Pulse Flow Vs. Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Unlike other oxygen-delivering options such as stationary oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks, portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be reliable, and lightweight, and provide the patient with as much mobility as possible while also ensuring their oxygen requirements are fulfilled. The first question you should ask your doctor while deciding which portable or home oxygen concentrator is correct for you is, "Do I want pulse dose or continuous flow oxygen?" Few concentrators only provide pulse flow, while the majority of at-home systems only provide a steady flow. For those who want the best of both worlds, there are a range of portable oxygen concentrators on the market today that combine both solutions in one device.
To figure out which flow setting to use, this article will help you to understand what each setting entails and how it works.
Pulse Flow
With each intake of air, a pulse flow concentrator pumps air to your nasal passageway through a cannula, as the name implies. This ensures that any time you draw a breath in, it is full of concentrated oxygen. If your breathing rate picks up, the oxygen concentrator will automatically respond by releasing another “pulse” of oxygen as required. Since pulse flow units don't need to provide too much oxygen, they can be made much smaller and lighter. A typical pulse flows portable oxygen concentrator weighs between 5 and 6 pounds.
Continuous Flow
A constant flow oxygen concentrator does not adjust settings when you take a breath and is configured to your prescription. Depending on your needs, continuous flow POCs will deliver anything from 2 to 5 LPM. Depending on the doctor's orders, these units can also be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You would want to try using a continuous flow concentrator if you are not active during the day. Additionally, if you breathe more through your mouth than through your nose, this might be the best choice for you.
Which One Should You Choose?
The key distinction is that in a pulse flow concentrator, the oxygen settings change as per your needs and the continuous flow concentrator does not have that option. Pulse flow is the more effective of the two oxygen concentrators. Which one should you choose?
Your doctor will be able to tell you which oxygen concentrators will best meet your needs and will assist you in determining your required liter flow rate for your specific circumstances.
To Conclude…
Portable Oxygen Concentrators are used by patients that have been prescribed oxygen therapy for their treatment of COPD. With so many options in the market, it is confusing to choose the right one. Portable oxygen concentrators come in two varieties- Pulse Flow and Continuous Flow oxygen delivery mode. Before choosing the portable oxygen concentrator consult with your doctor thoroughly.
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