5 Things You Should Consider When Choosing an Oxygen Concentrator
If you experience breathing problems, you probably know that an oxygen concentrator is a vital component of your oxygen therapy.
Oxygen concentrators are tasked with taking the air from around us and filtering out nitrogen to deliver you an oxygen-enriched gas stream. However, there are so many different types of oxygen concentrators on the market; how can you be sure that you're picking out the one that best suits your needs? In this article, we'll give you five things to consider when picking out your concentrator so that you can find the right one for you.
If you love to travel or are typically on-the-go, you might consider picking out an O2 concentrator that will allow you to do what you love with ease. You can choose from a wearable concentrator that will come with a backpack or over-the-shoulder carrying case, or one that has wheels and goes with you like it's a suitcase. Portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight, so they should never weigh you down. While a portable O2 concentrator may cost a little more than a heavier, stationary concentrator, the ability to go anywhere with your oxygen is an investment that is very popular to many supplemental oxygen users. To learn more about how to travel with oxygen properly, check out this interactive infographic from the American Lung Association.
So many people opt for oxygen concentrators over oxygen tanks because they are typically much easier to use. With most concentrators, you'll have an easy-to-read display that will tell you how much air you’re receiving and how much battery you have left. Different settings are easy to use and understand. When you purchase an oxygen concentrator, make sure to read the user manual before operating the machine. Once you get it down the first time, it will be just like riding a bike every other time you use your O2 concentrator.
According to Nursing 2021, there is no one oxygen flow setting that is catered to everyone. The best way to determine the amount of oxygen you need is to speak with your doctor or oxygen care therapist. Once you have learned how much oxygen you need, you can purchase a concentrator catered to your needs and provide you with the correct flow. Thankfully, there are oxygen concentrators made for everyone, no matter how impaired your lungs are.
When it comes to purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator, you want to ensure that you don't have to spend your time out worrying about where the nearest power outlet is. When looking for an O2 concentrator, consider how much time you typically spend away from home in a day and then look for a battery that fits your active lifestyle.
If you ever have questions about your oxygen device, you'll want to have a team that's ready to assist you during any time of day or night. Purchase from a reputable brand known for their excellent customer service, preferably one with a 24-hour hotline or online chat.