An oxygen concentrator pulls oxygen out of room air, so you don't need a steady supply of cylinders. For a clinic far from a refill point, or a patient at home, that can change a lot. But concentrators vary more than their photos suggest, and the specification sheet is where the differences show.
Flow rate
Flow is measured in litres per minute (LPM). Home units are usually 5 LPM. Units for wards and emergency rooms go to 10 LPM. Ask the treating doctor what flow the patient needs, then choose a machine whose maximum is comfortably above that, not exactly at it.
Purity
A good concentrator delivers roughly 90 to 96 percent oxygen at its rated flow. Purity tends to drop at the highest flow settings, so check the figure at the flow you will actually use. Many machines have an oxygen purity indicator. It is worth paying for.
Alarms
Look for alarms for low purity, power failure and blocked flow. A concentrator runs quietly in a corner for hours. The alarm is what tells someone it has stopped helping.
Power and backup
Concentrators draw a steady current for as long as they run. Check the power consumption and plan for power cuts: a patient who depends on oxygen needs a backup cylinder, not just a backup plan. Keep the concentrator on a stable supply, and away from walls and curtains so it can draw air freely.
Altitude
Concentrators work less well in thin air. Many are rated up to a certain altitude, often around 2,000 to 3,000 metres. If the unit is going to a hill district, check that rating on the specification sheet before you buy.
Continuous or pulse?
Portable units often deliver oxygen in pulses when the patient breathes in. That suits some patients but not all, and not most hospital use. If in doubt, choose continuous flow and ask the doctor.
Maintenance
Clean or replace the air filters as the manual says, change the humidifier water daily, and keep a log of running hours. Most service problems begin with a clogged filter.
We supply oxygen concentrators, flowmeters and related respiratory equipment. Ask us about models for ward use or for patients at home.