An Oxymizer is a disposable reservoir cannula designed to maximize the efficiency of oxygen delivery for patients requiring oxygen therapy. This innovative device operates without the need for electronics, batteries, switches, or flow controls, making it a simple and convenient option for patients and healthcare providers alike. As a cost-effective solution, the Oxymizer boasts a savings ratio of up to 4:1, making it compatible with all continuous flow oxygen sources, including compressed gas, concentrators, and liquid oxygen.
The Oxymizer utilizes a reservoir system to store and concentrate pure oxygen, enhancing the oxygenation process for patients during inhalation. This unique design allows patients to receive high-flow oxygen therapy while maintaining a comfortable experience, as it offers an alternative to traditional oxygen masks. With the Oxymizer, patients can continue to eat, drink, and talk without obstruction, making it a seamless addition to daily life for those requiring extended periods of oxygen therapy.
Studies have shown that the Oxymizer outperforms a conventional nasal cannula, particularly for patients with a higher demand for oxygen, such as those with severe COPD. This device has demonstrated improved endurance capacity and oxygenation during exercise, indicating its potential to positively impact the quality of life for oxygen-dependent individuals.
What is an Oxymizer?
An Oxymizer is a disposable reservoir cannula designed to conserve oxygen during oxygen therapy. This innovative device operates without the need for electronics, batteries, switches, or flow controls, making it a simple and effective solution for patients requiring continuous flow oxygen therapy from various sources, such as compressed gas, concentrators, and liquid oxygen [1].
The Oxymizer consists of a customized oxygen cannula, often including a pendant, that can be used to deliver high-flow oxygen therapy for extended periods. The device functions by storing pure oxygen in a reservoir, which increases the concentration of oxygen inhaled by patients [2]. This reservoir is typically positioned under the nose, leading to the nickname “nasal mustache” [3].
One of the main benefits of using an Oxymizer is the ability to decrease the liter flow for patients while maintaining adequate oxygen saturation. For instance, if a patient requires a 2 liters per minute (lpm) setting, the Oxymizer allows for a reduction in the flow to 0.5 lpm without compromising oxygenation, resulting in oxygen savings of up to 75% [4]. This conservation of oxygen enables patients to receive oxygen therapy for longer durations without needing frequent equipment refills.
In a clinical study, it was found that oxygen delivery via an Oxymizer significantly improved both endurance capacity and oxygenation during exercise in patients with severe COPD. The study also suggested that patients with a higher demand for oxygen (4 liters/min or more) might benefit the most from using the Oxymizer [5].
In summary, the Oxymizer is a valuable tool in the realm of oxygen therapy, offering a cost-effective and efficient method for delivering continuous flow oxygen to patients with varying oxygen requirements. By utilizing the reservoir system and enabling decreased liter flows, the Oxymizer helps patients achieve proper oxygenation while conserving resources.
Function and Benefits
This device functions as a conserving reservoir cannula and does not require any electronics, batteries, or switches for its operation, making it a convenient and straightforward option for oxygen delivery.
Savings Ratio
One of the significant advantages of the Oxymizer is its savings ratio of up to 4:1. This means that the device can potentially deliver the same level of oxygenation as a standard nasal cannula, but at a lower flow rate, thus conserving oxygen usage. The savings ratio makes it compatible with all continuous flow oxygen sources, including compressed gas, concentrators, and liquid oxygen.
Oxygenation Improvement
The Oxymizer improves oxygenation in patients, particularly those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its design incorporates a higher luminal diameter, which allows for a more significant amount of oxygen to be delivered. This feature, combined with the incorporated oxygen reservoir, has been shown to improve endurance capacity and oxygenation during exercise in patients with severe COPD. Additionally, it has been found that patients with a higher demand for oxygen (≥ 4 liters/min) may benefit more from the use of the Oxymizer.
Types of Oxygen Delivery Systems
Oxygen therapy is essential for many individuals with respiratory conditions or other medical needs. There are several types of oxygen delivery systems, each with their unique benefits and purposes. In this section, we’ll explore three common categories: Compressed Gas, Oxygen Concentrators, and Liquid Oxygen.
Compressed Gas
Compressed gas systems utilize high-pressure gas cylinders to store and deliver oxygen. These cylinders come in various sizes, making them suitable for both stationary and portable use. Some advantages of using compressed gas systems include:
- Wide availability and relatively low cost
- Compatibility with various delivery devices, such as nasal cannulas or facemasks
- No need for electricity, allowing for use in power outages or remote locations
However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the need for frequent cylinder replacements and potential hazards associated with handling high-pressure gas containers.
Oxygen Concentrators
An oxygen concentrator is an electric-powered device that extracts oxygen from the ambient air, concentrating it for delivery to the patient. There are two main types of concentrators: home and portable. Some benefits of using oxygen concentrators include:
- Continuous supply of oxygen without the need for refilling
- Portable models available for increased mobility and travel
- Reduced environmental impact due to the lack of disposable cylinders
However, oxygen concentrators do require a power source, which can be a limitation in certain situations, and their initial cost is generally higher than compressed gas systems.
Liquid Oxygen
Liquid oxygen systems store oxygen in its liquid form, enabling a higher concentration in a smaller and lighter container. When needed, the liquid oxygen is converted into a gaseous state for patient delivery. Some advantages of liquid oxygen systems are:
- Higher storage capacity compared to compressed gas systems, resulting in longer use times
- Rapid refilling process and reduced cylinder replacement frequency
- Improved portability due to lower weight and more compact size
On the other hand, liquid oxygen systems are generally more expensive than other options and require special handling precautions due to the extremely low temperatures involved.
Each of these oxygen delivery systems has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the appropriate choice depends on factors such as patient needs, mobility requirements, and available resources. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend using a combination of systems for optimal results.
Using an Oxymizer with Various Oxygen Sources
Nasal Cannula
The Oxymizer pendant is a customized oxygen cannula designed for providing high-flow oxygen therapy over extended periods of time. The device works with a wide range of oxygen sources, making it highly versatile for various situations 1.
The Oxymizer functions both as a nasal cannula and an oxygen reservoir, boosting the concentration of inhaled oxygen. This allows for better oxygenation while using a lower flow rate 2.
Flow Rate Adjustment
One of the major benefits of using an Oxymizer is its ability to adjust the flow rate without compromising oxygen saturation. For instance, if a patient requires a 2 liters per minute (lpm) setting, the Oxymizer enables the flow to be lowered to 0.5 lpm, resulting in oxygen savings of up to 75% 3.
The Oxymizer has a savings ratio of up to 4:1, making it highly efficient and cost-effective. It is compatible with all continuous flow oxygen sources such as:
- Compressed gas
- Oxygen concentrators
- Liquid oxygen 4
In conclusion, the Oxymizer provides a practical solution for individuals requiring oxygen therapy by allowing them to adjust flow rates without sacrificing oxygen saturation. The device is compatible with multiple oxygen sources and offers a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to conventional nasal cannulas.
Footnotes
The Oxymizer Reservoir
The Oxymizer® is a unique oxygen conservation device used in long-term oxygen therapy for patients with respiratory conditions. It is a disposable reservoir cannula and operates without the need for electronics, batteries, or flow controls. This makes it a simple and efficient option for oxygen therapy.
The primary function of the Oxymizer reservoir lies in its ability to store pure oxygen, hence the name “reservoir.” This stored oxygen allows the Oxymizer to deliver a greater concentration of inhaled oxygen, improving the overall effectiveness of oxygen therapy for patients with pulmonary fibrosis or other respiratory diseases.
With its savings ratio of up to 4:1, the Oxymizer reservoir also significantly reduces the overall oxygen flow required for adequate patient saturation. For example, patients with a 2 liters per minute (lpm) setting can have their flow adjusted to as low as 0.5 lpm without compromising oxygenation.
The Oxymizer reservoir comes in the form of a pendant or a nasal moustache design. The former hangs around the patient’s neck, while the latter positions the reservoir under the patient’s nose.
Compatible with all continuous flow oxygen sources, such as compressed gas, concentrators, and liquid oxygen, the Oxymizer reservoir proves to be a versatile and invaluable tool for effective oxygen therapy. In a study done on patients with severe COPD, it was found that the Oxymizer reservoir improved endurance capacity and oxygenation during exercise, especially for patients with a higher oxygen demand (≥ 4 liters/min).
Conclusion
In summary, the Oxymizer is a valuable tool in oxygen therapy, offering a simpler and more efficient alternative to conventional nasal cannulas. As a disposable reservoir cannula, it operates without complex mechanisms, such as electronics, batteries, or flow controls, and is compatible with all continuous flow oxygen sources. By concentrating inhaled oxygen, it can help lower a patient’s required flow rate without compromising their saturation levels, potentially saving up to 75% on oxygen usage.
Patients with severe COPD can particularly benefit from using an Oxymizer, as it has been shown to improve endurance capacity and oxygenation during exercise as compared to traditional nasal cannulas. Moreover, it can help stabilize patients with higher oxygen needs while reducing the likelihood of complications associated with higher flow rates.
The Oxymizer Pendant, a customized variant of the Oxymizer, allows for extended periods of high-flow oxygen therapy and is compatible with various oxygen sources. Its unique design stores pure oxygen in a reservoir to further enhance the concentration of inhaled oxygen for the user.
Incorporating the Oxymizer into oxygen therapy routines can lead to better patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and overall more effective treatment for those suffering from respiratory conditions.
