Stationary Oxygen Concentrator Glossary
Oxygen Concentrator: A machine that takes in the ambient air and delivers pure oxygen to the patient via nasal cannula or face mask. Oxygen concentrators require no tanks or refills. They can be portable or stationary for exclusive home use.
Oxygen Concentration: The purity of the oxygen being delivered. This is measured by a percentage. Most medical grade portable oxygen concentrators have an average of 87 to 96% purity on all settings. This average range percentage can be influenced by different factors, such as elevation.
Stationary Oxygen Concentrator: An oxygen concentrator that runs on AC power only. Works well for patients who are sedentary, or only use oxygen therapy at night or for just a few hours. Usually has higher oxygen settings and is larger than portable oxygen concentrators. Delivers only continuous flow oxygen.
Continuous Flow Mode: Oxygen is released in a stream at a constant rate and a consistent measurement. The amount you receive depends on the dosage setting you need, as prescribed by your doctor. Some units have continuous flow settings. Usually, the larger POC feature continuous mode.
LPM: Stands for Liters Per Minute. This is used to measure the continuous flow oxygen settings in POC that feature it. The amount of air released is a liter, and it's also measured by how long it's released, which is 1 minute. Example: The continuous flow setting of 3 is 3 LPM.
Sound Level: Refers to how loud an oxygen concentrator is while running, measured in decibels. Example: The AirSep Companion's noise level is 40 decibels on the setting of 2 LPM. The noise level depends on the setting.
Operating Ranges: The safe ranges of environmental factors for safe use of your oxygen concentrator. These include maximum and minimum temperatures, humidity, and altitude. Example: The operational temperature range for the AirSep Companion is 41 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This is different from the storage ranges.
Flow Meter: The meter that displays the oxygen flow pressure. This meter will let you know if you're receiving the proper dosage. This meter isn't found on every stationary oxygen concentrator. The meter may also be displayed digitally on the control panel.
Demand Cannula: A double hose cannula. One hose senses a change in air pressure during a breath and activates the conserving regulator. The other hose delivers the bolus. This ensures the right amount of oxygen is released and conserved.
Hi Flow Cannula: A larger nasal cannula used for higher flow settings. A larger cannula is necessary for 4 to 6 LPM. Some patients require a higher continuous flow of oxygen. Larger dosages are not recommended with a standard sized cannula.
Lo Flow Cannula: A smaller nasal cannula used for low flow settings. Smaller than the standard cannula size. Can be used for continuous flow settings of 2 LPM or less. Patients can get this for more comfort.
Nebulizer: An electrically powered air pump often used with oxygen. A nebulizer is sometimes equipped with larger stationary oxygen concentrators. Air is used to turn liquid medicine into a fine mist, which can then be inhaled by the patient through a face mask. This air is not purified oxygen and is just filtered air.
AutoFLOW Technology: An environmentally friendly stationary oxygen concentrator feature. Featured only in AirSep stationary models. Reduces power consumption, while it still delivers the same amount of oxygen. Helpful for controlling energy costs.
Humidifier Bottle: A humidifier attachment used with an concentrator. The bottle is filled with water, and when attached to the correct outlet, will deliver a mist through the cannula along with the oxygen. This is used to reduce airway irritation. High flow patients may find this especially necessary.
PAP: Positive Airway Pressure: Used to describe the air pressure flowing through the cannula or mask. The positive pressure is inhaled by the patient and is measured by dosage.
