Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are medical devices that provide supplemental oxygen to individuals with respiratory conditions like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. Unlike stationary oxygen systems or bulky oxygen tanks, POCs are compact, battery-powered, and designed for mobility. But how exactly do they work?
Step-by-Step Breakdown of How Portable Oxygen Concentrators Work
Step 1: Air Intake
The concentrator pulls in surrounding air using an internal compressor.
What’s in Ambient Air?
Ambient air contains roughly:
- 78% nitrogen
- 21% oxygen
- 1% other gases
The goal of the device is to separate and remove the nitrogen.
Step 2: Nitrogen Separation
The air passes through sieve beds containing zeolite, a mineral that selectively traps nitrogen molecules.
Why Zeolite?
Zeolite has a unique structure that absorbs nitrogen under pressure—a process called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). This allows the smaller oxygen molecules to pass through while nitrogen is held back.
Step 3: Oxygen Concentration
Once nitrogen is filtered out, the remaining gas is highly concentrated oxygen, typically between 90% and 95% purity.
Temporary Storage
This oxygen is stored briefly inside a small internal tank, ready to be delivered with each breath.
Step 4: Oxygen Delivery
Most POCs use pulse dose technology. This means oxygen is only delivered when the user inhales, improving efficiency and conserving battery life.
Continuous vs Pulse Flow
- Pulse flow: Delivers oxygen in bursts during inhalation (common in POCs)
- Continuous flow: Steady oxygen stream, usually found in larger or stationary units
The Basic Function
Portable oxygen concentrators extract oxygen from ambient air, concentrate it, and deliver it to the user in a purified form. They rely on advanced filtration technology to ensure the oxygen is safe and effective for breathing.
Power and Portability
Portable oxygen concentrators run on rechargeable batteries and can often be plugged into a wall or car power sources. Their portability allows users to maintain an active lifestyle while continuing their oxygen therapy.
Conclusion
Portable oxygen concentrators work by filtering out nitrogen using zeolite and PSA, concentrating oxygen, and delivering it in breath-triggered pulses. Compact, battery-powered, and efficient, these units—like the one from Lifeplus Medical—allow users to enjoy mobility and reliable support wherever they go.