Amidst the unprecedented spike in
critical COVID-19 cases in India borne out of a new mutation in SARS-Cov-2, the
unavailability of hospital-grade oxygen and oxygen cylinders has generated a
colossal demand for alternate source oxygen concentrators.
Shortness of breath due to low oxygen levels is widely observed as a vital
symptom indicating the progression of coronavirus to a more advanced stage. In
such cases, the patient requires supplemental oxygen, which could be
administered through an oxygen concentrator capable of supplying around 5-10
litres of oxygen every minute. Easy to store and low-maintenance oxygen
concentrators do not require refilling like oxygen cylinders and only need a
power source to provide an uninterrupted supply of oxygen. Given the oxygen
crisis in the country, oxygen concentrators make an effective treatment option
for patients suffering from mild to moderate symptoms of coronavirus
with an oxygen saturation level of 85% and above. Oxygen concentrators are
completely safe, reliable and provide great convenience and flexibility for
oxygen patients. Setting the oxygen concentrator flow meter, the oxygen
delivery rate can be well-adjusted according to the patient’s requirement.
How does oxygen concentrator work?
The oxygen concentrator utilizes
surrounding air that generally consists of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen to
deliver purified oxygen to the patient. When the concentrator draws room air,
the series of filters present in the device grasp dust, bacteria, particulates,
and other pollutants for further processing. In the first step, the machine
compresses air into the first sieve bed or molecular semi-permeable membrane
containing a material called Zeolite (six-sided microscopic cube), which
absorbs nitrogen and leaves 90-95% concentrated oxygen combined with a small
percentage of other gases found in the surroundings. Simultaneously, the other
sieve bed desorbs and draws out nitrogen into the atmosphere and moves purified
oxygen into the product tank and then to the nasal cannula, employed by
patients to inhale oxygen. In the second step, the function of the cylinder is
reversed in a timed cycle and the whole cycle starts over again to maintain a
continuous supply of oxygen to the patient. Oxygen concentrators can
function 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for up to 5 years or more, depending on
the model.
Types of Oxygen Concentrator
Generally, there are two types of oxygen
concentrators available in the market, such as stationary and portable.
Stationary (Home) Concentrators
Stationary concentrators are intended to
deliver an uninterrupted low-flow oxygen supply with a flow ranging from 0.5 to
10-15 liters every minute to the patient via nasal cannula. With built-in
ergonomic handles, the stationary concentrators offer the flexibility of
lifting or rolling the device to enhance mobility. The concentrator requires an
electricity supply at home to function, and the device comes with a compressed
gas cylinder, which can be used as a backup in case of power failure. There are
new options of super small home concentrators available in the market, which
are lightweight, mobile, and support oxygen flow rates up to 2 liters per
minute. Stationary or home concentrated are commonly used by people for
long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) to improve survival in cases of chronic
pulmonary disorders.
Portable Concentrators
Portable concentrators are compact,
easy-maintain, lightweight, and mobile medical devices that fulfils supplemental
oxygen needs for a sufficient duration. These are available in different sizes,
oxygen flow settings, range of flow, weight, battery life, and other
specifications. Most portable concentrators run on rechargeable batteries and
offer great flexibility with power sources. People who desire to use oxygen
outside the home, lead an active lifestyle, or are always on-the-go can opt for
portable oxygen concentrators for daily oxygen needs and better compliance.
Comparison between Stationary and
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Both stationary and portable oxygen
concentrators offer several advantages for those requiring oxygen therapy, some
important differences can affect the purchase decision. The differences can be
made based on size and weight, oxygen output, power options, and price.
Size and Weight
Portable concentrators have a small size
than stationary concentrators, which makes them convenient to carry through
crowded hallways, busy shopping aisles, and other tight areas. On the contrary,
traveling with a stationary concentrator can be difficult and not advisable due
to their relatively bigger size. On average, portable concentrators are
one-third lighter than stationary concentrators, so they can be carried in a
backpack or shoulder bag. However, wheels attached to the stationary
concentrators facilitate mobility from room to room.
Oxygen Output
A conventional stationary concentrator
can deliver 5-10 liters of oxygen per minute while a small portable
concentrator can provide a maximum oxygen output of 3 liters per minute. The
considerable difference between the performance or oxygen output of both the
concentrator is due to the size and weight. The smaller the size, the less
oxygen concentrator generates and vice versa. People who suffer from serious
pulmonary disorders or dependent on oxygen therapy require at least 5-10 liters
of oxygen per minute so stationary concentrators are the best solution for
them. Opting for a portable concentrator cannot fulfill the oxygen requirement
who need consistent delivery all the time.
For small and lightweight design,
portable oxygen concentrator uses pulse flow oxygen, which provides a puff of
oxygen during the inhale cycle and nothing during the exhale process. On the
other hand, a stationary concentrator provides continuous oxygen flow, that
runs constantly during inhaling and exhaling. While most patients can do away
with pulse oxygen flow, some require high doses of continuous oxygen flow for
survival.
Power Options
Most of the stationary oxygen
concentrators operate only on AC power sources while portable concentrators can
run on DC or AC power sources. However, portable oxygen concentrator offers
more flexibility and utility as they can operate from their internal source, so
it can be operated from a car, boat, or RV battery. However, a stationary
oxygen concentrator consists of a backup gas compressor in case of power
failures.
Price
The price of the oxygen concentrator is
directly proportional to the size, weight, and performance of the medical
device. Since a significant amount of engineering and manufacturing costs are
involved in the development of portable concentrators, these are costlier
(three to six times) than stationary concentrators. One can buy four stationary
concentrators at the price of one good portable concentrator.
How to Choose the Right Oxygen Concentrator for You?
Every model of oxygen concentrator offers different features and
benefits, but one should choose the right one as per their needs and
requirements. Here are some of the factors that can help one choose the best
oxygen concentrator for themselves.
Trustworthy Brand
Due to lockdown restrictions and availability issues, people are
finding oxygen concentrators on e-commerce sites. Some websites are scamming
people by selling equipment like humidifiers and nebulizers in the name of
oxygen concentrators and charging high prices. Therefore, users must ensure to
purchase the medical device from trustworthy brands like Aspen, Philips,
Medtronic, AirSep Corporation, OCM, Yuwell, Equinox, Oxlife, and Inogen. Some
websites offering authenticated oxygen concentrators are 1mg, Nightingales
India, Healthgenie, and Healthklin.
Flow Rate Capability
One of the most important things to consider while opting for an
oxygen concentrator is to check the flow rate capability of the medical device.
Depending on the severity of the disease and oxygen requirement of the patient,
the doctor advises the flow rate, so it is recommended to discuss the feature
beforehand. Different models of oxygen concentrators offer varying flow rates,
ranging from as low as 250 millilitres per minute to 10 litres per minute, so
make sure to choose one accordingly.
Oxygen Concentration
Every oxygen concentrator provides a different level of oxygen
concentration (purified oxygen that reaches the patient via nasal cannula)
depending on the efficacy of its nitrogen-removing sieve system. The oxygen
concentration delivered by models can range between 88-99% so it is important
to identify this value and compare it between different concentrators.
Generally, high-power concentrators provide higher oxygen concentrations
whereas low-power or portable concentrators provide relatively low oxygen
concentrations.
Portability
If you are always on the go and lead an active lifestyle, then
portability is the most important factor to consider while choosing the oxygen
concentrator. At-home solutions are bigger and heavier so these cannot be
carried everywhere. But portable concentrators weigh between 5 to 10 pounds and
are compact, so they are significantly easier to transport. However, portable
oxygen concentrators are suitable for people who do not require high oxygen
flow rates or oxygen concentration.
Noise
It is normal for oxygen generators to produce some amount of
noise during their functioning. While stationary oxygen concentrators create
loud noises due to their high-power consumption and high flow rate, smaller
portable concentrators are rather quiet and unobtrusive due to a low rate of
oxygen flowing from them. If you easily get annoyed with the noise, consider
the amount of noise generated by the oxygen concentrator before
purchasing.
Additional features
Many models of oxygen concentrators provide additional features
or items such as carrying containers, flow locking settings, easily replaceable
filters, oxygen concentrator accessories, etc. The optional items can vary from
model to model and influence the functioning of the medical device so consider
them as well.
Best Oxygen
Concentrations of 2021
OxLife Independence Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The OxLife Independence Portable Oxygen Concentrator is created
from high-quality material and has a compact design, which makes it easy to
carry. The medical device features an integrated travel cart with a convenient
travel arm and is approved for travel on planes and cruises. The long battery
life of the device and quick charging time due to the two-battery configuration
in the device prevents the user from spending more time charging and feel
limited by the concentrator. The oxygen concentrator has a sleek LCD screen
with a colored background to making monitoring easier and effortless. The
medical device allows the user to switch between pulse and continuous mode to
accommodate varying requirements. The OxLife Independence Portable Oxygen
Concentrator is ultra-lightweight (weighs 16.7 pounds), and offers DC run power
on all settings. The medical device provides a flow rate of 3 LPM on continuous
mode and 4 LPM on pulse mode.
Drive Medical DeVilbiss 10L Oxygen Concentrator
The Drive Medical DeVilbiss 10L Oxygen Concentrator is designed
for optimal oxygen delivery for patients who require high oxygen
concentrations. The innovative medical device is significantly smaller in size
than other high-capacity concentrators available in the market. The device weighs
only 42 pounds and comes in the same shell as the 5-liter size. The Drive
Medical DeVilbiss 10L Oxygen Concentrator delivers 87%-96% of oxygen purity
with a flow rate between 2-10 LPM. The oxygen concentrator is ideal for
long-term use and consists of safety alarms to ensure the proper functioning of
the device. The recessed humidifier nook and protected cannula port prevent
damage and convenient handles facilitate mobility. The easily accessible
controls, bright LEDs, and front-located knob facilities enhance the overall
experiences of the patient and caregiver while using the device.
Invacare Platinum 10L Oxygen Concentrator
The Invacare Platinum 10L Oxygen Concentrator is based on a
pressure-based system, SensO2® Oxygen Sensor that can provide up to 10LPM of
oxygen. The light/sound feedback alerts the user of any problem in the medical
device that needs to be addressed. The medical device weighs around 54 pounds
and delivers oxygen at the flow rate between 2-10 LPM and oxygen concentration
between 87-94%. The device comes with a built-in molded top handle to
facilitate mobility and easy-to-use controls are clear and visible.
Inogen At Home Stationary Oxygen Concentrator
The 5-liter Inogen At Home Stationary Oxygen Concentrator has
one of the most lightweight and energy-efficient designs. The oxygen
concentrator weighs only 18 pounds and delivers a continuous flow of oxygen in
different flow rate settings. The Inogen At Home Stationary Oxygen Concentrator
makes a great option for home use and hospital settings as it is extremely
quiet. The robust shell of the device ensures its durability by protecting the
unit from any accidental damage. The device is exceptionally lightweight,
weighing around 18 pounds. The impressive compressor of Inogen At Home
Stationary Oxygen Concentrator offers 20,000 hours at the highest
setting.
Invacare Perfecto2 5-Litre Oxygen Concentrator
The small, quiet, and energy-efficient Invacare Perfecto2
5-Litre Oxygen Concentrator uses a pressure monitor to maintain a reliable flow
of oxygen. The contemporary oxygen concentrator weighs 39 pounds and delivers
oxygen at 5-5.5 LPM providing an oxygen concentration between 87-95.6% using
three different filters. The concentrator is one of the quietest medical
devices, which is sound rated at 43 dBA. The oxygen concentrator can operate at
altitudes up to 8,000 feet.
How are Oxygen Concentrators Different
from Oxygen Cylinders?
Oxygen cylinders contain compressed
oxygen gas held under high pressure. The size of the oxygen cylinder determines
the capacity of the gas in the container. The oxygen cylinder can range from
small portable cylinders (430 L oxygen) intended for ambulatory purposes to the
large static cylinder (2122 L of oxygen) employed in hospitals. The cylinders
need to be moved via a backpack, trolley, or wheel cart, depending on the size
and weight of the cylinder. A 400 L of oxygen cylinder can suffice a patient’s
oxygen supply for only 2.5 hours, depending on the flow rate. Sometimes
compressed gas cylinders are often combined with oxygen concentrators for
patients needing continuous delivery of oxygen at home. In hospitals, oxygen
cylinders are used when patients undergo diagnostic or therapeutic procedures
outside the ICU.
Conclusion
With the country facing a grave shortage
of medical oxygen, an oxygen concentrator can prove to be a viable tool that
can help India to fight the pandemic. However, the oxygen concentrators cannot
be used for patients whose oxygen levels are below 85 as they require very high
doses of oxygen per minute. If the patient becomes aware of their symptoms at
an early stage, he/she can manage their oxygen levels with the help of oxygen
concentrators only, which would reduce the burden on the hospitals, narrow
oxygen supply-demand, and decrease mortality rates.
According to TechSci research
report on “India Oxygen Concentrators Market By Type (Portable v/s
Stationary) By Technology (Pulse Flow v/s Continuous Flow) By Application
(Bronchitis, Pneumonia, COVID-19, Lung Cancer, Others) By End Users (Hospitals
& Clinics, Ambulatory Care Centres, Home Care) By Region, Competition
Forecast & Opportunities, FY2027”, India oxygen concentrators
market is set to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The
growth can be attributed to the rising incidences of coronavirus cases in the
country and increasing cases of patients suffering from respiratory disorders.
According to another TechSci research report on “Global Medical Oxygen Market By
Form (Liquid Oxygen, Compressed, Oxygen Concentrators), By Purity (96% to
99.5%, 93% to 96%), By Delivery Mode (Aerial Diffusion, Direct Inhalation,
Others), By Modality (Portable Medical Oxygen Systems v/s Standalone Medical
Oxygen Systems), By Technology (Continuous Flow v/s Pulse Dose), By Application
(COPD, Bronchopulmonary, Lung Disorder, Heart Failure, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis,
Others), By End User (Hospitals, Emergency Medical Centres, Ambulatory Centres,
Homecare), By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, the
global medical oxygen market is expected to grow at a formidable CAGR of 7.02%
owing to growing prevalence of respiratory disease and increasing geriatric
population.