How a Medical Oxygen Concentrator Works
An oxygen concentrator is an electrically operated medical device that draws ambient room air (which naturally contains 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% trace gases), passes it through synthetic zeolite molecular sieve beds under pressure, and filters out the nitrogen. The result is continuous, hospital-grade medical oxygen (90% to 96% purity) delivered via nasal cannula or mask.
5 LPM vs 10 LPM: Which Capacity Does Your Patient Need?
5 LPM Concentrators (e.g., Philips EverFlo): Deliver 0.5 to 5 liters per minute of continuous oxygen. Best for: Stable recovery, post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis, mild to moderate COPD, and home palliative care where prescribed flow is 1 to 4 LPM (starts at ₹3,250/mo). 10 LPM Concentrators (e.g., Jay-10): Deliver up to 10 liters per minute of high-flow oxygen. Best for: Severe lung fibrosis, refractory hypoxemia, tracheostomy patients, or BiPAP/ventilator high-flow bleed-in requirements (starts at ₹7,850/mo).
Stationary vs Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
Stationary home units weigh 14-20 kg, run directly off 220V wall AC power, and provide continuous high flow. Portable oxygen concentrators (like Philips SimplyGo and Oxy-Med) weigh 2 to 4 kg, operate on rechargeable lithium batteries, and allow patients to travel, visit doctors, or attend family gatherings with pulse-dose or low continuous flow.
Essential Safety and Electrical Protocols
1. Fire Safety: Oxygen is not flammable, but it vigorously accelerates combustion. Never smoke, light agarbatti, or use open flames within 10 feet of an active concentrator. 2. Inverter Sizing: Concentrators draw 300W to 600W; ensure your home inverter battery capacity is adequate for sudden power cuts. 3. Backup Cylinder: Always keep an emergency B-type oxygen cylinder on standby in the room.
Doorstep Delivery and Purity Testing in Mumbai
Every oxygen concentrator dispatched by CareSpace undergoes rigorous testing with an ultrasonic oxygen analyzer to verify 93% ± 3% purity before leaving our warehouse. Our technicians deliver across all Mumbai and Thane suburbs, install fresh sterile tubing and humidifier bottles, and instruct family members on daily operation.