Invacare Platinum Mobile vs Devilbiss iGo2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Portable oxygen concentrators are small devices that supplement oxygen for various respiratory conditions, such as COPD and emphysema. They take in ambient air, compress it, remove nitrogen with the help of an internal filter, and dispense this concentrated oxygen flow through a nasal cannula or mask. They are light, battery-powered devices that can be very portable for the user, engaging in their daily activities without the burden of confinement from stationary tanks.

They have settings both for continuous flow and pulse dose oxygen delivery, thus making the flow of oxygen flexible according to the needs of the user. Modern POCs also operate very quietly. They enhance mobility and quality of life by offering continuous oxygen support, though users should consider battery life and cost. This market is dominated by brands like Inogen, Philips Respironics, and Invacare, which offer a full range of models to suit diversified needs.

Invacare Platinum Mobile Oxygen Concentrator

Features:

The Invacare Platinum Mobile is a lightweight, portable concentrator with user-friendly features, hence highly mobile. Some of its features are enumerated as follows:

• Compact and Lightweight Construction: This product weighs about 5.6 pounds, thus giving the user the ease of carrying and moving around, more so for those who lead an active lifestyle.

• Battery Life: It has a run time of up to 5.5 hours on a single charge when set at 2 LPM, ensuring you get enough time throughout the day for its use.

• Pulse Dose Delivery: It delivers oxygen in pulse dose mode—only during inhalation—to save battery life and achieve longer runtime.

• Adjustable Settings: Users can set or adjust the oxygen flow settings according to their needs, usually from 1 through 5 pulse settings.

• Durability and Design: Platinum Mobile is made of high-quality, heavy-duty materials for everyday use and travel applications.

• User-Friendly Interface: The mobile features a simple control panel with readable indicators and settings, thus remaining user-friendly for patients and caretakers alike.

• Quiet Operation: The device operates very quietly to ensure minimal disruption in environments such as sleeping or public places.

The Invacare Platinum Mobile is designed to deliver trusted oxygen therapy with flexibility and freedom for active users.

Importance:

Choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator is crucial for ensuring effective and comfortable oxygen therapy. The correct device addresses specific oxygen needs, whether continuous flow or pulse dose and fits the user’s lifestyle, including mobility and travel requirements. It also impacts overall health by providing consistent oxygen levels, which can alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve quality of life. Selecting an appropriate model ensures efficient battery life and reduces the risk of complications from inadequate oxygen supply. Moreover, it helps manage costs and ensures compatibility with insurance coverage, making it a vital decision for maintaining well-being.

Devilbiss iGo2 Oxygen Concentrator

Features:

● Lightweight: Weighs around 4.6 pounds for easy portability.

● Extended Battery Life: Provides up to 4.5 hours of use on a single charge at 2 LPM.

● Pulse Dose Delivery: Adjustable settings from 1 to 6 to match varying oxygen needs.

● User-Friendly Controls: Equipped with a simple control panel and clear indicators.

● Quiet Operation: Functions at a low noise level of about 40 dBA.

● Durable Design: Built to withstand frequent travel and daily use, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Importance:

A few of the prominent features of the DeVilbiss iGo2 include the ability to maximize mobility and convenience. It weighs about 4.6 pounds and has a maximum battery life of 4.5 hours at an LPM flow rate of 2, which would be more than satisfactory for prolonged work. It offers pulse dose oxygen with the ability to adjust settings from 1 to 6. With its easy-to-use control panel, it is also very quiet when running at about 40 dBA. Built for durability, the iGo2 can take on daily activities and frequent travelling, associating reliability with convenience.

Which One Should You Choose?

A. Factors to consider based on individual needs:

• Portability requirements: Consider your lifestyle and how often you'll be moving the device.

• Oxygen needs: Evaluate your prescribed flow rate and oxygen purity requirements.

• Battery life: Think about how long you typically need to use the device away from power sources.

• Noise sensitivity: Consider if you'll be using the device in quiet environments or while sleeping.

• User interface preference: Decide if you prefer a simple or more advanced control system.

• Budget: Compare the initial costs and potential long-term maintenance expenses.

B. Recommendations for different user profiles:

• For highly active users who prioritize portability:

The Devilbiss iGo2 might be the better choice due to its lighter weight and smaller size. It's ideal for those who travel frequently or are always on the go.

• For users who prefer simplicity:

The Invacare Platinum Mobile's straightforward interface might be more appealing. It's a good choice for those who want a no-fuss, easy-to-operate device.

• For noise-sensitive users or those who use oxygen while sleeping:

The Devilbiss iGo2's lower noise level makes it a slightly better option for light sleepers or those in quiet environments.

• For users needing longer battery life:

While the difference is minimal, the Devilbiss iGo2 offers a slightly longer battery life, which might be crucial for some users.

• For users with higher oxygen purity needs:

The Invacare Platinum Mobile's potentially higher maximum oxygen purity might make it a better choice for those with more demanding oxygen requirements.

• For tech-savvy users who appreciate advanced features:

The Devilbiss iGo2's touch-sensitive control panel and LCD display might be more appealing to users who enjoy more sophisticated interfaces.

Ultimately, both the Invacare Platinum Mobile and Devilbiss iGo2 are high-quality portable oxygen concentrators. The best choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. It's always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before making a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is an oxygen concentrator?

Ans. An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that extracts oxygen from the surrounding air and delivers it to patients requiring supplemental oxygen therapy.

Q2. How does an oxygen concentrator work?

Ans. It works by taking in air, filtering out nitrogen, and delivering concentrated oxygen through a nasal cannula or mask.

Q3. Who needs an oxygen concentrator?

Ans. Individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma, or COVID-19 may need supplemental oxygen provided by an oxygen concentrator.

Q4. Is a prescription required to use an oxygen concentrator?

Ans. Yes, a prescription from a healthcare provider is required to use an oxygen concentrator.

Q5. Can an oxygen concentrator be used at home?

Ans. Yes, many oxygen concentrators are designed for home use, providing patients with a convenient way to receive oxygen therapy.

Q6. What are the different types of oxygen concentrators?

Ans. There are two main types: stationary (home) oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators (POCs).

Q7. How do I maintain an oxygen concentrator?

Ans. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the filters, checking for any malfunctions, and ensuring it operate within the prescribed parameters. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions.

Q8. Can I travel with a portable oxygen concentrator?

Ans. Yes, many portable oxygen concentrators are FAA-approved for air travel and are designed for easy transport.

Q9. What is the difference between an oxygen concentrator and an oxygen tank?

Ans. An oxygen concentrator continuously produces oxygen from the air, whereas an oxygen tank stores a finite amount of compressed oxygen that needs to be refilled or replaced when depleted.

Q10. How long can an oxygen concentrator run continuously?

Ans. Most stationary oxygen concentrators are designed to run continuously, while portable units may have battery limits ranging from a few hours to over 12 hours, depending on the model and settings.

Q11. Is the oxygen from a concentrator safe to breathe?

Ans. Yes, the oxygen produced by a concentrator is safe to breathe when used as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Q12. How do I know if the oxygen concentrator is working properly?

Ans. Most units have indicators and alarms to notify you if there is a problem. Regular checks and maintenance can also ensure it is functioning correctly.

Q13. What should I do if my oxygen concentrator stops working?

Ans. If your oxygen concentrator stops working, check the power source and connections. If it still does not work, contact your healthcare provider or the supplier for assistance.

Q14. Can children use oxygen concentrators?

Ans. Yes, children can use oxygen concentrators if prescribed by a healthcare provider, and appropriate pediatric masks or cannulas are used.

Q15. What is an oxygen concentrator used for?

Ans. An oxygen concentrator is used to provide supplemental oxygen to people with respiratory conditions or low blood oxygen levels. It filters and concentrates oxygen from the ambient air, delivering a higher percentage of oxygen to the user.

Q16. Can we use an oxygen concentrator for 24 hours?

Ans. As stated in the provided answer, oxygen concentrators are designed to run continuously for 24 hours. However, they may overheat or stop unexpectedly. It's recommended to give the device a 20-30 minute break after 7-8 hours of continuous use to prevent issues.

Q17. Can you use an oxygen concentrator overnight?

Ans. Yes, oxygen concentrators can be used overnight for patients who require continuous oxygen therapy during sleep. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and healthcare provider's recommendations for safe overnight use.

Q18. What is the difference between an oxygen machine and an oxygen concentrator?

Ans. The terms "oxygen machine" and "oxygen concentrator" are often used interchangeably. However, "oxygen machine" is a broader term that can include various devices that provide oxygen, while an oxygen concentrator specifically refers to a device that filters and concentrates oxygen from the air.

Q19. Is it good to sleep with an oxygen concentrator?

Ans. For patients prescribed oxygen therapy during sleep, using an oxygen concentrator can be beneficial. It helps maintain proper oxygen levels, which can improve sleep quality and overall health. However, this should only be done under medical supervision and following proper safety guidelines.

Q20. What is a portable oxygen concentrator used for?

Ans. A portable oxygen concentrator is used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients who need oxygen therapy while maintaining mobility. It allows users to receive oxygen while travelling, running errands, or engaging in daily activities outside the home.

Q21. What is the difference between a portable oxygen concentrator and a mobile oxygen concentrator?

Ans. There is no significant difference between these terms. Both "portable" and "mobile" oxygen concentrators refer to lightweight, compact devices designed for use on the go. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe oxygen concentrators that can be easily transported and used outside the home.

Q22. Do airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators?

Ans. Yes, most airlines allow the use of approved portable oxygen concentrators during flights. However, policies may vary between airlines, and there are specific requirements:

- The device must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

- Passengers usually need to provide advanced notice to the airline.

- A physician's statement may be required.

- Passengers are responsible for ensuring sufficient battery life for the entire flight, including potential delays.

It's important to check with the specific airline for their exact policies and requirements before travelling with a portable oxygen concentrator.