The demand for oxygen concentrators was never so high across the globe, as it has been witnessed during the COVID breakout. There was a national uproar over the lack of oxygen; most hospitals were facing an oxygen shortage. In addition, oxygen cylinders were not provided to severely infected Corona patients at home.
In order to deal with the shortage of oxygen concentrators, more production of concentrators was need of the hour. So there was a huge pressure on dealers for oxygen concentrators. The machine works on the principle of producing oxygen from normal air. This functionality of the machine has proved to be lifesaving. Thus, it is important to buy an oxygen concentrator in India from a trusted oxygen concentrator dealer.
Oxygen concentrators are portable equipment that produces oxygen for patients from the air they breathe at home. The technology is integrated into pressure swing absorption. Oxygen concentrators are more commonly employed in settings where using liquid oxygen or pressurised oxygen is harmful, such as at home, small hospitals, nursing homes, or in small clinics. It is particularly useful for coronavirus patients who are isolated at home.
How does it work?
The oxygen concentrator separates nitrogen from the air and expels the excess gas, which can be used by patients in need of oxygen. Oxygen concentrators are also a cheap source of oxygen in industrial processes where they are known as oxygen gas generators or oxygen generation plants. Concentrators use pressure swing absorption technique. We all know that only 21 percent of natural air is oxygen, while 78 percent is nitrogen, and the rest is other gases. An oxygen concentrator takes in air and separates the oxygen and carries it to a person through the nasal cannula.
The supply of pure oxygen through external equipment reduces the pressure on the lungs in respiratory infection cases. These concentrators supply oxygen to the body in the same way as oxygen tanks or cylinders. However, in cases of severe respiratory distress, it may be necessary to provide oxygen that is approximately 99% pure, and an oxygen concentrator may not be very useful for that purpose.
A concentrator has a compressor and a sieve bed filter. The compressor compresses the atmospheric air and also adjusts the pressure at which it is to be applied. The sieve bed filter is made of a material called zeolite, which separates nitrogen from the air. This device consists of two sieve beds, both of which release oxygen into a tank that is attached to the cannula, as well as releasing nitrogen and forming a continuous loop that produces fresh oxygen.
If you are looking for a concentrator, you can also opt to rent an oxygen concentrator. Pulmozone is one of the most trusted and authorised oxygen concentrator dealers in India.
How to set up and use an oxygen concentrator at home?
- Keep the oxygen concentrator about 1 to 2 feet away from the wall and furniture, as the device requires ample space to circulate air.
- Connect the humidification bottle if prescribed. If the oxygen flow rate exceeds 2-3 liters per minute (LPM), a humidifier is prescribed by a doctor or medical professional.
- Next, fit the threaded cap on your humidification bottle to the outlet of your oxygen concentrator. Rotate the bottle slowly until it is securely attached to the machine. Always use distilled or filtered water in a humidification bottle.
- Attach the oxygen tubing to the humidification bottle or adapter.
- An oxygen concentrator has an air inlet filter that cleans the air. Therefore, make sure that the filter is in place before using the concentrator. The filter can be washed once a week with warm water and dried before use.
- The machine should start at least 15-20 minutes before use. Do not use the extension cord to plug in the concentrator, as it will draw too much power to operate.
- Switch on the power button. Once the oxygen concentrator starts, you will hear the sound of air being processed. Always check the light indicator to make sure the machine is working properly.
Since the functionality of oxygen concentrator has to be optimum and accurate in order to save the lives, the reliability. So it becomes crucial to buy an oxygen concentrator from a trusted oxygen concentrator dealer like Pulmozone.