Oxygen concentrator facts for kids

A home oxygen concentrator, a machine that helps people breathe easier.

An oxygen concentrator is a special machine that helps people breathe. It takes in regular air from around us. Air is mostly nitrogen and oxygen. This machine works to remove some of the nitrogen gas. What's left is air with much more oxygen. This oxygen-rich air is then given to a patient. It helps them breathe more easily during oxygen therapy.

What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is like a filter for air. It does not store oxygen like a tank. Instead, it makes oxygen as you need it. This makes it a very useful device for long-term oxygen therapy. It is often used at home or can be portable.

How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?

Oxygen concentrators use a clever process called pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Here is how it generally works:

• Step 1: Air Intake The machine pulls in air from the room.
• Step 2: Compression This air is then squeezed, or compressed, by a pump.
• Step 3: Nitrogen Removal The compressed air goes into special filters called "sieve beds." These beds contain tiny beads called zeolite. Zeolite traps the nitrogen molecules. It lets the oxygen molecules pass through.
• Step 4: Oxygen Delivery The oxygen-rich air then flows out of the machine. It goes through a tube to the person who needs it.
• Step 5: Nitrogen Release When one sieve bed is full of nitrogen, the machine switches to another. The first bed then releases its trapped nitrogen back into the air. This allows it to be ready to filter again. This "swing" between high and low pressure is why it is called pressure swing adsorption.

Why Do People Need Oxygen Concentrators?

Some people have health conditions that make it hard to get enough oxygen from the air. Their lungs might not work as well as they should. When the body does not get enough oxygen, it can feel tired or short of breath. An oxygen concentrator helps by giving them air with a higher amount of oxygen. This makes it easier for their body to get the oxygen it needs. Doctors prescribe these machines when they think a person needs extra oxygen.

Types of Oxygen Concentrators

There are two main types of oxygen concentrators:

• Home Oxygen Concentrators: These are usually larger and heavier. They are designed to stay in one place, like a person's home. They plug into a wall outlet. They can provide a steady flow of oxygen for many hours.
• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs): These are smaller and lighter. They are designed to be carried around. They run on batteries, so people can use them when they are away from home. This gives people more freedom to travel or do daily activities.

Images for kids

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  Modern Fritz Stephan GmbH multi molecular sieve oxygen concentrator

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  Fritz Stephan GmbH FS240 L/min stationary or container multi molecular sieve oxygen concentrator with buffer tanks, cylinder filling and reserve cylinders. Application: Medical facilities / Hospitals (stationary) or container solutions (e.g. Military or Disaster Scenarios)

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  Fritz Stephan GmbH - Modern FS40 Lpm Compact multi molecular sieve mobile oxygen concentrator with cylinder filling option

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  Pressure swing adsorption medical oxygen generator "R-OXY" by RIFAIR Technical Systems

See also

In Spanish: Concentrador de oxígeno para niños