A POC or portable oxygen concentrator is really a device, which is used in order to provide an individual 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 enables for patients to travel and move with the assurance they have oxygen therapy nearby should it be needed. The unit are small enough to be put into the car and also have also recently become FAA approved.
The Development of Portable Oxygen Concentrators
POCs have been designed for several years but the past models have already been excessively bulky rather than nearly as reliable as those currently out there. 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 automobile utilizing a vehicle adapter. They are able to also be used by using batteries so that they can be utilized when no outlet can be acquired.
How Does the Device Function?
The technology that is used in the portable oxygen concentrator is the same, that is used, in home concentrators. Barometric pressurized air contains approximately 21 percent oxygen alongside nitrogen and a cocktail of varied other gasses. The compressor within the machine pressurizes the air utilizing 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. This serves to concentrate the oxygen, that is then inhaled by the individual. The main oxygen is used this way, while a share of the gas is reused within the next cycle. By using this process, the filtering system is able to produce high 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 clear of the use of cylinders or other heavier options that could restrict movement. The majority of these devices are powered by a pulse delivery system, which allows for maximum oxygen purity.
Great things about On-Demand POCs
The majority of POCs are quite light and small which is often achieved as a result of usage of an on-demand system. This allows 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 permits the patient to get all of the oxygen they require no more, thereby eliminating the risk that unnecessary oxygen will be wasted.
Nearly all on-demand systems have a selection 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 only required during inhalation and not exhalation.
This technology is accomplished with the use of boluses that may vary depending on the breathing rate of the individual. Inogen is particularly useful when sleeping when the rate naturally slows. Click here for more that utilizes a variable bolus system is able to 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.
Although some physicians will recommend a continuous system instead of an on-demand system while asleep, the new devices are located 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.