To Buy an Oxygen Concentrator or Rent it? Here’s the Answer
Patients with lung disorders, such as low oxygen concentrator saturation when sleeping, shortness of breath (dyspnea), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or low blood oxygen levels, are administered oxygen treatment (hypoxemia). If you’re unsure whether to buy or rent, you should examine the benefits and drawbacks of both options before making a decision.
Who is advised Oxygen At Home?
Low blood oxygen levels necessitate the use of oxygen at home. This can occur as a result of COPD, asthma, infection, or surgery. Before handing out the portable concentrator, the dealers request a prescription. A trained physician must identify the problem and prescribe the portable concentrator as well as the exact dosage required.
What is an Oxygen Concentrator? How does it help?
An oxygen concentrator is a portable piece of equipment that you may take with you. It’s not like the previous oxygen tanks or stationary concentrators, which were extremely heavy and difficult to transport. An oxygen concentrator is a device that provides oxygen to people.
The oxygen concentrator filters, separate, and then draws air from the environment. After that, it compresses the air to the desired density and distributes purified oxygen to the patient. It also features filters that remove nitrogen from the air, ensuring that the patient receives only entirely purified oxygen. As it comes with modern technology, you can also alter the amounts of oxygen concentration and delivery settings. The patient can improve blood oxygen levels by inhaling oxygen through the mask.
Before deciding whether to rent or buy, there are a few things to consider
There are a few things to consider before renting or purchasing a concentrator:
- Determine your needs before purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator to ensure you get the proper one.
- Make sure you’re getting enough oxygen, and talk to your doctor about it. Varied people have different demands; some require it all of the time, while others only require it while sleeping, waking up, exercising, or strolling.
- Lastly, determine whether you require a pulse or continuous flow, as one provides it only when it is required, while the other provides it continuously and acts accordingly.
There are also a few technical aspects and product attributes that you must run down:
- The sort of batteries required, as well as how often they should be charged and when they should be replaced.
- Confirm the warranty and the warranty duration.
- Confirm the cleaning and maintenance requirements.
- The volume level might be annoying if it is too high.
- The unit’s size and weight, as most portable concentrators are tiny and easy to transport.
- The accessories that come with it spare batteries, cannulas, and even a carrying case are vital, several companies offer them. If these aren’t included, you’ll eventually have to purchase it on your own.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Renting an Oxygen Concentrator
For the following reasons, renting an oxygen concentrator may be a viable option:
- The reason you require it. If it’s only for a brief period of time, such as after surgery or after it.
- In some locations, renting is a flexible choice that allows you to prolong the rental duration as needed.
- If you want to test the model before spending money in it to ensure that it is right for you.
- If the supplier provides you with some fantastic incentives, such as free maintenance or discounts on spare batteries.
For the following reasons, renting an oxygen concentrator may not turn out to be a good option:
- If the patient requires an oxygen concentrator for a longer period of time or as a permanent solution, the cost of renting will be wasted and may even exceed the cost of purchasing the oxygen concentrator.
- Some vendors may not provide attractive offers such as accessory rentals.
- Paying the rent on a weekly or monthly basis can be taxing and difficult on a mental level.
- When renting a device, take extra precautions because you must return it in the same condition as when you received it, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Purchasing a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Investing in a portable oxygen concentrator might be advantageous for a variety of reasons:
- If you’re aware that you’ll require the concentrator for a period of time longer than six months.
- If you are familiar with the model you are about to purchase, either because you have used it before or because you have received feedback from others who have.
- If you wish to own the equipment and be able to use it in the future if necessary.
- If the manufacturer adds extras that make the purchase worthwhile.
- If the supplier is offering you a good price.
For the following reasons, renting a portable oxygen concentrator may not be the best option:
- It can be inconvenient to pay for a concentrator all at once.
- If you just require an oxygen concentrator for a short time.
- If the vendors do not provide maintenance on equipment that has been sold.
- Your money may be squandered if the machine you purchased does not suit your requirements.