iGO Portable Oxygen Concentrator

iGO Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)

The iGO Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)æis an innovativeæmachine that concentrates and delivers oxygen continuously. Unlike oxygen tanks, a Portable OxygenæConcentrator doesnÍt store oxygen _ it separates it from the room air. Typically, normal air contains about 20% oxygen and 78% nitrogen, along with small amounts of other gases.

• A concentrator removes nitrogen from room air and provides concentrated oxygen containing approximately 87% to 95% pure oxygen
• Oxygen is delivered via a nasal cannula _ small plastic tubing that fits into the nostrils
• Some, though not all, POCs deliver oxygen in two ways: continuously or in pulsed doses
• In pulse mode, a short ñpulseî of oxygen is released during inhalation, when needed most
• Pulse mode extends the available time that a POC can deliver oxygen from a single charged battery
• Concentrators are now truly portable, thanks to compact size, reduced weight, and ability to run on a battery
• To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, a POC must deliver purity of 85% or greater

While oxygen concentrators have been available since the 1970s, it is only in the past decade that extremely mobile, easily carried and transported POCs have been available. Furthermore, the iGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) is flight friendly as it does not contain any pressurised cylinders.

This model comes with either a 'cart' accessory pack (a suitcase style wheeled case) or a 'trolley' accessory pack (a trolley the unit fixes to). Please select the model you require from the drop down menu.

An Explanation Of The Different Modes Of TheæiGO Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)

Continuous and pulse modes in one unit

While there are many pulse-delivery-only devices on the market, there are only a few POCs offering both continuous and pulse delivery.Pulse delivery oxygen is not generally accepted by most medical practitioners as a viable option for use during sleep. Instead, it is recommended to use a continuous flow concentrator. If you choose a Portable Oxygen Concentrator as your ONLY means of supplemental oxygen, a device offering pulse and continuous flow modes becomes the best choice.æ

TheæDeVilbiss iGo Portable Oxygen SystemæDOES provide both continuous and pulse delivery oxygen. The iGo differs from other continuous/pulse delivery portables because of its patented PulseDose¬ delivery of pulsed oxygen that offers significant advantages _

• When youÍre active, your breath rate increases
• Some oxygen delivery devices reduce the bolus (pulsed dose of oxygen) as your breath rate increases
• This reduction can result in a decreased blood oxygen saturation level and a decreased feeling of wellness
• The iGo avoids this issue by ensuring that, via PulseDose - you receive a consistent bolus regardless of your breath rate

Benefits of Portable Oxygen Concentrators

The primary benefit of a POCæ- youÍre now free to go everywhere. In the past if you were tied to tank-based oxygen, your ability to travel _ even on short trips to the grocery store for example _ was limited and filled with a good many hassles. In addition, you may be required to wait at home for your filled oxygen cylinders to be delivered.

True portability

• POCs are now truly portable _ easily carried with a handle or transported in a travel case
• Unlike older oxygen concentrators, most of todayÍs units weigh less than 20 lbs

ææYouÍre free to travel everywhere and for extended periods

• On foot, by car, train, bus, ship and airplane _ as some POCs are now approved for use on planes by the FAA
• TheæU.S. Department of Transportationæhas ruled that every US air carrier must permit the use of approved POCs on all domestic and international flights _ foreign airlines must allow their use on flights departing from or returning to US airports
• Many POCs operate on three types of power: AC (wall outlet), DC (vehicle 12V auxiliary power outlet), and rechargeable batteries

Independence from worry

• You donÍt have to worry about oxygen deliveries or running out of oxygen with a POC

Compact size

• No longer do you have to give up a portion of a room for oxygen storage and operation

Pulse mode advantages

• POCs with pulse mode extend the life of a battery charge
• Many users claim these short bursts of oxygen are almost undetectable
• This mode allows more moisture to be maintained in nasal cavities, helping to reduce nasal and throat dryness experienced in continuous mode

Continuous mode capability

• Available on some POCs such as the iGo, continuous flow is advantageous for nighttime use

Quiet operation

• Most POCs run quietly, allowing you to sleep and carry on a normal conversation in a vehicleæ