to take on trips, while others are larger and meant for stationary use.
Power efficiency
You'll want to make sure that the unit you purchase is designed to efficiently use the power available to it, whether that's from an electrical outlet or a battery. Otherwise, you'll spend more money on your power bill each month, and you may not even be able to use the concentrator as much as you'd like.
Warranty
Lastly, you'll want to think about the warranty of the concentrator. Some companies offer better warranties than others, so it's important to compare different options before making a final decision.
By taking all of these factors into account, you can be sure that you're choosing the best home oxygen concentrator for your needs.
What Are the Best Home Portable Oxygen Concentrator Brands?
If you're in the market for a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), you've probably noticed that there are a lot of different brands to choose from.
It can be tricky to know where to start with so many options available. To help narrow your search, we've compiled a list of the best POC brands.
Philips
Phillips is one of the leading POC brands and has a reputation for quality and durability. Philips oxygen concentrators are lightweight and easy to use, making them a great choice for those who need portability. Phillips also offers a wide range of models to suit different needs and budgets. The Philips Respironics EverFlo Oxygen Concentrator is a popular choice for home use, while the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini is ideal for those who need a compact and lightweight POC.
Inogen
Inogen is another top POC brand known for its innovative products. Their products are designed to be as small and light as possible, making them ideal for those who want to be able to take their POC with them wherever they go. Inogen also offers various models to find one that meets your specific needs. The Inogen ONE G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator is one of their most popular models and is a great choice for those who need portability and convenience.
Oxygo
Oxygo is another top POC brand that offers a wide range of products to meet different needs. Their products are lightweight and easy to use, making them a great choice for those who need portability.
Airsep
Airsep is a leading POC brand that offers a wide range of products to meet different needs. Their products are durable and easy to use, making them a great choice for those who need a long-lasting POC.
SeQual
SeQual is another top POC brand with a wide range of models to choose from. One of their most popular models is the Eclipse 5, which offers a sleek design and superior portability. It's one of the lightest POCs on the market, weighing in at only 15 pounds. The Eclipse 5 also features Intelligent Oxygen Management technology that automatically adjusts oxygen output based on your changing needs.
Equinox
Lastly, we have the Equinox line of home portable oxygen concentrators. These units are some of the most reliable on the market and backed by a company with a great reputation. If you're looking for a home oxygen concentrator that you can count on, Equinox is a great choice.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best home oxygen concentrator for your needs. Warranty, portability, and features are all important considerations, but it is also important to think about your specific needs and how the concentrator can best meet them.
Do your research, ask questions, and consult with a healthcare professional to make sure you choose the best concentrator for you.
Do you have questions about finding the best home portable oxygen concentrator? Get in touch with No Insurance Medical Supplies today for expert help.