An oxygen concentrator is medical equipment that works like an oxygen cylinder and gives you extra oxygen, through the use of masks or nasal tubes. Let's find out how efficient an oxygen concentrator is compared to an oxygen cylinder.
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| How efficient is an oxygen concentrator compared to an oxygen cylinder? |
How Much More Efficient is the Oxygen Concentrator Than the Oxygen Cylinder?
Those who want to use an Oxygen Cylinder at home must know that it is risky to treat it with 1 Oxygen Cylinder. Therefore at least 2 Oxygen Cylinders are required. Because portable medium-sized cylinders contain 60 liters of oxygen, if you give 4-5 liters/minute of oxygen, that cylinder will run out in two and a half to three hours. Still, an oxygen cylinder price is not very low. For this, you need to keep 2 cylinders, turn on 1 and send another to refill. To give more flow (8-10 liters). In half an hour, a cylinder will run out. An oxygen concentrator is most useful in these cases. There is no fear of running out of oxygen.
If your saturation is 90-94%, start with a little flow and continue to monitor. In this case, supply oxygen with a nasal cannula because if you give oxygen with a face mask, you have to give at least 5 liters/minute flow. If less flow is given, then carbon dioxide retention will be due to rebranding. When more oxygen is needed, then give oxygen with a face mask. Give low flow oxygen through the nasal cannula. If you want to give a lot of flow (10-15 liters/minute), you need a Venturi Mask or Rebreather Mask, which may be difficult to find.
What is an Oxygen Concentrator?
Air consists of 78% nitrogen and only 21% oxygen. An oxygen concentrator or extractor filters ambient air through a hole in a molecular sieve that holds nitrogen molecules and allows oxygen to pass through. The air thus filtered contains 90% pure oxygen at a flow rate of 2.5 liters per minute. Depending on the model, oxygen concentrators provide an oxygen flow that can range from 2 to 10 liters per minute. The sucked air is first filtered to free it from impurities; then, it goes through high pressure in a cylinder filled with zeolite, which fixes the nitrogen and lets the oxygen going.
Use of Oxygen Concentrator
Chronic oxygen therapy may be prescribed in the case of chronic respiratory disease:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD);
- Cystic fibrosis;
- Pulmonary artery hypertension;
- Insomnia
- It can also be prescribed for palliative care or dyspnea at the end of life.
Oxygen flow is delivered continuously or by pulse. In the latter case, there is no "waste" of oxygen, which further reduces the size of the concentration. Another advantage is that the patient should try to breathe instead of being passive. In the case of sleep apnea, the flow is continuous because breathing is wide during sleep, so the oxygen supply is low.
How is it used at the operation stage?
- Install the concentrator and turn it on: an audible warning is heard for a few seconds;
- Wait for 10 to 100 minutes for oxygen level to reach 5%;
- Adjust the flowmeter until the ball is stable at the prescribed level;
- If necessary, connect the oxygen outlet to the humidifier;
- Then attach the tubing to the concentrator on one side and the glasses or mask on the other;
- Check that oxygen is coming out of the pipe;
- Wear glasses or a mask and breathe;
- When the session ends, turn off the device.
Alertness
- Ensure there is a clean space around the device for its proper operation; Do not cover it; Do not place it on a very soft carpet.
- Oxygen is a flammable gas, so be sure to keep the concentrator away from all fuels and ventilate the room well;
- When transporting, please do not keep it in bed.
- At least once a week, dust the concentrator with the inlet port;
- Change the water in the humidifier every day, rinse with soapy water, and disk regularly with white vinegar;
- Change glasses or oxygen mask every two weeks;
- Clean the dust filter after every 100 hours of use and replace it when it starts to break down.
How to Choose an Oxygen Concentrator?
Before buying a cylinder or concentrator for oxygen home therapy, you must know how many liters of oxygen the patient needs. The oxygen concentration capacity needs to be more than you need.
It is important to consult a doctor before purchasing this device, and you can take care of any nursing home care bd at home. Originally available online. The price of this device starts from BDT 20 thousand. However, an even more expensive oxygen concentrator is available, which costs BDT 60 thousand. This device collects oxygen from the atmosphere through the air. From there, the patient can raise or lower the regulator as needed. It runs on electricity. If you want to run this machine, you have to give water. Water can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on whether the machine is running low on water. Due to the sudden increase in demand for oxygen concentrators, its market is available offline and online.
Alternatives to Oxygen Concentrators
There are different types of oxygen sources for home oxygen therapy. Other than that, they do not use air to produce oxygen; they have the same clinical value. These are:- Gaseous Compressed Oxygen Cylinders: These are usually used without a concentrator, in case of breakage or walking.
- Liquid oxygen tank, that allows a very small amount to store a very large amount of oxygen.
- Unlike extractors, these two models have the major drawback of regular recharging. Fear of leaks and fear of running out of fuel are all sources of stress for the user.
Final Words
There are two types of concentrators on the market, stationary and portable. Both types of equipment never require refilling to produce oxygen. Naturally, it is easier to use than an oxygen cylinder. However, understanding the need, the device must be used carefully.