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What is On Demand Oxygen?

Published in Oxygen Therapy Delivery 3 mins read

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Increased Efficiency: Oxygen is supplied only when actively inhaled, leading to less waste and more efficient use of the device's resources.
  3. Discreet Operation: The intermittent delivery can sometimes be less noticeable than a continuous flow, contributing to greater comfort and discretion for the user.
  4. Optimized for Activity: The system adapts to changes in breathing patterns during physical exertion, ensuring oxygen is available precisely when needed.

[[Oxygen Delivery Methods]]