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The Inogen One G5 provides only a pulse flow of oxygen. For more information about pulse vs. continuous flow, please visit THIS ARTICLE. 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-flow 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 pulse-dose settings? What’s the difference between the two? Which one is right for you? Let’s explore the differences below: Liters Per Minute & Flow Rate?Many patients, once they see “liters per minute” on their prescription, assume their only option is a continuous-flow oxygen concentrator or tank. In reality, both pulse and continuous units use LPM or liters per minute. LPM actually refers to the flow rate of oxygen you’re prescribed. Flow rates are measured in liters of oxygen flowing through the cannula and past the nasal passages. The vast majority of people are prescribed 2 liters of oxygen per minute (2LPM). It is important to note that your prescription may not tell you whether you need a pulse or continuous flow unit. It’s also imperative to understand that liters per minute does not directly relate to the pulse-dose settings on oxygen concentrators. Generally, most home or continuous flow units have exact LPM settings. However, most portable or pulse-dose units will have a setting ranging from 1 to 9. How much oxygen is released on each setting will differ between each concentrator and each brand. For example, if you are prescribed 2 liters per minute of oxygen and the concentrator you’d like to buy has 1-3 settings there is a chance it may not fit your needs. A setting of 2 on one portable concentrator may give you an insufficient amount of the oxygen your prescription requires while a different brand concentrator’s setting of 2 could give you too much. Pulse-Flow Oxygen ConcentratorsPulse does delivery goes by many names including pulse flow, on-demand, intermittent-flow, conserving device, and puffer. Pulse flow puffs or pulses oxygen into your nasal passageway, through a cannula, with each breath. This means that oxygen is delivered only during inhalation and the device stores the oxygen when you exhale. Should the breathing rate increase, the oxygen concentrator will automatically adjust the pulse size and delivery frequency to maintain the required flow rate. The sophistication of pulse dose delivery is best described as drinking water with a straw; the delivery is more controlled and individualized per need. In juxtaposition, a continuous flow machine is akin to that of drinking out of a water fountain; the delivery is less controlled. Units with pulse flow delivery systems tend to be more energy-efficient due to the rest periods between each breath. Rest periods significantly increase the battery life of your unit allowing you to enjoy portable solutions for longer. Another benefit of a pulse dose machine is size. Due to the increased efficiency, units can be made much smaller providing patients with more freedom and mobility. It’s important to note that each brand has a different pulse dose delivery mechanism. This means the “puff” or “pulse” of oxygen may feel slightly different brand to brand and even unit to unit. Most people cannot tell a noticeable difference but if your current solution is uncomfortable, you may want to experiment with another model. Another notable difference between pulse and continuous flow oxygen delivery is that pulse dose machines do not deliver oxygen in exact LPM (liters per minute) like that of a continuous flow machine. As we mentioned above, there is little standardization in the industry when it comes to pulse-dose settings and oxygen output. The setting of 2 on one machine does not mean the same thing as the setting of 2 on another machine. We cannot stress this enough and you should work with your doctor to understand the best settings for your needs. Is Pulse-Flow Oxygen Right For Me?To answer this question always start with your doctor. While pulse dose works for many people, there are some medical conditions where it is not an option. If you require oxygen at night, many doctors will recommend a continuous flow machine for nocturnal or nighttime use. That being said, many patients can still use a pulse dose machine during daytime hours. The reason doctors lean toward continuous flowing for sleep is that shallow and mouth breathers may not trigger the pulse sensor. If no pulse is triggered, some machines will alarm causing patients to wake up frequently throughout the night. Using an oxygen concentrator with pulse flow technology is a great solution for those with an active or ever-changing lifestyle. If you’re frequently out and about running errands, exercising, traveling, or even if you just enjoy a daily morning walk pulse flow can adjust to your changing breath rates to ensure you’re always getting the oxygen therapy you need. We always recommend that you try out the unit and delivery systems before purchasing or renting, especially if you’re going to be traveling! Pulse Dose Only Machines:
Continuous-Flow Oxygen ConcentratorsContinuous flow deliveryis the most common type of oxygen delivery. Continuous flow constantly 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. If the water fountain were flowing at 1 liter per minute and you were to drink from the said stream the likelihood of you consuming 1 complete liter of water in your singular drink is highly unlikely. The same applies to a continuous flow machine, there will naturally be excess oxygen supplied due to the state of constant oxygen delivery. If you’re concerned about excess oxygen waste or your current machine’s settings no longer fit your needs you may want to consider an Oxymizer Pendant. The Oxymizer Pendant is capable of reducing oxygen costs by 75% on a continuous flow machine and is our simplest conserving device, operating without batteries or controls! This oxygen saver also has the capability of increasing your oxygen output up to 2 LPM. Having this extra reserve of oxygen allows you to run your concentrator on a lower setting, saving energy, money, and battery life! It is also important to note that all home or stationary oxygen concentrators operate in continuous flow delivery. Additionally, oxygen tanks deliver continuous-flow oxygen. Is Continuous Flow Right For Me?Just like pulse delivery, this question starts with your doctor. While continuous flow machines work for many people, it’s always best to consult your doctor. An oxygen concentrator with the continuous flow is a sufficient solution if you lead a more relaxed lifestyle. All at-home or stationary machines operate in continuous flow delivery. If your activity level is low to moderate and your breathing rate stays relatively consistent throughout the day, a continuous flow machine may be right for you. Continuous flow units are often great solutions for those with sleep apnea or other conditions in which you require oxygen at night. Like we mentioned above, a continuous flow machine won’t alarm while you’re sleeping if you happen to breathe through your mouth or have shallow breathing. All continuous flow oxygen concentrators are compatible with bottle humidifiers. This is especially helpful in those dry conditions when the nose and mouth get dry. Humidifiers are recommended for high oxygen flows. So, whether you have a portable or a stationary unit set on continuous flow, you can use a compatible humidifier bottle. Moreover, you can use an Oxygen Mask instead of a nasal cannula on continuous flow. Also, CPAP and BiPAP machines can be added to a continuous-flow oxygen delivery system. Continuous Dose Only Machines:
Pulse and Continuous:Why not both? There are several wonderful machines on the market that offer both pulse and continuous flow in a single machine. These machines are usually portable and offer the most flexibility as they are great for nocturnal use, use with sleep apnea equipment, and can be used during the day on pulse dose to extend the life of the batteries. Our popular and lightweight SimplyGo concentrator by Philips Respironics features pulse and continuous flow and weighs just 10 pounds with a battery! Pulse and Continuous Flow Machines:
Additional Factors to Consider:One of the most important factors we urge our customers to consider is their lifestyle! Unfortunately, some doctors may not take into account just how you’d like to use your oxygen solution. Below is a list of questions you’ll want to ask yourself and your doctor before selecting your oxygen delivery system and machine!
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 medical needs and personal preference in selecting a pulse or continuous unit. As we discussed above, there are solutions that offer both pulse and continuous flow oxygen delivery systems. If you’re not sure which solution is right for you we suggest consulting your doctor and discussing your lifestyle, prescriptions, and how you’d ideally like to use oxygen. Date Updated: February 2, 2022 Which portable oxygen concentrator has the highest continuous flow?The SeQual Eclipse 5 of CAIRE is considered the most powerful portable oxygen with continuous flow. Its pulse setting goes from 1 to 9, and the continuous flow setting can provide as much as 3 LPM.
Does Inogen One G3 have continuous flow?Unlike other portable oxygen concentrators, the Inogen One G3 does not provide a continuous flow. However, it can provide 1-5 pulse flow settings. It can accommodate almost any oxygen patient who can use a pulse flow.
Does Inogen One G5 have continuous flow?The G5 is a pulse flow machine meaning that it detects your breathing and only delivers oxygen when you inhale as opposed to continuous flow concentrators that deliver a constant stream of oxygen.
Is Inogen G5 continuous flow or pulse flow?The Inogen One G5 provides only a pulse flow of oxygen.
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Does inogen make a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator
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