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The most commonly used home oxygen system, an oxygen concentrator is an electrical device that filters nitrogen from room air, leaving nearly pure oxygen to be delivered to the user. It is the ideal device for use while at home, as long as the liter flow prescribed is relatively low. Physicians prescribe many users to use about 2 liters per minute of flow.
Oxygen concentrators require very little maintenance and will provide oxygen as long as there is electricity to power it. During a power failure, back-up tanks of compressed oxygen are used. If an individual travels outside the home frequently, some sort of portable oxygen system must be used. Many individuals who use oxygen concentrators will note an increase in their electric bill: A concentrator uses about as much electricity as a small air conditioner or color TV that is running continuously.
Recent technology has allowed for more efficient use of portable oxygen systems. An oxygen-conserving device works by turning on the prescribed liter flow when the user is inhaling and turning it off when exhaling. As a result, a substantial amount of oxygen is saved, which dramatically increases the length of time a tank of oxygen will last.
Oxygen-conserving devices do not work for everyone. Since it must be able to sense inspiration to start the flow of gas, the physician will want to test a user to make sure that the device will work safely and provide enough oxygen to the user. Typically, using a conserving device with an E-tank at 2 liters per minute flow, the tank will last about 7 hours or so. Many people using conserving devices opt to use much smaller tanks that will not last as long, but is less weight to carry around.
The most commonly used method of providing oxygen outside the home, portable oxygen tanks contain pure oxygen, which is compressed to more than 2,000 pounds per square inch. This allows more oxygen to be carried in the tank. The size of the tank determines the volume of gas contained. You then can estimate how long that tank will last at a prescribed liter flow.
Portable tanks are heavy and can be carried in a cart. Smaller tanks are lighter, but do not last as long. While steel tanks are still used, most home care patients prefer lighter-weight aluminum tanks. A device called a regulator is attached to the tank, which reduces the pressure of the oxygen and lets it out of the tank at a pressure that is safe. The regulator also allows the user to adjust the flow to the prescribed liter flow. Filling oxygen tanks is a complex and regulated process, so, in general, once a tank is empty, it must be returned to the oxygen supplier to be refilled. An E-tank will last about 5 hours when used at a flow of 2 liters per minute. Smaller tanks are available, but do not last as long.