Oxygen concentrators have become a vital resource in senior living, significantly improving the quality of life for those with respiratory conditions. As age advances, maintaining optimal oxygen levels becomes crucial for overall health and well-being. Oxygen concentrators provide a reliable and efficient solution, delivering continuous oxygen supply in the comfort of one’s room.
What is an oxygen concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that provides supplemental oxygen to individuals with conditions that impair normal breathing or cause lower-than-normal blood oxygen levels. They work by taking in ambient air, filtering out nitrogen, and delivering purified oxygen to the resident via a face mask or nasal cannula.
Why are oxygen concentrators important?
Oxygen concentrators are essential in senior living environments for managing chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. They improve quality of life by alleviating symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, enabling greater activity and independence. Additionally, concentrators provide critical support during acute respiratory issues like pneumonia and COVID-19, and are designed to be safe, efficient, and cost-effective. Their portability and ease of use make them an ideal solution for ensuring continuous, personalized oxygen therapy for seniors.
Types of Oxygen Concentrators
5L Oxygen Concentrators
5 liter oxygen concentrators deliver up to 5 liters of continuous oxygen per minute
Equipped with built-in handles and wheels for easy maneuverability within and between rooms
Most brands feature built-in alarms for monitoring oxygen purity and flow rate
10L Oxygen Concentrators
10 liter oxygen concentrators provide up to 10 liters of oxygen per minute
Ideal for residents with high flow needs or prescriptions over 5 liters per minute
Higher PSI levels support longer tubing or trach connections
Some 10L models have dual flow meters and outputs, allowing oxygen delivery to two residents simultaneously, up to a total of 10 LPM
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Most lightweight and mobile oxygen delivery solution available
Supports AC, DC, or battery operation for on-the-go therapy
Compact designs range from 4.4 to 20 lbs
Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators are available with intermittent delivery options (some models include both settings)
Oxygen Concentrators: What to Look For
Below are key features and specs to consider when selecting oxygen concentrators for your healthcare facility.
O2 Purity%
- Represents the concentration of oxygen in the air, excluding other gases
- High purity ranges from 87-99%
Flow Rate
- Indicates the speed at which oxygen is delivered from the concentrator to the resident
- Measured in liters per minute (lpm)
- 2 lpm is usually sufficient for home care, but some conditions require higher rates; concentrators can go up to 10 lpm
Dual Flow Meters & Outputs
- Allows oxygen delivery to two residents simultaneously, with a combined total flow of up to 10 lpm (e.g., 3 lpm for one resident and 7 lpm for another)
Continuous Flow
- Provides a steady flow of oxygen up to a combined total of 10 lpm for two residents
Pulse Flow
- Delivers oxygen only when the user inhales, conserving battery power
- Common in portable concentrators for intermittent, on-demand oxygen
Sound Level
- Quiet oxygen concentrators range between 40 dB and 60 dB, similar to a quiet conversation or normal voice in a calm environment
Outlet Pressure
- High outlet pressure supports high-acuity respiratory accessories like nebulizers, venti masks, and long oxygen tubing
Battery Life
- Portable concentrators typically run 2 to 5 hours on battery power
- Some models offer additional battery packs extending life to 7-10 hours, varying with pulse settings
Size & Weight
- Smaller and lighter 5L and 10L concentrators are easier for residents and caregivers to move
- Consider the weight of portable units with batteries installed and any extra batteries
Maintenance Requirements
- Check the frequency and nature of preventive maintenance tasks
- All concentrators have filters requiring periodic attention
Alarms & Alerts
Look for models with alerts for:
- Oxygen purity level
- Low oxygen
- High/low pressure
- Flow rate
- Power loss
Oxygen Concentrator FAQs
How do I choose the right oxygen concentrator for a healthcare facility?
Consider the residents’ oxygen needs, including flow rate and purity requirements, the device’s portability, ease of use, noise level, maintenance needs, and any additional features like dual flow meters or battery life for portable models.
What are the benefits of portable oxygen concentrators?
Portable oxygen concentrators provide mobility and independence for residents, allowing them to move freely within the facility or travel outside. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and can operate on battery power, making them convenient for on-the-go oxygen therapy.
How often do oxygen concentrators require maintenance?
Maintenance frequency varies by model, but typically involves cleaning or replacing filters, checking for proper operation, and ensuring the device remains in good condition. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance schedules.
How do I ensure the safety of residents using oxygen concentrators?
Ensure proper setup and use according to the manufacturer’s instructions, regularly check the device for proper operation, and educate residents and staff on safe usage practices. Look for models with safety alarms for oxygen purity, low oxygen levels, pressure, flow rate, and power loss.
Direct Supply® makes finding the right oxygen concentrators easy
When it comes to oxygen concentrators, we know there are hundreds of choices on the market today and finding what’s best for your facility can be a challenge.
That’s why Direct Supply offers the industry’s widest selection of oxygen equipment from brands you trust…in one convenient place, plus this guide to help you sort through the important considerations and features.
Once you’ve made your pick, you’ll find easy ordering, convenient delivery and installation services, budget-friendly financing options, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Of course, if you need assistance you can count on our expertise to help you find exactly the right match for your specific requirements and budget.
