A recent study was published in Respiratory Care to evaluate SpO2 and patient satisfaction with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) or a combined system consisting of a fixed device with continuous-flow oxygen dispensation and a portable device with pulse dispensation for ambulation.
It is no surprise that people preferred the POC over the combination of a fixed concentrator in the home and a portable system with pulse-dose delivery, despite the fact that their saturations were below 90% (the danger zone) on the POC devices.
It is important to find a system that meets your body’s physical requirements. This is far more important than the ease of use and portability of POCs. In most cases patients can find a POC that will meet their physical demands, but not without trial of many devices to find the right one for you.
You can read the Abstract for this study here.
Anyone considering the purchase of a POC should check out the AARCs publication called A Guide to Portable Oxygen Concentrators. It is a great reference piece for anyone that uses or is considering using a POC. You can download this directly from our website here. Scroll half way down on the page and look to the left side of your computer screen.
I am also pleased to announce that we will have some of these booklets available in printed form in about one week. You can call the COPD Information line to place an order once it is available by calling 1-866-316-COPD.