Home Oxygen Equipment

There are hundreds of Oxygen delivery devices used daily. The Pulmonary Clinic does not have the authority to specify the brand of Oxygen delivery system or Vendor. Medicare has a list of approved suppliers and equipment. To best to contact Medicare for a list of approved equipment and vendors.

What is an Oxygen desaturation test: Pulmonary Function Laboratory

What is a High Altitude Simulation Test (HAST): Pulmonary Function Laboratory

When you're first prescribed oxygen by your doctor, you will likely discuss the various options available to fit your needs. One of the first determining factors in starting oxygen therapy is figuring out if you’ll need a pulse or continuous flowing oxygen unit. Perhaps you’ve heard your doctor use the phrase "pulse" and "continuous flow" but do you really understand what it means? How does it correlate with machine settings? What’s the difference between the two? Which one is right for you?

Pulse does delivery goes by many names including: pulse flow, conserving device, or a puffer. Pulse flow, puffs or pulses air into your nose, through a cannula, with each breath. This means that with pulse, oxygen is delivered every time you take a breath in.  Should the rate of your breathing increase the oxygen concentrator will react automatically and release another “pulse” of oxygen as needed.

Continuous flow, is the most common type of oxygen delivery. Continuous flow continuously flows oxygen at a steady and specified rate. Continuous flow is easiest to understand when you liken it to a water fountain. When you turn on a water fountain, water streams out at a somewhat steady pace.

One of the most important factors we urge our patients to consider is their lifestyle. Below are a list of questions you’ll want to ask yourself and your doctor before selecting your oxygen delivery system and machine:

• Do I require continuous flow delivery for either nighttime or daytime use?
• Do I need to use sleep apnea equipment? (CPAP or BiPAP)
• What is my required liter flow rate?
• Do I want/need to use oxygen on the go? Ex: in the car, at the store, etc.
• How heavy of a concentrator do I want? What can I comfortably carry?
• How long of a battery life do I need on a daily basis?

When making this important decision it’s best to think of your daily routines and how adding a device with pulse or continuous flow might alter or improve them.

At the end of the day it truly comes down to your personal preference in selecting a pulse or continuous unit. If you’re not sure which solution is right for you we suggest consulting your provider and discussing your lifestyle, prescriptions, and how you’d ideally like to use oxygen.