Oxygen Conserving Device

An oxygen conserving device removes a large majority of issues that reduce the quality of life when using oxygen therapy. When we breathe, we usually spend about one-third inhaling and two-thirds of our time, exhaling. This means when we run oxygen at the prescribed litre flow continuously; at least 2/3 of that flow is wasted since it cannot be inhaled.

An oxygen conserving device works by "turning on" the flow when the user is inhaling and "turning it off" when exhaling. As a result, a substantial amount of oxygen is saved, which dramatically increases the length of time a cylinder of oxygen will last. This can increase the lifetime of a cylinder between 3 to 5 times, depending upon the flow rate.

Conservers therefore allow a patient to use smaller, more lightweight cylinders and become more mobile whilst on oxygen therapy.

They also reduce the drying irritation which continuous flow oxygen can have on a patients airways.

Please note that not all patients are suitable for a oxygen conserving device.