Oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are cost-effective in delivering oxygen to patients needing long-term continuous oxygen therapy.

Oxygen concentrators are mobile, floor-standing, electrically driven machines that extract nitrogen from room air in molecular sieves and generally deliver 90 to 95% oxygen to the machine outlet. These machines do not store oxygen; they must be turned on continuously to deliver oxygen. They do not produce the pressure needed to drive jet nebulisers and cannot be used with Venturi masks. Up to 30 metres of tubing can be used with these machines to allow mobility within the home.

Portable oxygen concentrators are also available. These rechargeable, battery-driven devices may be suitable for ambulatory use, and some models have been approved for use by commercial airlines.