Oxygen Concentrators—The what, why and how

Oxygen concentrator are all the rage today. As oxygen cylinders are scarce during the COVID-19 pandemic, people increasingly turn towards oxygen concentrators to fill this gap. However, an oxygen concentrator is not the answer to all your oxygen woes. In this blog, we address common questions such as what an oxygen concentrator is, where can they buy one, and many more.

Frequently asked questions about oxygen concentrators

1. What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a device that extracts oxygen from the ambient air.

2. How does an oxygen concentrator help COVID-19 patients?

Oxygen concentrators provide up to 95% pure oxygen to patients through a nasal cannula.

3. Can an oxygen concentrator replace an oxygen cylinder?

Both devices work on different principles. Oxygen cylinder have pressurized 99% pure, medical-grade oxygen. They can provide patients with high oxygen flow rates of up to 15 liters per minute.

4. What is pulse dose? How is it different from continuous flow?

Continuous flow oxygen concentrators work like oxygen cylinders. They constantly provide you with the oxygen you need. Pulse dose oxygen concentrators only provide oxygen when you inhale.

5. Are all oxygen concentrators the same?

No. Oxygen concentrators differ by flow type (pulse flow and constant flow), oxygen flow capacity (5 liters, 10 liters), oxygen purity (80-95% pure oxygen), portability (battery-powered or electricity-powered), and runtime capability (1-22 hours). You must choose the one that your doctor recommends for you.

6. Does an oxygen concentrator require a power socket?

Yes. Stationary oxygen concentrators require a power socket. Portable oxygen concentrators are battery-powered and can be moved around with ease.

7. Are oxygen concentrators safe?

Yes! As no oxygen is stored, oxygen concentrators are a safe and effective way to get oxygen.

8. I suffer from COPD. Can I use oxygen concentrators?

Yes! Oxygen concentrators were purpose-built for COPD patients.

9. Where can I buy an oxygen concentrator?

You can buy an oxygen concentrator from SanraiShop from the comfort of your home.

10. Is there a warranty for these products?

Yes! At Sanrai, we provide brand warranty and after-sales support for all products we sell.

When will I need an oxygen concentrator?

Oxygen concentration (blood oxygen or SpO2) levels in a healthy adult range between 92%-96%. If your oxygen concentration falls further, you will need supplemental oxygen to meet your body’s oxygen needs. An oxygen concentrator is usually the first line of action for situations of chronic or acute respiratory distress such as COPD. Patients suffering from COVID-19-induced respiratory distress can also use oxygen concentrators for supplementary oxygen.

Oxygen delivery guide for Patients and Hospitals

The targeted “safe” SpO2 levels for patients in hospitals or at home is 92%+. Attendants must monitor the patient’s oxygen saturation levels continuously to ensure an optimal supply of oxygen.

Here’s the oxygen flow rate that you need according to your SPO2 levels:

Note: oxygen concentrators cannot help if your oxygen concentration falls below 70%. This condition results in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure and requires enhanced respiratory support immediately. Treatment regimens include HFNC, NIPPV, intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Why is it better to buy an oxygen concentrator from Sanraishop?

As an experienced and innovative global medical products distributor with a presence in 46 countries, Sanrai’s expertise in devices used to manage COPD sets them apart from the competition.

If you are suffering from COPD or live in an area with high precedence of COVID-19 infections, stay home, stay safe, and follow protocols that help you reduce exposure. At Sanrai, we care for your well-being and ensure that you are well-informed to take care of the things that may affect you during the pandemic.

Sanrai is a leading and experienced supplier of oxygen concentrators and pulse oximeters to various industry verticals and provides outstanding after-sales support and warranty services. Contact Sanrai today for more information about how you can meet your specific oxygen therapy requirements.