Understanding Oxygen Concentrator Flow Rates and Percentages

Our bodies use high oxygen levels to function properly. Not getting enough oxygen causes significant physical health issues and discomfort. Oxygen concentrators play a key part in effective respiratory therapy.

Although increasing oxygen purity levels greatly improves your well-being, starting oxygen therapy can be intimidating. Not only does carrying an oxygen unit significantly change your lifestyle, but it also introduces new terminology as well. This language may be confusing and difficult to understand and therefore lead to more questions such as:

• What are flow rates?
• What it means when a doctor refers to oxygen purity percentages?
• How do concentrators supplement oxygen?
• How are flow settings adjusted?

This blog seeks to answer these questions to help you feel more comfortable and less apprehensive about your new machine. The more knowledge you have, the less confusion there is about the journey ahead. Please note that this article should not replace any treatment advice from medical professionals.

Oxygen concentrators pull air from the user’s surroundings and filter out other elements, providing concentrated supplemental oxygen and optimal delivery efficiency. This is crucial for patients experiencing low blood oxygen concentration percentages (SpO2).

Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2) is the percentage of oxygen in the air that is inhaled. Oxygen concentrators can magnify the air’s oxygen levels up to 96%. Concentrators increase FiO2 to improve your SpO2.

Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SpO2) is the percentage of oxygen in your blood. The SPO2 is the number the doctors read from the pulse oximeter when placed over your finger. This is how they determine how many liters of oxygen to prescribe. 

The rate at which an oxygen concentrator dispenses oxygen is measured in liters per minute (LPM). Home concentrators typically range between 1 and 10 LPM. Portable concentrators have settings between 1 and 5 LPM (possibly higher depending on the model).

Prescribed flow rate settings may vary from one patient to another depending on their condition. Someone with COPD might require a different rate of liters per minute than someone with acute respiratory distress. A medical professional will evaluate your needs and recommend the best flow rate setting so you know what unit is best for you.

One of the biggest factors to consider when purchasing an oxygen concentrator is whether the machine is pulse flow or continuous flow. Which flow option is right for you depends on your breath rate and oxygen needs as determined by your doctor.

Pulse dose concentrators provide “pulses” of air every time the user breathes. These machines do not have set liters per minute as each dose is released when the user inhales. Most portable oxygen concentrators are pulse doses.

Continuous flow concentrators, as the term suggests, dispense oxygen in a steady stream at a set liters per minute (LPM) rate. This type of flow is typically used in stationary oxygen concentrators for home therapy .

Oxygen settings vary from machine to machine. Many stationary concentrators have a dial for manual oxygen volume control. Portable concentrators typically have electronic buttons to adjust oxygen output levels. The higher the number, the higher the flow rate. Your doctor will prescribe specific oxygen flow rates according to your needs. Always consult your doctor before adjusting oxygen concentrator settings or altering the flow meter calibration.

At first, respiratory therapy may seem overwhelming. You can use this blog as a resource as you embark on your respiratory therapy journey. With help from medical professionals and modern technology, you can start feeling better in no time.