What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device specifically designed to extract oxygen from ambient air and deliver it in a concentrated form to patients needing supplemental oxygen. This process involves drawing in air, filtering out nitrogen and other gases, and concentrating the oxygen to a higher percentage before delivering it through a mask or nasal cannula.

Oxygen concentrators operate using a method called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), which enables them to separate oxygen molecules from nitrogen and other constituents of the air. The benefit of using an oxygen concentrator is that it allows continuous delivery of oxygen without the need for large cylinders or liquid storage, making it more convenient and cost-effective for patients who require long-term oxygen therapy.

While other choices may involve gas-related processes, they do not accurately describe the main function and purpose of an oxygen concentrator. The focus on extracting oxygen from the surrounding air is what distinguishes an oxygen concentrator from devices related to transporting, mixing, or storing oxygen in other forms.