A POC or portable oxygen concentrator is really a device, which is used in order to provide a patient with oxygen therapy that exceeds the concentration of atmospheric air. They're similar in structure and use to home-based oxygen concentrator but are smaller and, therefore, more portable. This allows for patients to travel and move with the assurance they have oxygen therapy nearby should it be needed. These devices are small enough to be put into the car and have also recently become FAA approved.
The Development of Portable Oxygen Concentrators
POCs have been available for several years but the past models have been excessively bulky and not nearly as reliable as those currently available to buy. These older models were also not permissible on aircraft. Since the year 2000, the reliability of the devices has increased in both practicality and efficiency. They are able to be charged using a house outlet or in the car utilizing a vehicle adapter. They are able to also be used through the use of batteries in order to be used when no outlet is available.
How Does these devices Function?
The technology that's found in the portable oxygen concentrator may be the same, that 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 utilizing a chemical filter system, which is used as a sieve for the gas molecules. The filter comprises silicate granules, or Zeolite, which removes the nitrogen from the air. This serves to concentrate the oxygen, that is then inhaled by the patient. Portion of the oxygen is used in this manner, while a share of the gas is reused within the next cycle. Through the use of this technique, the filtering system can produce high quality concentrated oxygen of approximately 96% concentration.
The most recent types of POCs are powered using electricity supplies or battery packs which allow the patient to remain clear of the use of cylinders or other heavier options that could restrict movement. Nearly all these devices operate on a pulse delivery system, that allows for maximum oxygen purity.
Benefits of On-Demand POCs
The majority of POCs are quite light and small which can be achieved as a result of usage of an on-demand system. https://www.inogen.com allows the portable oxygen concentrator to be made up of smaller pieces when compared to a home oxygen system. The point that the individual only inhales oxygen, the on-demand device permits the patient to receive each of the oxygen they require and no more, thereby eliminating the risk that unnecessary oxygen will undoubtedly be wasted.
Nearly all on-demand systems have a selection of settings that to push out 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 only required during inhalation rather than exhalation.
This technology is accomplished by using boluses that can vary depending on the breathing rate of the individual. This 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, so that it releases the required level of oxygen at a slower rate to accommodate the longer, slower breaths taken.
Although some physicians will recommend a continuing system instead of an on-demand system during sleep, the new devices are located to be in the same way effective as nighttime oxygen therapy. However, they ought to not be used in individuals who have problems with sleep apnea.