Patient Use Patterns of Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are crucial for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT).
• Limited data exists on patient usage patterns of POC mobility and flow settings.
• Understanding POC use is vital for optimizing patient care and device management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe daily usage patterns of POCs in the USA.
• To analyze the compatibility of POC use with prescribed oxygen therapy settings.
• To evaluate the contribution of POC usage to standardized LTOT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of Inogen One G5 POC data (2018-2022).
• Downloaded device data included daily usage, disconnections, setting use, power source, and mobility.
• Device alerts were examined to assess reliability and maintenance needs.

Main Results:

• Mean daily POC usage was 4.29 hours; patients used POCs while mobile (41.99% of battery use) and at rest.
• Only 31.34% of patients consistently used prescribed pulse settings.
• Device reliability was high, but some patients used devices beyond sieve bed life.

Conclusions:

• Patients utilize POCs across various daily activities, including mobility and rest.
• Frequent adjustment of POC settings suggests a need for dynamic, individualized oxygen dosing.
• Regular follow-up is essential for timely replacement of POC components like sieve beds.