Oxygen-Conserving Device
An Oxygen-Conserving Device (OCD) is used in conjunction with your primary oxygen equipment. This device significantly increases the use time for any given supply of oxygen. It is particularly useful on portable oxygen systems, increasing the mobility and frequently the comfort of the user.
During your normal breathing pattern you are inhaling for about 1/3 of the time and exhaling for approximately 2/3 of the time. By providing oxygen in brief pulses at the very beginning of the inhalation part of the breathing cycle, the OCD frequently extends the use time of the oxygen supply by as much as three to one. Some oxygen users have reported even greater savings. The device senses the start of inhalation and immediately releases a short, pulsed dose of oxygen, which is inhaled deep into the lungs. As a result, less oxygen is required to provide the same benefits than with a continuous flow oxygen system.
Because the OCD responds to each individual's breathing pattern, the actual use time will vary for each individual depending upon the flow rate prescribed, the size of the oxygen supply and the rate of breathing. The instruction booklet for your particular OCD provides a chart that will enable you to estimate use times for your particular flow rate and oxygen supply.
Since oxygen is released for only short periods during inhalation, the constant flow of oxygen into the nostrils is avoided, and the discomfort caused by the drying effect on the nasal passages is reduced.
