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PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS – POC
As
people became more mobile, it became apparent that a
better way was needed to provide portable oxygen other
than a tank system. To answer that need, around 2000,
manufacturers
developed Portable Oxygen Concentrators or POC. Today,
you can find Portable Oxygen Concentrators manufactured
by Phillips Respironics, SeQual, Inogen, Devilbiss, and
Invacare. With the development of the Portable Oxygen
Concentrator, you are no longer tied to your tanks;
simply plug in your Portable Concentrator and you are
free to go where you want.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators usually can be plugged into
a vehicle DC adapter and will run on battery power. The
battery life is dependent on whether you have a Phillips
Respironics, SeQual, Inogen, Devilbiss or Invacare
Portable Oxygen Concentrator. Additionally the size and
weight of a Portable Oxygen System will depend on the
manufacturer.
When deciding on which Portable Oxygen Concentrator is
best for you, the first question you need to answer is
whether you require a pulse dose or continuous flow
system. This is something you need to discuss with your
physician. Generally, the difference is:
•Pulse Dose Oxygen System - delivers oxygen
intermittently when you breathe. A volume (or
bolus) of
oxygen is delivered as you inhale in milliliters per
breath.
• Continuous Flow Oxygen System – provides oxygen
continuously in liters per minute (LPM) regardless of the
breath you take. Most POC systems will produce 3 LPM of
continuous flow.
There are positives and negatives to each type of
Portable Oxygen System available which is why it is best
to discuss your particular needs with your physician.
After deciding which Portable Oxygen System is best for
you go to
www.sleeprestfully.com
and on the left hand side, place your cursor on Portable
Oxygen Concentrator Comparison Chart to see a side by
side comparison of the Portable Oxygen Devices Sleep
Restfully has available.
When traveling, though the FAA has approved Portable
Oxygen Concentrators for travel, it is best to check with
your particular airlines to make certain of their
specific requirements.
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