Oxygen Concentrators: Everything You Need to Know
- 16 September 2022
When you need emergency medical help, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For most people, it's a hospital. Well, a lot can happen between the time you call for an ambulance and the time they arrive on the scene. Sometimes, the worst happens and you end up in the hospital. While in the hospital, you'll begin to wonder what is the best way to keep yourself healthy? Is it best to remain in bed, or should you get up and walk around? Should you drink plenty of water, or is pop better?
After you're discharged from the hospital, the logistics of moving around a new city or area can seem overwhelming. Getting back to your everyday activities and getting your life back to normal takes some time, but it's essential for staying healthy. One option that can be beneficial in expediting the recovery process is an oxygen concentrator.
An oxygen concentrator is a device used for inhaling pure oxygen. When you use an oxygen concentrator, your body does not get the same amount of oxygen as when you breathe naturally. Thus, getting oxygen into your body through a mask can help your body get back on track and begin the healing process. The medicine for asthma, for example, can be dangerous when taken in excessively high doses. However, the oxygen that is inhaled can help asthmatics get back to their normal lifestyles. Similarly, those who have suffered a stroke can use oxygen to help restore the functions of their brains.
What Is an Oxygen Concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is a device that uses various methods to pull ambient air and turn it into breathable oxygen. It usually consists of a metal canister, a compressor, an air drier, and some filtering devices. When used in an emergency situation, compressors are usually not available, so oxygen concentrators operate on the principle of vaporization. In this case, the canister is heated and particles are separated from the air.
Advantages Of An Oxygen Concentrator
There are several advantages to using oxygen concentrators. First of all, they're easy to operate and set up. You just need to connect the tubing and connect the canister to a source of oxygen. Most oxygen concentrators are portable, which means you can bring them with you wherever you go.
Oxygen is known to be extremely beneficial for humans. Without it, we could suffer greatly from various diseases. Inhaling pure oxygen can also increase the effectiveness of medications that individuals are already taking for other conditions. For example, those who have glaucoma and use eye drops to lower their intraocular pressure may find that their symptoms are much more easily controlled with oxygen.
Those who use oxygen for pulmonary purposes, such as people who smoke or those who have asthma, can benefit from using an oxygen concentrator. As explained above, high doses of oxygen can be dangerous, but having more control over the amount of oxygen in your system is better than not having any control at all. Hence, the use of such a device can help people who suffer from respiratory diseases to live healthier lives.
Disadvantages Of An Oxygen Concentrator
Although there are several advantages to using an oxygen concentrator, there are several disadvantages as well. First of all, since oxygen is extremely beneficial for humans, it's in high demand and very expensive. Secondly, since you need to have a steady supply of oxygen, you'll need to remember to charge the device regularly. Thirdly, a lot of expertise is required to install and use oxygen concentrators effectively. Lastly, when you go back to your everyday activities, you'll need to learn how to clean and maintain the device properly. All these factors can make it difficult for individuals without technical knowledge to go this route. Some of these disadvantages can be mitigated by purchasing a device that is already in good condition, but overall, they still exist.
Choosing The Right Mask For You
When you use an oxygen mask, there are several things that you need to check before you buy it. First of all, ensure that it is suitable for use with an oxygen source. If it's not, you'll need to look for another solution. Next, determine how the mask fits around your nose and mouth. Some masks are designed with an adjustable strap, so you can customize the fit to your preferences. Thirdly, check the material the mask is made out of. Some masks are designed for industrial use and are made of plastic, while others are made of metal and are more suitable for medical use. The last thing you want is a plastic mask that chafes your skin or is too tight around your head.
Consider All The Details
When you buy an oxygen concentrator, you'll need to consider all the details. First of all, ensure that you buy a good quality device. There are several cheap, but low-quality and poorly made oxygen concentrators out there that will simply fall apart after a short time of use. Furthermore, research the warranty and ensure that it's worth it. Some companies offer really good warranties and come with some great added benefits, such as a water purifier or a dehumidifier. Make sure you buy a good quality backpack to carry it in. Furthermore, make sure you buy an adapter that connects the oxygen source to your nostrils. You don't want to get a nasal-irrigator and end up with saline dripping down your nose all the time. This could result in illness.
An oxygen concentrator is a great option for those who need emergency medical assistance or need to stay healthy while on the move. If you're looking for a portable option, you can't go wrong with an oxygen concentrator. They're easy to use and maintain, and since they're relatively cheap, you'll likely find several applications in your home. Furthermore, if you have respiratory problems, you can't go wrong with an oxygen concentrator. There are several quality options to choose from and with careful research and maintenance, you can keep your oxygen concentrator in good condition for many years of use.
