Many patients diagnosed with COPD or other similar diseases that affect breathing are told to find an oxygen concentrator to help reduce feelings of breathlessness. However, it can be daunting to decide when you see how many options you have. We’re here to make things simpler by telling you three things to look for when shopping for a portable oxygen unit.
Battery Life
With any portable device, the first question on your mind is probably, “How long will it last before it needs a charge?” That’s no different with oxygen concentrators. Units range in battery life from two to eight hours, though devices offering a longer charge are usually more expensive. The most crucial thing to determine is how long you need an oxygen machine to last based on your daily schedule.
If you’re only away from a wall outlet during your commutes to and from work, or you want an oxygen machine for home use, choosing a device with six hours of battery life is overkill. However, if you enjoy all-day shopping trips or errand runs, opting for a machine with greater longevity is a smart move.
Flow Type
The two main types of oxygen flow are pulse dose and continuous, and oxygen devices will come with one or both options. You’ll know whether you need a pulse dose or continuous flow machine after speaking with your doctor, and this factor can assist you in your search since it takes almost half the market off the table.
Weight and Portability
Finally, when you’re shopping for a portable oxygen unit, you need to think about, well, portability! As with battery life, oxygen devices come in various weights and sizes. Lighter units don’t always have the same capacity as heavier ones, so you’ll want to think about your lifestyle.
If you’re standing and walking for several hours each week, you’ll want to look for a lighter unit. However, if you spend most of your time seated, a heavier unit won’t make life more difficult.
Now that you know the three things to look for when shopping for a portable oxygen unit, make an informed decision and enjoy a device that ticks all the boxes.