It isn’t uncommon to develop breathing problems as we age. It’s easy for oxygen levels to drop due to an illness or a chronic medical condition. If your oxygen levels get too low, you can experience a range of symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat. It can even lead to death if not properly treated. An oxygen concentrator can provide your brain and body with the oxygen they need to function correctly. Here, we’ll explore what an oxygen concentrator is, who it is for, and how it compares to an oxygen tank. Keep reading to discover the details that will help you decide if you should talk to your doctor about using one.
What does an oxygen concentrator do?
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that increases the amount of oxygen in the air you breathe. While regular air contains about 20% oxygen, these devices can increase the oxygen to 90% to 95%.
The device pulls in air and runs it through a filter and into an air compressor, removing nitrogen and letting the oxygen pass into a tank. You breathe the concentrated oxygen in the tank through a tube connected to prongs in your nostrils or a face mask. These devices plug into a power outlet or run on batteries.
Who is an oxygen concentrator for?
Oxygen concentrators are for people with difficulty breathing or a medical condition affecting the lungs. A few health issues that might require an oxygen concentrator include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Asthma.
- Lung cancer.
- Heart failure.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Emphysema.
You can also use an oxygen concentrator temporarily while recovering from an illness. A few examples include:
- The flu.
- COVID-19.
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Respiratory trauma, like a rib fracture or bruised lung.
Types of oxygen concentrators
There are two types of oxygen concentrators. Stationary oxygen concentrators are intended for use at home. They are for individuals who need constant oxygen while in the home or while sleeping. They must be plugged into a power outlet at all times.
Portable oxygen concentrators are smaller and weigh less than stationary units. They fit inside a pack that you can carry with a handle or a sling that you can wear over your shoulder. They use a rechargeable battery, so you can take the machine with you while you’re running errands or on vacation.
It is important to note that portable devices deliver less oxygen than an in-home machine, but that rate can vary from as little as 0.5 liters to 10 liters of oxygen per minute. It’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure you’re using the right device. They can also ensure you choose the correct oxygen level setting on your machine.
What’s the difference between an oxygen concentrator and an oxygen tank?
Oxygen concentrators are different from oxygen tanks because they use energy to remove nitrogen from the air around you to concentrate the amount of oxygen in the air you breathe. As long as an oxygen concentrator has an energy source, it will never run out of oxygen.
Oxygen tanks, in contrast, are limited by their capacity to hold oxygen. They run out of oxygen in just a few hours and need to be replaced or refilled. Although they run out of oxygen quickly and can be heavy, they don’t require a power source.
It’s also important to note that there is a difference between oxygen concentrators and oxygen generators. Concentrators remove nitrogen from the air in order to concentrate the leftover oxygen. Generators pull the oxygen from the air to store it instead. Most generators are used in a hospital setting, while concentrators are for home use.
Pros and cons
If your doctor prescribes oxygen, the question becomes whether to use an oxygen concentrator or an oxygen tank.
There are a few pros that come with using an oxygen concentrator:
- They do not run out of oxygen as long as they have a power source.
- Users will experience increased independence in carrying out daily activities.
- Users can go on vacation, spend time outdoors, and get exercise.
- They are a more cost-effective solution than tanks in the long run.
There are some cons, too. A few drawbacks of using an oxygen concentrator include:
- They require a constant power supply, which means you might need a backup battery or generator in case of a power outage.
- Filters need to be cleaned and replaced frequently, and the machine should be serviced regularly.
- Some models can be loud.
You might also experience some side effects, such as headaches and fatigue, whether you use an oxygen tank or an oxygen concentrator. You might also experience a dry or bloody nose. If you use a concentrator, you can add a humidifier to make the air you breathe more moist.
Safety precautions
Oxygen itself isn’t flammable, but it actively supports the burning process, so some safety precautions are required if you have an oxygen concentrator.
Oxygen concentrators should be kept at least 10 feet away from a fire or heat source like:
- Cigarettes.
- Vape pens.
- Grills.
- Ovens.
- Space heaters.
- Electric blankets.
They should also be kept away from highly flammable materials like:
- Gasoline.
- Oil.
- Rubbing alcohol.
- Paint thinners.
Because oxygen concentrators are lifesaving devices, you must also take extra precautions to ensure that yours is running properly. Make sure there is plenty of space around the machine, and don’t block the vents so it doesn’t overheat. If it beeps or sounds an alarm, make sure you check your owner’s manual or call your doctor.
Never use an oxygen concentrator without a prescription, and always follow your doctor’s guidance. Too much oxygen can damage your lungs, and too little oxygen can exacerbate existing medical conditions.
How much does an oxygen concentrator cost?
You can find oxygen concentrators for just a few hundred dollars, with some units costing thousands of dollars. Shop around for used machines if you’re looking to save some money. You should also check with your insurance, including Medicare. Most insurance providers pay for at least a portion of the total cost when using an one is deemed medically necessary by a doctor.
If you don’t need to use an oxygen concentrator long-term, or if you’re looking for a portable device for a vacation, you can also find units you can rent.
Talk to your doctor
Getting the right amount of oxygen is essential to your health, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your options. They can determine if you need extra oxygen, provide you with a prescription, and give you advice on which machine would be best for you.
