Choosing the Best Dual-Purpose Oxygen Concentrators

Sufferers of COPD are often faced with a dilemma. This dilemma entails choosing the right oxygen concentrator that meets their oxygen needs. This is an important decision for them as the oxygen concentrator they purchase will determine their quality of life and their capability to be out and about.

What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a device that continuously extracts oxygen from the ambient air and helps sufferers of COPD breathe better. Breathing optimal amounts of oxygen helps our body to maintain a healthy and constant ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our blood so we can a normal life.

What type of oxygen concentrator do I need?

There are three distinct types of oxygen concentrators available today. These devices differ by function and the needs they serve.

Note: This article is not a replacement for medical advice. Your doctor is the best person to advise you on the type of oxygen concentrator that you need.

• Portable oxygen concentrators

  These devices are perfect for travel, being outdoors for extended periods of time or even using at work. With some devices running for as long as 13 hours with an extended battery and being extremely lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators are perfect for those long-haul flights or being out all day. Most portable oxygen concentrators only offer a pulse-dose of oxygen.

• Stationary oxygen concentrators

  When your oxygen needs are high, they can only be provided for by a powerful device such as a stationary oxygen concentrator. These devices require to be plugged into an electrical outlet so they can work 24/7 to provide you with a steady stream of life-giving oxygen. Stationary oxygen concentrators offer both continuous and pulse dose oxygen delivery but have a limited range of movement as they need to be connected to a power outlet at all times.

• Dual-purpose oxygen concentrators

  Built with the needs of users who need a continuous supply of oxygen but also need to be up and about, these versatile machines can be carried along using an in-built trolley. When at home, they convert into a powerful stationary oxygen concentrator that can be used 24/7.

Choosing the best dual-purpose oxygen concentrator

The market today is flooded with options, and most devices offer similar feature sets and oxygen delivery capability. Devices such as OxLife Independence, Philips SimplyGo, Caire SeQual Eclipse 5 and DeVilbiss iGo are all world-class dual-purpose oxygen concentrators that offer a combination of quality and reliability.

However, with the wide range of dual-purpose oxygen concentrators available today, how do you choose? Here’s our handy guide that will help you choose the device that best suits your needs. We have segregated features to help you make the best decision.

• Weight
  Carrying extra weight is the last thing on the mind of any sufferer of COPD. Although most devices in our list are not that heavy, the Philips SimplyGo outshines the competition, weighing under 5.5kg. The rest of the devices in the list weigh over 7kgs, making Philips SimplyGo the obvious choice if weight is your primary concern
• Run Time
  If you need to beout for extended periods, you need a device that has a long battery life and can be easily carried around. This is where OxLife independence outclasses its competition. With nearly 6 hours of run time and swappable batteries, this device can be run for hours without worrying about needing a power outlet.
• Weight-power ratio
  Although weight is important, an optimal weight-power ratio is another reason to consider a heavier, yet powerful device that can suit all your requirements. As most of these devices are on trolleys or caddies, the power-weight ratio of the OxLife Independence outshines the competition by a wide margin, making it the device of choice for most users.
• Continuous flow capacity
  Oxygen flow capacity determines the usability of the device. Patients who are in advanced stages of COPD need high continuous flow rates. OxLife Independence, Caire SeQual Eclipse 5 and DeVilbiss iGo offer oxygen delivery of up to 3LPM, making them the ideal choice for those who need high oxygen flow. An additional point to note here is that OxLife Independence offers up to 12 pulse dose settings in addition to continuous flow, making it one of the best-suited devices in its class.
• Warranty
  Warranty and support are important for a device that is used to maintain oxygen levels in our body. OxLife Independence offers a 3-year, best-in-class warranty, helping you make the choice with confidence.
• Oxygen supply pressure
  Oxygen supply pressure is important to ensure that you get the right amount of oxygen at all times. OxLife independence is one of the most powerful devices in our list. With a supply pressure of 8.5psi, this device is reliable, powerful and delivers oxygen at the right pressure, when you need it the most.

Finding the perfect oxygen concentrator that suits all your needs is difficult, but ensuring that you get the best value and feature set in our budget is equally important. OxLife Independence is the device that offered the longest runtime, highest operating pressure, highest continuous flow capacity and longest warranty period amongst the competition. Designed and manufactured in the USA this FAA-approved device is best suited for most of your oxygen needs.

At Sanrai, we are committed to ensuring that you make an informed decision and will provide you with all the information you need before you buy. However, ensure that you consult your physician or care provider before making a purchase. As an experienced and innovative global medical products distributor with a presence in 46 countries, Sanrai’s expertise in devices used for the management of COPD set it apart from the competition with knowledgeable sales personnel and quality after-sales service. Contact Sanrai for your portable oxygen concentrator needs today!