Oxygen tanks can be large and bulky. Movement and physical activity can be difficult with old fashioned tanks. The goal of a portable oxygen concentrator, also known as POC, is to give the individual more mobility. The small size of the unit allows for more freedom and comfort than ever to travel and complete daily tasks. POCs can open the door to active lifestyles and dream vacations.
POC came into the market about 45-50 years ago as a way to deliver oxygen without the need for heavy tanks. Over the years, technology has only continued to improve. POCs have become lighter, more efficient, and relatively inexpensive. So how do POCs work? Understanding how units work and the specific features different brands may offer can help with making an informed choice.
Unlike standard oxygen tanks that carry an allotted amount of concentrated oxygen, Portable Oxygen Concentrators work by concentrating the air around it. What exactly does that mean? Air is composed of many different gases, but primarily Nitrogen and Oxygen. The oxygen concentration in the air is usually only about 20.95%. With a little refining, there is a wealth of pure oxygen in the environment. POC's do exactly that. The process begins by using the air around the unit. With the help of two filters, the oxygen is separated from the nitrogen. The oxygen is then stored in the product tank while the nitrogen is released outside. The pressure valve adjusts the force at which the oxygen is delivered. Then, the entire process starts again. The POC is continuously concentrating oxygen.
The biggest feature of a Portable Oxygen Concentrator is its size. Its small size allows for portability and movement. POCs can provide oxygen anywhere and are even able to be taken onto airplanes. Some can weigh as little as 5 pounds!
Consistency is another key feature of a POC. Because the POC is constantly concentrating the air around it, it will never run out of oxygen. There is no limit to how much oxygen the unit can carry! A POC can offer a constant flow of oxygen to the individual in need.
POCs are also safer than normal oxygen tanks. While a leaky oxygen tank may not sound dangerous at first, it can be. If an oxygen tank begins to leak, the air around it is saturated with oxygen. This leads to a potential fire hazard. Fires can become hotter and harder to put out as it feeds on the extra oxygen in the air. Because POCs do not store oxygen in the same way a tank does, it cannot leak.
There are many different options when it comes to POCs. It is easy to pick the best unit for the needs of the individual. If someone is looking for a unit that can deliver high concentrations of oxygen, then Philips Respironics SimplyGo is a good option. The unit is 10 pounds with a battery life of 3 hours. It is easy to move due to its small size and strap that makes it appear just like a small bag. It offers 86-97% concentrations of oxygen.
For a lightweight unit with long battery life, the Inogen One G3 is an amazing choice. The Inogen One G3 can come with two different kinds of batteries. Its 8 cell battery offers up to 4 hours, and its 16 cell battery can last up to 8 hours. While only weighing 5 pounds and working at an altitude of up to 10,000 feet, this makes it a good option for travel.
Other options can include the SeQual eQuinox, which offers a high pulse flow of 192 mL of oxygen and a continuous flow of 3 liters per minute. Lifechoice Activox Pro 4L is good for very active individuals. At 4.8 pounds and with extreme sensitivity to the user's breathing pattern, an individual can continue their active lifestyle. With so many different features each POC can have, there is an option for everyone.
