The basics of oxygen concentrators and the best ones to buy

The basics of oxygen concentrators and the best ones to buy

Chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma and COPD, are on the rise globally. Factors like climate change, air pollution, and the overuse of antibiotics could be possible triggers, and there’s no evidence to suggest that either of them is going to slow down in the next few years. Medications and devices that increase airflow in the lungs are, hence, extremely crucial for patients, and oxygen concentrators have emerged as the most viable and effective form of oxygen therapy.

What are oxygen concentrators?

Oxygen concentrators are devices that provide supplemental oxygen to the blood. A patient suffering from a respiratory disorder is unable to breathe properly because the oxygen concentration in his/her blood goes below normal. An oxygen concentrator makes up for this loss by supplying purified medical grade oxygen to the patients’ body.

How do they work?

Oxygen concentrators work by taking in air from the atmosphere, filtering it for unwanted elements, and then supplying the purified oxygen to the patients’ body. Outside air contains nitrogen, which is removed using special filters and sieve beds. The electronic interface in the device helps adjust the delivery settings and the oxygen concentration to your liking. A mask or nasal cannula delivers the purified oxygen to the patients’ body.

The best oxygen concentrators of 2020

Oxygen concentrators, which are lightweight, portable, and equipped with safety features, are in higher demand compared to traditional concentrators, which are bulky and difficult to carry from one place to another. Keeping that in mind, here are our picks for the best oxygen concentrators of 2020.

Drive Medical DeVilbiss 10L Oxygen Concentrator

Despite having a capacity of 10 liters per minute, this device is small and easily fits in the back of the car. Costing around $1,300, it supplies 87% to 96% of oxygen purity at 2-10 liters per minute (LPM). The machine is also equipped with DeVilbiss’ Oxygen Sensing Device (OSD) system, which helps monitor the oxygen produced and keeps a check on the patients’ health. Alarms fitted in the device add another layer of safety, while handles on the top and side of the device increase its portability.

AirSep Freestyle 3 Portable Concentrator

If you’re looking for an even smaller concentrator, here’s an option you can try. The AirSep Freestyle 3, which has a starting price of $2,695, weighs as little as five pounds, making it extremely portable. You can use the shoulder strap and carry it with you while hiking, cycling, or anywhere else. The device has a Max Pulse Setting of 3, a max oxygen setting of 332 per minute, and a 3.5-hour battery life. It doesn’t make much noise, which makes it useful for use in offices as well. In case you’re running out of battery, you can use the optional battery belt to boost the battery life by an additional six hours.

Inogen At Home Stationary Oxygen Concentrator 5-Liter

Weighing only 18-pounds and available under $1,500, this 5-liter oxygen concentrator can be transported throughout the house without much concern. It boasts up to five continuous flow modes, wherein you can adjust the settings from 1-5 LPM. It’s energy-efficient, which saves you a lot of money on power bills. Patients can operate the control panel themselves, while its strong build ensures that it doesn’t get easily damaged. The machine also comes with a 3-year warranty.

Invacare Platinum Mobile Oxygen Concentrator
This particular oxygen concentrator ticks most of the boxes and works for all types of patients. It is lightweight, makes next to no noise, and is robust enough to withstand daily pressure. It delivers an average of 44 mL of oxygen per minute and offers up to four different settings. The machine, priced at $2,495, can also withstand up to 10 minutes of direct rain and is certified for use on commercial flights as well.