A POC or portable oxygen concentrator is really a device, which is used in order to provide an individual with oxygen therapy that exceeds the concentration of atmospheric air. They're similar in structure and use to home-based oxygen concentrator but are smaller and, therefore, more portable. This enables for patients to travel and move with the assurance that they have oxygen therapy nearby should it be needed. The unit are small enough to be put into the car and have also recently become FAA approved.
The Development of Portable Oxygen Concentrators
POCs have been available for several years however the past models have been excessively bulky rather than nearly as reliable as those currently available to buy. These older models were also not permissible on aircraft. Since the year 2000, the reliability of the devices has increased in both practicality and efficiency. They are able to be charged utilizing a house outlet or in the automobile using a vehicle adapter. They are able to also be used through the use of batteries so that they can be used when no outlet is available.
How Does the Device Function?
The technology that's used in the portable oxygen concentrator is the same, that is used, in home concentrators. Barometric pressurized air contains approximately 21 percent oxygen alongside nitrogen and a cocktail of varied other gasses. The compressor within the device pressurizes the air using a chemical filter system, which is used as a sieve for the gas molecules. The filter is composed of silicate granules, or Zeolite, which removes the nitrogen from the air. This serves to concentrate the oxygen, that is then inhaled by the individual. Portion of the oxygen is used in this manner, while a percentage of the gas is reused in the next cycle. Through the use of this technique, the filtering system can produce high quality concentrated oxygen of approximately 96% concentration.
The most recent models of POCs are powered using electricity supplies or battery packs which permit the patient to remain clear of the usage of cylinders or other heavier options which could restrict movement. The majority of these devices are powered by a pulse delivery system, that allows for maximum oxygen purity.
Get more information On-Demand POCs
The majority of POCs are very light and small that may be achieved as a result of usage of an on-demand system. This enables the portable oxygen concentrator to be composed of smaller pieces than a home oxygen system. The point that the individual only inhales oxygen, the on-demand device permits the patient to receive all the oxygen that they require and no more, thereby eliminating the risk that unnecessary oxygen will undoubtedly be wasted.
Nearly all on-demand systems come with a selection of settings that to push out a certain amount of liters per oxygen for each minute. Using the correct amount of oxygen prevents the waste of oxygen when the patient exhales as oxygen is only required during inhalation rather than exhalation.
This technology is accomplished by using boluses that can vary according to the breathing rate of the patient. This is particularly useful when sleeping once the rate naturally slows. A machine that utilizes a variable bolus system is able to detect the slowed rate of breathing, in order that it releases the required level of oxygen at a slower rate to support the longer, slower breaths taken.
Even though some physicians will recommend a continuous system as opposed to an on-demand system during sleep, the new devices are found to be in the same way effective as nighttime oxygen therapy. However, they ought to not be used in individuals who suffer from sleep apnea.