Oxygen Concentrator
How does oxygen therapy work?
What’s the difference between the tubing (Nasal Cannula) and an oxygen mask?
What is a pulse oximeter?
Where can I get an oxygen concentrator?
What should I look for in an oxygen concentrator?
What Is An Oxygen Concentrator?
Oxygen Concentrators are medical devices that deliver almost pure oxygen through the nose via tubes. Air generally contains 21% oxygen; the rest is mostly nitrogen. Concentrators remove the nitrogen, leaving the remaining air 87-95% oxygen. Then the oxygen concentrators deliver the oxygen to the patient by means or tubes or masks. Oxygen concentrator output is generally measured in LPM(liters per minute).
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How does oxygen therapy work?
Oxygen therapy is typically recommended for people who have ailments, such as lung disease, cancer, or heart problems, which prevent the proper amount of oxygen from circulating in the blood. It must be prescribed by a physician. The amount of time spent doing oxygen therapy may vary; some will require it for a few hours, while some will require a constant therapy. The oxygen concentrator & therapy section has different types of oxygen therapy products.
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What’s the difference between the tubing (Nasal Cannula) and an oxygen mask?
The tubing is flexible and can be wrapped around eyeglasses or behind the ear. Many people find the tubing more aesthetically pleasing than the mask. However, the tubing can cause dryness in the nose and cannot be used when you have a stuffy nose. To prevent this dryness, place padding, such as gauze pads or cotton wrap, between the tubing and your skin. The tubing cannot be used while sleeping. The masks can also deliver more oxygen per minute; therefore, tubing may be inappropriate for some patients.
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What is a pulse oximeter?
Pulse oximeters are devices that measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. When looking to purchase a pulse oximeter, look for one that’s lightweight, but easy to read.
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Where can I get an oxygen concentrator?
Vitality Medical offers both portable and non-portable concentrators from Respironics’ Millennium series, Invacare’s 5LPM, Integra’s Sequal series.
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What should I look for in an oxygen concentrator?
Concentrators can be divided into two categories: portable oxygen concentrators and non-portable oxygen concentrators. Portable concentrators cost more, but are truly portable and help the patient have a great quality of life. Non-portable concentrator can be less expensive, but they are cumbersome and difficult to transport.
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