Walgreens-OptionCare > Respiratory > Services and equipment > Oxygen concentrators

Print

The oxygen concentrator is the most commonly used home oxygen system.

An oxygen concentrator is an electrical device that extracts oxygen from room air. It works on the principle that room air contains 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. The concentrator draws in room air and filters out the nitrogen, leaving nearly pure oxygen to be delivered to the user. It is the ideal device for use while at home, as long as the liter flow prescribed is relatively low. Physicians prescribe many users to use about 2 liters per minute of flow.

Oxygen concentrators require very little maintenance and will provide oxygen as long as there is electricity to power it. During a power failure, back-up tanks of compressed oxygen are used. If an individual travels outside the home frequently, some sort of portable oxygen system must be used. Many individuals who use oxygen concentrators will note an increase in their electric bill. A concentrator uses about as much electricity as a small air conditioner or color TV that is running continuously.