An oxygen concentrator is a device that absorbs the ambient air (room air), selectively extracts and purifies oxygen, and delivers it for breathing. It is used when a person’s blood oxygen levels fall, necessitating more supply. It can be helpful for people suffering from breathing difficulties due to health conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or COPD. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of oxygen concentrators and top brands to consider when buying them.

Oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators filter and concentrate oxygen molecules from the surrounding air to deliver 90% to 95% pure oxygen to patients. The device’s compressor pulls in outside air and adjusts the pressure at which oxygen is delivered. The crystalline material zeolite is used to create a filter bed that separates the nitrogen from the air.

A concentrator has two sieve beds that separate nitrogen and release it back into the air while releasing oxygen into a cylinder. As a result, pure oxygen is continuously produced in a loop. The pressure valve regulates the flow of this gas at a rate of 5 to 10 liters per minute. The patient is then administered compressed oxygen via a nasal cannula or oxygen mask.

Types

Oxygen concentrators are marketed in two forms. They are-

• Stationary oxygen concentrator- This is also called a home oxygen concentrator and is a heavy device mounted on wheels. Such devices cannot be carried along with the patient.
• Portable oxygen concentrator- It functions similarly to a stationary oxygen concentrator but is smaller. These oxygen concentrators are light in weight, meaning they can be easily carried along.

Pricing

The cost of oxygen concentrators ranges from $600 to $2000 depending on battery type and other accessories. A preowned device can range from $395 to $1500 based on the unit’s warranty, hours operated, and other factors. Another option is to rent an oxygen concentrator, which may be less expensive because Medicare covers around 80% of the cost of rental oxygen equipment. A stationary type can be leased for anywhere between $35 per day to more than $200 per week, while a longer rental agreement may qualify for discounts.

Top brands

Here is a list of top oxygen concentrator brands to check out-

• Philips– Choose from a variety of oxygen concentrators from Philips. They range from dose pulse types to 10-liter continuous flow devices that can provide patients with finely concentrated oxygen. The patients can feel secure wherever they go thanks to the powerful portable versions, SimplyGo, and SimplyGo Mini. Philips’ EverFlo stationary oxygen concentrator offers a simple, convenient, and fashionable option that weighs only 31 pounds. The most efficient and dependable 10-liter oxygen generator on the market is the Millennium M10.
• Caire- Caire develops the most cutting-edge oxygen-concentrating devices. Caire Companion 5, the latest launch in the market, is a stationary oxygen concentrator with low power consumption. It also has a humidifier as an add-on. Caire’s product uses innovative technology to ensure saturation and offers flexible flow rates to adjust to changing conditions.
• Inogen- Inogen is a top global provider of healthcare technology. They deal with both portable and stationary oxygen concentrators. Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G3 are the latest in the line of portable devices. The stationary oxygen concentrators are very compact and light in weight.