During this COVID-19 crisis, the need of the hour is a medical oxygen plant that can replace oxygen cylinders. However, new forms of oxygen supply to patients have given a ray of hope. Doctors have restricted the use of oxygen cylinders at home without medical prescription.

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs leading to lower oxygen saturation levels (healthy individuals have 95% of the blood carrying oxygen whereas in COVID patients it drops down to 75%)  in the body. Patients suffering from asthma and cardiac alignments need oxygen supply. COVID patients with low levels of oxygen but are completely comfortable and have no confusion or altered consciousness, this condition is called “sleep hypoxia”. If this condition is not treated on time, it can lead to multi-organ failure.

With the number of Covid-19 cases rising every day, most hospitals are flooded with patients who are waiting for hours or even days to get access to care. Many families are stocking up portable oxygen for precautionary measures. In an effort to support efforts to combat Covid-19, ZEPNURhealth has partnered with several Indian and International manufacturers to supply high-quality oxygen concentrators to users across India.

What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

An Oxygen Concentrator is a device that is used for delivering oxygen to individuals with breathing-related problems or disorders i.e. individuals whose oxygen concentration is lower than normal.

Principle

An Oxygen Concentrator uses Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) technology (a technology which is employed to separate some gases from a mixture of gases under certain pressure) and there are concentrators also based on Membrane Gas Separation (the membrane acts as a permeable barrier during which different compounds move across at different rates or do not cross at all).

Working of an Oxygen Concentrator

An Oxygen concentrator receives the air, purifies it, and later distributes the newly formed air. Before the air goes into the concentrator, the air is made up of 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen. The concentrator uses that air and then it comes out as 90% to 95% pure oxygen and 5% to 10% nitrogen.

The nitrogen is separated to give the patient the best dosage of oxygen because it is difficult for the patient to get that percentage of oxygen without the assistance of an oxygen concentrator.

Before the air goes into the concentrator
The working process of an oxygen concentrator

Uses of an Oxygen Concentrator:

An oxygen concentrator is used for Acute Respiratory Conditions (short-term oxygen therapy condition) such as

  • Asthma
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
  • Sometimes after a surgery

Chronic Respiratory Conditions (long-term oxygen therapy condition) such as

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Sleep Apnea

Difference between Oxygen Cylinders and Oxygen concentrators

CharacteristicsOxygen CylindersOxygen Concentrators
SafetyLess safe as there is possibility of leakageCompletely Safe
PortabilityLess portable for large cylindersEasily portable
ConsistencyLess consistent as it can run out of oxygenMore consistent as long as power is available
WeightBulky and heavyLight (can be around 2 – 3 kgs)
PowerNot requiredRequired
CostLess expensiveMore expensive

Oxygen Concentrators in COVID-19 situation

The demand for medical oxygen has shot up from cylinders to concentrators since it is important for COVID patients.

New Delhi – The Delhi government has made arrangements to send oxygen concentrators to COVID patients who are in home isolation, just in case their oxygen saturation levels drop.

Hyderabad – apart from the sale of oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators also have been in demand during this situation even though the prices have been hiked.

If you want to buy oxygen concentrators, click on the links below:

Reference

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