What is an Oxygen Concentrator and How Does It Work?

In layman’s terms, an oxygen concentrator is the scientifically and technologically advanced form of oxygen tanks. An oxygen concentrator is an apparatus that is used to supply oxygen therapy to a patient. This oxygen therapy has significantly higher concentrations of oxygen than ambient air, or the surrounding air that is commonly breathed. In comparison to tanks of compressed oxygen, oxygen concentrators are safer, cheaper, and more convenient. These devices are also used to provide a cost-effective source of oxygen for industrial processes as well.

A typical medical oxygen concentrator provides a continual supply of oxygen. It generally has two cylinders filled with zeolite material. The zeolite material, a hydrous aluminum silicate mineral, selectively absorbs the nitrogen from the air. The air cycles through one cylinder, which is where the nitrogen molecules are apprehended by the zeolite material. The other cylinder allows the captured nitrogen to dissipate as it is vented off to ambient atmospheric pressure.

Most units provide a continuous supply of oxygen of up to five liters per minute (LPM). The concentration is usually between 50 and 95 percent. This process is referred to as PSA, or pressure swing absorption. Oxygen concentrators that provide up to 10 LPM are available for high flow patients.

These oxygen concentrators are a great alternative to the traditional oxygen tanks that many patients use. It provides the necessary oxygen without the high cost or safety hazards associated with traditional oxygen tanks. It also provides significant cost savings when used in various industrial processes. Even patients that require high flow units can obtain devices that are not much larger or heavier than the typical 5 LPM units. These units also provide patients with much more mobility and freedom.

Medical oxygen concentrators can be divided into two major divisions--home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators. Home oxygen concentrators are larger and are used mainly at home or care facility. Portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight and can be used at home, traveling or for people who are still living an active life. Vitality Medical carries the top selling oxygen concentrators that you can purchase at discount prices, including oxygen masks, oxygen tubing and cannula. To purchase an oxygen concentrator, you must have a doctor's prescription. Get rid of those heavy oxygen tanks today and call Vitality Medical at 800-397-58899 to order your new oxygen concentrator today.

What Are Common Respiratory Diseases & Treatments

There are a number of respiratory diseases that afflict large numbers of people today. These diseases can dramatically affect the lifestyle and quality of life for those that suffer. For many these diseases are somewhat self-inflicted due to lifestyle choices. For others, genetics or the environment may have played a significant role. Regardless of the cause, respiratory diseases afflict millions of people who need regular treatment to fight back.

Common Respiratory Diseases

Let’s look at some of the more common respiratory diseases that afflict people today.

• Asthma – This is characterized by a predisposition to chronic inflammation of the lungs. The airways are reversibly narrowed.


• Chronic Obstructing Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – COPD refers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These two diseases of the lungs commonly co-exist. The airways become narrowed and cause shortness of breath.


• Respiratory Allergies – This is caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to a “trigger” which results in inflammation of the tissue of the ears, eyes, nose, throat, sinuses, larynx, and airways. This is commonly known as hay fever or cedar fever.


• Occupational Lung Disease – This refers to fibrosis and scarring of the lungs which is generally secondary to the repeated inhaling of dust that is linked to some occupations.


• Pulmonary Hypertension – This is unusually elevated blood pressure within the pulmonary circuit.


• Emphysema – This is a severe form of COPD in which the small sacs within the lung become permanently damaged.

Common Respiratory Treatments

Oxygen concentrators are frequently used to treat all of the various forms of respiratory disease. This form of oxygen therapy is most effective during the early stages of the disease. The oxygen concentrator goes a long ways toward allowing patients to lead a more normal life. In addition to using an oxygen therapy as treatment, patients should eliminate any activities that aggravate their condition. The number one activity to eliminate is smoking. If smoking is not eliminated, it will negate the positive effects of oxygen therapy.

Vitality Medical carries a wide variety of oxygen therapy devices, including home oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, humidifiers, aspirators, CPAP, and cough assist devices. This online discount medical supply store also carries many respiratory accessories including cannulas, oxygen tubing, oxygen masks and pulse oximeters.