know more about oxygen concentrator and oxygen cylinder

what are oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders? 

Whether it is the news or our conversations, in the last couple of years of COVID, two things have been mentioned more than any other thing. They are oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators. Patients of COVID who have experienced severe pulmonary involvement and respiratory distress have had to use supplemental oxygen through either of these two devices. They especially come in handy when you are isolated at home or traveling to a hospital.

But do you know that oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators are not a new discovery. They have been used for decades for treating patients suffering from a wide variety of conditions.

So while we have heard a lot about oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators, all of us need to understand what these devices are and their basic differences.

An oxygen cylinder, also known as an oxygen tank, is a device that stores compressed liquid oxygen. This oxygen is delivered to the user through an oxygen mask or cannula. 

An oxygen concentrator is also a device used to provide extra oxygen but it differs from an oxygen cylinder in the way it provides oxygen. While there is a finite amount of oxygen in a cylinder and it needs refilling, an oxygen concentrator provides an infinite oxygen supply. Working like an air-conditioner, it takes in the ambient air, filters and concentrates oxygen molecules from it, and supplies pure oxygen to the user. There are two types of oxygen concentrators:

• Continuous flow concentrators, which provide the same flow of oxygen unless you turn them off.
• Pulse concentrators, which supply oxygen when they detect inhalation and breathing patterns of the user.

oxygen cylinder and oxygen concentrator use at home 

Besides COVID, several conditions cause a person’s oxygen levels to fall below the desired normal levels. Some of these conditions include:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Lung cancer
• Flu
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic bronchitis

When either of these conditions causes oxygen levels to fall below 94%, an oxygen cylinder for home use is the best choice. This device also works, albeit as a temporary measure, when a patient’s oxygen levels fall up to 85%. 

You need a doctor’s prescription to use either a concentrator or oxygen cylinder at home. You will be prescribed a cylinder for home-use when you need oxygen only for short periods. On the other hand, a home use oxygen concentrator machine will be prescribed when you need supplemental oxygen throughout the day even while sleeping. Besides these things, other factors that determine the choice of the best oxygen concentrator or cylinder include the amount of oxygen you need, the size and layout of your house, your daily activities, and your personal preference. 

Here are some things to keep in mind while using a home oxygen concentrator or cylinder:

1. Always settle for the best quality oxygen cylinder near me. Studying the features, quality, and after-sale service pays in the long run. 

2. Keep a check on your oxygen saturation levels through a pulse oximeter.

3. There has to be a match between your oxygen requirement and the production capacity of the oxygen concentration near me. Ideally, the device that you buy must have a higher capacity than your requirement.

4. Don’t use these devices near a flame or while smoking.

For the most important factor to consider while using an oxygen cylinder or concentrator for home use, if you feel any changes in your breathing patterns or your symptoms seem to get worse, contact your healthcare practitioner at the earliest. 

price difference between oxygen cylinder and oxygen concentrator 

Besides the above-mentioned factors, one of the major considerations that determine your purchase is the price of these devices. Between oxygen concentrator price and oxygen cylinder price, the cost of the concentrator is more palpable upfront. While it may seem more expensive at the outset, in the long run, an oxygen cylinder turns out to be more costly. This is because it needs to be frequently refilled while an oxygen concentrator uses the ambient air while being plugged in. This makes an oxygen concentrator low maintenance without the need for frequent refills or replacement of tanks. The major cost that you need to account for is that of the electricity.

Many people also ignore the higher cost of a portable oxygen concentrator for the freedom to travel and engage in outdoor activities that it offers. 

People who don’t want to block their money in an oxygen concentrator for sale or those who have a short-term requirement, can opt for taking an oxygen cylinder or oxygen concentrator on rent. When you take a cylinder or oxygen cylinder on rent, you don’t just save monies but can enjoy a hassle-free experience. This is because the rental company is responsible for all the maintenance and replacement costs. 

size difference of oxygen cylinder and oxygen concentrator 

Size is one of the major factors to consider before you purchase either of these devices. 

An oxygen cylinder is a heavyweight metal tank that is difficult to lift and move. While you can use a wheel-mounted system or roll the oxygen cylinder, it is not always feasible for everyone to do so. 

On the other hand, since oxygen concentrators don’t have compressed oxygen, they don’t require a metal tank and are much lighter and more portable. They come in all shapes and sizes and the lightest oxygen concentrator can even be carried over your back in a bag. 

Our recommendations for some of the best lightweight oxygen concentrators include oxygen concentrator 10 liter and Philips oxygen concentrator 10 liters. Due to their size, there is a lot of difference between 1 liter oxygen cylinder price and 5 liters oxygen cylinder price. 

conclusion

To conclude, both these devices are extremely important and potential lifesavers. That’s why it becomes essential to understand their functioning, advantages, and usage before you invest in one.