A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a device used to provide oxygen therapy to people that require greater oxygen concentrations than the levels of ambient air. It is similar to a home oxygen concentrator (OC), but is smaller in size and more mobile. They are small enough to carry and many are now FAA-approved for use on airplanes.
Medical oxygen concentrators were developed in the late 1970s. Early manufacturers included Union Carbide and Bendix Corporation. They were initially conceived of as a method of providing a continuous source of home oxygen without the use of heavy tanks and frequent deliveries. Beginning in the 2000s, manufacturers developed portable versions. Since their initial development, reliability has been improved, and POCs now produce between one and six liters per minute (LPM) of oxygen depending on the breathing rate of the patient.The latest models of intermittent flow only products weighed in the range of from 2.8 to 9.9 pounds (1.3 to 4.5 kg) and continuous flow (CF) units were between 10 and 20 pounds (4.5 to 9.0 kg).
With continuous flow units, oxygen delivery is measured in LPM (liters per minute). Providing continuous flow requires a larger molecular sieve and pump/motor assembly, and additional electronics. This increases the device’s size and weight (approximately 18–20 lbs).
With on-demand or pulse flow, delivery is measured by the size (in milliliters) of the “bolus” of oxygen per breath.
Some Portable Oxygen Concentrator units offer both continuous flow as well as pulse flow oxygen.
Medical:
- Allows patients to utilize oxygen therapy 24/7 and reduce mortality as much 1.94 times less than for just overnight use.
- A Canadian study in 1999 concluded that an OC installation compliant to the proper regulations provides a safe, reliable, cost efficient primary hospital source of oxygen.
- Helps improve exercise tolerance, by allowing the user to exercise longer.
- Helps increase stamina throughout day-to-day activities.
- A POC is a safer option than carrying around an oxygen tank since it makes the purer gas on demand.
- POC units are consistently smaller and lighter than tank-based systems and can provide a longer supply of oxygen.
Commercial:
- Glass blowing industry
- Skin care
- Non-pressurized aircraft
- Nightclub oxygen bars although doctors and the FDA have expressed some concern with this.
Post time: Apr-14-2022