Oxygen concentrators draw in the atmospheric air and purifies it of the nitrogen and other gases, providing pure oxygen to patients suffering with low oxygen levels. Two types of oxygen concentrators namely continuous flow and pulse dose are available in the market. A continuous flow oxygen concentrator provides the same flow of oxygen in a minute until it’s been turned off, Pulse dose identifies the patient's breathing pattern and gives out oxygen when it detects inhalation. Therefore, the oxygen dispensed by pulse units cannot be measured the same as continuous flow oxygen concentrators, as they do not produce constant oxygen for one minute.

Ideally any person whose oxygen saturation falls below 90% on room air requires external oxygen support to ensure all the vital organs of body function normally. For those individuals who are having an oxygen saturation of 92 or 94, there is no need to take high oxygen just to maintain the saturation. It is not going to be of any benefit. It might need close monitoring but may not need oxygen because oxygen is still sufficient in blood if the patient is healthy." Doctors prescribe oxygen concentrators for both short-term and long-term needs. For instance, if a person recently underwent a surgical procedure, struggle with periodic asthma, or need help breathing during recovery from pneumonia, then might need to use an oxygen concentrator until the condition improves. People who suffer from chronic respiratory problems may need to use oxygen concentrators on a daily or continuous basis. Examples chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis..

Both portable and stationary oxygen concentrators perform the same basic processes in the same general manner. However, a stationary oxygen concentrator can prove too heavy and bulky to carry and use easily while traveling. Portable oxygen concentrators weigh just a few pounds up to 18 lbs and include batteries that provide power on the go. Portable and stationary oxygen concentrators can also differ in the way they deliver oxygen to the user. Due to its limited capacity and power, a larger portable oxygen concentrator delivers continuous oxygen up to 3 LPM and up to 6–9 pulse rate. Smaller portable oxygen concentrators that you can carry only deliver oxygen by pulse up to 6. A full-sized stationary oxygen concentrator delivers oxygen continuously from 5–10 LPM until you switch it off. Only people down with mild and moderate symptoms are advised to use portable oxygen concentrators.

Oxygen concentrators need continuous electricity supply ranging from 100W to 600W. Unlike oxygen cylinders, it dispenses oxygen until and unless it has been manually shut down. As per reports, 1 liter of oxygen can raise the lung capacity of a patient to 24%, whereas 2 liters can increase it to 28% and so on. However, it can be regulated as per the need.
What precautions to be taken when using an oxygen concentrator:

• Do not use the concentrator, or any oxygen product, near an open flame or while smoking.
• Place the concentrator in an open space to reduce chances of device failure from overheating.
• Do not block any vents on the concentrator since it may impact device performance.
• Periodically check your device for any alarms to make sure you are getting enough oxygen.