Complete Guide To Oxygen Therapy:Best Oxygen Machine

12/27/2022
Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen is vital for man's existence. It makes up about one-fifth of the air we inhale daily. Once inhaled, oxygen travels to the lungs and other important cells for well-being. However, a person with respiratory problems can't utilize this gas as a healthy human would. So how do doctors handle this condition? No other means but oxygen therapy.

Here, we'll explore oxygen therapy, its types, and factors to consider when buying the machine. It continues; we'll also tell you where you can purchase various oxygen therapy machines at wholesale prices.  

What Is Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy involves the administration of extra oxygen for therapeutic purposes. It's used in treating respiratory insufficiency. Oxygen therapy is usually delivered through nasal cannulas or face masks to bring the oxygen content in the arterial blood back to values within normal limits. 

Who Needs Oxygen Therapy?

Various respiratory conditions require supportive treatment with oxygen therapy. This treatment is commonly used for people with the following conditions: 

● Asthma

● Congestive heart failure (CHF)

● Emphysema

● Chronic bronchitis

● COVID-19

● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

● Pneumonia

● Cystic fibrosis

● Sleep apnea

● Lung cancer

When Do You Need Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy can be applied in acute situations for the period necessary to overcome the critical event, such as during hospitalization. Likewise, it's helpful when persistent chronic hypoxemia is secondary to pathologies such as chronic bronchitis, neuromuscular diseases, and the like.

What Are the Different Types of Oxygen Therapy?

There are different systems and modes of delivering oxygen therapy. While some systems present oxygen in gaseous form, others offer it as a liquid. 

The standard oxygen therapy delivery systems include:

Compressed Oxygen

Compressed oxygen is one of the cheapest and most common delivery systems. The model contains compressed oxygen gas in high-pressure cylinders, and oxygen is delivered via a nasal cannula. It's generally used by patients requiring short-term home treatment. 

Also, when there is a need to travel or go for an outing, patients can resort to using portable cylinders.

The metal cylinder has a gauge that displays the oxygen level and controls to regulate the flow. Also incorporated in the system is an oxygen conserver; this allows the system to release oxygen only when you inhale. As a result, the oxygen supply is prolonged. 

However, when you exhaust the oxygen, you can refill the tank from the appropriate suppliers. Alternatively, there are provisions for self-refilling, especially for people needing long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Generally, it's best to have an extra cylinder on standby.

Recall that the cylinder contains high-pressure oxygen, so you must handle them properly to prevent it from cracking or falling. 

Liquid Oxygen

Liquid oxygen systems also contain compressed oxygen but, in this case, at a shallow freezing temperature. Also, it's attached to a nasal cannula via necessary tubing systems. Upon releasing the oxygen, it undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas which is then inhaled. 

In some cases, liquid oxygen therapy systems come as a stationary units with a portable system. The latter enables the use of the system while away from home. As such, users can easily transport them on the shoulder or a special trolley.

Liquid oxygen systems require no electrical input because they supply high-concentration oxygen. 

A downside to this system is that it loses a few amounts of oxygen to evaporation daily. This is one of the reasons why it could be more preferred by many users.

Stationary Oxygen Concentrators

Oxygen concentrators work by purifying the air. Since oxygen is the gas of interest, the system filters other air components like nitrogen and other gasses. As a result, only pure oxygen is supplied to the patient through the required tubing. 

Oxygen is delivered steadily; however, you can regulate it. Stationary oxygen concentrators are typically placed in well-ventilated areas and work with electricity. While they seem fixed, you can move them across the room at home.

Stationary oxygen concentrators are usually the height of a bedside table and have average weight. Also, it is necessary to perform regular filter maintenance to preserve the integrity of the oxygen delivered to patients. 

Modern stationary concentrators filter enough air to store the oxygen in refillable tanks for outdoor use. 

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

POCs are miniature versions of stationary models and work similarly. While they work on electricity, they are also battery-powered. As a result, they are best suited for indoor and outdoor use. Also, they come in various sizes, and the oxygen delivery and battery life increase with size.

Unlike stationary models that offer a single flow rate type, POCs deliver continuous and pulsed flow rates. The latter means that the system supplies oxygen duration inhalation. However, not all POCs offer constant flow, so your doctor must indicate that on your prescription. 

CPAP/BiPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are designed to deliver oxygen at bedtime. This oxygen therapy system is suited for patients with sleep apnea. It comprises a mask for the nose and mouth or the nose alone, as the case may be. CPAP supplies a continuous flow of oxygen during sleep. On the other hand, BiPAP has a dual operation, delivering high-pressure oxygen for inhalation and decreased pressure for exhalation.

Hyperbaric Oxygen

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires a patient to lie in a pressurized chamber. The oxygen pressure is elevated so the lungs can accommodate about three times more than normal breathing. The excess oxygen travels through the body's organs, bloodstream, and tissues.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats injuries, infections, air embolisms, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

How Do I Choose the Best Oxygen Therapy?

Selecting the best oxygen therapy depends on various factors, the principal being the mode of delivery. Other factors that guide your choice include:

Supported flow and concentration rate 

Different medical conditions require specific oxygen concentration levels. Also, there are defined oxygen delivery rates for various activities like rest, sleep, and exercise. And this flow rate is measured in liters per minute (LPM). Therefore, consider the LMP requirement prescribed by your doctor and ensure you choose an oxygen system that supports the requirement.

Portability 

Portability comes to play generally for comfort and mobility. A portable oxygen therapy system comes in handy if you love traveling.

Oxygen capacity

It's vital to evaluate your oxygen needs to guide your choice of therapy. This is because you must refrain from burning your oxygen tank, which can be dangerous. Therefore, consider the oxygen capacity of the system you're buying and ensure it can supply your needs till the next refill period. Also, it's best to have a supplementary oxygen cylinder on standby.

Sound level

The operation sound of the oxygen therapy system is another factor that will guide your choice. While the BiPAP, compressed, and liquid oxygen therapy systems are quiet, the stationary, portable, and CPAP models are loud. Check the system's decibel (dB) range to determine its sound intensity.

Cost 

The cost of oxygen therapy differs with size and type. Also, your medical insurance coverage determines how much you'll spend. Generally, liquid and compressed oxygen are the cheapest. However, while portable oxygen concentrators tend to be more expensive, they're the most comfortable and versatile.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Different Types of Oxygen therapy?

Choosing the right oxygen therapy system yourself can be challenging. For example, while oxygen concentrators enable refill into extra tanks, they work on electricity. As a result, they could be more helpful when there is a power outage or additional batteries. 

Also, while CPAP is an excellent aid for sleep apnea, it can be not quiet. The BiPAP, which is quiet and has the dual operation, is expensive. 

With the few indications above, it's obvious you can't decide your choice alone. Therefore, contact your doctor to guide you.

Where to Buy the Machines for Oxygen Therapy?

You can get the best machines for oxygen therapy online at medwish.com. Medwish is an online market involved in B2B sales of various medical equipment to international agents, private laboratories, and hospitals across continents. 

Do you wish to buy oxygen therapy systems for your medical facility or patients? Explore Medwish's catalog for all your medical needs. And if you still find it challenging to choose the best oxygen therapy machine, the Medwish team can assist.

Exciting Medwish privileges include installment payment, safe and swift supply, and multiple payment options. 

FAQ

How Long Can You Live on Oxygen Therapy?

The duration of life on oxygen therapy is a function of age, lifestyle, activity, underlying medical conditions, and heart and lung health. But generally, oxygen therapy helps prolong the life expectancy of patients with respiratory insufficiency.

Does Oxygen Therapy Help Shortness of Breath?

Yes, oxygen therapy helps resolve shortness of breath. While oxygen won't eliminate shortness of breath, it's helpful to relieve the condition in patients with lung disease.

What Is Continuous Oxygen Therapy?

Continuous oxygen therapy delivers oxygen at a steady flow rate regardless of a patient's breathing frequency. This is unlike the pulse flow rate, which provides oxygen only when a patient inhales.

Does Medical-Grade Oxygen Expire?

Medical oxygen does not expire and remains safe and stable in its tank for several years. 

Conclusion

Oxygen therapy is a life-saving supplement for patients with respiratory problems. The common forms of this therapy include compressed, hyperbaric, and liquid oxygen, stationary and portable oxygen concentrators, and CPAP/BiPAP.

Contact Medwish.com today for your oxygen therapy machines and other medical equipment.

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