Invacare Perfecto2 Home Concentrator Review

One cannot overstress the value of oxygen to human life. Detoxification and energy synthesis stand out among the long list of functions oxygen performs in the human body. However, some illnesses, like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), can make it more difficult for the lungs to efficiently meet the body’s needs because the airways become inflamed and congested with excessive secretions. Or there could be situations where the lungs are fine, but the upper airways are obstructed while sleeping; this happens in Obstructive sleep apnea.

Over the past 40 years, supplemental oxygen via oxygen therapy has been the industry’s standard of care in the instances just mentioned. This way, medical-grade oxygen (referred to as a “drug” by some) is prescribed by a medical specialist and administered through a portable oxygen concentrator, home oxygen concentrator, or oxygen tanks with or without CPAP machines as the case may be.

Oxygen concentrators draw atmospheric air from the environment and filter nitrogen from it to deliver concentrated pure oxygen to the patient. The process of separating nitrogen from the air is done with the help of a special sieve in-built into the device. An example is the Invacare Perfecto2 V oxygen concentrator. It is well known for its lightweight, quiet operation, and compact size. Let’s learn a little more about this machine in this review.

What are the Features and Benefits of The Invacare Perfecto2?

This device not only benefits the patient but also its provider as it gives some assurance of a job well done in ensuring a patient’s safety. These benefits include:

1. SensO2 oxygen monitor: This constantly monitors the oxygen purity, indicating when it falls. See more information below.
2. HomeFill System port to allow for easier servicing flexibility
3. Reset button

Other benefits and features for you:

Size, Design, and Weight

The Invacare Perfecto 2 is quite small in size for a 5-litre oxygen concentrator. Which is one of its attractive features. It measures 15 inches in width, 23 inches in height and 12 inches in depth. It also weighs 40 pounds (18.1kg), somewhat lightweight for its function.

Its compact and lightweight advantages are not the only things. It has a handle at the top and four durable wheels at the bottom which makes mobility within the home easy. It is also designed with an interactive easy-to-understand control panel which includes the following:

1. A power switch
2. Flow meter knob to regulate its flow rates
3. Indicator lights (Green, Yellow and Red) to always keep you informed on the oxygen concentration levels or oxygen output at the time.
4. Audible alarms are set off when either the yellow or red lights come on. And also to low pressure, high pressure, loss of power and airflow obstruction.
5. A circuit breaker
6. An elapsed time meter to let you know how long the oxygen concentrator has been in use.

Flow Settings and Power Consumption

The Perfecto2 oxygen concentrator provides continuous flow settings up to 5 litres per minute (5 LPM). This falls within the oxygen flow range of 0.5 to 5 LPM. One would think it consumes a lot of energy in this flow setting, but astonishingly, it does the opposite – it consumes less, which in turn saves you a ton of money on electricity bills. It takes about 325 watts on a flow setting of 3 which makes it an energy-efficient unit that should not be denied its accolade.

The compressor of this device has a 25,000-hour life expectancy. With this, you don’t need to worry about changing it soon.

Oxygen Purity

This oxygen machine can produce oxygen concentration levels between 87% and 95.6% on all flow rate settings, which is quite impressive. As earlier mentioned, with the help of the SensO2 oxygen monitor, the oxygen concentrator would sound an alarm when the oxygen output falls below a set point. Levels less than 70% could be fatal in a patient.

Noise Level

Not to brag, but the Invacare Perfecto2 oxygen concentrator is one of the quietest home oxygen concentrators you can find out there. Producing sound levels of less than 40 decibels. Its hum would barely be noticed whilst a conversation is going on. Quite similar to that produced by a refrigerator. So, if the noise produced by the refrigerator in your home does not bother you, this Perfecto2 oxygen concentrator would be a good fit for you.

Components and Accessories of the Invacare Perfecto2 Oxygen Concentrator

Other components that have not been mentioned above include the following:

1. Three separate filters: Compressor inlet, Outlet HEPA (Outlet filter), Cabinet (Gross particle) filter
2. Molecular sieve
3. Flowmeter

Accessories that come with the package include:

1. Nasal cannulas (Adult sized)
2. Humidifier bottle
3. Humidifier bottle adapter (Humidifier connector)
4. Oxygen tubing connector
5. Oxygen tubing
6. User manual

How to couple the Invacare Perfecto2 Humidifier bottle

This comes as a challenge for a few users. So, let me add it here.

1. Uncap the bottle
2. Fill the bottle with boiled water to the required mark set by the manufacturers.
3. Gently remove the access door to the filter with a flathead screwdriver.
4. Remove the humidifier bottle adapter.
5. Attach and fasten the adapter to the bottle turning it in a clockwise direction.
6. Place in the humidifier compartment.
7. Connect the nasal cannula to the humidifier outlet.
8. Lastly, ensure oxygen is flowing through the nasal cannula.

Humidification helps patients who struggle with dry nostrils whilst on oxygen.

Does the Invacare Perfecto2 have FAA-Approval?

No, it doesn’t because it has to be connected to an electrical switch to work. It has no batteries that can be charged for a trip.

Is there a Warranty?

This unit comes with a limited 3-year warranty.

Is this unit compatible with a CPAP/BiPAP machine?

Yes, it is. As earlier highlighted, oxygen therapy is not only for patients with respiratory disorders but also for patients with sleep disorders who might require a CPAP/BiPAP machine. For such situations, a CPAP machine can be used with the Invacare Perfecto2 V.

Final thoughts

After reading all of this, have you been convinced to give the Invacare Perfecto2 home oxygen concentrator a try? Decisions like this are undoubtedly hard, but you shouldn’t hesitate to get this device if you’re keen on having something not just compact and invisible in the room, but also lightweight, freely mobile, quiet, and energy preserving.

I strongly recommend this 5 Litre wonder home oxygen concentrator. Thank me later. Cheers!