Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator In India :
Oxygen concentrators help patients suffering from pulmonary distress a better quality of life. If you want to buy a portable oxygen concentrator, but find the product specifications a tad confusing, don’t worry. We are here to help you. You have come to the right place. In the following paragraphs we will walk you through some of the top mobile oxygen machines you can get your hands on.
1. GVS Portable Oxygen Concentrator 5Ltr
Our pick for the best portable oxygen concentrator is the GVS Oxygen Concentrator. It has a flow setting of 1-5 liters per minute with an oxygen purity level of 90% ±5% at any flow setting. The machine has an outlet pressure of 8.5 pounds per square inch and a sound level of less than or equal to 40dB on flat surfaces and less than or equal to 45dB while travelling.
The device is remote controllable and has a range of 10 meters. There are buttons to operate the gadget and an LCD screen for displaying important data like flow settings and timing. The GVS Oxygen Concentrator is a fully portable lightweight machine weighing 5.2kg. It can operate directly through wall socket, car battery and lithium ion battery. It is designed for easy transportability and comes with a carrying cart and a carrying bag.
You can take the concentrator on train journeys and in cars. It can function in altitudes of up to 12,000 feet and needs a relative humidity level of 15-95%. The storage temperature of the gadget is -20ᵒC to 60ᵒC and the working temperature is 5-40ᵒC. The machine needs 90-100W power. The integrated rechargeable lithium ion battery has a charging time of 4-5 hours and offers a runtime of 2 hours at any flow setting.
Please note that the device should be kept away from children and water. It must not be used in the shower or bath. Also, take care to keep the machine away from naked flames as pure oxygen is highly inflammable. Do not light a fire or smoke within 5 feet of the machine. Warranty period of the product is 2 years or 5000 hours, whichever is earlier.
Key features:
- 5.2kg lightweight portable oxygen concentrator.
- Capable of producing 1-5 liters per minute.
- 1-5 flow settings.
- 90% ±5% purity level at any flow setting.
- Includes carrying trolley and carrying bag.
- Built for travel by car and train.
- 2 year warranty or 5000 hours.
2. Healthgenie HG 502 Oxygen Concentrator
The next product we want to bring to your attention is the Healthgenie HG 502 Oxygen Concentrator. It is a domestic oxygen machine that produces medical-grade pure oxygen for use by patients at home. It has a flow rate of 5 liters per minute and a concentration level of 93% ±3%.
The Healthgenie HG 502 is a quiet patient-friendly oxygen machine. It has a wrap-around air inlet design combined with a multi-level noise reduction system which muffles the sound generated by the machine. This makes the device comfortable for use in homes and clinics.
The concentrator does not produce much heat and is easy to clean and maintain. It has wheels for easy transportability. The front section has a display panel, a humidifier bottle, a flow-meter and a flow-meter knob. The user interface on top of the gadget has buttons for power and timing.
The manufacturer recommends changing the intake filters once a month for optimum oxygen concentration. 10 additional intake filters are provided along with the machine. The Healthgenie HG 502 comes with a 2-year warranty. Its dimensions are: 58cm x 42cm x 74cm.
Please note the machine is not waterproof and therefore should be kept away from places where there are chances of it getting wet. Also, since it is an oxygen generating device, be sure to keep it away from naked flames.
Key features:
- Domestic oxygen concentrator for home use.
- Flow rate of 5 liters per minute.
- Purity level of 93% ±3%.
- Includes 10 extra intake filters.
- 2-year warranty.
- Multi-level noise reduction system with wrap-around air inlet design.
- Built-in wheels.
- Low maintenance.
3. Healthgenie HG-301 Oxygen Concentrator
Our next product is also from Healthgenie. It is the Healthgenie HG-301 and it is a top-performing domestic oxygen generator. It has a flow rate of 0.5 to 3 liters per minute and an oxygen purity level of 93% ±3%. When back pressure of 7kpa is applied, a change in maximum flow is advised.
The Healthgenie HG-301 has a maximum noise level of ≤55dB (A). It uses advanced noise reduction technology to nullify the sound generated during oxygen concentration. The gadget has a power loss function which makes it a more stable device. The compressor inside the concentrator has thermal protection for added security.
The Healthgenie HG-301 is chiefly a homecare oxygen device. It has 4 sturdy inbuilt wheels for easy portability from room to room. It weighs 24kg and has an operating time of 30 minutes. The gadget has a nebulizer function with a maximum rate of ≥0.15 milliliter per minute.
The front section of the oxygen machine has the oxygen outlet, a humidifier bottle, a flow-meter and a knob to regulate the flow-meter. Controls for power on/off and timing are provided on top of the machine next to a display panel.
The gadget has a 2-year warranty period which can be extended by another year by paying an additional amount. The HG-301 has Class 2, type BF electrical classification. The package includes the oxygen concentrator, a nasal cannula, a filter core, a nebulizer set and a user manual. Dimensions of the product are: 58cm x 42cm x 74cm. Power consumption of the device is 320W. It can also operate on inverter during power outage.
Key features:
- Domestic oxygen machine for home use.
- Oxygen flow rate of 0.5 to 3 liters per minute.
- Purity of oxygen 93% ±3%.
- Inverter-ready.
- Power loss function.
- Nebulizer function.
- Class 2, type BF electrical classification.
- Thermally protected compressor.
- 2-year warranty.
4. GVS-5 OXYGEN
The next product to make our list of top oxygen concentrators is the GVS-5 OXYGEN. It has a flow capacity of 0-5 liters per minute and a purity level of 93% ±3%. It weighs 21kg and is an extremely easy-to-maintain home oxygen machine.
The outer cover is made of good quality plastic with a blue transparent lid on top. The humidifier bottle is contained in the chamber under the lid while buttons for power and timing are provided on top of the device. The GVS-5 OXYGEN has fully rotatable wheels built into the frame. There are also handles in front of and behind the device for easy portability within the house.
The gadget runs on direct power supply from wall sockets. It has a sophisticated alarm system that alerts the user when there is fluctuation in voltage and pressure, and when there is a power-cut. The concentrator shuts down and sends out an alarm sound. The red trouble light goes off on the display screen to indicate disruption of activity.
Power requirement of the GVS-5 OXYGEN is 300 VA +15%, outlet pressure is 20-60kPa and noise level is ≤45dB. The package contains the oxygen concentrator, 2 oxygen tubes, 2 primary air-suction filtration sponges, 2 secondary filters, 1 humidifier cup connecting tube and an instructions manual.
The product should not be used near an open stove or burner. It must also be kept away from wet places like baths, showers and pool sides. The device has a warranty period of 24 months or 5000 hours, whichever is earlier. Dimensions of the gadget are: 49cm x 27cm x 56cm.
Key features:
- Domestic oxygen concentrator.
- Flow rate 0-5 liters per minute.
- Oxygen concentration 93% ±3%.
- Alarms for power outage, pressure and voltage fluctuations.
- Smart looks, transparent top lid.
- Inbuilt wheels, 2 handles.
- Warranty of 2 years or 5000 hours, whichever is earlier.
5. Respironics Philips Simply Go Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Philips Respironics Simply Go is a high-efficiency portable oxygen concentrator. It has flow settings of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 liters per minute with oxygen purity levels of 86-97% at all flow settings. The USP of the Philips Simply Go oxygen machine is that is has both continuous flow and pulse dose delivery. It is easy to handle and maintain. It is compact and weighs only 4.5kg.
The Philips Simply Go is travel-friendly and can be used in cars, bikes and trains. It comes with a cart that has a collapsible handle. It also has a multi-purpose carrying case with a zippered pouch and a detachable arm sling. The concentrator itself has oversized inbuilt wheels for easy mobility. Plus, it has a rugged impact-resistant body designed for outdoor use.
The long-lasting compressor ensures a longer shelf life while the onboard alarm system keeps the user informed about the machine’s performance.
The Philips Simply Go operates on batteries and direct electricity. The package includes the concentrator, a carrying cart, a carrying bag, accessory case, batteries, AC and DC power cables, and a user’s guide. Dimensions of the product are: 29.2cm x 25.4cm x 15.2cm. Operating temperature is 5-40ᵒC and operating altitude is 10,000 ft. Warranty is flexible. The buyer can opt for a coverage of 1, 3 or 5 years.
Key features:
- Super portable oxygen concentrator.
- Flow capacity of 0.5 to 2 liters per minute.
- Oxygen purity level of 86-97% at all flow settings.
- Weighs only 4.5kg.
- Includes carrying case and cart.
- Runs on battery, AC and DC power.
- Flexible warranty of 1, 3 or 5 years.
6. Philips Oxylife Oxygen Concentrator Respironics
The Oxylife Respironics Oxygen Concentrator is a home oxygen system by Philips. It can deliver up to 5 liters per minute. It has a compact shape and is easy to maintain. The Philips Respironics is a stationary oxygen concentrator meant for home use. It provides round-the-clock care for patients at home. It is a cheap and effective alternative for home oxygen therapy.
The machine weighs only 14kg and is easy to move around inside the house. It is quiet and does not generate much heat. It is patient-friendly and can be placed near the user without disturbing their sleep. The device is power-saving in nature and does not consume much electricity.
Purity of oxygen at flow setting 5 is 93% ±3%. Pressure outlet of the device is 5.5 PSI and sound level is 45dB. Operating temperature is 12-32ᵒC and operating humidity is up to 95%. Storage temperature is -34ᵒC to 71ᵒC and transport humidity is up to 95%. Operating altitude is 7500 feet.
The Oxylife Respironics has an onboard oxygen purity indicator which alerts the users about low oxygen through an alarm system. When oxygen concentration dips to 80% it flashes the ‘Low oxygen’ sign and when it falls to 70% it flashes the ‘Very low oxygen’ sign. Average power consumption of the machine is 350W while voltage is 120V AC (±10%). Dimensions of the product are: 24cm x 38cm x 58cm. Warranty period is 3 years.
Key features:
- Homecare stationary oxygen machine.
- 5 liters per minute flow.
- Purity level is 93% ±3% at 5 flow setting.
- Comes with an onboard oxygen purity indicator.
- Lightweight, quiet, generates less heat.
- 3-year warranty.
How does an Oxygen Concentrator works?
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that produces air rich in oxygen. It takes in ambient air and removed nitrogen from it to produce a stream of air that’s mostly oxygen. Air is made up of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, with trace amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, ozone and other gases. An oxygen concentrator filters air by taking out nitrogen to provide an air supply containing 90-95% oxygen.
Oxygen concentrators are widely used in the healthcare sector. They are required for patients who have difficulty breathing normally, or have low oxygen in their blood. Oxygen concentrators do not use a readymade source of compressed oxygen like an oxygen tank. Rather, they take in air, change its concentration, and give out oxygen-enriched air.
The Science behind Oxygen Concentration
An oxygen concentrator runs on electric power, either through a wall socket or a battery. If it relies on a battery, the battery needs to be plugged in to a wall socket to ensure an undisrupted power supply. Since it is a medical gadget, an oxygen machine needs a prescription, and cannot be bought over the counter.
Now let us understand the science behind oxygen concentration, and what really happens inside a concentrator. As mentioned already, an oxygen concentrator is a device that filters ambient air to generate air with a high concentration of oxygen. This is achieved by drawing in air through a motor, compressing it, and passing it through a molecular sieve bed filter.
An oxygen concentrator typically contains, among other things, a motor/compressor, a heat exchanger, two cylinders containing zeolite sieve beds, a product tank, a pressure regulator and a few valves for regulating airflow. First, the motor/compressor compresses the inflowing air and feeds it to the filter. The filter then removes nitrogen by a process called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA).
PSA is a technique used in separation of a gas from a mixture of gases under pressure. The filters use a mineral named zeolite for adsorption of nitrogen. Zeolite has a large surface area, and is made up of millions and millions of porous microscopic cubes. The mineral only eliminated nitrogen, allowing the rest of the atmospheric gases to pass through untouched.
When air passes through the filter beds at high pressure, zeolite adsorbs huge amounts of nitrogen due to its unique chemical nature and enhanced surface area. As a result, the outgoing air has a high concentration of oxygen. There are two stages to oxygen concentration. Air from the compressor first enters cylinder 1. A four-way selenoid valve regulates this part of the airflow.
The pressure inside the 1st cylinder is around 2.5 times that of normal atmospheric pressure. It facilitates rapid adsorption of nitrogen which leaves behind pure oxygen mixed with traces of other gases. This is the first stage of the concentration process and it takes about three seconds.
At the end of this stage, the oxygen-enriched air is channelized into the pressure-equalizing reservoir, also called product tank, and the incoming compressed air is directed towards cylinder 2 instead of 1.
As a result, pressure inside cylinder 1 drops which allows for desorption of nitrogen back into gas. In the second stage, there is another change in valve position, and the nitrogen-filled air from the 1st cylinder is released back into the atmosphere through a vent.
At the same time, oxygen-rich air leaves the reservoir and exits the machine though a flowmeter. The purified air is finally supplied to patients with the help of hoses, nasal masks and cannulas.
The pressure inside the hose is maintained by a pressure-regulating valve. A cooling system is also put in place to prevent the oxygen concentrator from overheating. This, in a nutshell, is how oxygen concentrators work. Oxygen machines can be of two types: fixed and portable.
Fixed oxygen machines need a wall socket, and hence, are not mobile. Portable devices can, however, be carried around, and are surprisingly easy to use. Let us now find out more about portable oxygen concentrators, how they work, and their uses.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
A portable oxygen concentrator is an affordable source of on-the-go oxygen. It is a convenient alternative to cryogenic oxygen tanks that depend on a limited supply of compressed oxygen. A portable oxygen device typically has two settings: pulse dose and continuous flow. Pulse dose mode is suitable for daytime use. It delivers air through a cannula.
Machines with pulse dose mode are more compact and battery-efficient. Continuous mode is best suited for use during sleep. It supplies air through a tube and ensures a constant flow of air throughout the night. Portable oxygen machines are lightweight and easy to transport. They are permitted on public transport like trains, buses and ships.
Most devices are also approved by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and can be carried onboard commercial aircrafts. However, users need to check with the airline they’re flying with if the brand and model of their oxygen concentrator is allowed on their flights.
In aircrafts without a pressurized cabin, a special kind of oxygen concentrator is needed which can deliver enough flowrate even at high altitudes. A portable oxygen concentrator is super flexible and can adapt to different modes of power supply. It can operate on a fixed power supply from a wall socket, be plugged into a car 12V D/C cigarette lighter, or be powered by a lithium ion battery.
Both fixed and portable machines have alarms to alert the user about power failure and sudden rise or fall in pressure. This helps them attend to the issue immediately and fix it at the earliest. In a portable machine, as in a fixed one, the purified air is delivered to the patient through a tube with either a cannula or mask fitted at its end. A cannula is a thin tube with two outlets that fits under the nose.
The patient breathes in the oxygen through the two vents that remain slightly inserted into the nostrils. The tube may be supported by loops around the ears and neck. While breathing through a cannula, a patient also breathes in the surrounding air as the nostrils are not fully covered.
In a mask, the area around the mouth and nose are fully covered and this helps provide a more concentrated supply of medical-grade oxygen. For travel purposes, of course, a cannula is more practical and comfortable to wear. It is easier to use and carry in the subway and streets than a full mask.
Portable oxygen concentrators produce anywhere between 1-5 liters of oxygen every minute. They ensure a continuous supply of oxygen as they use ambient air to produce oxygen-enriched air. They are great for mobile medical facilities like ambulances and mobile hospitals used in disaster relief.
Conclusion
An oxygen concentrator is a life-supporting gadget. It is a quick, effective and cost-efficient source of pure oxygen. It is used in hospitals, ambulances and homes to treat patients who need a constant supply of oxygen. Portable oxygen concentrators provide the same convenience of an oxygen concentrator but with the additional ease of transportability. They are travel-size, easy-to-handle and tailored for mobility. No matter where you are, you can rely on a portable oxygen concentrator to provide you an unlimited, and possibly uninterrupted, supply of pure oxygen.
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