Tips To Install Oxygen Concentrators At Home

As we are in a pandemic situation. Where the deadly virus is back with a boom of the second wave. It is taking the life of one or more family members. And this condition there is a lack of oxygen system supply support in hospitals. Moreover, due to increased patients. Hospitals are running out of beds, oxygen, and essential treatments.

However, the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic has left India devastated. Similarly, oxygen concentrators are in high demand. It is life-saving equipment. For people struggling to breathe naturally. With the help of oxygen concentrators, such patients are given assistance for external oxygen.

But the good news is few NGOs and other social organizations are making efforts. To provide beds and oxygen concentrators. For the families who can admit the patients to the hospital.

Few patients with weak immunity and most senior citizens are in dire need of oxygen. So there might be a situation where you will have to treat the patient at home. Along with the procedure of getting an oxygen cylinder to installing it.

Here, is a quick guide for the common man to get in-depth information. From types to prices at same time precautions that you have to consider. While also taking the doctor’s advice.

What Is An Oxygen Concentrator & How It Works?

If you look at that composition of air scientifically. It is made up of 78% nitrogen gas and 21% oxygen gas. There many other gases involved in fewer percentages like carbon dioxide etc. If you see the working of an oxygen concentrator.

It works by consuming the oxygen that consumed by the atmosphere. And through the concentrator. The air is filtering out the nitrogen. And it only saturates the concentrates the oxygen. Later on when it distributed through a pressure valve. It monitors the flow.

Who Needs Oxygen Concentrators?

Various techniques are adopted to measure the levels of blood oxygen. For instance, Blood testing conducted in laboratories. And nowadays, you might have seen commonly used pulse-oximeter monitoring.

It is to estimate the required oxygen saturation levels. Therefore, the range of oxygen saturation should be around 95% to 100%. Patients having below 90% of oxygen levels are is known as ‘hypoxemia’.

Essentially such patients suffer from chronic lung conditions. Few people also have breathing problems. Therefore, such individuals need to consult a doctor. Otherwise, it can have severe heart and brain conditions.

As many expert doctors recommend it. Considering the current scenario not all COVID-19 patients need oxygen. But if their lungs have been inflamed due to virus infection.

And for those who are experiencing shortness of breath. And that having cannot manage to breathe naturally are at focus. Similarly, those patients facing fluctuation in oxygen levels require hospitalization.

To Buy Or Rent An Oxygen Concentrator For Your Home?

It totally depends on the health conditions of the patient. If it going to take a longer period for recovery then purchasing is a good option. But if the patient has not so serious respiratory issues then can think to rent it. Moreover, it totally depends on the doctor’s prescription. And it is important that you take measures according to expert doctors.

Generally, an oxygen concentrator is used to temporary respite until the patient is undergoing hospitalization. It is mostly to patient recovery at home. Essentially for those with low oxygen saturation levels below 90%. Moreover, the individual has to be under constant expert supervision. Overconsumption of oxygen can be fatal to the patient.

Understand The Difference Between An Oxygen Concentrator And An Oxygen Cylinder?

Let us first understand the purpose of this. Who exactly is eligible to use it. And we must understand uses. Along with their advantages and disadvantages of the same. Moreover, with its durability and controls.

Oxygen concentrator – Oxygen concentrators are like alternatives. If oxygen cylinders are not available. But they are only capable to provide only five to 10 liters of oxygen. They are easily portable Concentrators available. It only needs temperature to adjust.

Most importantly, it will never run out of oxygen as it works on the power supply. Moreover, oxygen concentrators can generate oxygen 24 hours. Also, works for a longer period up more than 3 years.

Oxygen cylinder – It is generally used for extremely critical patients. Similarly, for those who may need around 40-50 liters of oxygen per minute. As you can notice their oxygen consumption is more by the patient. There is no warranty and the durability is less.

So oxygen cylinders can run out of oxygen quickly without any indication. Moreover, It needs to be refilled. You can relate to this just the way we used the home LPG cylinder. As it depends on the consumption of the individual. And need to book it every month. The concept is quite similar but it has all the legal proceedings.

How To Choose An Oxygen Concentrator?

Oxygen Concentrator Price

The cost varies depending on different brands, features, and models. Therefore, it may cost around Rs 40,000 to more than 2 lakhs. Considering oxygen cylinders will cost you between Rs 8,000 and Rs 20,000.

In the current scenario, there is a huge demand for oxygen concentrators in India. As there rise in COVID-19 cases. Also, there is a shortage of oxygen concentrators supply. And this is leading to panic hoarding and black marketing of the same.

Based On Flow Rate

It is always important to check the ‘flow rate’ capacity. And select the one that the doctor has recommends. Depending on the consumption of liters per minute (LPM). Mainly, based on the patient’s condition. As for how much supplemental oxygen therapy is essential. Ideally, it is good to take maximum capacity.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The best part of such an oxygen concentrator is that it can be moved wherever you want. But different categories include stationary and portable devices. Now it depends on if the patient. If they are bedridden or can move around. So this concentrator is for those who compulsory need the assistance of it. So that they can use it while traveling or other outdoor activities.

Power Consumption Of Oxygen Concentrator

It is promising to choose a concentrator that has the lowest power consumption. Numerous models also work on batteries. However, the battery time differs according to the product. Most importantly, there should be continuous airflow.

Noise Level Of Oxygen Concentrator

Every oxygen concentrator creates noise. Which ultimately leads to disturbance. However, as technology is evolving. You can get silent concentrators too. With the range of 25 to 50 decibels. Which is not that noisy and can have less disturbance.

Tips For Buying An Oxygen Concentrator

Primarily, an oxygen concentrator is given if the doctor prescribes it. However, can’t be used as a personal choice for any random individual. it is very important to use it cautiously as it is an essential commodity. So choose the brand that is reputed. Which also gives a warranty. However, which will be is cost-effective.

Providing quite interesting features like LED display and good airflow. Along with an alarm to notify you in case there is a failure in the system. Most importantly, for backup, it’s better that you keep a standby generator.

So that you don’t have to worry. If there are any power fluctuations. Most importantly, see that you refer to the doctor’s advice. Understand the terms and conditions. Similarly, prefer an expert. For handling the procedures of installing the machine at home.

Safety Measures To Use Oxygen Concentrator At Home

In hospitals, there are experts who can come to the rescue. If in case something goes wrong with the functioning of the oxygen concentrator. But at home, it has risk factors involved. But these few measures will avoid hazardous situations. And it will also guide you to using it cautiously.

See that you place the concentrator more than 8 ft away. From the source of ignition. Ignitable materials like matchbox, lighters, lighted candles, or diffusers.

It should be in a well-ventilated area as it becomes hot. Most importantly, prohibit smoking near the oxygen concentrator. Strictly avoid using flammable material near the unit. For example, hand sanitizers and aerosol sprays, and air fresheners.

Also, make sure to keep away alcohol-based solutions. And they do not come into contact with oxygen supply devices. The power consumption system is connected systematically. Like, avoid using an extension cord or external sockets.

When you don’t require it switch it off and keep it in a safe place. It’s is recommends that you place an upright position. And not horizontally. Also for safety reasons keep a fire extinguisher. Most of the apartments have it on each floor but can’t access it. So you can take permission from society to use it in an emergency.

Oxygen Concentrator Used In India

Let’s see the types of oxygen concentrators available in India. And their brand names to along with its oxygen holding capacity. Also, what other feature it has to offer. There are many oxygen concentrator manufacturers in India. There are cities conducting drives for oxygen concentrators in Patna, Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi. So that maximum people can access it for the patients.

Philips Oxygen Concentrator

The Philips Respironics Everflo Oxygen Concentrator weighs over 14 kg. Moreover, with 96% of purity and smooth airflow.

BPL Oxy 5 Neo Oxygen

This has a built-in nebulizer. Innovatively, it has timer and LCD display functions. However, it is having a 93% of purity level and it gives around 5 liters of oxygen. Also, the flow rate is satisfactory.

Airsep New Life Elite Oxygen Concentrator

It provides a maximum of five liters of oxygen. Additionally, It has a powered battery alarm system. This will alert the user to the sound. That will indicate a power failure. So if in case of a power failure has occurred. It will let the user beware. Thinking of a quick solution or alternative. However, It has an ‘Economy Mode’ for low power consumption. Therefore, this can be comma cost-effective option.

Inogen One G5

This modern version using much-advanced technology like Bluetooth connectivity. Likewise, It is a lightweight model which quite easy to lift. It works on a battery which lasts for 12 hours. Moreover, it also has six oxygen flow levels that can be adjustable when required.

Dedakj DE-1S Oxygen Concentrator

It has double oxygen absorption functions that will two patients to use the same concentrator. It has up to six to eight liters of capacity giving 92% purity levels. Most importantly, It is lightweight and can decent airflow quality.

Final Thoughts On Tips To Install Oxygen Concentrators

In this pandemic situation, it is better that we take safety measures. To avoid this death-dealing situation. As a lack of oxygen concentrators and beds in hospitals. And there is more of an economic crisis. Moreover, the conditions are going from bad to worse. Many doctors are recommending getting treated at home.

And so the oxygen concentrators and cylinders are high in demand. Similarly, it is helping many people to recover at a faster pace. Therefore, it is essential that such medical resources are operated under doctors’ supervision. Most importantly, using it by following the right procedures. Along with following the precautions while using it home.

It will be a great decision to give your personal oxygen concentrators on rent if it is not in use for a while. It will help to save someone’s life. Hope that you have understood all the concepts. Don’t worry if you have any doubt you can feel free to comment.

In conclusion, also see that you follow the tips to install oxygen concentrators at home mentioned above. Likewise, consult a doctor before you decide to take any health-related decisions.