What Is the Difference Between Medical Oxygen and Regular Oxygen?

Regular or our atmospheric oxygen is at 20.8% purity, medical grade oxygen is between 87%-100% purity or concentration. Oxygen concentrators and oxygen machines have become crucial in providing respiratory support to individuals with breathing difficulties. However, there may be some confusion regarding the terms “medical oxygen” and “normal oxygen.” At Oxygen Parts Inc., we have the leading portable oxygen machines and accessories and the knowledge to help you better understand this important distinction. Read on to learn more and browse our oxygens machines.

 

How Oxygen Concentrators Work

Medical oxygen is manufactured with oxygen concentrators and the process is known as PSA or pressure swing absorption. This refers to the process of an air compressor in conjunction with molecular sieve beds or columns, how they are often referred to as, to “concentrate oxygen”. Molecular sieve material in the columns absorb nitrogen (or hold on to it) , which is approximately 78% of the air then concentrates the 20.8% oxygen we breathe, up to 87%-95.6 purity. This will deliver a flow of medical grade oxygen. There is a directional valve that will direct the airflow to the first molecular sieve column, then it will shift to fill the second column while purging each column back and forth. Hence “Pressure Swing Absorption or PSA”  

Normal oxygen is found naturally in the air we breathe, so it doesn’t have a specific manufacturing process. 

Purity Standards 

The purity level of medical oxygen is crucial to prevent any adverse effects and ensure effective therapy. Medical oxygen must meet specific purity standards set by the industry and FDA. Medical oxygen concentrators must perform at 87%-95.6% oxygen purity to be classified as medical oxygen. 

On the other hand, normal oxygen consists of approximately 21% of the air. 

Applications

Medical oxygen is specifically intended for therapeutic use, aiding individuals with respiratory conditions, COPD, or other health issues requiring supplemental oxygen. It is administered through the use of oxygen concentrators or oxygen machines, ensuring precise delivery of the required concentration. 

Normal oxygen, the oxygen present in the atmosphere, is essential for sustaining life. 

Regulatory Requirments 

Due to medical oxygen’s critical role in patient care, the product, handling, and distribution of medical oxygen are subject to stringent regulatory oversight. 

Because it is part of the natural environment, natural oxygen does not have specific regulatory requirements. 

 

By understanding these key differences, patients and healthcare professionals can ensure the safe and efficient delivery of oxygen therapy through the use of oxygen concentrators and oxygen machines. Oxygen Parts Inc. remains committed to providing high0-quality oxygen concentrators and related accessories, delivering the reliable support needed for optimal respiratory well-being. 

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