| Oxygen Equipment Guide |
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Concentrator Your patient will receive an oxygen concentrator. This device separates the oxygen from room air. The collected oxygen is stored within the machine and delivered to the patient at the prescribed liter flow. An oxygen concentrator is an electric device. It has alarms for loss of power, and low oxygen purity. These machines are designed to run 24/7 with virtually no maintenance. Humidifier Once separated by the concentrator, the oxygen is dry. When inhaled moisture will attach to the oxygen and then is exhaled from the patient. This can be very uncomfortable for the patient. It can also thicken secretions by removing moisture. A bubble humidifier is attached to the concentrators oxygen port. The oxygen flows through the distilled water, then to the patient. By passing the oxygen through the water moisture is attached before entering the body. Since it is carrying all the moisture it can hold, no moisture is removed from the patient while exhaling. Humidifiers require a prescription. Portable Systems Oxygen cylinders are named according to their size. “E” cylinders are approximately waist high and are rolled in a cart. These are high pressure cylinders that hold roughly 630 liters of oxygen. Smaller oxygen cylinders, approximately 1 foot tall, are called “M6” cylinders. These cylinders hold far less oxygen, but when used with a conserving regulator can last 6+ hours. Regulator Oxygen cylinders hold the gas under high pressure (2,000psi). A regulator is the device attached to the top of the tank that drops the pressure and delivers the prescribed amount of oxygen. There are two types of regulators – standard and conserving. Standard Regulators Standard regulators can be set to liter flows from .25 to 15 (depending on the model). Oxygen flows until you turn the regulator off. This type of regulator is used for patients who cannot tolerate conservers. It is also used in ambulances and emergency situations. Conserving Regulators For most ambulatory patients a conserving regulator is the best option. It allows the patient to use a much smaller, and lighter, cylinder. The conserving systems come in a bag that resembles a purse, or backpack. A conserving regulator works by turning the oxygen flow off while the patient is exhaling. A very sensitive micro switch in the device senses the inhalation and releases oxygen a millisecond later. This allows the cylinder to last much longer. Oxygen conservers are not for all patients. The patient must able able to maintain an adequate saturation while on the device. It is strongly recommended to order titration when a conserving regulator is being considered. Conserving regulators have a safety feature. When activated this feature will deliver a constant flow of oxygen at a pre-determined liter flow (usually 2lpm). However, since these regulators are typically used with small cylinders, it will deplete its supply rapidly. Note: Conserving regulators MUST NOT be used in a cardiac emergency or when breathing has stopped. |