If you or any of your loved ones have ever suffered from respiratory problems, particularly of the chronic kind, then you know that traditional methods of mitigating against some of the associated discomfort involves cylinders of compressed oxygen that pose as great a risk as the condition itself. Oxygen concentrators are now the modern accepted way of dealing with most chronic respiratory problems without the added risk of fire or imminent explosions.
What oxygen concentrators basically do is to filter out the nitrogen from normal air and provide the user with a stream of nearly pure oxygen for intake. This helps relieve shortness of breath, a common side effect of chronic respiratory conditions.
The workings of the oxygen concentrator may seem straightforward and risk free, but there are some basic rules that can help you make sure the device is used in a safe manner.
1. Where NOT to place the device:
Make sure the device is placed in an open area. As discussed above, oxygen concentrators work by removing nitrogen out of normal air, supplying oxygen and then releasing the nitrogen back into the surrounding atmosphere. If the device is placed in an enclosed area, its efficiency is greatly reduced since the very air it seeks to compress and convert to pure oxygen is made up of nothing but nitrogen. This means the patient does not enjoy the full benefit of the machine, and in turn the machine deteriorates faster, since the cylinders are forced to process air with nitrogen concentrations of above the normal 79%
The device also generates heat as it operates. This heat can turn out to be a fire hazard should the device be in an enclosed area where heat buildup is a real factor.
Another point relating to location is that naturally the risk of heat build up near an oxygen concentrator is just as real even where the device is placed in an open area but close to equipment or machines that generate high temperatures.
A final word on location of the device - the device should not be placed near any naked wires. At the end of the day, the device is producing near pure oxygen and the risk that a spark can set off a fire is greatly increased.
2. Back-up
Where the patient greatly relies on the oxygen concentrator for their health, you should have an alternative method of supplying oxygen should there be a problem with the device. This can be in the form of a compressed oxygen cylinder.
Another important thing to do is to inform your local electricity supplier of the fact that you rely on the power supply for medical purposes. This can shorten response time in-case of a power interruption.
Whereas it is quite easy to obtain your own oxygen concentrator, actually there are several online sites that not only sell, but also ship oxygen concentrators to your doorstep. This is a medical device and consultations should be made with your doctor before making the purchase.
Lowest Price Electric Razor Scooter Parts Prices Skydive Milwaukee
