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When it comes to home and portable oxygen concentrators, choosing between Continuous Flow and Pulse Dose delivery methods is crucial for tailoring your oxygen experience to your lifestyle and medical needs. Let’s explore the distinctive features of each method to help you and your physician make an informed decision.
Continuous Flow Oxygen:
- Delivers oxygen consistently without interruption.
- Flow rate remains constant regardless of breathing patterns.
- Measured in Liters Per Minute (LPM).
- Ideal for users requiring a steady and continuous supply of oxygen.
Pulse Dose Oxygen:
- Dispenses oxygen during inhalation.
- A “bolus” or pulse of oxygen is released with each breath.
- Settings indicate the amount of oxygen delivered per minute.
- Oxygen amount varies based on manufacturer, settings, and patient’s breathing rate.
- Suited for users with changing oxygen needs during activities.
Important Considerations:
- Settings on pulse dose machines are not equivalent to continuous flow settings.
- Consult with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons of pulse dose machines.
- Test the unit for efficacy based on your specific needs.
Max Oxygen Output:
- Each portable oxygen concentrator has a defined “maximum oxygen output.”
- This represents the machine’s capacity to deliver medical-grade oxygen, akin to a car’s horsepower.
Navigating the nuances of these delivery methods ensures you find the perfect match for your oxygen requirements. Consult with your healthcare professional and explore various models to enhance your oxygen journey.
Understanding Your Oxygen Prescription
If you’re undergoing oxygen therapy, your doctor will provide a specific prescription indicating your required oxygen flow rate, typically measured in liters per minute (LPM). For instance, a prescription of 2 LPM means you’ll receive 2 liters of oxygen into your nostrils over a minute. Oxygen prescriptions usually range from 1 to 10 LPM, with a significant portion falling within 2 liters or less.
It’s crucial to engage in a detailed discussion with your physician about your unique oxygen needs, considering both rest and exertion scenarios. Determining the right therapeutic dose for day and night usage enables our Oxygen Specialists to guide you in selecting the most suitable equipment, whether you’re renting or making a purchase. We encourage patients to explore with their doctors the suitability of pulse dose versus continuous flow machines and the recommended settings for each.
If you’re contemplating an upgrade to a newer concentrator model, consult with your physician to ensure your oxygen requirements haven’t changed. We strongly recommend acquiring an oxygen concentrator with the capacity to deliver higher oxygen levels than prescribed to adapt to potential changes in your needs over time. Your health is our priority!
