medtechlife

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a respiratory condition? Breathing difficulties can be a major hindrance to daily life, impacting your ability to do simple tasks like walking up a flight of stairs or going for a walk. Fortunately, technology has come a long way and one such device that has revolutionized the treatment of respiratory conditions is the oxygen concentrator. In this article, we will take a closer look at how oxygen concentrators work, their benefits, and how they can improve your quality of life.

 

Understanding Oxygen Concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are medical devices that are designed to provide supplemental oxygen to individuals with respiratory conditions. Unlike oxygen tanks that need to be refilled or replaced, oxygen concentrators use a process called pressure swing adsorption (PSA) to extract oxygen from the air and concentrate it to therapeutic levels.

 

The air we breathe is made up of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases. An oxygen concentrator works by drawing in air from the surrounding environment, removing the nitrogen and other gases, and then delivering the concentrated oxygen through a nasal cannula or mask to the patient.

 

How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?

 

Oxygen concentrators work by using a process called pressure swing adsorption (PSA) to extract oxygen from the air. Air contains roughly 21% oxygen, and an oxygen concentrator works by removing nitrogen and other gases from the air to increase the concentration of oxygen. The oxygen is then compressed and delivered to the patient.

 

 

Benefits of Using an Oxygen Concentrator

 

Using an oxygen concentrator can have numerous benefits for individuals with respiratory conditions. Here are just a few:

 

Improved Energy Levels

When you have a respiratory condition, your body has to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. By using an oxygen concentrator to supplement your oxygen levels, you can improve your energy levels and feel less fatigued throughout the day.

 

Increased Mobility

When your body is not getting the oxygen it needs, it can be difficult to move around and do simple tasks. An oxygen concentrator can help improve your mobility by providing the oxygen your body needs to function properly.

 

Better Sleep

Sleep apnea is a common respiratory condition that can lead to poor sleep quality and fatigue during the day. Using an oxygen concentrator can help improve the quality of your sleep by ensuring that your body is getting the oxygen it needs throughout the night.

 

Improved Mental Health

Living with a respiratory condition can be stressful and impact your mental health. By using an oxygen concentrator to improve your oxygen levels, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and improve your overall mental health.

 

Cost-effective  

Oxygen concentrators do not work on heavy cylinders and their refill. It takes air from the environment, eliminates nitrogen from the air, and gives back pure oxygen for patients. Since the mechanism is carried out through the air from the environment, it is cost-effective and has made people's lives easy.   

 

Regain your social life

The use of oxygen concentrators can allow those suffering from breathing problems to return to their normal social lives, as they are easy to transport and manage. To ensure a safe usage in public places, it is important for individuals to research the absolute usage guidelines for these devices. This way, they will be able to attend functions, family outings, meetings, and discussions without any worries.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Finding the right oxygen concentrator for those with breathing complications can be a challenge, given the wide range of healthcare products available on the market. To ensure you make the right choice, consider features such as alarms for low oxygen purity, low pressure, power outage, and overheating; self-diagnostic systems; cost-effectiveness; 24/7 running capability; and a warranty. Be sure to research a product's credibility and delivery criteria before buying.