Portable Oxygen Concentrators - COPD Patients Best Friend

For people suffering from COPD and need additional oxygen things have changed for the better since the arrival of portable oxygen concentrators.

Long term oxygen therapy is prescribed mainly to patients who have COPD and therefore lung damage (the vast majority of who had been smokers). Their lifestyle was restricted for various reasons but one that perhaps had the greatest impact was the limitations on moving about and being able to participate in many activities. Oxygen tanks and oxygen cylinders were, and are, an answer to this problem, however the type of oxygen delivery system that stands out as providing the greatest solution to this is the portable oxygen concentrator.

Manufacturers of oxygen machines have been steadily improving their designs and coming up with greater benefits especially for the portable machine side of things. The benefits are now easily appreciated by extra oxygen users who are now able to do many more things than previously.

These changes for the better come as a result of designs in the traditional tanks and cylinders (lighter weights and more practical shapes), with oxygen flow regulators and particularly the user friendly designs of the portable oxygen concentrator.

An oxygen concentrator is a machine that separates oxygen from the surrounding air and then supplies it to the patient. A portable one means you can carry it with you - and here the benefits are easily recognized. All things being equal the normal composition of the air about us is around 88% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and the small remainder made up of other gases. The concentrator separates and absorbs this oxygen and then the machine delivers it as concentrated oxygen.

They are powered by electricity, which can be through an outlet or with rechargeable batteries. This last one, batteries, is one of the great benefits as rechargeable batteries are now days much more long lasting and as this translates into extra oxygen needs, it means that the supply is considerably longer lasting.

More Information On Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Concentrators do make a sort of rumbling noise compared to tanks or cylinders that do not, except from the hiss of the oxygen delivery.

Just like the other machines they will have adjustable flow settings.

When traveling, by car, or any other type of vehicle (perhaps even walking) make sure your battery is charged and that you are carrying a spare.

Many people write out a simple checklist to double check that they have everything on hand before going out. With familiarity absent mindedness can happen.

Perhaps the greatest difference between concentrators and oxygen tanks or cylinders (note that tanks store liquid oxygen and cylinders oxygen as a gas0 is the storage aspect. Concentrators extract and deliver, they transform. Tanks and cylinders store and delivery and are therefore dependent on how much oxygen can be stored. When they run down they have to be filled up again. Concentrators will continue to extract and deliver.


On final benefit that has really made a difference. A short while ago when traveling by air oxygen dependent patients were severely limited. As of 2009 the FAA has authorized a series of portable oxygen concentrator model to be carried on board any flight that originates or even lies over USA airspace. The bottom line, it is now much easier to travel if you need oxygen therapy. Your mobility and therefore your lifestyle is positively affected.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/portable-oxygen-concentrators-copd-patients-best-friend-3287183.html

About the Author

Author: Peter Vermeulen

For information and resources on long term oxygen solutions visit Portable Oxygen Concentrators You will also find more information on supplemental oxygen resources at http://www.portableoxygenmachines.net.