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Types of Oxygen
Oxygen Concentrator
A concentrator is a device that separates oxygen from room air. It is small, reliable and relatively inexpensive. A hidden cost is the electricity that is consumed during its operation, which is not normally reimbursable and may cost the patient thirty dollars or more a month. The concentrator is not an ambulatory product. It stays in the room in which it is placed, and patients use different lengths of oxygen tubing to move around. Maximum flow rate is normally 5 to 6 LPM.
Liquid Oxygen
Vessels for conventional liquid oxygen are highly efficient means of transporting oxygen. One liter of liquid oxygen equals 860 gaseous liters. Liquid oxygen is approximately -297°F and when kept under pressure of 18 to 22 psi will remain in a liquid state. Liquid oxygen is delivered to the patient's home in a base unit that can be the primary source of oxygen while at home and can be used to fill a smaller portable unit when the patient leaves home. Conventional liquid oxygen vessels require no power source to operate, making it an appropriate choice for patients in areas with frequent power outages. Conventional liquid oxygen systems are quiet and have no major moving parts. When the conventional liquid oxygen base unit is used as the primary oxygen source, it needs to be refilled approximately every two weeks, depending on the patient's consumption rate and liter flow.
New on the scene is the personal liquid oxygen system, a way of using liquid oxygen that can „ enhance patient mobility and fitness. Comprised of a small and lightweight portable component that » is worn by the patient and a proprietary, high-capacity, no-loss reservoir for refilling, the personal liquid oxygen system is more affordable and convenient for active patients than the other oxygen modalities. Duration of the portable is approximately 10 hours at a flow setting of two* The portable unit may be connected to the reservoir for continued breathing during sleep. Oxygen deliveries for the reservoir are as few as eight per year.
High Pressure Systems
Thirty years ago a cylinder and regulator were the standard for patients who were receiving home oxygen therapy. When it is the only source of oxygen, patients require that two or three large cylinders be delivered once weekly. These units are very heavy and should only be handled by the oxygen provider. Today, cylinders of varying sizes are used as backup systems and for use when the patient H-cylinder travels outside the home. Oxygen conservers with small aluminum cylinders are currently used as an alternative to small liquid oxygen vessels to provide for moderate ambulation when concentrators are used in the home.
Please call us to speak more about Types of Oxygen at 1-877-303-7062.
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