If you or a loved one in Bangladesh has been prescribed oxygen therapy, you’ll likely encounter terms like “Flow Rate (LPM)” and “Oxygen Purity.” Understanding these terms is crucial for ensuring effective treatment and making informed decisions when you buy or rent an oxygen concentrator. At BDMEDI, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge. So, let’s break down these concepts in simple terms.

What is Flow Rate (LPM) in an Oxygen Concentrator?

“LPM” stands for Liters Per Minute. The flow rate of an oxygen concentrator refers to the amount of oxygen the machine can deliver to the patient per minute.

• Think of it like a tap: Just as you can control how much water flows from a tap, a doctor prescribes a specific oxygen flow rate based on the patient’s medical needs. This prescription is very important and should be strictly followed.
• Adjustable Settings: Most oxygen concentrators, whether they are 5 Liter oxygen concentrators or 10 Liter oxygen concentrators, have a control knob or digital setting that allows you to adjust the flow rate according to the doctor’s prescription. For example, a doctor might prescribe 2 LPM, meaning the patient should receive 2 liters of oxygen per minute.
• Machine Capacity: A “5 Liter” machine can typically deliver oxygen from a very low flow (e.g., 0.5 LPM) up to a maximum of 5 LPM. Similarly, a “10 Liter” machine can go up to 10 LPM. It’s vital to choose a machine that can comfortably meet your prescribed flow rate. If your prescription is 5 LPM, a 5L machine running at its maximum might be strained; a 10L machine would handle this more easily and offer a buffer.

Why is the Correct Flow Rate Important?

Delivering too little oxygen may not be effective for treatment, while too much (though less common with concentrators for prescribed users) can also be harmful for certain conditions. Always adhere to the LPM prescribed by your healthcare provider in Bangladesh.

What is Oxygen Purity (or Concentration)?

Oxygen purity refers to the percentage of oxygen in the air delivered by the concentrator.

• Air Around Us: The normal air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other gases.
• Medical-Grade Oxygen: For medical therapy, a much higher concentration of oxygen is needed. Oxygen concentrators work by taking in room air, filtering out nitrogen, and delivering oxygen that is typically 90% to 96% pure. This is considered medical-grade oxygen.
• Consistency is Key: Good quality oxygen concentrators, like those from trusted brands such as Owgels, Philips EverFlo, Longfian, or Yuwell available in Bangladesh, are designed to maintain this high level of purity consistently across their flow rate settings. For example, a reliable 5 LPM machine should ideally deliver 90-96% pure oxygen even when set at 5 LPM.
• Purity Alarms: Many modern concentrators have built-in oxygen sensors and alarms that alert the user if the oxygen purity drops below a certain therapeutic level (usually around 85%). This is an important safety feature to look for.

Why is Oxygen Purity Important?

The effectiveness of oxygen therapy directly depends on the purity of the oxygen being inhaled. Low purity means the patient isn’t getting the prescribed amount of actual oxygen, which can hinder recovery or management of their respiratory condition. This is why choosing a reliable machine with consistent purity is crucial for patients in Bangladesh.

Flow Rate vs. Purity: The Connection

It’s important to understand that on some less robust or older machines, the oxygen purity might slightly decrease as you increase the flow rate to its maximum capacity. However, reputable machines are engineered to maintain medical-grade purity (typically ≥90%) across all their operational flow rates. When selecting an oxygen concentrator in Bangladesh, always check the manufacturer’s specifications for purity levels at different flow rates.

BDMEDI is Here to Help

Understanding these technical terms can seem daunting, but they are vital for effective oxygen therapy. At BDMEDI, we not only provide new and used oxygen concentrators for sale and rent but also ensure our customers in Bangladesh understand how to use their equipment safely and effectively. Our team can explain these features, help you choose the right machine based on your doctor’s prescription, and provide full service and support.

Always remember to consult your doctor for the correct flow rate and duration of oxygen therapy suitable for your specific health condition.