Ambulatory and Portable Oxygen Supply
Posted by admin - 10/12/08 at 04:12 pmAn oxygen supply that provides the ability to ambulate and participate in more activities on a day to day basis is perhaps the greatest improvement in design of oxygen systems over the last few years.
Although it sounds simple and obvious this does result in an improved quality of life; and equally important is the resulting improved physical and psychological conditioning and adjustment process a patient will enjoy.
Selection of the type of oxygen equipment that provides mobility is very important.
You have to take into account various aspects based on your particular needs, such as:
- Your oxygen requirements, (how often, oxygen volume flow).
- Your own mobility demands. There is a lot of difference between occasional outings and a high activity lifestyle.
- Altitude – although this doesn’t affect most people, there are major differences between living at sea level or at higher altitudes.(The higher the altitude, the less oxygen).
- Weight of the system. (There is a lot of difference between carrying 5 lbs. and 17 lbs).
- Duration, based on the volume and the required oxygen saturation.
Ambulatory Oxygen Systems:
An ambulatory oxygen system is defined as a system weighing less than 10 lbs., that has been designed to be carried and that lasts more than four hours or more, at 2 EPM.
Until recently ambulatory systems were limited to small aluminum cylinders or liquid oxygen vessels. However new oxygen concentrators are now available expanding your alternatives.
Portable Oxygen Systems:
A portable oxygen system are not designed to be carried but are easily moved.
They will weigh more than 10 lbs. and typically will be mounted on carts.
Liquid oxygen, compressed oxygen or concentrators are available as portable oxygen equipment.
