Portable oxygen concentrators have made a real difference in patients’ lives. Patients suffering from respiratory problems in South Africa can now improve their quality of life with such a device. A portable oxygen concentrator in South Africa is unlike the normal oxygen tanks that many of these patients would have used previously; patients found themselves moored to the fixed machine.
With a more accessible and easy-to-manage health solution becoming the demand of the time, it is essential to understand the role that portable oxygen concentrators play in patients’ lives. The following post will break down how they work, their benefits, and why they have become a vital resource for South Africans.
How Portable Oxygen Concentrators Work
Oxygen concentrators are specifically designed to extract oxygen from the air, filter it, and produce it in a highly concentrated form for the patient. Unlike bulkier oxygen tanks that store a definite amount of compressed oxygen, portable oxygen concentrators draw in ambient air, remove nitrogen, and release purified oxygen back to the patient.
Patients also benefit from such devices, as they provide continuous oxygen flow without many refills. Compact, portable, and easily carried along, these machines are indeed perfect for the active lifestyle that even people with disorders may wish to lead. The portability factor assumes great importance in South Africa, where distances between healthcare facilities and residential areas can be enormous, especially in rural regions.
Benefits of Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Patients in South Africa
Improved Mobility and Independence
Traditional oxygen tanks are heavy, huge, and a hassle when moving around. Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to travel well. Some weigh as little as 2 to 5kg, making it easy for patients to roam around the house or take a walk, and, for instance, they may also go for travel without being limited to stationary oxygen.
It is life-altering independence for most patients who live in vast territories where public places are often small, and health services are usually not easily reachable. Besides, this kind of freedom empowers a patient to freely engage in social activities and hobbies that positively contribute to his mental health and well-being.
Cost-Effective and Convenient
Many patients with chronic respiratory problems have lengthy treatment plans, and oxygen tanks are very expensive as they have to be filled and replaced constantly. A CPAP machine in South Africa is a one-time investment as its cost is minimal, apart from occasional servicing.
When a patient lives in a rural or lesser-served area, it may not be easy or even accessible for South African patients to get oxygen refills. The advantage of portable oxygen concentrators is that they do away with the need for continuous refills; hence, they form a cheap and convenient alternative. This aspect is particularly valuable in a healthcare setting where both patients and providers are normally seeking cheaper options that can cut long-term treatment costs.
Flexible Use for Various Conditions
For most people, the phrase oxygen therapy evokes an image of a patient bedridden with a severe lung disease, like COPD or asthma. However, the line has been blurred in recent years as more patients with such conditions as heart failure, cystic fibrosis, and even sleep apnea are being prescribed portable oxygen concentrators. Those patients with these sorts of diseases need oxygen support around the clock, so a portable system enables them to do just that.
The devices also come with settings that enable users to modify the flow of oxygen depending on their needs. Whether it’s a continuous flow or a pulse flow, the oxygen delivery can always be dialed up or down to suit the patient’s condition and level of activity. This adjustable aspect of oxygen ensures that the user gets suitable care according to changes in their medical needs.
Finding the Right Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The right oxygen concentrator needs to be chosen in regard to the patient’s medical requirements, lifestyle, and budget. The healthcare provider has to do much to guide the patients to select the most suitable device. All factors should be taken into consideration in choosing the model: the oxygen output, life of the battery, weight, and portability.
Patients in South Africa have many brands and models to choose from, which are categorically defined based on needs. For example, some concentrators have longer battery lives that would be suitable for traveled patients. In contrast, others may center on delivery at the maximum oxygen flow rates, especially for patients whose conditions are worse.
Health workers may also give them an idea of which models would be most applicable to specific medical conditions. Those located in rural areas may find models with more durable batteries and a sturdier build somewhat more plausible since they are unlikely to have an idea when their next blackout will be or how far it is to service centers.
Conclusion
Portable oxygen concentrators in South Africa from Oxymed are to prove an increasingly important component in the landscape of healthcare. As more infrastructure becomes available and education grows, this life-changing technology will be accessed by more and more patients. In addition to this, portable oxygen concentrators can help take the load off hospitals and clinics to continue treatment outside of the four walls of medical facilities. With this change, the patients also gain since the health system as a whole saves resources because most of the critical care cases get appropriate care, and some patients who need oxygen support can safely be treated at home.