Oxygen Concentrators

People who are in need of high levels of oxygen to aid them in their everyday respiratory functions may require an oxygen concentrator. These devices give the user a very concentrated level of oxygen that will help combat the effects and problems of sleep apnea.

The devices

Oxygen concentrators are comprised of two metal chambers that hold compressed oxygen, which is more concentrated than the air in any room. The oxygen from these chambers flows out at a regulated level and provides a timed dosage of air to users at regular intervals. This works to allow users to breathe in the oxygen within a room, and to give them additional blasts of concentrated oxygen that will ensure proper respiration.

Users who need even more assistance can purchase an oxygen concentrator that delivers a steady, continuous supply of the oxygen-rich air. This is for patients with severe respiratory difficulties who are unable to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen on their own.

Older models

In the past, oxygen concentrators were very bulky machines that usually had to be plugged into a wall outlet and were not easy to move around. The oxygen tanks were also very dangerous, as each one was full of compressed air that had to be handled very carefully. It could not be dropped or brought close to any open flame, as the tank would likely explode.

Most oxygen users had to rely on scheduled deliveries of the tanks. Due to their hefty nature, they took up a lot of space in any home, so most people would purchase a few at a time and have the empty canisters taken away whenever the new ones arrived.

Although these canisters could be transported, it was not easy to do. They had to be placed on large carts which were difficult to push around, and most people did not want to be seen with them in public. These factors led to most oxygen users being stuck at home and confined to a particular area where their oxygen concentrator was set up for private use.

Use at home and outside

Modern technology has made these devices much smaller and less restricting. They are lighter and more convenient to transport, which makes them much easier to use at home and to carry to any public setting. The advances in the size and weight of these devices has granted users who depend on them for respiratory assistance a great deal of freedom and mobility.

Oxygen concentrators allow people who suffer from even the most severe respiratory issues to breathe normally. They are invaluable to people with emphysema, sleep apnea, obstructed nasal passages, or any other affliction that prevents them from receiving the oxygen they need.