Oxygen concentrators are special devices used for the prevention and treatment of lung and heart diseases. Until recently, equipment of this variety could only be seen in medical institutions. Today, if desired, it is easy to buy, including a compact oxygen concentrator for home use.
Working principle
Unlike those used earlier, 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 specialists in 1958. The principle of operation of a modern oxygen concentrator is quite simple. Two columns with zeolite are installed in the body of the device. This substance, like a magnet, attracts the atoms of nitrogen and other elements that make up the air, and freely passes oxygen atoms. That is, it works like a filter. Originalcertified oxygen concentrators are available from the official representative of Invacare, Bitmos and Philips at www.mediflex.ru
Main types of concentrators
When you ask 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 large and powerful. Such concentrators can produce up to 10 liters of oxygen per hour. Household models are smaller and are divided into two main groups:
- Designed for therapy. This type of equipment is used to treat chronic bronchitis, asthma, respiratory and heart diseases. Often such devices are used to speed up the recovery of postoperative patients. Oxygen plants of this type can produce from 5 liters per hour.
- Designed for the prevention of diseases and general he alth improvement. These are very small devices that produce 1-3 liters of oxygen per hour. Very often, concentrators of this type are used to prepare oxygen cocktails.
- Equipment designed for oxygen bars. Such models are installed in fitness clubs, beauty salons, child development centers, etc. The performance of models of these brands can reach 3-5 liters per hour.
Equipment weight
This parameter is also what you shouldpay attention when choosing this medical equipment. An oxygen concentrator on this basis may belong to the group of portable, movable or stationary. The latter type of equipment is supplied 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 carried to any convenient place simply by hand. Such concentrators are usually equipped with an independent power supply system and can be used in the field. Portable models are equipped with durable wheels.
Selection criteria
In addition to power and purpose, when buying equipment such as an oxygen concentrator for home use, you should definitely pay attention to:
- On his size. Before buying a hub, you should decide on its location in an apartment or house. Install this equipment at least 30 cm from walls and heaters.
- Noise level. This parameter is directly dependent on such an indicator as the power of the device. The larger it is, the louder the concentrator makes noise. Small models are practically silent. Devices of medium size in this regard are somewhat less convenient. In most cases, the noise level of models intended 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 appliance without this add-on maylead to dry mucous membranes. Also, spare nasal cannulas, hose and filters must be included in the package of this equipment.
Oxygen concentration
When choosing equipment of this type, among other things, pay attention to such an indicator as the oxygen content in the output stream. It is measured in percentage. Modern models can produce a stream with an oxygen content of 75 to 95%. Most concentrators have flow rate switching modes. The higher this indicator, the lower the oxygen content in the mixture, as a rule. 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.
Producing countries
Of course, when choosing a device such as an oxygen concentrator for home use, be sure to pay attention to the brand of the device. After all, the he alth of patients depends on how high-quality it will be. At the moment, the equipment of 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 long service life.
Modern Chinese oxygen concentrators are inferior in quality to European ones, but they are also much cheaper. The disadvantage of the equipment produced in this country is also that it, inunlike German and American, it 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).
Armed concentrators
The product range of this Chinese company is very wide. There are both professional devices of this brand on the market 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 pick up, among other things, the unit of this manufacturer, designed for use at home.
Household models of this company are easy to use and set up. Some models include such a useful accessory as a diffuser. With its help, you can mix various kinds of pleasant smells (lavender, pine, lemon, etc.) with oxygen. This 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 relocatableand portable models produced by this company. Their undoubted advantages include:
- Light weight. This indicator 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.
- Could be used to treat people with very severe lung disease.
- The presence of a power failure alarm system.
So the quality is just excellent this oxygen concentrator. A direct supplier of such equipment usually sells it for 100-300 thousand rubles. The resellers of the model of this brand may cost even more.
Atmung hubs
In addition to ease of use, the advantages of the 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 the concentrators of this manufacturer include complete safety in operation. Atmung mobile models cost more than Chinese ones, 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 to be very quiet operation. If necessary, devices of this brand can be used around the clock. Air-oxygen flowit is allowed to adjust at will with an accuracy of 0.1 l per minute. The Bitmos models also earned good reviews from consumers for the presence of an antibacterial filter in the design. Portable 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 of not only American or German models, but even Chinese ones quite high. If there is not enough money, and the equipment is really needed, you can think about purchasing a used model. A used oxygen concentrator for home use can cost half as much as a new model.
Cocktail making
Prevention and treatment of diseases by inhaling oxygen is not the only function that such devices can perform. The oxygen concentrator for home use also allows you to prepare very he althy 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 the liquid base is poured into it. During operation of the device, the latter is actively saturated with oxygen bubbles. Of course, only natural syrups and juices should be used to prepare such cocktails.
Possibleharm
Taking oxygen cocktails made using a concentrator, or breathing the flow of oxygen generated by these devices, of course, is useful. But you need to do this, be sure to observe the measure. Don't use the concentrator too often. It is also advisable to consult a doctor before using it and get the necessary recommendations. Critics of these devices believe that in addition to oxygen, their filters can pass through themselves various carcinogens, which are contained in large quantities in the air of modern cities.
Purchasing equipment such as an oxygen concentrator for home use can certainly improve the he alth 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 flow saturation and dimensions. Be sure to look at the manufacturer. A device made by an unknown company, instead of being useful, can cause irreparable harm to he alth.
