Portable oxygen concentrators are battery-operated devices that provide supplemental oxygen to people who “require greater oxygen concentrations than the levels of ambient air,” says Sanul Corrielus, M.D., a board-certified cardiologist based in Philadelphia. “Oxygen concentrators draw oxygen from your immediate environment,” he adds, meaning they don’t require refillable oxygen canisters or tanks, which makes maintenance and upkeep easy.
How Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Work?
A portable oxygen concentrator, sometimes called a POC, is similar to a home oxygen concentrator (OC) but more mobile, says Corrielus. These devices are small enough to carry, which makes them ideal for travel, and some are approved for use on airlines.
How an oxygen concentrator works:
The device draws in air from your surrounding environment.
Air is compressed inside the device.
Nitrogen is filtered out of the air.
Pure oxygen is inhaled through a nasal tube (cannula) or mask.
Who Should Use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
Anyone with a condition that may cause a low blood oxygen level (hypoxia) may benefit from supplemental oxygen, says Bacheler. Such conditions can include anemia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, heart failure and congenital heart disease.
