What Are the Benefits of Using an Oxygen Concentrator for Supplemental Oxygen?

What Are the Benefits of Using an Oxygen Concentrator for Supplemental Oxygen? As a respiratory therapist with over 7 years of experience helping patients manage chronic lung conditions, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of using an oxygen concentrator for supplemental oxygen needs.

Oxygen concentrators are electrical devices that filter nitrogen out of room air and supply patients with concentrated oxygen. This oxygen-enriched air can then be delivered through a nasal cannula to provide extra oxygen as needed.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Oxygen Concentrator for Supplemental Oxygen?

In my experience, there are several key advantages to using an oxygen concentrator rather than oxygen tanks or cylinders:

Reliable and Consistent Oxygen Delivery

According to sprylyfe, Oxygen concentrators provide a steady, uninterrupted flow of oxygen over long periods of time. Tanks and cylinders must be refilled and replaced, which can be inconvenient. With a concentrator, patients don’t have to worry about running out of oxygen unexpectedly.

As an example, I once had a patient named Priya who relied on portable oxygen tanks while running errands. More than once, I got panicked phone calls from Priya saying her tank was empty and she was struggling to breathe. By switching her to an oxygen concentrator for home use, Priya no longer had to stress about her oxygen supply.

Lower Risk of Fire and Explosion

Highly-pressurized oxygen gas can be dangerous, especially around open flames or sparks. But oxygen concentrators produce oxygen at normal room pressure rather than under high pressure like tanks. This drastically reduces fire and explosion risk.

I’ll never forget the news story from a few years back about a man smoking near his home oxygen tank. The tank exploded from the cigarette and caused extensive property damage and injuries. Situations like this reinforce why concentrators are the safer choice.

Cost Savings Over Time

While more expensive upfront, an oxygen concentrator often saves money in the long run compared to continually refilling disposable tanks. And many insurance plans cover a large portion of the upfront cost of a new concentrator.

For example, one of my patients used 4 portable oxygen tanks per month at $50 per refill, so $200 monthly. We got him an oxygen concentrator covered 80% by his insurance for a one-time fee of $750 to him. In around 4 months, the concentrator paid for itself.

Flexible Usage Across Environments

Stationary oxygen concentrators are ideal for use at home to supply a constant flow of oxygen. And portable oxygen concentrators allow patients to continue receiving oxygen while traveling, running errands, attending doctor visits, and more. This level of flexibility improves quality of life.

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I have patients who take their portable concentrator everywhere, from long road trips visiting grandchildren to simply getting groceries at the local market. Having reliable access to oxygen in any environment provides them tremendous freedom.

Potentially Improved Sleep Quality

Some oxygen concentrators come with the ability to adjust oxygen flow rate throughout the night as your breathing patterns change during sleep cycles. Features like an auto-adjusting cannula flow setting can optimize oxygen delivery for improved sleep quality.

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From a patient perspective, uninterrupted sleep is hugely impactful for maintaining energy levels and overall wellbeing. Adjustable nighttime settings help address this need.

As you can see, oxygen concentrators provide several unique benefits compared to oxygen cylinders and tanks when used for supplemental oxygen. Of course, concentrators have some downsides too, like dependence on a power source and the noise of the compressor. But for most of my patients, the pros decidedly outweigh any cons.

If you or a loved one suffers from a chronic respiratory illness requiring long-term supplemental oxygen, I highly recommend asking your doctor about acquiring an oxygen concentrator. As your experienced medical team, we’re here to help you understand all the options and make the best decision for your health and lifestyle needs.

I’m happy to address any other specific questions or concerns you may have! Just ask next time you’re in the office or give us a call anytime. We aim to provide the education and support you need on your journey toward improved wellbeing. I hope you like reading “What Are the Benefits of Using an Oxygen Concentrator for Supplemental Oxygen?”