In the past, patients could only use giant, clunky metal oxygen tanks. However, technology is a beautiful thing. In today’s world, technology is being used for a lot of things. Electric cars, Smart cars, Smart TVs and watches – the list is endless. Liquid oxygen therapy hit the markets a while ago, changing the way patients receive their oxygen. And now there are oxygen concentrators you can take anywhere you go.
Here are a few reasons why portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are better than oxygen tanks. Right off the bat, I can tell you that their weight (less than six pounds), while heavier than oxygen cylinders, end up lasting longer and saving you money. (Because you aren’t constantly refilling them. We’ll talk more about this later.)
Lighter Storage Space
Here’s another quick advantage: patients had to keep a plethora of cylinders at home. These massive tanks/cylinders take up a fair bit of space no matter how you store them. (Not to mention their flammability should a fire accident occur.)
Let’s move on to several more reasons why portable oxygen concentrators are heavily worth buying.
Limitations
Because POCs produce their own medical-grade oxygen, they do not need to be continually refilled. Liquid oxygen and oxygen tanks, on the other hand, need to be constantly refilled to their capacity levels.
So, while POCs are initially between $500-2000, it’s easy to see how you end up saving money. How much you depends on the oxygen tank you may be using (or have used in the past) now – but when the average price for oxygen tanks is $100 (and needs constant refilling), the differences speak for themselves.
Take Them Anywhere
Since POCs are by-design intended to be portable, patients can lead a more active lifestyle as some POCs weigh between 10-20 lbs. You can walk farther and experience more of the worth without lugging around a giant machine or tank. Since you’re only limited to your own body, lightly challenging yourself to exercise (small walks) will help your body stay fit and keep your bones strong. Plus, daily exercise also strengthens your mind and sharpens your focus. Exercise is vital for keeping your heart healthily functioning – and it can all be done easily thanks to Portable Oxygen Concentrators.
You Feel Like A Ninja
If you’ve used oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen for any amount of time, chances are you have (or will) be somewhere out and about, and don’t want the hassle of maintaining your oxygen tank. This is terrifying. We need oxygen to live. Despite the wide variety, choosing the right portable oxygen isn’t difficult, though (SimplyGo, Eclipse 5, Equinox, and more). Since POCs are small (weighing less than 20 lbs. as mentioned earlier), are sleek and compact, they’re a lot less noticeable in public (and less likely to draw attention). You can take them with you for road trips, on picnics, or out to sporting events without ever feeling judged.
Battery Life
When was the last time you heard of someone charging an oxygen tank? No matter where you are, as long as you have access to an outlet, you can recharge the device. Recharge times depend on your personal model and manufacturer, but expect 6 hours on average. The battery life for POCs is astounding, too – considering how compact these machines are. Typically, you can expect anywhere from 3-6 hours per use before needing to charge the device.
Conclusion
As mentioned before, the biggest benefit of POCs is their ability to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is important, as regular exercise increases dopamine – which combats depression. Time reported that exercise gives you 5 more years of life. This is done because your body is getting used to oxygen flowing increasingly smoother than ever before.