Which Patients Need an Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that provides a continuous supply of concentrated oxygen to patients who cannot maintain adequate blood oxygen levels on their own. Unlike oxygen cylinders, which store compressed oxygen, oxygen concentrators extract oxygen from the surrounding air, making them safer, more affordable, and suitable for long-term use. But who actually needs an oxygen concentrator? Below are the main patient groups who benefit from this device, based on medical guidelines and clinical practice.

1. Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is one of the most common conditions requiring long-term oxygen therapy. As the disease progresses, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen to the blood efficiently. This leads to chronic hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Patients with COPD often experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance.

Doctors typically prescribe an oxygen concentrator for COPD patients when:

• Blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) falls consistently below 88%.
• Symptoms worsen, especially during sleep or physical activity.
• The patient experiences frequent hospitalizations due to respiratory distress.

Continuous oxygen therapy can significantly improve the quality of life, exercise capacity, and survival of COPD patients.

2. Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis cause scarring and stiffness in lung tissue. As a result, patients have difficulty inhaling deeply and getting enough oxygen into their bloodstream. These patients often require supplemental oxygen even in the early stages of the disease.

Oxygen concentrators help ILD patients:

• Reduce breathlessness during daily activities
• Improve sleep quality
• Maintain stable oxygen levels during exertion

Since ILD is progressive, long-term home oxygen therapy is highly beneficial.

3. Patients With Severe Asthma Attacks

Most asthma patients do not need long-term oxygen therapy, but during severe and acute attacks, oxygen levels can drop dangerously. In such cases, oxygen concentrators can be used temporarily in clinics or at home (under medical supervision) to stabilize breathing until medications take effect.

4. COVID-19 and Post-COVID Patients

During and after COVID-19 infection, some patients experience reduced lung function and low oxygen levels. Many post-COVID patients continue to experience breathlessness or reduced oxygen saturation even weeks after recovery.

Oxygen concentrators are often recommended when:

• SpO₂ drops below 94% and does not quickly improve
• There is lung involvement such as pneumonia or inflammation
• The patient is recovering at home after hospital discharge

This was one of the most common uses of oxygen concentrators during the pandemic.

5. Patients With Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

In heart failure, the heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. Even if the lungs are healthy, tissues may not receive enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and breathlessness. Supplemental oxygen helps reduce the workload on the heart and improves comfort, especially during sleep or exertion.

6. Patients With Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

Some patients with conditions such as sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or nocturnal hypoxemia may require oxygen therapy—often in combination with CPAP or BiPAP machines. Oxygen concentrators are commonly used at night to support proper oxygenation while the patient sleeps.

7. Patients Recovering From Surgery or Respiratory Illness

Post-surgical patients, especially after thoracic or abdominal operations, may temporarily experience low oxygen levels. Those with respiratory infections like pneumonia may also need short-term oxygen therapy to stabilize breathing. Oxygen concentrators are often used at home to support recovery and prevent hospital readmission.

Conclusion

Oxygen concentrators play a crucial role in managing chronic and acute respiratory conditions. They are essential for patients with COPD, ILD, heart failure, severe asthma, sleep-related breathing disorders, and those recovering from COVID-19 or surgery. Since oxygen therapy must be tailored to each patient’s condition, it is important to use an oxygen concentrator only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. With proper use, these devices can significantly improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and support long-term health.