What’s the Difference Between a Portable Oxygen Concentrator and a Home Oxygen Concentrator?
For patients living with conditions like COPD or other pulmonary disorders, supplemental oxygen therapy can be a tremendous help in maintaining a good quality of life. If your doctor has recently prescribed an oxygen concentrator for you to use, you may be wondering what the best one is for you, and what’s the difference between portable oxygen concentrators and home oxygen concentrators. In order to make your oxygen therapy work for you, it’s important to do your research and choose the best option for your lifestyle!
All oxygen concentrator units work in the same basic way—they take in the ambient air, separate out the nitrogen, and deliver the oxygen through the tubing directly to the patient. However, much of the similarity stops there.
Home oxygen concentrators are designed to be used at home only, and typically are quite large and heavy, weighing between 30 and 45 pounds. They often have handles and wheels to make them easy to move from room to room, but aren’t meant to travel with you. Home concentrators are good for heavy oxygen users that may not leave the house much, or those on bedrest or recovering. This information is important to note when determining the difference between portable and home oxygen concentrators.
Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to give you therapeutic oxygen while being small, lightweight, and easy to travel with. These typically weigh between 3 and 6 pounds, and come with carrying bags or straps for convenience. Portable units are powered by high-capacity batteries, and can be charged in an outlet as well. For most oxygen users, a portable concentrator gives sufficient oxygen without tying them down.
Any type of oxygen concentrator is bound to be better than the old oxygen tank method, but the difference between home and portable oxygen concentrator models is apparent during day-to-day use. If you are active, love to travel, or need to take oxygen to your job, a portable oxygen concentrator offers the most benefits. Plus, portable units are versatile because they can be used at home, and even overnight, if needed!
Choosing the right oxygen concentrator for you can be a challenge, but we’re here to help. Reach out to us at Portable Oxygen Solutions today and let us assist you in finding the best oxygen unit for your lifestyle.