Today there are numerous delivery methods for breathable pure oxygen. There exists a vast array of devices for therapeutic oxygen supply available namely, compressed oxygen gas cylinders, portable tanks and liquid oxygen. The portable oxygen concentrator is trusted at home, since it surpasses the other options in meeting the demand for convenience, cost, and efficiency. The traditional types have many disadvantages. The portable oxygen concentrator has emerged as a far greater solution to these conventional ways of oxygen delivery because of our modern technology.
What makes the portable oxygen concentrator unique from the others? Mainly, it extracts air from the atmosphere or room. Then, separates the oxygen from other gases present, and delivers pure oxygen to the individual, usually through a nasal cannula, The air we breathe comprises of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen along with other gases, making for the separation important. This filtering ensures that the individual receives only pure oxygen for maximum health benefits. The atmosphere can be a much better source for viable oxygen since there is an unlimited supply unlike with expensive oxygen tanks. The most common repeat orders for refills of new oxygen tanks are no more necessary with this particular device.
The operation and maintenance of these devices would be the only concern of the customer after purchase of the portable oxygen concentrator. The portability of the portable oxygen concentrator is another feature that sets it apart from the others. This device is equipped with numerous features and a size that makes it easy to move in one place to another. Also, it could be connected to the car's A/C outlet for use during travel through the use of an adapter. These devices also requires minimum maintenance that is favorable as well.
In comparison, with compressed oxygen tanks, these tanks are not large and difficult to mobilize, especially when brought along during travels. Even in the home, large tanks can be very hard to handle and maneuver around. Worse, the patient is often confined to utilizing the device in a specific room that may not be comfortable as well as perhaps isolated. Airlines for certain won't allow such large tanks on board unlike with the portable oxygen concentrator. Furthermore, sudden explosions or fire hazards are on the list of dangers when large tanks are stored for long stretches. Alternatively, liquid oxygen could be manageable in small cylinders but it is too expensive. Furthermore, it cannot be stored long because of its tendency to evaporate. Lastly, the procedures to use these large tanks are very technical and complex. Thus, it often brings confusion to the user and drastically increases the potential for error.
There are some needless to say who would still would rather utilize the conventional compressed oxygen tanks instead of the portable oxygen concentrator despite having the data of the disadvantages. The main determining factor is actually the option of the portable oxygen concentrator device which is not always available in third world countries. Overall, the portable oxygen concentrator stands as the utmost preferred today given the major convenience benefits of using this device.