Oxygen Smart

An oxygen conserving device is used to regulate the delivery of oxygen to the user.

Patients on long term oxygen have to keep an eye on the amount of oxygen they have left whether this is at home or with a portable unit.

As these are units that have to be refilled they hold a certain amount of oxygen for “x” number of hours of use, at the specified flow. When you are using a portable unit it is imperative you have sufficient oxygen for whatever activity you are doing.

You have various options to regulate the oxygen flow - it can be at a constant rate, at specific intervals or targeted to the actual inhaling process.  All of these options have a direct relationship to how long the stored oxygen will last.  For example if the delivery rate is constant, without any variation at all, the supply will be used up much faster than if it is regulated. This brings up the need to regulate oxygen flow and to do that you need oxygen conserving devices that can increase the range of your oxygen supply.

Note: It is very important that the oxygen delivery you get is based on your doctor’s prescription and guidance - self prescription is definitely not a good idea.

There are two general types of conservers:
a. Demand devices.

• They will supply different volumes of oxygen depending on the length of each inhalation.
• They deliver oxygen when you inhale.
• They can be either mechanical or battery operated.
• They don’t provide a fixed amount of oxygen but a variable amount that is in relation to the length of time the person inhales.
• They don’t provide oxygen during exhalation (hence the saving aspect).
• They deliver a short,  initial surge, of oxygen followed by a continuous flow for the remainder of the inhalation.
• In case of any malfunction they will revert automatically to a constant delivery rate.

b. Pulse devices. The provide fixed volumes of oxygen per delivery.

• Basically they deliver oxygen at specific time intervals, geared either to every breath or alternative breath.
• As it is delivered at fixed intervals (according to whatever settings have been placed), there can be inconsistencies with the inhalation timing. We don’t always breathe in at exactly the same intervals; sometimes we breathe more rapidly, for many reasons. This tends to average out.
• They deliver a fixed amount of oxygen per breath setting, no matter the length of the inhalation.
• The delivery is based on the setting number in relation to the delivery intrval where the setting equals a delivery out of every four.  For example a setting of 1 will provide oxygen at a rate of 1 every 4 breaths.  A setting of 3 will delivery 3 times every 4 breath.

When you are using conserving devices to regulate oxygen flow, and especially when this implies greater exertion such as sports or some form of exercise that makes your body demand more oxygen, make sure you check your oxygen blood saturation levels by using a pulse oxymeter.  You can then, if needed, increase the oxygen flow.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Portable oxygen delivery systems are an integral part in the lives of patients who need supplemental oxygen.  Activities that a few years ago were virtually impossible for them are now not only possible but practiced daily. Obviously there are individual factors to take into account.  Age, physical strength, severity of the pulmonary illness, attitude and general disposition have a lot to do with a person’s degree of activity.  But, all in all, the new generation of portable oxygen machines are extending people’s mobility.

This means much more than being able to get out of the house, it means recovering life styles.  There are people who today can practice outdoor activities, from golf to fishing, to walking in the countryside.  They, the portable oxygen units, are being seen all over.  On the side walks, on airplanes, cars, buses, trains.  At work, pursuing all sorts o hobbies.  In restaurants, in cinemas, at the theater.

A quick look at the benefits that portable oxygen alternatives are bringing:

Features Benefits

- Reduced weight                                         - Easier to carry
- Longer duration of oxygen                        - More activities and for longer periods.
- Size and shape                                           - More maneuverable and therefore extended activity.
- Oxygen conserving devices                       - Better oxygen delivery and less waste.

Additional Benefits:

- Regaining freedom of movement.
- Greater independence.
- Recovering many activities that had become restricted.
- Social activities.
- Not being restricted to the home.

Portable oxygen concentrators are one of the best developments in this area.  They extract oxygen from ambient air, delivering it to the patient in pure form. This means not having to worry about refills.  As they are electrically powered, and most portable models will have a battery option, you don’t have to worry about running out. Obviously you need the power source, but reserve batteries will extend the times involved.

In previous times oxygen cylinders holding compressed oxygen were the available option.  Today oxygen cylinders are also lighter and with the new conserving devices (flow or demand) they have become more user friendly.

Liquid oxygen is also an alternative with a much greater storage capacity providing longer lasting tanks.  They have also a variety of models that are easier to use and carry.

Which ever system you use, and it is important that your choice is governed by your doctor’s recommendations, it is advisable to have back up systems.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

There are three types of system that deliver oxygen to patients on oxygen therapy, and these are:

Liquid Oxygen, that stores and delivers oxygen from tanks.
Compressed Oxygen, that is stored [...] Continue Reading…

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

One of the most important things for a patient who needs supplemental oxygen, after breathing, is being able to stay mobile.  How much additional oxygen will depend on the [...] Continue Reading…

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

My stepfather nearly died from lung failure after an operation and as a result of this he has been prescribed with long term oxygen therapy. Thousands of people have [...] Continue Reading…

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!