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Inogen 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 they have oxygen therapy nearby should it be required. 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 designed for several years but 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. Because 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 car using a vehicle adapter. They can also be used by using batteries so that they can be utilized when no outlet is available.

How Does the Device Function?

The technology that’s found in the portable oxygen concentrator may be the same, which is used, in home concentrators. Barometric pressurized air contains approximately 21 percent oxygen along with nitrogen and a cocktail of varied other gasses. The compressor within the machine 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 patient. Portion of the oxygen is used in this manner, while a share of the gas is reused within the next cycle. By using this technique, the filtering system is able to produce top 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 application of cylinders or other heavier options that could restrict movement. Nearly all these devices are powered by a pulse delivery system, which allows for maximum oxygen purity.

Great things about On-Demand POCs

Nearly all POCs are quite light and small and this can be achieved due to the use of an on-demand system. Inogen allows 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 allows for the patient to receive all the oxygen that they require no more, thereby eliminating the chance that unnecessary oxygen will be wasted.

Nearly all on-demand systems have a selection of settings that release a certain amount of liters per oxygen 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 with the use of 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 can 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 while asleep, the new devices are located to be just as effective as nighttime oxygen therapy. However, they ought to not be used in individuals who have problems with sleep apnea.