Millions of Americans struggle with receiving enough oxygen naturally. Oxygen concentrators filter nitrogen and other elements from the air to deliver near-pure oxygen to their wearers. While we typically divide concentrators into two groups—stationary units for home use and portable units for oxygen on the go—we can also divide them by how they deliver their oxygen: either continuously or on demand. Oxygen concentrators don’t just represent an investment—they also represent a change to your everyday routine. This makes it important to do some research before buying pulse or continuous-flow oxygen concentrators. Which is best for your situation? We’ll take a closer look at each.
Continuous-Flow Concentrators: Something to Rely On
A continuous-flow oxygen concentrator is exactly what its name indicates: a concentrator that delivers a consistent flow of oxygen to the cannula, or the nosepiece that the user wears to inhale the oxygen. Whether the wearer takes deep breaths or shallow ones, the flow of oxygen doesn’t change. This consistency can prove useful for people with more advanced conditions. We usually associate continuous-flow operation with stationary, home-based concentrators, which run on AC power and can shoulder the higher energy requirements of continuous operation. But there are portable concentrators on the market that deliver continuous flow, too. These are typically heavier than their counterparts, the pulse-flow concentrators.
Pulse-Flow Concentrators: As Much As You Need, When You Need It
Pulse-flow concentrators don’t provide a constant stream of oxygen. Instead, they dispense concentrated oxygen only when the user breathes—in pulses. Moreover, deeper breaths draw more oxygen than normal, while smaller ones draw less. Pulse flow conserves the battery life of portable concentrators, an important consideration given the necessity of maintaining battery-powered operation.
Which Is Right for Me?
With the significant differences between pulse or continuous-flow oxygen concentrators, you can discuss options with your doctor. Many people with oxygen prescriptions prefer the ease and portability of pulse-flow concentrators. However, breathing patterns, especially while sleeping, are an important consideration. If you’re naturally a shallow breather or breathe through your mouth, your nose may not trigger the oxygen pulse, making the simpler operation of a continuous-flow concentrator necessary. No matter what delivery method is right for you, Bridge to Care makes breathing easier with a selection of home oxygen concentrator machines that deliver the oxygen you need.