Portable oxygen concentrators are devices that deliver oxygen to people with breathing difficulties outside of a hospital setting. They are small, lightweight, and easy for patients and caregivers to use. They were originally designed for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Today, they are used at home by people with COPD, asthma, and other chronic respiratory diseases that require oxygen delivery.
Oxygen concentrators have varying features. Some have nasal cannulas, which deliver a steady flow of oxygen into the nose through a tube held in place by soft silicone straps. A pocket unit is a small, lightweight device that provides 24 hours of continuous oxygen from one tank. These devices are popular because they are easy to carry around, can be used by people of all ages, and provide a continuous supply of oxygen. Some top brands of oxygen concentrators include ResMed, Philips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Blue Rhino.
Portability is an essential feature often overlooked by many oxygen users. Oxygen concentrators are designed to make it easier for people with various health conditions, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and congestive heart failure, to manage their conditions while they're on the move. Many people also use these devices at home to help with daily living and long-term care.
The right battery for your oxygen concentrator will vary depending on the size of your device and how often you intend to use it. For example, some devices can operate for up to 18 hours on just one pack of batteries. Other units might only operate for a few hours before needing to be recharged. As you're considering possible oxygen concentrators, decide whether one that takes alkaline or lithium batteries meets your needs. Lithium batteries last longer than alkaline batteries. If you plan to use your device most of the time, you might want to select one that takes lithium batteries to reduce the risk of running out of power when you need it most. If your oxygen concentrator is for occasional use, one powered by alkaline batteries might be sufficient for your needs.