An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air. Atmospheric air has about 78 per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen, with other gases making up the remaining 1 per cent.

Where oxygen concentrators are used ,How it looks?

The size of oxygen concentrators is bigger than a computer monitor .

 The concentrator is among the most sought after devices for oxygen therapy, especially among patients in home isolation and for hospitals running out of oxygen.

How oxygen concentrators works?

-An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air. -Atmospheric air has about 78 per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen, with other gases making up the remaining 1 per cent.

-The oxygen concentrator takes in this air, filters it through a sieve, releases the nitrogen back into the air, and works on the remaining oxygen.

-This oxygen, compressed and dispensed through a cannula, is 90-95 per cent pure.

 -A pressure valve in concentrators helps regulate supply, ranging from 1-10 litres per minute.

At 90-95 per cent purity, is the oxygen from concentrators pure enough?

While it is not as pure as LMO (99%), experts say it is good enough for mild and moderate Covid-19 patients with oxygen saturation levels of 85% or above. It is, however, not advisable for ICU patients.

How are concentrators different from oxygen cylinders and LMO?

Oxygen concentrators are the easiest alternatives to cylinders but can only supply 5-10 litres of oxygen per minute (critical patients may need 40-50 litres per minute) and are best suited for moderately ill patients.

Concentrators are portable and unlike LMO that needs to be stored and transported in cryogenic tankers, need no special temperature.

And unlike cylinders that require refilling, concentrators only need a power source to draw in ambient air.

What is LMO?

LMO stands for Liquid medical oxygen . LMO is widely used in clinical practice to provide a basis for most modern anaesthetic techniques including pre and postoperative management.

The key advantages of liquid oxygen include portable, continuous flow capability, 100% concentrated oxygen .