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 allows for patients to visit and move with the assurance they have oxygen therapy nearby should it be required. These devices 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 available for several years but the past models have been excessively bulky rather than nearly as reliable as those currently on the market. 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 could be charged using a house outlet or in the automobile utilizing a vehicle adapter. They can also be used through the use of batteries so that they can be used when no outlet can be acquired.
How Does these devices Function?
The technology that is found 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 device pressurizes the air using a chemical filter system, which 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. Part of the oxygen is used in this manner, while a percentage of the gas is reused within the next cycle. By using this process, the filtering system can produce high quality concentrated oxygen of approximately 96% concentration.
The most recent models 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 which could restrict movement. Nearly all these devices operate on a pulse delivery system, which allows for maximum oxygen purity.
Benefits of On-Demand POCs
The majority of POCs are very light and small that can be achieved because of the usage of an on-demand system. This enables the portable oxygen concentrator to be composed of smaller pieces than a home oxygen system. The truth that the individual only inhales oxygen, the on-demand device allows for the patient to receive all the oxygen that they require and no more, thereby eliminating the chance that unnecessary oxygen will undoubtedly be wasted.
The majority of on-demand systems come with a selection of settings that release a certain number of liters per oxygen for each minute. Using Inogen of oxygen prevents the waste of oxygen once the patient exhales as oxygen is required during inhalation rather than exhalation.
This technology is accomplished with the use of boluses that can vary with regards to the breathing rate of the individual. That is particularly useful when sleeping once the rate naturally slows. Inogen that utilizes a variable bolus system is able to detect the slowed rate of breathing, so that it releases the required amount of oxygen at a slower rate to accommodate the longer, slower breaths taken.
Even though some physicians will recommend a continuing 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 should not be used in individuals who suffer from sleep apnea.