Having portable oxygen means you can go about your life’s activities, with a little extra support, we present a detailed guide to look for when buying a portable oxygen machine.
For seniors who have low oxygen levels in their blood for one reason or another can use a portable oxygen concentrator. It’s light and easy to use and is an travel friendly alternative to a standard oxygen tank.
There are many reasons people may need oxygen therapy as they get older. These conditions could be sleep apnea, COPD, anemia or recovering from surgery, all these could leave us with low oxygen levels. A portable oxygen concentrator is a simple way to increase the saturation of oxygen in your blood. Portable oxygen concentrators work by drawing air, compressing it, and using a sieve bed to filter out nitrogen, leaving behind 95% pure oxygen which could then be inhaled through a mask or nasal cannula.
What Should You Look For When Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
The main thing you should be aware of is your own oxygen needs, this is measured in liters per minute (LPM) your doctor should be able to tell you exactly with that figure is, and with that information, you can verify if a certain concentrator is capable of delivering the amount of oxygen that you need.
Your doctor can also explain if you need a pulse or continuous flow unit. Pulse units are triggered b you inhaling on the device, continuous flow provides a steady flow of oxygen. As a result, continuous flow units are usually larger and require more power. If you also use a CPAP machine, you’ll need a continuous flow, since pulse units aren’t compatible with CPAPs. Depending on your needs, you might prefer to get a unit that offers both flow options.
You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of the unit, especially if you’ll be traveling with your unit and using it for everyday trips. Ask about the battery life too, this is important if you plan to fly or take a road trip with your unit.
There are several retailers offering portable oxygen concentrators, we’ll take a closer look at the top models.
List of the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators in 2021
- Oxygen Concentrator Store – Best Online Store
- Inogen – Best Portability
- Invacare – Easiest to use
- Pure Medical – Best Boutique Selection
- Philips Everflo – Quietest Portable Oxygen
- AirSep – Best Customer Service
Having a portable oxygen concentrator enables you to go about your regular daily routine with a little oxygen support. Senior Affairs has researched the various models, we’ll always present the best options that are lightweight, quiet and available for use overnight.