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Tired of being stuck at home when you dream of travel? Tired of carrying tank after tank every time
you leave home? With a Portable Oxygen Concentrator, you can have the active life you desire.
What is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator? 
A portable oxygen concentrator, also called a portable concentrator is a portable device used with a cart or carried to provide oxygen therapy to a patient at substantially higherconcentrations that the levels of room air. It is very similar to a home oxygen concentrator, but it is a smaller size and more mobile. Portable oxygen concentrators are battery operated, which makes it easy for patients to travel freely. They are small enough to fit in a car and can be used on all major airlines.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators produce anywhere between 1 and 3 liters per minute on continuous flow or 10 milliliters to 164 milliliters on pulse flow. There are portable concentrators that are pulse-flow only or continuous and pulse flow. The portable concentrators plug directly into a regular house electrical outlet, a car’s (DC) outlet or a airplane’s (DC) outlet. They have the ability to operate from battery power as well for either ambulatory use, or any power outlet. All three power sources have the ability to run the portable concentrator and also charge the battery that is inside the concentrator.
How does a portable oxygen concentrator work?
The air we breath is made up of approximately 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, about 1% argon and some other trace gases. The conventional oxygen concentrator extracts the oxygen from room air, scrubs or bypasses the other gases and moisture, accumulates the oxygen and thus provides a continuous stream of highly concentrated oxygen (over 91%). The image to the right shows how the typical concentrator works.
For people who do not get enough oxygen naturally, supplements of oxygen can have several benefits. Oxygen therapy can improve their sleep and mood, increase their mental
alertness and stamina, and allow their bodies to carry out normal functions. It also prevents heart failure in people with severe lung disease.
You might need oxygen therapy all of the time or just part of the time. A doctor’s prescription is required for supplemental oxygen.
There are important safety factors to keep in mind when using oxygen. Oxygen is a safe gas and is non-flammable, however, it supports combustion. Materials burn more readily in an oxygen-enriched environment. The American Lung Association offers the following safety tips for oxygen use:
- Avoid open flames in the presence of oxygen use – e.g. matches, cigarette lighters, candles, and burning tobacco. Insist that people who wish to smoke step outside your home to protect your lungs and your home.
- Caution must also be used around other sources of heat, such as electric or gas heaters and/or stoves – at least 5 feet is a recommended distance between oxygen and other heat sources.
- People using oxygen should avoid using lotions or creams containing petroleum. The combustion of flammable products containing petroleum can also be supported by the presence of oxygen. Use water-based products instead.
- It is important to store cylinders safely – cylinders should be upright and secure, in an approved cart or device for storage.
- Remember when not in use, oxygen supply valves should be turned off.
- Always follow the instructions of your oxygen supply company regarding safe usage.