A portable oxygen concentrator system is a piece of equipment used to supply oxygen. It helps a patient breathe when they are unable to do so naturally. Breathing problems can occur due to old age or a wide range of other health issues.

Portable oxygen concentrators are battery-powered which means that one can carry them around easily. Many systems come with adapters that are designed to help one breathe while they are on the move, or while driving a vehicle, etc. Portable oxygen concentrator devices are better than oxygen tanks as the latter are bulky and troublesome to carry around.

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers regarding these essential medical systems:

What is the need for a portable oxygen concentrator system?

• At present, there are over 30 million Americans who suffer from health issues that affect their breathing abilities and makes natural filtration of oxygen difficult. This tragic figure shows that Americans are in dire need of clean oxygen due to lung issues.
• There are over 1 million Americans who require treatments that entail breathing clean air. Oxygen concentrators are devices that help people breathe pure oxygen.
• A portable oxygen concentrator system ensures that one gets clean oxygen supply at all times, and allows them to breathe normally.

How does a portable oxygen concentrator system work?

• A portable oxygen concentrator system filters the air taken from one’s surroundings, making it a convenient way to breathe.
• Normal air mainly consists of nitrogen, and about 20% of it is oxygen. The oxygen concentrator system purifies this air and supplies it to the user.
• At the end of the process, a user can breathe in up to 95% clean oxygen. Note that these systems only supply oxygen to the user.

What are the different types of portable oxygen concentrators?

At present, there are two types of portable oxygen concentrators available:

• Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator systems: These systems supply oxygen in pulses, and can provide 450 mL to 1250 mL of oxygen per minute. They are better for people who do not require a continuous supply of oxygen. Pulse dose systems are the best choice for people who need a maximum of 2 LPM of oxygen. These systems can run on battery, as well as AC and DC power supply. They are better for people who want to carry an oxygen concentrator system around. They are lightweight and more portable than other oxygen systems.
• Continuous portable oxygen concentrator systems: This is a common oxygen concentrator system that, as the name suggests, supplies oxygen continuously. These types of systems can supply up to 3 LPM of oxygen. One cannot carry the continuous portable oxygen concentrator system easily. Users will have to take the equipment separately. They usually come in little trolley cart designs that a user can pull along while they are walking.

Can one carry a portable oxygen concentrator with them while traveling on an airplane?

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allowed people who require oxygen therapy to bring their portable oxygen concentrator systems along with them. This regulation applies to all U.S. flights with more than 19 seats.
• Note that not all portable oxygen concentrators can be brought on an airplane.
• Only those portable oxygen concentrators approved by the FAA are allowed on an aircraft.
• Any aircraft that is coming to or going from America should allow a patient to bring the oxygen concentrator system with them.

How can one choose a portable oxygen concentrator system?

• One should consult their doctor while choosing the best portable oxygen concentrator for themselves.
• A doctor will be able to give tips regarding which concentrator one should choose for long-term benefits.
• One must remember to check what their insurance policy will cover as the cost of oxygen concentrators can be quite high.
• Portable oxygen concentrators do not last very long which is why maintenance can add to the cost substantially.
• Research and get the overall picture before deciding upon a portable oxygen concentrator system.