When you go to the hospital, you might have your blood pressure taken with an oxygen delivery device called a sphygmomanometer, which includes an inflatable cuff and stethoscope, but did you know there are many different types of these devices? You might assume that they’re all built to do the same thing but they don’t! Here are five things you probably didn’t know about these useful medical tools.
1) How does an oxygen concentrator work?
An oxygen concentrator is a device that takes in air from the room and delivers oxygen to the user through a nasal cannula or face mask. The concentrator removes nitrogen from the air and delivers oxygen-enriched air to the user. There are different types of oxygen concentrators, but they all work using this basic principle.
2) Types of oxygen delivery devices
1. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are the most common type of O2 delivery device.
2. A CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of oxygen to the lungs and is often used to treat sleep apnea.
3. Another common type of O2 delivery device is a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine.
4. A BiPAP machine delivers two different levels of air pressure, one for inhaling and one for exhaling.
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3) The FDA regulates concentrators
FDA regulates concentrators to make sure they meet safety and quality standards. They also test the devices to ensure they deliver the correct amount of O2. The FDA has a list of approved concentrators that you can use to find a device that meets your needs. Make sure to read the instructions that come with your concentrator before using it.
4) Maintenance requirements
Most oxygen delivery devices require little to no maintenance, but it’s important to check with your manufacturer or respiratory therapist to be sure. Here are five things you may not have known about maintaining your oxygen delivery device:
1. Some devices, like O2 concentrators, require filters to be changed regularly.
2. It’s important to keep your device clean – wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed.
3. Be careful not to drop or damage your device.
4. Store your device in a cool, dry place when not in use.
5. Check with your manufacturer or respiratory therapist for specific maintenance requirements for your device.
5) The industry standard in terms of flow rates
The industry standard in terms of flow rates is 2-3 LPM for continuous flow and 6-8 LPM for pulsed flow. Most devices will have a settings range of 1-15 LPM. It is important to remember that the higher the setting, the greater the liter flow per minute and the shorter the duration of oxygen delivered.
