On-demand oxygen, also known as pulse dose oxygen, is a specialized method of oxygen delivery primarily utilized by portable oxygen concentrators. This system delivers oxygen intermittently, providing a fixed volume only when the user inhales, rather than a continuous flow.
How Does On-Demand Oxygen Work?
Unlike traditional continuous flow oxygen systems, on-demand oxygen concentrators are designed to be highly efficient and responsive to a user's breathing pattern.
- Triggered by Inhalation: The system uses a sensitive cannula to detect when the user begins to breathe in. This inhalation acts as a trigger.
- Intermittent Fixed Volume: Upon detection of an inhale, the concentrator delivers a precise, fixed volume (or "pulse") of oxygen. This delivery method is why it's also referred to as "pulse dose" oxygen.
- No Continuous Flow: Oxygen is not delivered constantly, which helps conserve oxygen and extend the battery life of portable units.
Settings vs. Liter Flow
A key characteristic of on-demand (pulse) portable oxygen concentrators is how they regulate oxygen delivery.
- They run on settings instead of liter flow. This means you select a "setting" number (e.g., 1, 2, 3), which corresponds to a specific volume of oxygen delivered per pulse, rather than a continuous flow rate measured in liters per minute (LPM).
- These settings are designed to deliver an equivalent amount of oxygen tailored to the user's needs, but in a more efficient, pulsed manner.
- The highest on-demand setting a portable oxygen concentrator will typically go to is a setting of 9. However, it's common for most portable oxygen concentrators to have a high setting of 6.
Key Characteristics of On-Demand Oxygen Delivery
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Delivery Method | Intermittent pulse; oxygen is delivered only when the user inhales. |
Measurement | Operates on specific "settings" (e.g., Setting 1 to Setting 9) instead of continuous liter flow (LPM). |
Oxygen Volume | Each setting delivers a fixed volume of oxygen per breath, optimizing delivery based on respiratory rate. |
Highest Setting | While some advanced models can reach a setting of 9, most standard portable oxygen concentrators commonly offer a high setting of 6. |
Primary Device | Most prominently used in Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs), making them ideal for active lifestyles due to their efficiency and compact size. |
Benefits and Applications
On-demand oxygen delivery offers several advantages, particularly for individuals requiring oxygen therapy while maintaining an active lifestyle:
- Enhanced Portability: By conserving oxygen, portable concentrators can be made smaller and lighter, and their batteries last longer, making them ideal for travel, errands, and outdoor activities.
- Increased Efficiency: Oxygen is supplied only when actively inhaled, leading to less waste and more efficient use of the device's resources.
- Discreet Operation: The intermittent delivery can sometimes be less noticeable than a continuous flow, contributing to greater comfort and discretion for the user.
- Optimized for Activity: The system adapts to changes in breathing patterns during physical exertion, ensuring oxygen is available precisely when needed.
[[Oxygen Delivery Methods]]