If you’ve been prescribed supplementary oxygen, chances are you might have come across one or two bold claims when Googling what living with supplementary oxygen is like.
While it’s true that no medical device is perfect for every situation, you shouldn’t let one opinion sway your perception of what these devices are like and how they work – especially since many of the common concerns people have about portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are based on outdated information or misunderstandings- education is key!
So before you decide that these machines are too loud, too bulky, too expensive, or just not right for you, let’s act like an oxygen concentrator and clear the air for you: here are five of the most common myths about portable oxygen concentrators, and what’s really worth knowing.
Myth #1: Oxygen concentrators are noisy
The reality?
There’s a common assumption that having a portable oxygen concentrator means that you’ll have to put up with a constant hum or whirring noise whenever it’s in use.
The truth? Modern portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be quiet – often, they’re barely louder than a whisper. Otherwise, they wouldn’t really be considered portable.
Most of the common models operate at around 40 decibels or lower, which makes them perfectly suitable for use while travelling, sleeping, or even watching TV without needing to raise the volume.
Myth #2: Oxygen concentrators are too hard to use or understand
The reality?
Some people might worry that using a complicated medical device like this will be difficult to get their heads around, especially if they’re not tech-savvy or confident with gadgets.
But the leg-up that modern portable oxygen concentrators have over traditional tanks and other models is that they are designed with simplicity and ease-of-use in mind, with clearly labelled buttons, user-friendly displays, and intuitive controls that make them easy to use while out and on the go - even for those who’ve never used similar technology before.
Myth #3: Oxygen concentrators are too expensive to be practical
The reality?
It’s true that a high-quality medical device can often be an investment, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach for average, everyday consumers who need one of these devices for their health.
While prices can vary, there are portable oxygen concentrators available to suit a range of budgets (especially when factoring in long-term savings from not having to regularly replace oxygen tanks). At Zone Medical, we have a range of portable oxygen concentrators available for purchase. The caring team at Zone Medical are here to help you navigate any relevant funding options.
Myth #4: Oxygen concentrators might be portable, but they’re still too bulky to travel with
The reality?
You won’t be lugging around a heavy, awkward, bulky device at your heels: today’s POCs are designed to be ultra-lightweight, compact, and purpose-built for travel in their own special carry-bags.
Devices like the Kingon P2, for example (one of the smallest POCs available on the market) weigh under 2kg and can be carried in one hand or packed into a travel bag. Most common models are also approved for air travel and include features like extended batteries, travel cases, and quiet operation, just to make it that much easier for you when taking your oxygen on the move.
Myth #5: Oxygen concentrators are dangerous or explosive
The reality?
Granted, there’s some truth to this - you should never use a POC near an open flame. Some of the concern likely stems from the lingering stigma around older compressed oxygen tanks, which people might still picture when thinking about portable oxygen machines. Those older tanks can indeed pose a real danger if mishandled, due to the fact that they store pressurised oxygen.
But when it comes to portable oxygen concentrators, there’s no risk of your POC becoming a missile, since they do not store large amounts of pressurised oxygen. Instead, POCs draw in oxygen from the surrounding air and filter it through your breathing cannula in real time.
Like any device, proper care, upkeep, and usage are essential for keeping it safe and operational. When used correctly, POCs pose no risk of danger. Plus, they’re fully regulated and tested under strict medical and safety standards, including those required for travel use.
Don’t let misconceptions stop you from finding the right solution for you
The most important thing to keep in mind when considering portable oxygen concentrators is that they’re specially designed to be used by real, everyday people – people who want to stay mobile, visit friends and family, take holidays, or otherwise enjoy their usual independent living without being tied to a wall socket or heavy oxygen tank.
At Zone Medical, we’ve helped thousands of Australians find the right oxygen solutions for their health, lifestyle, and travel needs. We stock a carefully curated range of portable oxygen concentrators from trusted manufacturers, all backed by expert guidance so that you can easily tell the fact from the fiction and choose the right device for your needs and comfort.
Reach out to our team today, and let’s find the POC that’s perfect for you.
