Sanrai Med INDIA
KYoC—Know Your Oxygen Concentrator

Oxygen is essential for our survival. All our bodily functions depend on the supply of oxygenated blood that our heart pumps throughout our bodies. Without a constant supply of oxygen, our organs and critical bodily functions cannot function optimally. This condition can quickly become life-threatening if the oxygen level falls below 80, known as Hypoxemia. 

What is Hypoxemia?

Hypoxemia is a reduction in the level of oxygen in our blood. Hypoxemia is a sign of respiratory or circulatory distress and can be showcased by symptoms such as shortness of breath.

There are many reasons why our blood oxygen levels, also known as SpO2, may fall. Factors impacting blood oxygen levels include:

·         Lung disorders such as COPD

·         Lung Cancer

·         ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome

·         Heart disease

·         Emphysema

·         Interstitial lung disease

·         High altitude

How is Hypoxemia treated?

Treatment for Hypoxemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition and may involve supplemental oxygen therapy, medications, or in some cases, surgery. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of Hypoxemia, as prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications.

What is oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy is a treatment that involves supplying extra oxygen to the body to help improve oxygen levels in the blood. This treatment is used to help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and sleep apnea, among others.

Oxygen therapy can be administered using portable and stationary oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders or other oxygen delivery methods in various ways, including through a nasal cannula (a small tube that fits into the nostrils), a face mask, or a ventilator (for more severe cases). The type and duration of oxygen therapy will depend on the specific condition and its severity.

Oxygen therapy aims to deliver enough oxygen to the body to relieve symptoms and prevent potential complications. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions and use oxygen therapy as directed, as misusing supplemental oxygen can be dangerous and potentially lead to further health problems.

Will my body get dependent on Oxygen if I use it continuously?

Your doctor prescribes you oxygen therapy to meet the shortfall caused by impaired lung capacity. Oxygen therapy is not addictive and is prescribed to help you lead a normal life. It's crucial to use supplemental oxygen as directed by your doctor and not discontinue its use without consulting with them. Your doctor will monitor your oxygen levels and adjust your treatment plan to ensure that you receive the appropriate amount of oxygen to meet your needs.

What are the various types of oxygen concentrators?

Oxygen concentrators are devices that are used to provide supplemental oxygen to individuals with low oxygen levels in the blood. There are several different types of oxygen concentrators, including:

·         Stationary oxygen concentrators: These devices are designed to be used in one location and plugged into an electrical outlet. They are typically used for individuals who need a continuous supply of oxygen.

·         Portable oxygen concentrators: These are smaller, lightweight devices that can be carried around and are designed to be used on the go. They run on battery power and can be used in various settings, including while traveling or participating in outdoor activities.

Are all oxygen concentrators the same?

As explained earlier, oxygen concentrators differ by type (stationary or portable) and oxygen delivery method. The two different types of oxygen delivery methods include:

·         Continuous flow: These devices deliver a continuous flow of oxygen to the user and are typically used by individuals who require a high level of oxygen support or high-flow oxygen therapy. Devices such as Drive DeVilbiss 5L/10L are designed for 24x7 use and can easily fulfil all your oxygen therapy needs.

·         Pulse flow or pulse dose: These devices deliver short bursts, or "pulses," (also known as bolus doses) of oxygen to the user as needed. Pulse dose concentrators such as the Inogen One G5 have a sensor that only provides a bolus dose of oxygen when you breathe in, helping it become more efficient and last longer on a single charge.

Which is the best Oxygen Concentrator brand for me?

It's important to note that different oxygen concentrators may have different flow rates and oxygen concentration levels. The type of concentrator that works best for you will depend on your specific medical needs and lifestyle. Your doctor can help you determine which type of oxygen concentrator is best for you. If you need a portable oxygen concentrator, the Inogen One G5 is one of the best and oxygen concentrators available today. With nearly 13 hours of oxygen supply on a single charge (with a double battery), the Inogen One G5 can help you get through an entire day without running out of battery power.

Can I use a portable Oxygen Concentrator while sleeping?

Yes, you can use a portable oxygen concentrator while sleeping. In fact, using a portable oxygen concentrator at night is a common way to receive supplemental oxygen while you sleep. Portable oxygen concentrators such as the Inogen One G5 are designed to be used while on the go. Many models are equipped with features that make them suitable for use at night, such as quiet operation and adjustable flow settings.

However, it's important to discuss your sleep and oxygen needs with your doctor and follow their instructions regarding using your portable oxygen concentrator. They will be able to recommend the best type of concentrator and flow settings for your specific needs and provide any additional instructions or precautions you may need to follow while using it at night.

What are the side effects of using an oxygen concentrator?

While oxygen concentrators are generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include:

·         Dryness: Continuous exposure to oxygen can cause dryness in the mouth, nose, and throat. This can be especially problematic at night and may lead to a sore throat or discomfort.

·         Nasal irritation: Using a nasal cannula or face mask for extended periods can irritate the nose and surrounding skin. This can lead to redness, and itching.

·         Oxygen toxicity: In rare cases, exposure to high concentrations of oxygen for prolonged periods of time can lead to oxygen toxicity, which can cause lung damage. This is more likely to occur in individuals who receive high-flow oxygen therapy, such as through a ventilator.

·         Interference with other medical devices: Oxygen concentrators can interfere with the operation of other medical devices, such as pacemakers. If you use a pacemaker or other medical device, it is crucial to inform your doctor before starting oxygen therapy.

In general, these side effects are relatively minor and can be managed with proper use and care of the oxygen concentrator. If you experience any significant side effects, you must contact your doctor promptly for guidance and care.

Why are Oxygen Concentrators so expensive?

Oxygen concentrators can be expensive for several reasons:

·         High production costs: Oxygen concentrators are complex medical devices that require sophisticated technology and high-quality materials to manufacture and ensure their reliability and efficiency over prolonged use. This drives up the cost of production, which is reflected in the final price of the device.

·         Research and development costs: Oxygen concentrators are constantly evolving and improving, and companies invest significant resources in research and development to create new and better devices. This research and development process can be expensive, and the costs are passed on to consumers.

·         Regulation: Oxygen concentrators are classified as medical devices, which means they are subject to rigorous testing and regulatory requirements. This can add to the cost of production and can make oxygen concentrators more expensive than other medical devices.

·         Durability and reliability: Companies design oxygen concentrators to provide a continuous and reliable source of oxygen to individuals who require it. This means that they need to be durable and reliable, which can drive up the cost of production and the final price of the device.

Despite their high cost, oxygen concentrators can be a critical and life-saving device for individuals with low oxygen levels in the blood. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of an oxygen concentrator or provide financial assistance. It may be worth checking with your insurance provider to see the available options.

Today, oxygen concentrators cost much less than they used to. With rental options from vendors such as Sanrai, you can quickly get the device you need at an affordable price.

 

How often do I need to change the filter of the oxygen concentrator? How much does the filter cost?

It is important to use your portable or stationary oxygen concentrator according to the manufacturer's instructions and to regularly maintain and clean it to ensure safe and effective use. The frequency at which you should clean your oxygen concentrator filter will depend on the specific model you have and the manufacturer's recommendations. Most oxygen concentrator filters and sieve beds should be cleaned or replaced at least once every 3 to 6 months.

However, some factors may require more frequent cleaning, such as higher use, living in a dusty environment, or if you have pets. If you notice a decrease in oxygen flow or increased noise from your concentrator, this may be a sign that the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

How can Sanrai help?

No matter where you've purchased your oxygen concentrator from, Sanrai has the expertise and the spares available to help you get the most out of it. The world-class oxygen concentrator service specialists at Sanrai understand the criticality of the devices and your needs better. With a full-scale service and support team on their side, Sanrai can help you breathe better every night.

Share this post :
Comments

Leave a reply

Related Post

07

Jul
COPD: Early Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Do you ever experience shortness of breath or chronic cough while doing your day-to-day activities? These might be signs of a respirato...

Read More

08

Aug
Why Is Rural India Lagging In Healthcare?

Home to more than 64% of the country’s 1.3 billion population, rural India doesn’t even have 30% of the nation's health infrastruct...

Read More

08

Aug
Five Easy Health Hacks for Respiratory Care

A healthy respiratory system is the base of a physically fit lifestyle. Your lungs perform the most basic function of breathing, and br...

Read More

08

Aug
Breathing Techniques For Healthy and Whole Lungs

Breathing techniques are exercises to improve your lung health for better respiration. We all are familiar with the phrase “take a ...

Read More

09

Sep
Quit Smoking and Breathe in Clean Air

India's tobacco use is increasing at an alarming rate. There are 120 million smokers in India with nearly 10 million people dying fro...

Read More

10

Oct
Sanrai Wins a Grant for an "Oxygen as a Service" Project - Sanrai International

We are very excited to announce that Sanrai has been selected as a grant winner of the Oxygen Co-Lab “Oxygen as a Service” (O2aaS) ...

Read More

10

Oct
Everything You Must Know About BIPAP Devices

People with certain medical conditions have difficulty breathing. Luckily, machines like a BiPAP help you breathe better. A Bilevel...

Read More

11

Nov
Effect of Diwali fumes on COVID-19, COPD, and other respiratory patients

Diwali celebration and burning crackers go hand in hand across India, despite the rise of air pollution and health hazards. The eff...

Read More

11

Nov
What is Pneumonia and its Innovative Treatment Solutions?

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five. In 2018, over 14 children under the age of 5 died...

Read More

11

Nov
How to Sleep Better With COPD: 7 Effective Tips

It’s a universal truth that sleep is essential for all human beings. One night of bad sleep can completely ruin your day, your produc...

Read More

11

Nov
Ways to Stay Healthy During the Cold and Flu Season if You Have COPD

Colds and flu are common during the winter months. At some point, we are all affected by getting a cold that turns into an annoyance fo...

Read More

12

Dec
An Overview On Sleep Apnea - Causes & Symptoms

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing involuntarily. Such repeated pauses occur during the n...

Read More

12

Dec
Signs Your Snoring Can Be Dangerous

Snoring is often regarded as an uncomfortable, annoying problem capable of disrupting one’s sleep. It’s considered normal and somet...

Read More

01

Jan
What a Breast Pump Is and How to Use One

Breast milk is a typical standard for providing nutrition to infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises exclusive breastfeedi...

Read More

01

Jan
Breastfeeding or Pumping: What to Choose?

You can supply your baby with breast milk through breastfeeding and pumping. Breast milk is natural nourishment for newborns. Breastfee...

Read More

01

Jan
How to Overcome Seasonal Allergies for COPD Patients?

Seasonal allergies affect the majority of people. Individuals with COPD are more likely to be adversely impacted by any subsequent cond...

Read More

02

Feb
The Increasing risk of obstructive sleep apnea in India

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes breathing difficulties when you are asleep. It is one of the most common sleep-related breathing ...

Read More

03

Mar
6 Tips To Keep Your Respiratory Health Safe This Holi

The season of spring has finally arrived, and Holi, the festival of colors, is ready to greet us with color, happiness, sweets, and the...

Read More

04

Apr
Tips to Improve Your Lung Health

The very first thing we do when we are born is breathe! However, do you ever wonder how your lungs function or how you breathe?...

Read More

04

Apr
How Does A Peak Flow Meter Help Manage Asthma?

Managing asthma is not easy. Once your doctor diagnoses you with asthma, it's time to find ways you can manage the disease. Effective a...

Read More

04

Apr
How to Manage Asthma Flare-up Symptoms?

Asthma is a very prevalent respiratory disease, affecting 235 million people worldwide, out of which 15-20 million people are from Indi...

Read More

05

May
8 Best Tips for Managing COPD

A person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) finds it difficult to breathe. COPD can cause blockages in the airways and b...

Read More

08

Aug
Smart Peak Flow Meter- Helping you live a happier life with Asthma

As an asthma patient for over 15 years, I often look back at my life and wonder how it would be if I did not have asthma or allergies. ...

Read More

08

Aug
Understanding Bronchitis better - a first step toward managing this disease

Chronic Bronchitis and COPD are the leading causes of death in India and the world that can only be addressed through timely screening ...

Read More

08

Aug
Using diagnostic AI in pediatric clinics - taking the first step towards health equity

Croup remains one of the top 5 causes of hospitalisations in children. Using AI-driven diagnostic solutions such as ResApp can dramatic...

Read More

09

Sep
Nutrition and sleep - the connection no one talks about

Believe it or not, sleep is the most important routine of your day. Sleep helps you stay energetic, improves your memory, makes you mor...

Read More

09

Sep
Understanding common sleep disorders to get a good night's rest and a productive day!

I'm a light sleeper and often wake up tired every morning, just like a staggering 83% of other sleep-deprived adults worldwide! This is...

Read More

09

Sep
Depression – one of the hidden problems caused by sleep apnea

Problems associated with lack of sleep affect everyone regardless of age. We all know that lack of sleep causes irritability, anxiety, ...

Read More

09

Sep
Medical devices, innovation and technology – the key to our longevity

Humanity has been on a perpetual quest for longevity since time immemorial. This quest led to applying available cutting-edge technolog...

Read More

09

Sep
Counter Sleep-disordered breathing with CPAP therapy! Consult your doctor today!

I did not know I was a bad snorer for the first ten years of my adult life. I lived alone, had a demanding job, and never found time fo...

Read More

09

Sep
Living with Narcolepsy – Know the signs to manage it right

Did you know that 21% of all fatal automotive accidents are due to drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel? A survey by Harvard M...

Read More

09

Sep
Making happy memories around the world with a ResMed AirMini

I have loved travelling ever since I was a child. I felt perfectly at home wherever I was. I could fall asleep on any bed, any surface,...

Read More

09

Sep
Understanding the impact of Restless legs syndrome sleep-related breathing disorders

Most of us have had problems falling asleep at some point in our lives. However, for some, this problem is consistent and negatively im...

Read More

09

Sep
The impact of sleep disorders – different for both him and her

Most common diseases and disorders are gender agnostic—which means that they affect both sexes equally—except for a few gender-spec...

Read More

09

Sep
Is there a link between a good night's rest and heart disease?

It is 2022 and we all know the importance of taking care of our heart by eating right and exercising regularly to lead healthier lives....

Read More

11

Nov
Diagnosing breast cancer – challenges faced by women with disabilities

A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer somewhere in the world every 14 seconds. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-re...

Read More

11

Nov
Mobility, independence, and happiness—the link between mobility and mental health

The loss of mobility is a challenge for the person affected by it and those who care for them. Whether you’re unable to drive, walk o...

Read More

11

Nov
Five things you must know about mobility, arthritis, and independence

Arthritis is possibly the most common cause of impaired mobility around the world. Affecting nearly 350 million people worldwide, 1 in ...

Read More

11

Nov
Wheelchairs and DVT – how to avoid blood clots

A staggering 1.85% of the global population uses a wheelchair every day. This means that over 130 million people require a wheelchair a...

Read More

11

Nov
Every breath counts—treating pneumonia effectively to build a healthier world

Did you know that a child dies of pneumonia in the time it took you to open and start reading this post? Yes, you read that right. Acco...

Read More

11

Nov
Upward Mobility - The stigma and anguish surrounding obesity

A WHO report suggests that, globally, more than 1 Bn people struggle with obesity every day. To put this into perspective, every eighth...

Read More

22

Not a valid month!
Best Rehab Equipment for Stroke Patients

A stroke can cause short-term effects such as weakness, issues with coordination and balance to lifelong disabilities depending on the ...

Read More

12

Dec
Using Innovative Engineering To Make Movement Accessible For Everyone

A UN report estimates that around 1 Bn people worldwide live with some form of disability, out of which approximately 100 Mn are childr...

Read More

12

Dec
Lanolin - Bringing The Joy Back To Motherhood And Nursing

The importance of breast milk can never be overstated. Sterile, safe, and rich in protective antibodies, breast milk is the perfect nou...

Read More

12

Dec
Winters, respiratory illnesses, and air pollution – the trio of woes

Winters are a time for piping hot soups, sweetmeats, festivals and indulging in foods and drinks that we would otherwise stay away from...

Read More

12

Dec
Winters, breastfeeding, and supermoms

Winters are a challenging time for newborns and mothers alike. As the cold weather sets in, it brings many problems for both mothers an...

Read More

12

Dec
Winter woes - An asthma patient's story

I was 5 when I woke up crying because I could not breathe. My chest felt heavy, and it was difficult to think or even tell people how I...

Read More

12

Dec
Healthcare, Sanrai, and 2022-What a year it's been!

In comes the winter, and with it, it brings the promise of spring and better times. As the year draws to a close at Sanrai Med India, w...

Read More

01

Jan
The golden years – building a safer home for the elderly

You enter the world as an excited child, willing to learn everything that comes your way, from sights to sounds to numbers, religion, c...

Read More

02

Feb
Up and About with Ease—easing mobility for seniors with Drive DeVilbiss

Post-retirement years are often considered the best time of our lives—referred to as the golden years. With more free time on their h...

Read More

02

Feb
Oxygen therapy: Good health with every breath

We need oxygen to survive. Our body gets oxygen through the bloodstream, which continuously gets oxygenated by the oxygen drawn from th...

Read More

02

Feb
KYoC—Know Your Oxygen Concentrator

Oxygen is essential for our survival. All our bodily functions depend on the supply of oxygenated blood that our heart pumps throughout...

Read More

03

Mar
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Portable oxygen concentrators are important medical devices that help people with respiratory problems breathe more easily. Whether you...

Read More

03

Mar
How to Choose the Right Portable Oxygen Concentrator for You

For people with respiratory conditions, portable oxygen concentrators and cylinders can be a lifesaver, providing them with the mobilit...

Read More