There is a big difference between an ordinary oxygen tank and a modern portable oxygen concentrator (POC). As a patient, you may be familiar with both oxygen delivery systems. However, the main details of oxygen delivery are very different from the equipment itself. The first major difference is the method used to supplement oxygen. The oxygen available in the oxygen tank is limited. The patient can only receive compliant oxygen therapy until the oxygen tank becomes empty.
However, a modern portable oxygen concentrator can provide an unlimited amount of medical-grade oxygen because the device filters the oxygen available in the environment. Basically, POC will deliver oxygen until the battery is not charged, and then simply replace the battery, and the patient can further enjoy the required treatment.
The basic working principle of the portable oxygen concentrator can be compared with the air conditioning unit. The device draws air from the surrounding environment, adjusts the air to meet all medical requirements and standards, and then delivers the air to the patient through a nasal cannula or mask. However, the air will not be cooled like an air conditioner, but the POC will inhale the air, then compress, purify, and finally send it to the patient. To improve the patient’s breathing pattern, your doctor will set these POCs to a given flow rate according to your health needs.
On the other hand, the oxygen tank is heavy and large, and can only transport the compressed oxygen in the tank. When the water tank is empty, the patient needs to replenish or replace the water tank. Another huge difference is in the way oxygen is delivered. Oxygen tanks can only deliver oxygen continuously, regardless of the patient’s personal needs and requirements. However, POC can be set in continuous mode or pulsed dose, whatever is required.
Advantages of portable oxygen concentrators compared to traditional oxygen tanks
POCs provide more reliable and consistent oxygen therapy-the the oxygen tank will no longer work after the fuel tank is emptied. Can only be used again after changing/filling the fuel tank. POC is a more reliable source of oxygen because patients only need to ensure that the device battery is charged. It is much easier to replace the battery than to replace or replenish the oxygen tank
POCs are safer-oxygen tanks will leak and the risk of fire will increase. POCs can only “convert” the air in the environment into medical-grade pure oxygen. No risk of leakage. There is no fire hazard.
Convenient size-today some ultra-modern portable oxygen concentrators fit in the palm of your hand. Oxygen tanks are heavy, bulky, and unsightly.
Why is a portable oxygen generator?
- The battery pack increases the portability of the O2 machine
This portable oxygen generator uses a battery pack to keep oxygen users alive. It is small and light, so you can carry it with you. Because portable O2 machines run on batteries, unlike fixed equipment, a fully charged battery allows the equipment to work outdoors.
- A variety of power options make the oxygen concentrator easy to use
In addition to portability, another advantage of this type is that it can also work with AC and DC currents. If you can plug it into a power outlet at home or in a car, you can charge it through the DC power cord so that the battery can be used outdoors. Various AC and DC power sources and rechargeable batteries are available, suitable for home and outdoor use.
- Various use options of POC
The portable product includes a smaller size pulse dose oxygen generator. Some portable oxygen generators can provide a steady stream of oxygen, but they are larger and have built-in wheels. The portable variety has more options in use-portable for travel, portable concentrator with continuous flow, compact high flow setting, and oxygen machine less than 5 lbs.
