Oxygen concentrators are essential medical devices that help to supply clean oxygen for those who need supplementary oxygen. The machines are particularly crucial in the recovery of patients with lung disease or breathing disorders.
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) can be defined as a device that helps patients who have issues of low oxygen in their blood. To improve the blood oxygen levels, the patients need to use a concentrator to increase their oxygen intake. There are several types of oxygen concentrators with the two main types being the portable concentrators and the non-portable.
Non-portable concentrators are similar to those placed next to a hospital bed. Although they can be moved, these machines typically require more energy to move and a patient cannot do so alone. Portable concentrators are the most popular because they are easier to use.
The following are some of the benefits of a portable oxygen machine:
Helps patients to sleep better
Oxygen saturation tends to get low when one is asleep. If you have breathing or lung issues, the problems of low saturation of oxygen often gets worse. If you have issues with your respiratory system, you’re likely to suffer from transient nocturnal desaturation. This condition leads to sleeping disorders and ultimately lead to health issues.
The machine is easier to operate
Generally, a POC is much easier to operate. Compared to the larger hospital oxygen concentrators, a portable oxygen machine is easier to handle and operate. This is because it has lesser wires, buttons, etc., which means that you can buy portable oxygen from any retailer and you will not need to be a technician to set it up.
When you buy portable oxygen, you will usually get a manual to show you how it operates. Additional information on how to operate portable oxygen is also available on YouTube.
It enhances the patient’s mobility
Most patients have a huge desire to be able to move around freely. As soon as they begin recovering, they always want to be mobile. POCs promote the mobility of a patient by enabling him or her to move from, say a bed, to a more open space. POCs also allow patients to run small tasks without much assistance.
It helps to improve stamina and mental awareness
One of the signs of low oxygen levels in the blood is dizziness. People with low oxygen levels feel dizzy and have very little energy to do stuff. Low oxygen levels also make the brain dizzy. Ensuring that patients always have portable oxygen machines helps to improve their stamina and mental alertness.
It promotes an independent lifestyle
Patients who use POCS are more independent since they are able to move around without depending on others for assistance. The improved blood oxygen levels promote alertness as well as provide stamina for various activities.
