Most portable oxygen concentrators deliver pulsed doses triggered by inspiration, and their settings are numbered by manufacturer, not in litres per minute. A setting of 2 on one device does not deliver the same oxygen as 2 L/min continuous flow, or as setting 2 on another brand. Mouth-breathing or rapid shallow breathing during exertion can fail to trigger the pulse. The only reliable check is to measure SpO2 while the patient walks on their own device at the prescribed setting.
- Titrate on the patient's own device during a walk test
- Check that the device triggers during fast breathing
- Prescribe a device setting, not only a flow rate
- Re-check if the device or supplier changes
Why it matters
Many patients on portable oxygen receive less than the prescriber assumes.
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