Oxygen concentrator – what is it?
Oxygen concentrator is a device that is capable of continuously delivering the appropriate gas mixture, enriched with the appropriate percentage of oxygen. Separation of oxygen molecules from the air is achieved using a molecular sieve and an absorption agent. With this type of device it is possible to condense oxygen to a level of 93% and even 96%, that is, to obtain almost pure oxygen. Most importantly, it allows treatment at home. The home oxygen concentrator is a basic out-of-hospital oxygen source that is easy to use and, with detailed adherence to the doctor’s instructions and product instructions, completely safe.
21% oxygen is not enough?
Atmospheric air is a mixture of different gases. The composition of air (at sea level and pressure of 1 atmosphere) includes: 21% oxygen 78% nitrogen 1% noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon), hydrogen, methane. Such a composition of air guarantees a healthy person a supply of oxygen to all cells of the body. However, quite a wide range of diseases in which the administration of an increased percentage of oxygen not only improves the quality of life of the patient, but even in the long run – saves lives.
Oxygen therapy – when to use a home oxygen concentrator?
Treatment with oxygen consists of providing the body with an additional portion of this gas, necessary for its proper functioning. Oxygen therapy is used in acute and chronic respiratory failure. Arterial blood gasometry (or arterialized capillary blood) should be performed before starting oxygen therapy. The absolute indication in acute conditions is the oxygen saturation of arterial blood hemoglobin to an inadequate degree.
Indications for oxygen therapy.
The primary indications for the use of oxygen concentrators are respiratory diseases, cardiovascular and oncological conditions. In the home setting, the primary indication for oxygen therapy is advanced chronic respiratory failure, usually caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Concentrators are indispensable for:
- bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- bronchial dilations
- pulmonary fibrosis
- cystic fibrosis
Oxygen administration is also an important form of treatment for people with heart failure, with conditions such as:
- circulatory insufficiency
- hypertension and hypotension
- angina
- cardiac chest pains
- myocardial fibrosis
In the course of oncological diseases oxygen concentrators improve the results of the applied treatment and have a positive impact on the patient’s overall quality of life.
Buy or rent an oxygen concentrator?
With many of you wondering if buying a concentrator is a good idea? If we are not convinced, it is advisable to first use a rental of concentrators and only at a later stage decide to purchase a specific model. There are many models on the market and, of course, they vary in price. Of course, if we plan to use it for several years, it is worth looking for a proven model. Our specialists will help in the selection – so you are welcome to contact us, they will advise which oxygen concentrator to buy and suggest how to use it
Important caveat.
Oxygen is a drug, so like any drug, it should be used as indicated and the dosage instructions should be followed reliably. Respiratory mixture parameters and administration time are always determined by the attending physician. By following the recommendations of a specialist, we are able to measurably help our body. Meanwhile, oxygen overdose can even lead to toxic effects. Excess levels of oxygen in the body are a state of hyperoxia. Deficiency of oxygen in the body is hypotoxia. Both are life-threatening conditions.