Stratus 5 Oxygen Concentrator

What is the Difference Between Pulse Flow and Continuous Flow?
Oxygen concentrators are generally divided into two categories: pulse flow concentrators and continuous flow concentrators. Continuous flow is similar to what you’d expect from an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank. These devices will put out oxygen in a constant stream and are usually measured in liters per minute (LPM). Pulse flow machines are more advanced and actually have the ability to measure your breathing rate. When you inhale, a pulse dose machine will put out a small dose of oxygen called a “bolus.”

Can You Fly With an Oxygen Concentrator?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees all safety regulations pertaining to medical oxygen machines and in-flight use. In the past, when oxygen tanks were the only form of oxygen therapy, there was no such thing as an “FAA-approved oxygen machine.” But due to the lightweight design of modern portable oxygen concentrators and the fact that they contain no compressed oxygen, most POCs are approved by the FAA.

How Long Do Oxygen Concentrators Last?
Every oxygen concentrator is different, however, if you purchase from a reputable dealer and you choose a respected brand, you can expect your oxygen concentrator to last around 4 to 7 years. It’s difficult to nail down an exact time frame because every oxygen patient has different needs. Some people will need to run their oxygen concentrator 24/7 but others will only need to use it several hours a day.
In the long term, most oxygen patients find that oxygen concentrators are far more affordable than oxygen tanks. While oxygen tanks have a low upfront cost, you need to constantly pay to refill them and if you want to refill them on your own, you’ll need to buy a special home oxygen concentrator anyways. This doesn’t even take into account the fact that you’ll likely want to have a second oxygen tank as a backup.

When you’re looking at oxygen concentrators online, be sure to take note of the warranty that’s offered by the manufacturer. Most oxygen concentrators have a 3-year warranty, but in certain situations, you’ll have the opportunity to extend it. This is a great option if you want your oxygen machine to last as long as possible.

How do I maintain an oxygen concentrator?
The following items need to be cleaned regularly:

Particle screen – To ensure adequate air flow through the device, the particle screen should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, generally on a weekly basis, using a mild detergent and water. The particle screen must be air dried before reuse.
Surface – The surface of an oxygen concentrator should be regularly cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a mild detergent and water. Important: The concentrator should never be submerged in water.

The following items need to be replaced regularly:

Nasal Cannula – Consult with your physician or equipment provider for replacement information.
Filter – Most oxygen concentrator manufacturers provide filters in a replacement kit, so it can be replaced whenever necessary.