Performance and Synchronization of Portable Oxygen Concentrators Delivering Pulsed Oxygen Therapy.

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the performance of seven POCs, focusing on FiO₂, bolus triggering delay, synchronization, and technical specifications, including weight, size, noise level, and battery autonomy.

Methods: A bench study was conducted using a mechanical lung model (ASL 5000) equipped with a Fast Oxygen Measurement sensor. Seven devices available on the European market were tested: FreeStyle Comfort, iGo2, Inogen One G4, Inogen One G5, Platinum Mobile, Zen-O lite, and Horizon P5. 200 ventilatory cycles were simulated per device across various respiratory rates (RR). Measurements included FiO₂, bolus triggering delay, synchronization, and bolus volume. Technical specifications were also compared. All devices were tested across their full range of settings, with each test replicated on a second device to confirm results within a 10% margin of error.

Results: Significant differences in FiO₂ delivery were observed (p<0.001), with all devices delivering at least 28% FiO₂ at their lowest settings. The Inogen One G5 and Horizon P5 achieved the highest FiO₂ levels (48.7% [38.4-56.9%] and 47.8% [35.6-56.4%], respectively). Synchronization was high across devices but declined at extreme RR (15 and 40bpm). FiO₂ variations were influenced by RR, while bolus delays depended on device type and RR. Technical specifications varied widely across devices.

Conclusions: POCs demonstrate notable differences in performance, with RR and device type impacting FiO₂ delivery and synchronization. These findings may help support more informed device selection according to the intended conditions of use and patient requirements.