A POC or portable oxygen concentrator is really a device, which is found in order to provide a patient with oxygen therapy that exceeds the concentration of atmospheric air. They are 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 required. The unit are small enough to be placed in 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 in the marketplace. 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 car using a vehicle adapter. They can also be used through the use of batteries in order to be used when no outlet is available.
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 various other gasses. The compressor within the machine pressurizes the air using a chemical filter system, that is used as a sieve for the gas molecules. The filter comprises silicate granules, or Zeolite, which removes the nitrogen from the air. portable oxygen machine serves to concentrate the oxygen, which is then inhaled by the individual. Area of the oxygen is used this way, while a share of the gas is reused within the next cycle. Through the use of this technique, the filtering system can produce top quality concentrated oxygen of approximately 96% concentration.
The most recent models of POCs are powered using electricity supplies or battery packs which allow the patient to remain free from using cylinders or other heavier options which could restrict movement. Nearly all these devices are powered by a pulse delivery system, which allows for maximum oxygen purity.
Benefits of On-Demand POCs
Nearly all POCs are very light and small that may be achieved due to the use of an on-demand system. This enables the portable oxygen concentrator to be composed of smaller pieces when compared to a home oxygen system. The fact that the average person only inhales oxygen, the on-demand device permits the patient to receive all of the oxygen they require and 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 number of liters per oxygen each minute. Using the correct quantity of oxygen prevents the waste of oxygen when the patient exhales as oxygen is only required during inhalation rather than exhalation.
breathing machine is accomplished by using boluses that can vary depending on the breathing rate of the patient. That is particularly useful when sleeping once the rate naturally slows. A machine that utilizes a variable bolus system is able to detect the slowed rate of breathing, so that it releases the required quantity of oxygen at a slower rate to accommodate the longer, slower breaths taken.
Even though some physicians will recommend a continuous system as opposed to an on-demand system during sleep, the new devices are located to be just as effective as nighttime oxygen therapy. However, they ought to not be utilized in individuals who have problems with sleep apnea.