The market for oxygen therapy has grown immensely
over the past decade, with nearly 1.5 million people relying on supplemental
oxygen to address their medical needs. While tank delivery of oxygen
remains a viable market for HME providers, patients want to continue carrying
out their daily routines and need a product that allows them to stay on
the go. That’s where portable oxygen concentrators, and the companies who
maintain the machines, step in.
In just the past few years, portable oxygen concentrators have begun to
reflect the rapidly changing technology becoming available to HME providers
and their patients. Rather than waiting for maintenance issues to occur on
their machines, providers increasingly have the ability to remotely monitor
oxygen output, battery life and more through online platforms. Now, companies
are expanding wireless connectivity to POCs in the hopes of making
24/7 monitoring possible for more patients.
At the same time, manufacturers are focused on making the machines
lighter and sleeker for patients who want POCs to blend in with the rest of
their belongings. The demand is high for machines that can provide the right
mix of portability, battery life and tank capacity to fit patient lifestyles. If an
HME provider can guarantee all three, they can see revenue growth in this
key area. Here is a sampling of the latest products and services to hit the
oxygen therapy market:
POC offers ‘remote freedom’
for HME providers and patients
www.invacare.com
Providers can geo-locate concentrators,
monitor patient use through
online dashboard
www.oxygo.life
Online monitoring platform Clarity
now available on POCs in U.S.
www.gcehealthcare.com
Concentrator with vacuum
pressure designed for comfort,
active lifestyle
www.precisionmedical.com
Ultra-portable concentrator aims
to deliver reliable performance on
the go
www.usa.philips.com
Concentrator’s oxygen delivery
matches inhalation rate to improve
patient comfort
www.resmed.com
Consulting services designed to support
HMEs providing oxygen therapy
www.caireinc.com/providers
SmartDose technology on POC makes it
easier for patients to trigger oxygen flow
www.drivemedical.com
New POC innovates with high oxygen
output per pound of weight