An oxygen concentrator is a medical device used to provide oxygen therapy to people who need supplemental oxygen due to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, or other respiratory diseases. It works by filtering and concentrating oxygen from the surrounding air, delivering a higher concentration of oxygen to the user.
Here’s how it works:
1. Air Intake: The concentrator takes in air from the room, which contains about 21% oxygen.
2. Filtering: The air passes through filters that remove dust and impurities.
3. Separation: The concentrator uses a technology called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) or Molecular Sieve Technology to separate nitrogen from oxygen. This process concentrates the oxygen, typically producing an oxygen concentration of around 90–95%.
4. Delivery: The concentrated oxygen is delivered to the patient through a nasal cannula or oxygen mask.
Key Features:
Continuous Flow: Oxygen is delivered continuously.
Portable: Many models are lightweight and easy to move, making them suitable for use at home or while traveling.
Low Maintenance: They require regular cleaning and occasional filter changes, but there are no oxygen tanks to refill.
Energy-Efficient: Oxygen concentrators are powered by electricity, and many models are designed to consume minimal power.
Types of Oxygen Concentrators:
1. Stationary Oxygen Concentrators: These are larger units that are typically used at home. They provide a continuous flow of oxygen and are plugged into a wall outlet.
2. Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs): These are smaller, battery-operated units that are ideal for travel. They can be worn as a backpack or carried with a handle.
