Respiratory conditions can be quite the hassle. The body is no longer getting enough oxygen from the air it breathes and sends out to the body. Low levels of oxygen can result in weakness, fatigue and eventually death. Some respiratory problems can be solved, but many can not. For these, the best way is to provide a high concentration of oxygen straight to the nose. If it can’t all be absorbed, just make sure there’s more of the
In the past, the answer was oxygen tanks. These could be wheeled around on a cart and provide a steady flow of oxygen. There were plenty of problems with oxygen tanks however. This has led to the development of oxygen concentrators. These devices are able to take the air around them and produce a stream of high grade air that is over 90% oxygen. Machines are available for both the home and while travelling so people who require them can still maintain their independence.
Home Oxygen Concentrators
While people are at home, they can often depend on the reliability of a home oxygen concentrator. These devices should plug into an electric outlet and can then provide a crisp stream of oxygen. These devices are on wheels, which makes moving them from room to room a breeze. They can be fairly heavy, so moving them up and down stairs may be a bit tricker. That being said, many can handle very long nasal cannulas of up to 50 feet, meaning you don’t need to keep moving it much of the time. The benefit of a home oxygen concentrator should be immediately obvious compared to oxygen cannisters. The oxygen can simply be created at a steady stream rather than having to use a can until it’s done, get it refilled and start over. Most are also very energy efficient and very quiet, meaning they won’t interfere with day to day life.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
For people who want to get out of the house, a portable oxygen concentrator is the perfect method to do so. These do the same job as a home oxygen concentrator, but run on battery power. In theory they should be noisier, but many are just as quiet.
Like the home versions, some people may be qualified under medicare or other insurance to get a portable oxygen concentrator at low cost. If not, almost all of the cost of a portable oxygen concentrator is up front and they run pretty cheaply by the day. Portable concentrators can be used at home too, with most having adapters allowing them to be plugged in and run directly off of current. They’re really a great option to get more oxygen when you need it.
Popular Brands
There’s quite a few companies out there making oxygen concentrators. Among the best and most popular models are some of the following.
Home Oxygen Concentrators
- Invacare Perfecto2 V Five Liter Oxygen Concentrator - This model provides the air you need and is incredibly easy to use. It’s got a simple appearance and doesn’t ruin the look of your home. Pricing is another pleasant benefit.
- Respironics EverFlo Q Ultra-Quiet - This model can produce an impressive 5 liters of oxygen every minute while staying incredible quiet. There’s no need to change filters, as the double filter system means that they are fine for two years at a time and will be changed by technicians.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
- Inogen G4 - This is arguably the most impressive portable oxygen concentrator on the market. The double battery option offers 6 hours of use before it needs to be changed and is very light coming in under 3 pounds!
- Respironics SimplyGo - This is another great model which comes with its own carrying case and cart to make moving around even easier. It has an excellent warranty and different flow modes for different breathing patterns.
