Average Costs, Rating and Device Features
When one gets to a point where they need a portable oxygen concentrator, they will spend quite a bit on acquiring one. Although, when compared to purchasing an oxygen tank, concentrators are a better investment. Tanks ideally need to be changed periodically when the oxygen in the depletes, whereas the concentrator will always function as long as there is surrounding air. The costs range from as low as $400 to up to $2000. Moreover, this is dependent on the size of the concentrator, the batteries, and accessories supported.
All oxygen concentrators include air compressors, two cylinders filled with zeolite pellets, a pressure-equalizing reservoir, valves, and tubes for air delivery. When compared to oxygen tanks, portable oxygen concentrators have a higher rating in terms of functionality, convenience, and long-term cost. The concentrators also allow the user to adjust the airflow at a set pressure as prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, this air is delivered on a pulse dose delivery system set by the doctor as well. Certain medical conditions, specifically respiratory ones, sometimes end in the patient needing assistance to breathe. This could be as a result of a condition or in old age when someone needs supplemental oxygen delivered directly to their lungs. These portable oxygen concentrators, therefore, filter the air that surrounds the device to medical-grade oxygen and delivers it to the patient. A patient using one breathes better with no difficulties as the supply never runs out.
Some of the best machines in the industry are the following:
- Inogen G4 and the G5 models. The G4 has a battery life of up to 5hours while the G5 has a 13-hour span when fully charged. The G4 has a flow setting with a range of 1-3, while the G5 goes to a maximum of 6. Both systems are quiet and lightweight such that the patient can carry it with them wherever they go.
- Philips Respironics SimplyGo, which weighs only 10 pounds and delivers up to 2litres per minute with a sleep mode.
- The Caire SeQual Eclipse 5 weighs about 19 pounds with a 3 liter per minute delivery.
- Oxlife is the first smart oxygen concentrator with long battery life as the batteries interchange when one depletes charge.
Insurance and Coverage
A patient over the age of 65 can get coverage acquiring an oxygen concentrator through Medicare. However, if they happen to be under that age group, the Social security disability insurance will cover the claim. Make sure that the coverage is suited for the patient by checking the cost compensation and repair benefits. For instance, Medicare covers 80% of the costs to acquire this machine. Also, the medical condition must have been stated as a likely cause. For example, lung diseases caused by a degenerative disease or when there is no alternative treatment.The patient should follow the application process to the latter and providing all the necessary documentation to support the claim. With that, anyone can have a portable oxygen concentrator and use it without a worry.