Portable oxygen concentrators are medical devices designed to provide patients with the necessary amount of oxygen for home therapy. They are designed to be carried by the patient at all times, allowing an optimal level of therapeutic gas mixture to be maintained regardless of conditions or setting.
Portable concentrators operate on the same principle as stationary units: air passes through a filter system that removes harmful particles and microorganisms, then enters a zeolite “molecular” sieve, where oxygen is separated from other gases. The resulting oxygen-air mixture is delivered to the patient via a mask, cannula, or breathing circuit.
Portable oxygen concentrators are equipped with a battery, allowing them to operate autonomously for up to 10 hours. Modern models offer two main operating modes: pulse and continuous flow. Pulse-dose delivery activates only on inhalation, which makes these models compact and provides longer battery life. Devices may include additional features such as adjustable flow rate, maximum output O2 concentration, and output in liters. Portable concentrators are quiet, highly reliable, and compact, while ensuring safe and effective therapy.
When choosing a portable oxygen concentrator, it is important to consider parameters such as dimensions and weight, battery life, adjustable flow rate, maximum output O2 concentration, and output in liters. Attention should also be given to additional features and audiovisual alarm algorithms for malfunctions.
