Oxygen Concentrator:  An oxygen concentrator is an electric device that separates oxygen from room air. The concentrator uses a "zeolite" material that absorbes nitrogen and allows oxygen to pass through.The oxygen is collected into a storage cylinder and delivered to the patient at the prescribed amount. A flow meter on the front of the concentrator is adjusted to the prescribed amount.

Oxygen concentrators are designed to run continuously and do not need refills. They do require periodic maintenance. The maintenance schedule is determined by the manufacturer and generally consists of replacing filters.

The oxgen concentrator is the most common menthod of deliverying oxygen in the home. 

Portable oxygen is contained in aluminum cylinders. These cylinders come in two main sizes which are reffered to a "E" or "M-6". The E cylinder is larger (about thigh high) and is rolled in a cart. The M-6 cylinder is much smaller, about the size of your forearm. The M-6 is carried in a bag and uses a special regulator (a conserving regulator).

Oxygen cylinders are filled to 2,000 PSI and must be handled with care.

The regulator is the device that the patient’s oxygen tubing attaches to. It takes the high pressure contained within the oxygen cylinder and reduces it to the prescribed flow rate. Oxygen regulators for patient use are called “yoke style” as they fit around the cylinder valve.
Once attached the regulator can be adjusted from 1 to 15 liters per minute (liter flows vary by regulator). This flow rate is prescribed by the physician.
All regulators have a round washer over the oxygen inlet. This washer must be present, and seated properly to prevent a leak. Washers occasionally stick to the empty cylinder when changing it.  If you hear leaking around your regulator, this is likely the reason.

An oxygen conserving regulator (conserver) is used to lengthen the amount of time a cylinders contents will last the patient. It works by turning off the oxygen flow while the patient is exhaling. A very sensitive micro switch is triggered when the user inhales.
Conserving regulators can dramatically lengthen the time a cylinder will last (up to 6 hours on a small cylinder). This also allows the use of much smaller cylinders. This type of portable oxygen system is usually carried in a small shoulder bag and weighs about five (5) pounds.

Oxygen tubing is clear, green or blue and stretches from the concentrator or cylinder to the user. The tubing has three channels inside referred to as "star lumen". This prevents an interruption in oxygen flow if the tubing is crushed (stepped on).

The nose piece is called a "nasal cannula" (pronounced: can-u-la). This is the part that the user receives oxygen from. There are also oxygen masks for higher liter flows, and trachea masks.

Portable oxygen concentrators can operate from battery, auto adapter, or AC power.  A recent FAA ruling allows portable oxygen concentrators to be used during all flights (contact Diamond for current requirements). Most portable concentrators operate on a “pulse dose” method. This means it dispenses oxygen only when the patient inhales. One unit, the Sequal Eclipse, can produce a continuous flow of oxygen up to 3 lpm. From 3-6 lpm the Eclipse works as a pulse dose concentrator.