Confused about whether to buy a 5-litre or 10-litre oxygen concentrator for yourself or your loved one? While both types can help deliver the necessary oxygen, there are essential differences between them. Read on and get informed - it could be the difference that helps you decide which oxygen concentrator is best for you!  

Understanding the basics of Oxygen Concentrators  

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air, removes nitrogen, and delivers oxygen to the patient. It is commonly used for patients who have difficulty breathing due to respiratory issues, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other lung diseases. It is also used in hospitals and clinics for patients who require supplemental oxygen therapy. Here are the basics of how an oxygen concentrator works 

• Air is drawn in: The oxygen concentrator uses an inlet filter to remove contaminants like dust and pollen from the ambient air it draws in.     

• Compressed air is used: A compressor increases the air pressure, enabling the oxygen concentrator to extract more oxygen from the compressed air. 

• Air is cooled: A heat exchanger cools the compressed air and eliminates any moisture.    

• Sieve bed filters nitrogen: Sieve beds filter out nitrogen and other gases, allowing only oxygen to pass through via selective absorption using a specialized material.  

• Oxygen is collected: The oxygen is delivered to the patient using a delivery device such as a nasal cannula or mask, and the flow rate can be adjusted as per the patient's requirements.   

• Carbon dioxide is removed: The oxygen concentrator eliminates carbon dioxide from the air, ensuring the purity of the oxygen delivered to the patient.    

Oxygen concentrators come in different sizes and capacities, ranging from small portable units that can be carried in a backpack to large stationary units that are used in hospitals and clinics. They are also available in different oxygen output rates, with some concentrators capable of producing up to 10 liters of oxygen per minute.  

What is a 5 Litre Oxygen Concentrator?  

A 5-liter oxygen concentrator delivers concentrated oxygen to patients with respiratory issues in medical settings such as homes, clinics, and hospitals. It produces up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute and is commonly used for conditions like COPD and cystic fibrosis. Here are the key features of a 5-litre oxygen concentrator. 

•  Oxygen output: A 5-litre oxygen concentrator can provide up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute, which is suitable for most patients needing low to moderate oxygen therapy.    

• Size: A 5-litre oxygen concentrator is compact and portable, weighing 40 to 50 pounds and standing at around 20 inches tall, making it easy to move around.  

•  Power consumption: A 5-litre oxygen concentrator uses a 400-watt power supply and can be plugged into a regular electrical outlet without requiring any special wiring.   

• Noise level: A 5-litre oxygen concentrator operates quietly without causing disturbance to the patient or others in the room.   

• Maintenance: The 5-liter oxygen concentrator requires periodic filter changes and cleaning, with sieve bed replacement needed after a few years of use while minimal maintenance is required overall.   

• Cost: Smaller 5-liter oxygen concentrators are cheaper than larger units with higher oxygen output. 

What is a 10 Litre Oxygen Concentrator?  

A 10-liter oxygen concentrator concentrates oxygen from the air and provides it to patients who need oxygen therapy for respiratory issues. It is used in medical settings such as hospitals and clinics, for conditions like ARDS, pneumonia, and other lung diseases. It produces up to 10 liters of oxygen per minute. Here are the key features of a 10 litre oxygen concentrator:  

• Oxygen output: A 10L oxygen concentrator can provide a maximum of 10L/min oxygen output, which is crucial for patients needing high-flow oxygen therapy.

• Size: The 10L oxygen concentrator is a stationary unit used in medical settings and can have wheels for mobility within the facility.

• Power consumption: The 10L oxygen concentrator needs about 1000 watts of power and may need special wiring to ensure proper voltage and current.

•  Noise level: The 10L oxygen concentrator operates quietly but may produce some noise due to its high oxygen output.

• Maintenance: The 10L oxygen concentrator needs maintenance such as filter changes, cleaning, and sieve bed replacement after years of use.

• Cost: The 10L oxygen concentrator is pricier than smaller units but essential for patients needing high-flow oxygen therapy.

Comparison between 5 Liter and 10 Litre Oxygen Concentrator  

When choosing between a 5-litre and 10 litre oxygen concentrator, there are several factors to consider, including the patient's oxygen therapy needs, portability requirements, and budget. Here's a comparison between the two:    

• Oxygen output: A 5 litre oxygen concentrator produces up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute, while a 10 litre oxygen concentrator produces up to 10 liters per minute. The latter is better suited for patients who require high flow rates of oxygen therapy.

• Size and portability: A 5 litre oxygen concentrator is smaller and portable, suitable for home use. A 10 litre oxygen concentrator is larger and stationary, better for medical settings like hospitals and clinics.

• Power consumption: A 10 litre oxygen concentrator needs more power than a 5 litre one, possibly requiring electrical modifications for proper voltage and current.

•  Noise level: Both 5 and 10 litre oxygen concentrators operate quietly without producing noise that can disturb patients or others in the room. 

• Maintenance: Both 5 and 10 litre oxygen concentrators need regular maintenance like filter changes, cleaning, and sieve bed replacements after several years of use.

• Cost: A 5 litre oxygen concentrator is usually cheaper than a 10 litre one, but the cost may differ based on brand, features, and accessories.

Final Thoughts  

Oxymed Oxygen Concentrator 10L is the perfect device to provide breathing relief for those with respiratory problems. Its pressure swing adsorption technology, five-stage filters, and other features such as Dual Flow Meters and Noise Reduction Technology bring effectiveness and quality to patient care. It provides safety, security, reliability, and efficiency with high and low voltage Alarm sensors that can detect outages and give an indication of gas purity with a Low Oxygen purity Alarm.  

All these features make Oxymed's oxygen concentrator a reliable product that satisfies even the most complex needs of patients. With PAN India Service Network and its easy storage, transport facility makes it preferable for usage when compared to other conventional methods. So, if you are looking for a dependable way to reduce breathing problems, then Oxymed’s Oxygen Concentrator 10L is worth considering, and do share your thoughts on the blog in the comment section.