A POC or portable oxygen concentrator is a device, which is found 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 visit and move with the assurance they have oxygen therapy nearby should it be required. These devices are small enough to be placed in the car and have also recently become FAA approved.
The Development of Portable Oxygen Concentrators
POCs have been available for several years however the past models have already been excessively bulky and not nearly as reliable as those currently available. 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 using a house outlet or in the automobile utilizing a vehicle adapter. They can also be used by using batteries in order to be utilized when no outlet is available.
How Does the Device Function?
https://www.inogen.com/resources/oxygen-tanks/ that is used in the portable oxygen concentrator may be the same, which 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 in this manner, while a percentage of the gas is reused within the next cycle. By using this technique, the filtering system can produce high quality concentrated oxygen of around 96% concentration.
The most recent models of POCs are powered using electricity supplies or battery packs which allow the patient to remain free from the utilization of cylinders or other heavier options that could restrict movement. Nearly all these devices operate on a pulse delivery system, which allows for maximum oxygen purity.
Benefits of On-Demand POCs
Nearly all POCs are very light and small which can be achieved as a result of use of an on-demand system. This enables the portable oxygen concentrator to be made up of smaller pieces than a home oxygen system. The fact that the individual only inhales oxygen, the on-demand device allows for the patient to get all of the oxygen they require and no more, thereby eliminating the risk that unnecessary oxygen will undoubtedly be wasted.
The majority of on-demand systems come with a variety of settings that release a certain amount of liters per oxygen each minute. Using the correct quantity of oxygen prevents the waste of oxygen when the patient exhales as oxygen is required during inhalation rather than exhalation.
This technology is accomplished with the use of boluses that may vary with regards to the breathing rate of the individual. That is particularly useful when sleeping when 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 amount of oxygen at a slower rate to support 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 found to be just as effective as nighttime oxygen therapy. However, they should not be used in individuals who have problems with sleep apnea.
