Oxygen concentrators are called special devices used for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary and heart diseases. Until recently, equipment of this variety could only be seen in medical institutions. Today, if you wish, it is easy to buy, including a compact oxygen concentrator for home use.
Principle of operation
Unlike those used before, such devices are not equipped with any cylinders. Oxygen concentrators produce it on their own. The technology on which the operation of these devices is based was invented by NASA experts in 1958. The principle of operation of a modern oxygen concentrator is quite simple. Two columns with zeolite are installed in the device case. This substance, like a magnet, attracts nitrogen atoms and other elements that make up the air, and oxygen atoms freely pass through. That is, it works like a filter. Original certified oxygen concentrators are available from your authorized Invacare, Bitmos, and Philips representative.
The main types of hubs
When asked about how to choose an oxygen concentrator for home use, you should, of course, pay attention to its main parameters. Professional equipment of this type used in hospitals is distinguished by its large size and considerable power. Such concentrators can produce up to 10 liters of oxygen per hour. Household models are smaller and are divided into two main groups:
Intended for therapy. This type of equipment is used to treat chronic bronchitis, asthma, respiratory and heart diseases. Often, such devices are used to accelerate the recovery of postoperative patients. Oxygen plants of this type can produce from 5 l per hour.
Intended for the prevention of diseases and general healing of the body. These very small appliances produce 1-3 liters of oxygen per hour. Very often concentrators of this type are used for the preparation of oxygen cocktails.
Equipment designed for oxygen bars. Such models are installed in fitness clubs, beauty salons, child development centers, etc. Productivity of models of these brands can reach 3-5 liters per hour.
Equipment weight
This parameter is also what you should pay attention to when choosing this medical equipment. An oxygen concentrator on this basis can belong to the group of portable, portable or stationary. The latest type of equipment is equipped with a special high-pressure storage tank. Such models are not intended for movement and are not used in everyday life. Portable devices weigh no more than 4.5 kg. Therefore, they can be transferred to any convenient place just in the hands. Such hubs are usually equipped with an autonomous power supply system and can be used in the field. The moved models are equipped with strong castors.
Criterias of choice
In addition to power and purpose, when buying equipment such as an oxygen concentrator for home use, you should definitely pay attention to:
On its size. Before buying a hub, you should determine its location in an apartment or house. Install this equipment at least 30 cm from walls and radiators.
Noise level. This parameter is directly dependent on such an indicator as the power of the device. The larger it is, the more the hub is noisy. Small models practically do not make noise. Medium-sized devices are somewhat less convenient in this regard. In most cases, the noise level of models designed for domestic use does not exceed 35 dB.
Experts advise when buying a concentrator to pay attention to the presence of such an accessory as a humidifier. Using the device without this supplement can lead to dry mucous membranes. Also, this nasal cannula, hose and filters must be included in the package of this equipment.
Oxygen concentration
When choosing equipment of this kind, among other things, pay attention to such an indicator as the oxygen content in the output stream. It is measured in percent. Modern models can produce a stream with an oxygen content of 75 to 95%. Most hubs have flow rate switching modes. The higher this indicator, the usually lower the oxygen content in the mixture. In any case, experts do not recommend purchasing concentrators with an oxygen output of up to 60%. It will be simply impossible to produce high-quality therapy using such devices.
Manufacturing countries
Of course, when choosing a device such as an oxygen concentrator for home use, you should definitely pay attention to the brand of the device. After all, the health of patients depends on how high-quality it will be. At the moment, equipment from only three manufacturing countries is represented on the Russian market: the USA, Germany and China. German and American hubs are distinguished by excellent build quality, reliability and a long service life.
Modern Chinese oxygen concentrators are inferior to European ones in quality, but they are also much cheaper. The disadvantage of the equipment produced in this country is that it, unlike the German and American ones, is not equipped with a gas analysis system. The quality of the oxygen produced by the Chinese model cannot be verified.
Appliance brand
If we talk about specific manufacturers of household concentrators, then at the moment the most popular among domestic consumers are:
Armed (China).
AirSep (USA).
Atmung (Germany).
Bitmos (Germany).
Concentrators brand "Armed"
The product range of this Chinese company is very wide. On the market there are both professional devices of this brand with a capacity of up to 15 liters of oxygen per hour, and very small ones that produce no more than 1 liter. If necessary, it is easy to choose, including the unit of this manufacturer, intended for use at home.
Household models of this company are easy to use and configure. Some models come with a useful accessory such as a diffuser. With its help, various odors (lavender, pine, lemon, etc.) can be mixed with oxygen. It is actually a convenient and practical oxygen concentrator for home use. Reviews about this brand are also good due to the low cost of this equipment. If desired, you can purchase a fairly powerful hub for 15-20 thousand rubles.
AirSep Models
The most popular are portable and portable models manufactured by this company. Their undoubted advantages include:
Light weight. This figure for portable AirSep models is almost half that of conventional models.
High performance. Even very small models of this brand can produce up to 5 liters of oxygen.
The ability to use for the treatment of people with very severe pulmonary diseases.
The presence of a power off alarm system.
Thus, the quality of this oxygen concentrator is simply excellent. A direct supplier of such equipment usually sells it for 100-300 thousand rubles. For resellers, models of this brand can be even more expensive.
Atmung Hubs
In addition to ease of use, the advantages of equipment of this company include high performance, energy efficiency and organic design. All models of this brand are complemented by inhalers, LCD monitors and control panels. Also, the advantages of concentrators of this manufacturer include complete safety in operation. Atmung roaming models are more expensive than Chinese, but cheaper than AirSep - about 20-50 thousand rubles.
Bitmos Models
The advantage of this hub for home use is primarily the build quality. Also, the advantages of this equipment is considered very quiet operation. If necessary, devices of this brand can be used around the clock. The air-oxygen flow can be adjusted as desired with an accuracy of 0.1 l per minute. Bitmos also earned good customer reviews for its anti-bacterial filter design. Movable devices of this brand cost about the same as Atmung - up to 60 thousand rubles.
Used models
Some citizens of our country may find the cost not only of American or German models, but even Chinese, quite high. If you don’t have enough money, and the equipment is really necessary, you can think about purchasing a used model. A used oxygen concentrator for home use can cost up to two times cheaper than the new model.
Cocktail making
Prevention and treatment of diseases by inhalation of oxygen is not the only function that such devices can perform. An oxygen concentrator for home use also allows you to prepare very healthy cocktails. Such drinks can relieve fatigue and can be used as a good tonic.
In order to be able to prepare such oxygenated juices at home, you need to purchase a special cocktail. The latter is connected to the concentrator, after which a liquid base is poured into it. When the device is in operation, the latter is actively saturated with oxygen bubbles. Of course, only natural syrups and juices should be used for the preparation of such cocktails.
Possible harm
Taking oxygen cocktails made using a concentrator, or breathing in the oxygen stream generated by these devices, is of course useful. But this must be done, be sure to observe the measure. You cannot use the hub too often. Before using it, it is advisable to consult a doctor and get the necessary recommendations. Critics of these devices believe that in addition to oxygen, their filters can also pass various carcinogens, which are contained in large quantities in the air of modern cities, through themselves.
Purchasing equipment such as an oxygen concentrator for home use can certainly contribute to improving the health of all family members. These devices are quite expensive. Therefore, when choosing them, you should definitely pay attention not only to such parameters as productivity, oxygen saturation, and dimensions. Be sure to look at the manufacturer. A device manufactured by an unknown company can cause irreparable harm to health instead of benefit.