Acceptability of oxygen concentrators: the patient's view

The impact of the installation of an oxygen concentrator on the lifestyle of 30 patients in two health districts has been investigated using a questionnaire. Marked improvements in general well-being (83% of respondents), breathing (82%), mobility (62%) and sleep pattern (52%) were reported. The long term nature of the aims of treatment were understood by 83% of the respondents and the mean period of time the patients used the concentrator was satisfactory. However, 34% of respondents had a concentrator with only one outlet and 70% had the concentrator situated in a commonly used room with the possibility of problems with noise. Thirty one percent of the respondents were still smoking. The recommendations given to patients for the sitting of the concentrator and the number of outlets should be improved. However, the oxygen concentrator was found to be generally well tolerated and this refutes criticism that patients may find it restricting.