Obstructed Apnea: Defined as a 90% reduction of airflow lasting at least 10 seconds.

Central Apnea: An absence of respiratory effort for at least 10 seconds, associated with an arousal, or interruption of sleep.

Hypopnea: Defined as a 50% reduction of airflow lasting al least 10 sec.

AHI: Apnoea/hoponea index or AHI represents the number of apnea and hypopnea episodes that occur per hour of sleep.

Oxygen Desaturation Index: The Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) is the number of times per hour of sleep that the blood's oxygen level drops by 3 percent or more from baseline. (Normal oxygen saturations - greater than 90-92%)

A. Any disease that affects the heart or the lungs could eventually become severe enough to require use of oxygen in the home. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which usually is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is the biggest offender. Patients with cystic fibrosis, asthma, and those with congestive heart disorders would be other candidates. Patients with occupational diseases, such as asbestosis and “farmers lung” may require home oxygen therapy.

A. Usually this is determined by taking samples of arterial blood; this normally is a hospital procedure. NO blood gas level tests are required for nursing home or hostel residents

A. Some people are given additional oxygen temporarily, while others require it on a long term basis. The doctor will determine how long a patient should receive oxygen, how much should be received, and whether it's delivered continuously or less than 24 hours a day.

A. Not directly, but by increasing the amount of oxygen the patient inspires into the lungs, the lack of oxygen at the tissues or cells (called hypoxia) can be greatly improved. Supplementary oxygen relieves many of the adverse symptoms and greatly improves the overall quality of life for the patient.

A. The purpose of oxygen is to help the patient feel better and do more without becoming fatigued. If symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, fatigue, or increased irritability persist, notify your doctor.

A. Patients only receive the quantity of oxygen necessary to satisfy body needs. This is in no way addictive.

A. They will sleep better, be less irritable, remember better, have more energy and suffer fewer depressions. They tolerate exercise better and usually face fewer hospitalisation days. In general, these patients will live happier, more productive lives.

A. Once the condition exists, the need for oxygen to relieve symptoms usually remains. The physician may use several different methods such as blood tests, ear oximetry, or testing pulmonary functions to determine the patient's capability to oxygenate themselves properly.

A. Oxygen therapy is generally prescribed by a specialist physician who will determine the appropriate delivery flow rate. 

A. An oxygen concentrator is an electrically operated device that draws in room air, separates the oxygen from other gases in the air, and delivers the oxygen at high concentrations to the patients.

A. The air we breathe is made up of several different gases. The majority of air is made up of nitrogen, a gas that the body doesn't really use. Approximately 21 per cent of the air is oxygen. A very small amount (about one percent) is a mixture of lesser gases, such as argon and carbon dioxide. Air drawn into the concentrator passes through a molecular sieve, and just like a filter it lets some gases pass and traps others. In this way high concentration oxygen is available to the patient at the concentrator outlet.

A. It returns these gases, including some oxygen, back into the room.

A. One would think so, but this is not true regardless of whether a concentrator is operating in the room or not, the oxygen concentration in the room always remains at the normal amount, 21 per cent.

A. Correct. There is absolutely no need for concern about the remaining amount of oxygen in the room. It will always stay at 21 per cent, which is the normal oxygen level.

A. Yes. Medical studies have shown that oxygen concentration of 80 per cent or above are therapeutically equal to 100 per cent oxygen. The reason is that oxygen from any source is always mixed with some room air on each breath, when taken through a mask or nasal cannula.

A. All concentrators are equipped with a series of air filters. Initially, air enters the concentrator through dust filters. Air drawn into the units' compressor passes through additional filters. Then before the air enters the sieve beds to separate the gas molecules, it passes through a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter.) This traps bacteria size components in the air, so you're assured the oxygen coming from the outlet is sterile.

A. There are always dangers in the presence of enriched oxygen. One should not smoke or have an open flame nearby. But compared to cylinders that are pressurised at 2000Ibs/in2 and weigh approximately 16.3kgs, concentrators are extremely safe, because they do not store oxygen under pressure.

A. Electric stoves or microwave ovens offer no problem to the oxygen user (unless, of course, the patient is using a heart pacemaker that can be affected by a microwave unit). Using supplementary oxygen near an open flame, such as a gas stove, is not recommended.

A. Electrical appliances can be used safely. Again the only concern is an open flame. Patients, for example, have been severely burned when smoking while receiving oxygen.

A. No. The flow setting on a concentrator will be the same as with an oxygen cylinder. Although it might feel softer it is not supported by the same high pressure as when delivered from a cylinder.

A. When changing from cylinders to a concentrator initially some patients believe they are receiving less oxygen. This is not the case. Oxygen from a concentrator is delivered at lower pressures, but does provide the same concentration and flow.

A. The technician will discuss with you the most appropriate location for you in your house.

A. concentrators will still provide the prescribed flow rates and concentrations even with the addition of 30ft oxygen tubing. Centralising the location of your concentrator and tubing provides you with mobility around the house or room.

A. That's a major advantage of a concentrator. It will provide a continuous supply of oxygen if required. Once the unit is delivered and you're instructed in its operation there are no more routine deliveries. A representative will call every six months to service and maintain the machine.

A. In case of a power cut, the concentrators will signal you with a battery operated audible alarm.

A. Refer to your instruction guide to identify the alarm and to determine proper action. Check to make certain the concentrator is properly plugged in; an alarm automatically sounds when an unplugged unit is turned on. If the machine continues to alarm, contact Albury Vital Air.

A. Operation is simpler than a TV set. Once the flowmeter has been properly set during operation, it need not be reset with each use. The user simply turns the power switch on, and that's it.

A. Very little. The humidifier, if used must be cleaned and refilled daily. Dust filters should be cleaned weekly, and the compressor filter is changed by your representative when required. All filters are easy to get to and are simple to change.

A. At the time the concentrator is delivered, a trained technician will thoroughly instruct the patient and the carers in the operation and maintenance of the unit.

A. Individuals in their own homes can claim a rebate to offset the electricity costs of running the machine. Further Information on NSW and Vic rebates can be found here, or via contacting Albury Vital Air 

A. Over the past several years, use of oxygen concentrators for home oxygen therapy has increased dramatically. The main reasons: concentrators are far more convenient; they blend into home décor while eliminating frustrating repeat deliveries. They are easy to use and maintain, and are much less costly than cylinder oxygen for home use. Portable cylinders and the Pulse Dose conserver are available for ambulatory requirements. Ask your Healthcare representatives for further details.