Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are devices developed in response to demand for a lightweight, portable source of supplemental oxygen.[1] Pulse dose delivery allows concentrators to deliver medical grade oxygen all day, every day while remaining convenient to carry.
To understand the mechanics of pulse dose therapy, knowing the meaning of a few key terms is helpful.
Pulse dose mechanisms utilize an oxygen conserver and other technology to deliver oxygen to the patient based on breathing rate and other factors. The sensor determines when the patient begins inhaling and delivers the oxygen pulse/bolus at that moment, which is most productive[2], meaning the patient gets the oxygen they need, when they need it.
Pulse dosing is more akin to drinking water from a glass with a straw instead of a fountain. The intake will be based purely on the amount and intensity of sips. The bolus of pulse dose oxygen is measured in milliliters per breath, rather than liters per minute.[3]
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The traditional home oxygen therapy is low-flow oxygen, comprising a continuous oxygen flow delivered from a stationary oxygen tank via nasal cannula.[4] Continuous flow (CF) delivers oxygen at a constant adjustable rate, regardless of the user’s breathing, measured in liters per minute.[5]
This method of delivery is simple but inherently inefficient. The oxygen delivered throughout expiration is wasted, with the exception of any oxygen which may ‘pool’ for subsequent inhalation, and may still be potentially wasted. Also wasted is the oxygen flow during late inhalation, which reaches only the conduit airways rather than gas-exchanging lung units.[4]
Think of it like a water fountain: If an individual stands in front of a water fountain flowing at 1 liter per minute, they don’t actually drink one full liter of water in a minute. The amount of water a person drinks is determined by the number of sips and the size of the sip. The rest of the water is not consumed. The same applies to continuous flow oxygen; the net amount of oxygen inhaled is a combination of the flow rate, the number of breaths and the size of the breaths.
If instead, the oxygen is delivered only intermittently, at those times productive for gas exchange, oxygen is conserved[4], and patients get the oxygen they need, when they need it.
The sensor determines when the patient begins inhaling and delivers the oxygen pulse/bolus at that moment, which is most productive[2], meaning the patient gets the oxygen they need, when they need it.
Inogen® POCs feature proprietary Intelligent Delivery Technology, a reliable pulse-dose based algorithm designed to minimize missed breaths. Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology is designed to deliver oxygen effectively and efficiently whether you are sleeping, at rest, or exerting yourself. With patented conserver technology, an Inogen® portable oxygen concentrator ensures oxygen is delivered within the first 250 milliseconds of inspiration, where oxygen has the most effect on lung gas exchange.
Pulse dose oxygen can be delivered using a lightweight, battery powered oxygen concentrator which delivers an oxygen pulse only when an inhalation is detected. These portable devices provide a mobile oxygen source resulting in up to 12 hours of continuous use, depending on the model.[5]
Oxygen use has extended from inpatient to outpatient settings for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases and complications of hypoxemia. Pulse delivery of oxygen, such as that delivered by POCs, can provide prescribed oxygen needs in lightweight systems. Additionally, Inogen® oxygen concentrators may offer the patient one single solution[6] for long term oxygen therapy.
The Inogen One Cart is available to help you transport your Inogen One G3 or Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator unit. We heard our customers when they asked for a specially designed cart just for our Inogen One G3 and Inogen One G5 units, so we created a cart designed to be used in conjunction with the G3/G5 devices, while in use with the carry bag, providing versatile mobility options for the patient. Read on to learn more about how the Inogen One Cart.
Do you ever wonder how to purchase an oxygen concentrator? Thoughts of learning new equipment, changing your routine and engaging with your insurance provider may make the process more daunting than promising. If an oxygen tank is what you know and are used to, the thought of getting a new oxygen concentrator may be enticing. Don’t let the purchasing process be the obstacle that stands between you and your new machine. If you want to know, “How can I buy an oxygen concentrator?” read on. Learning about the buying process and ordering an Inogen oxygen concentrator can all be accomplished in minutes if you have all necessary information.
Many people with breathing difficulties learn about the benefits of exercise after seeing their doctor or beginning pulmonary rehabilitation. Exercise gets your heart pumping and increases your breathing rate, which means increased circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body. This can help your body with oxygenation of the tissues and, the better shape your muscles are in, the better they are at using oxygen effectively. With regular exercise, your muscles will require less oxygen and produce less carbon dioxide, reducing how quickly you need to breathe and how quickly you feel out of breath. Regular exercise also strengthens your heart and improves circulation, which continues to help improve your body’s oxygenation. In short: Regular exercise can help improve lung function, symptoms of lung conditions and overall heart health and circulation. All of these combine to create better oxygenation in the body and improved overall health, even for people with lung conditions and breathing difficulties.[1] So, if you struggle with your breath while exercising, should you consider EWOT?
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