A POC or portable oxygen concentrator is a device, which is found in order to provide a patient with oxygen therapy that exceeds the concentration of atmospheric air. They are similar in structure and use to home-based oxygen concentrator but are smaller and, therefore, more portable. This enables for patients to visit and move with the assurance they have oxygen therapy nearby should it be required. These devices are small enough to be placed in the car and also have also recently become FAA approved.
The Development of Portable Oxygen Concentrators
POCs have been available for several years however the past models have been excessively bulky rather than nearly as reliable as those currently available. These older models were also not permissible on aircraft. Because the year 2000, the reliability of the devices has increased in both practicality and efficiency. They are able to be charged utilizing a house outlet or in the car using a vehicle adapter. Inogen can also be used through the use of batteries so that they can be utilized when no outlet can be acquired.
How Does these devices Function?
The technology that's used in the portable oxygen concentrator is the same, which is used, in home concentrators. Barometric pressurized air contains approximately 21 percent oxygen alongside nitrogen and a cocktail of various other gasses. The compressor within the machine pressurizes the air using a chemical filter system, that is used as a sieve for the gas molecules. The filter is composed of silicate granules, or Zeolite, which removes the nitrogen from the air. Click for more info serves to concentrate the oxygen, which is then inhaled by the individual. Part of the oxygen is used in this manner, while a share of the gas is reused in the next cycle. By using this technique, the filtering system can produce top quality concentrated oxygen of approximately 96% concentration.
The most recent types of POCs are powered using electricity supplies or battery packs which permit the patient to remain free from the application of cylinders or other heavier options which could restrict movement. Nearly all these devices are powered by a pulse delivery system, which allows for maximum oxygen purity.
Great things about On-Demand POCs
Nearly all POCs are quite light and small which may be achieved due to the use of an on-demand system. This enables the portable oxygen concentrator to be made up of smaller pieces than a home oxygen system. The point that the average person only inhales oxygen, the on-demand device allows for the patient to get all the oxygen that they require no more, thereby eliminating the chance that unnecessary oxygen will undoubtedly be wasted.
Nearly all on-demand systems have a variety of settings that release a certain amount of liters per oxygen for each minute. Using the correct level of oxygen prevents the waste of oxygen once the patient exhales as oxygen is required during inhalation and not exhalation.
This technology is accomplished with the use of boluses that may vary depending on breathing rate of the individual. That is particularly useful when sleeping once the rate naturally slows. A machine that utilizes a variable bolus system can detect the slowed rate of breathing, in order that it releases the required quantity of oxygen at a slower rate to accommodate the longer, slower breaths taken.
Even though some physicians will recommend a continuing system as opposed to an on-demand system while asleep, the new devices are found to be in the same way effective as nighttime oxygen therapy. However, they ought to not be utilized in individuals who have problems with sleep apnea.