Is an At-Home Oxygen Concentrator Right for You?
Purchasing an at-home or stationary oxygen concentrator is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Like any big purchase, you need to find the right concentrator for your specific needs.
There are many at-home concentrators on the market that offer many different things, like easy to store, energy efficient, high-altitude usages, lightweight, etc. For just about every situation, there is a stationary concentrator fit for your needs.
Why Choose a Stationary Concentrator?
At-home oxygen concentrators are not the only product on the market to deliver the oxygen you need. There are a few other options out there, such as portable oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks. Portable oxygen concentrators are great for mobility, but because their main goal is convenience and because they are much smaller and lighter weight, they can lack power (and even run out of power) and oxygen output capabilities that only a home oxygen concentrator can supply. Oxygen tanks are not always reliable and are inconvenient as the tanks need to be refilled and are very bulky and difficult to maneuver. Because at-home oxygen concentrators do not contain tanks of any sort, they do not need to be refilled. You will never run out of oxygen using a stationary concentrator as long as power is available. In the long run, because refills are not required, stationary machines are often a better use of money than tanks.
How Stationary Concentrators Work
Portable concentrators and at-home concentrators work the same way. The air is taken from around the machine, filters out other gases and impurities so that you can breathe in medical grade oxygen via nasal cannula. If your body is not absorbing enough oxygen, you put your body and its organs at risk. Without enough oxygen, you can suffer from muscle cramps, memory loss, the feeling of breathlessness, and more intensely, brain damage or heart issues. The supplemental oxygen ensures your body is getting the oxygen it needs to survive and thrive.
Home Concentrators and Continuous Flow
Stationary concentrators supply a continuous flow of oxygen, opposed to pulse flow or intermittent flow that some portable concentrators provide. Pulse flow allows for a smaller, more compact design and can be powered by batteries. At-home concentrators, because they’re bigger and are always plugged in, can supply a constant flow of oxygen.
Choosing the Right At-Home Concentrator for You
There is not a one-size-fits-all concentrator. Because of the differences between each individual and their needs, there are many concentrators to choose from. You and your doctor will determine which features are, first, imperative and, secondly, desired. Things such as oxygen requirements, your budget, and the size and portability of the unit will be taken into consideration when selecting your at-home concentrator.
Getting Used to Your Stationary Concentrator
Like anything new, there is often a learning curve when it comes to oxygen concentrators. It is important to take the time to become familiar with your machine, its functions, and settings, buttons, switches, alarms, etc. Refer to your user manual whenever necessary. You can also contact the knowledgeable team at O2 Assist for any questions or concerns.