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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Recently, you haven’t been feeling great. You had headaches, your heart was beating rapidly, you were coughing, wheezing and feeling a bit confused. Your doctor checked you out and said you’re suffering from hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in your blood). So, what now?
Well, you’re going to want to get started on buying a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). These nifty devices will help ensure that you are receiving enough oxygen and you will, hopefully, start to feel better.
When you don’t get enough oxygen, your body freaks out a little bit. You can have mild issues like shortness of breath, or it can impact your heart and brain functions. None of the symptoms are great.
Benefits of a POC
A POC can either run on batteries or you can plug it into a wall. The medical device then takes in the air, removes most of the nitrogen from it and gives you as much oxygen as possible through a tube (cannula) that you stick in your nostrils. Don’t worry, none of it is painful.
The great thing about these devices is that they are easy to use and portable. Instead of dragging around an oxygen tank, a POC can be carried like a shoulder bag. That makes mobility a lot easier. You won’t have to worry about dragging a big bulky tank behind you as you walk, or try to fit it in a car.
That’s not the only benefit, you will also finally be able to get a good night’s sleep. When you suffer from chronic breathing problems, it’s not only hard to sleep but it’s scary. With a POC that is functioning correctly and giving you the right levels of oxygen, you’ll be out like a light. That means you’ll have more energy to do the things you love during the day. Let’s face it, as we age nobody wants to waste their remaining years stuck on the sofa.
Before you go out and buy the first POC that you can find, it’s going to be important that you know what you’re looking for.
Oxygen Delivery
There are a couple of different options for the way the oxygen is delivered to your body. The first is a continuous flow. That’s exactly what it sounds like, a flow of oxygen that does not stop.
The other way you can receive it is through on-demand (pulse) flow. This is when you only receive oxygen when you inhale. Keep in mind, though, that it’s that possible your doctor will not allow you to receive it this way because it’s not as effective as the continuous flow. Also, you aren’t going to be able to sleep with it on-demand.
Battery Life
When choosing your POC, pay special attention to the device’s battery life. You don’t want to buy something that won’t allow you to go anywhere because the battery drains quickly.
Make sure you buy an extra battery, too, if you know that you will be on a long trip.
Filter
A POC filter removes all of the crud from the air that the device is taking in. If you have a weak immune system, you’re probably going to want a POC with an antibacterial filter. Speak to your physician and see what they think is the best option for you. No matter what you get, you’ll have to clean it regularly.
Display
It’s best to get a POC with a display that shows your battery life, oxygen levels, and other alarms. That way you’ll know if something is amiss with the device.
Other Features to Think About
In addition to those features, check out the device’s noise level, accessories, and the POC’s weight. You should also, again, make sure you have a discussion with your doctor about any other specifics. It’s important to be sure that the one you buy is going to help you breathe easier.