CONTINUOUS FLOW CAPABLE
PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORSAND THE SEQUAL ECLIPSE 3—
APPLICATIONS AND BENEFITSWhite Paper
Robert McCoy BS RRT FAARC
Ryan Diesem BA
Valley Inspired Products Inc.

10-22-2010

Introduction: Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are gaining wider acceptance as both an ambulatory and stationary source of low flow oxygen therapy. In the last three years alone several
new POCs have been introduced to the market. Each new device is typically marketedwith features and claims that are of interest to both the patient and the clinician, yet
poorly understood as it relates to the POC’s actual clinical benefits.
The purpose of this white paper is to outline the performance capabilities and clinicalbenefits of one type of POC—the continuous flow capable portable oxygen concentrator(CFO POC). Continuous flow capable POCs are able to provide oxygen patients both intermittent flow (IF) and continuous flow (CF) modes, allowing for greater utilization potential in clinical use and applications compared to IF-only POCs. While there are numerous
IF-only POCs available today, there are currently only four CFO POCs available to patients.
While all of these products merit discussion, this white paper will focus on one of theseunits, the Eclipse 3, a third generation CFO POC manufactured by SeQual Technologies in
San Diego, California.

Continuous flow capable
POCs are able to provide
oxygen patients greater
utilization potential inclinical use and applications
compared to IF-only POCs.

Background
Patients today who are prescribed long term
oxygen therapy (LTOT) are being diagnosed
and treated earlier in their disease thanpatients who were prescribed LTOT just 15
years ago. These new LTOT patients are
realizing the benefits of reduced complications
and co-morbidities associated with chronic,
untreated hypoxemia, and are more active andmobile than at any time in the past. In addition,these LTOT users and their families are becoming more of a consumer than a patient as
information on diseases and oxygen therapy
devices are readily available on the internet
and in social networks. Most often these “LTOT
consumers” desire products and services that
can help provide a better quality of life without
the undue hindrances of excessive weight,
limited operating times, and other factors
historically associated with the use of stationary and portable oxygen systems.
LTOT patients are prescribed oxygen therapy
that is intended to effectively treat their lungdisease, yet there is often conflict between themethods available to provide clinically effective therapy and the products and services thatthe patient-as-consumer desires to utilize for
their therapy. An ideal oxygen delivery system
must meet the needs of the patient at all
activity levels—rest, exercise, sleep, and ataltitude—while also being functionally stable,
easily portable, and visually appealing. In
other words, the oxygen system needs tohave the capability to meet all of the patient’s

oxygenation requirements AND be as mobile and durable as the patient. If mobility is
not able to be maintained, the patient is at risk of becoming sedentary and would
lose all of the benefits of exercise and activity, which could then further exacerbate
their disease.

CFO POCs—Basic Functions
Current CFO POCs on the market combine the output of a 3LPM continuous flow
stationary concentrator with the portability of IF-only oxygen delivery systems into one
all-inclusive unit. An ideal oxygen delivery system balances clinically effective oxygentherapy at all activity levels with the patient’s ability to be mobile with a lightweight, long
lasting oxygen system. Significantly lighter than stationary concentrators, CFO POCs allow
patients to utilize the benefits of CF in a smaller, lighter package. CFO POCs also allow
patients greater flexibility in IF therapy options and settings than current IF-only POCs.
Continuous Flow Capabilities and Limitations
Continuous flow (CF) oxygen has been the gold standard in oxygen therapy for many years.
One reason for this is the clinician’s familiarity with basic CF systems and their capabilities.
Many patients are still prescribed the “standard” 2LPM of supplemental oxygen without
regard to changing activity levels. Current CFO POCs can provide up to 3LPM of CF oxygen
delivery, making them viable options for most new and existing oxygen prescriptions.
However, CF has its own limitations and can sometimes be as variable as intermittent
flow (IF) oxygen systems in terms of the ability to provide therapeutic benefits. The
effectiveness of fixed, continuous delivery of oxygen will change based on changes in thepatient’s breath rate. As a patient inhales faster, inspiratory time will shorten and a lower
volume of oxygen is provided during that time.
One school of thought is to compensate for the shorter inspiratory time by increasing the
CF flow rate when the patient is exercising. This concept is not used very often as clinicians
are usually concerned about the effects of increasing oxygen flow too much and/or thepatients forgetting to increase or decrease their CF rate as their activities change. CF
continues to be the perceived standard of care for LTOT even though newer technology
and delivery systems can be more efficient, effective and valuable for patient care.

Fig. 1: During continuous flow(CF) oxygen therapy, as apatient’s breath rate increases
their inspiratory time decreases,
decreasing the amount of
useful O2.
1

CF does have its place as an alternative tointermittent flow. If intermittent flow settings
are not functioning on a device, or if thepatient has a difficult time triggering flow fromthe device, CF is an acceptable option, provided the patient is able to stay oxygenated.
However, if the patient is using the device on
battery power, they should expect a shorter
operating time.

Intermittent Flow Capabilities and Limitations
The basics of continuous flow oxygen therapy are typically understood by most clinicians.
Unfortunately many clinicians are not familiar with intermittent flow systems and some
may have had a “bad” experience with a system that was not capable of oxygenating
their patient. Many clinicians perceive that all IF systems are alike and if one doesn’t work
then they all will not work. This is a very common misconception and could cause more
harm to the patient if the clinician only prescribes a CF system when an effective IF system
could have worked. Intermittent flow gives the patient the ability to use oxygen efficiently,
reducing oxygen waste and the need for heavier oxygen systems that do not last as longas efficient systems.
IF delivery, including that from CFO POCs, is typically associated with delivering a fixedvolume of oxygen during inhalation with no oxygen delivery during exhalation. Unlike
CF therapy, as the respiratory rate increases, most IF delivery systems will give thesame volume of oxygen no matter the breath rate. This means that, in comparison
to CF, as respiratory rates increase, more oxygen is being delivered to the patient
per minute than at an “equivalent” CF setting (equivalent meaning identical volume at a specific rate; equivalence will not be maintained as the breath rate increases). This isn’t always the case, as some IF delivery systems will decrease thedose volume as respiratory rates rise, usually to ensure the device does notexceed production capabilities or to prolong oxygen conservation. On fixed-dose
IF devices, though, the patient typically will be better oxygenated at a higher rate
because there is no reduction in dose volume at a given setting, whereas there isa decrease in volume when on fixed CF.

There is some evidence to support the use of
IF-only POCs during sleep, yet a concern existsthat that the clinician cannot be certain thatthe device is triggering accurately during theshallow breathing associated with sleep. CF isnecessary for oxygen therapy when used inconjunction with continuous positive airway
pressure (CPAP) or other PAP systems. PAP
systems utilize too much flow for pulse doseto be effective, and pulse dose triggering during IF therapy would be erratic.
If a patient desires to mobile away from theirdevice, CF is recommended for distances
greater than 25ft. CFO POCs in the IF mode
will not be able to detect patient breaths andtrigger effectively through long oxygen supply
tubing. The pressure drop created by anincreased length of tubing will delay the triggering of a IF system, plus the delay in getting
oxygen to the patient through the large lengthof tubing may cause the bolus of oxygen to bedelivered in the late half of inspiration. The
suggested maximum length of tubing isdetermined by each manufacturer and is typically between 7 and 25 feet.
2

CFO POCs have the ability to treat a wide range of oxygen patients due to their higher
oxygen output capabilities compared to IF-only POCs—a CFO POC’s oxygen production

Fig. 2: This chart shows inspired FIO2% of 3 IF devices at their “2” setting compared to CF at
2LPM on a test lung operating at 500mL tidal volume. In CF therapy, the amount of oxygen
reaching the lungs decreases as respiratory rate rises, causing a drop in FIO2%. During IF oxygentherapy, as a patient’s breath rate increases their inspiratory time decreases, but the oxygen dose
typically does not vary, helping to maintain FIO2% and oxygen saturation.

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capability is typically three times that of the highest producing IF-only POCs. Greater oxygen
production capacity equates to larger dose volumes, more IF and CF setting options and, if
the patient’s condition deteriorates and oxygen needs increase, the ability toremain useful to the patient for a longer period of time.
Top end dose volumes on many IF-only devices range from 30mL ofoxygen per dose to 60mL of oxygen per dose. In contrast, CFO POCs areoften capable of producing 90mL of oxygen or more per dose at theirmaximum IF settings. This allows a wider variety of LTOT patients to utilize
the system during periods of increased need for oxygen. Additionally, some IF-only
devices reduce oxygen output purity as the device is run at its maximum settings
for long periods, reducing the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy. Because of theirgreater production capacities, purity reduction at maximum settings is typically not an issue
for CFO POCs.
Many IF-only systems have 3-5 available dose settings on the device. CFO POCs canfeature a wider variety of settings, sometimes up to 10-12 individual dose settings,
allowing for greater oxygen dose flexibility when using the device. Additionally, CFO POCs
can deliver their oxygen at higher peak flow rates for short durations, ensuring effective
oxygen delivery during the early part of the patient’s inhalation cycle. The downside tohigh flow is the sound that is produced within the cannula and potential discomfort
in the nasal cavity. The optimal flow is one that delivers the oxygen as efficiently andeffectively as possible without undue sound or turbulence.

by most patients who desire to lead active
lifestyles. Typically the patient will pull the 1518 pound unit in a luggage-style cart alongwith AC and/or DC power supplies, cannulas,
and a spare battery (or more, if needed). The
addition of accessories often adds 3-5 poundsof additional weight, but most manufacturers
supply storage bags that can be secured to theluggage cart so that these essential items do
As an LTOT patient’s condition deteriorates, CFO POCs have the ability to remain as a not need to be carried.
viable oxygen delivery system for longer than typical IF-only systems. As the patient’s
oxygen needs increase over time, the ability of current IF-only devices to provide adequate All CFO POCs are provided with rechargeable
oxygenation at all activity levels decreases dues to their maximum output capabilities. battery packs to help bridge the gap between
CFO POCs will have a longer “useful life” for their users due to the range of oxygen power sources. Battery run out times vary
volumes the devices are able to output.
depending on the mode of operation and flow
setting, so users will need to understand how
Stationary vs. Portable Usetheir use of the device impacts battery life. The
For patients with oxygen prescriptions of 3LPM or less, CFO POCs can operate in the ability of a POC to operate for up to several
home as stationary concentrators, allowing the patient to plug into a wall for power and hours on one battery can give patients thebattery (re)charging, connect tubing extensions for greater in-home mobility, and a hu- confidence needed to be mobile with themidifier bottle for oxygen delivery comfort. The unit is able to stay in one position while device without worry of shutdown. Batteries
the patient is free to move about the house. The potential exists for patients with oxygen automatically begin to recharge when the unit
prescriptions greater than 3LPM to use the CFO POC in an IF mode at higher settings, is plugged into a power source, ensuring that,
but they will be limited by the length of tubing they can use (typically 7’ to 25’ max for as long as the unit is plugged in, there will beIF) and will not be able to utilize a humidifier bottle.
a charge on the battery.
The ability for a POC to be as active and mobile as the patient is a POCs greatest asset. Being mobile is not necessarily the same as
CFO POCs are not the lightest POCs on the market, but they are light enough to be utilized being active. Being mobile occurs when one isin a car, airplane, or wheelchair, traveling fromAs the patient’s oxygen needs increase
the home. Ambulatory mobility includes walking, climbing, and other exercise, but it also
over time, the ability of current IF-only devices
includes going to the grocery store,
visiting family and friends, and traveling for theto provide adequate oxygenation at all
holidays. Most CFO POCs have been approved
activity levels decreases dues to theirfor use on airlines by the majority of major
carriers. All carriers require the unit to be run
maximum output capabilities.
on battery power only, so users need to bring32

Benefits of mobility for an oxygen patient while using a CFO POC can include:• Exercise and conditioning: Many patients do not continue to exercise
when prescribed oxygen. This could be a result of an inappropriate perceptionof the limits of their disease. A general feeling among many patients is that,when they require supplemental oxygen, they are dying. The old school ofthought was that oxygen was the last intervention before a patient died.
This still common misconception also causes patients to avoid going out inpublic fearing that everyone would see them and know that they are dying.
These patients often do not equate their reluctance and/or refusal to using
oxygen with mobility as a cause that can lead to premature death.
Regular exercise and mobility can improve most bodily functions and cancondition the patient to use oxygen more efficiently. This is true for mostdiseases, yet cardiopulmonary disease requires supplemental oxygen to compensate for the loss of lung function due to the disease. Oxygen and exercise
is the best combination of therapy for COPD patients that need LTOT.
enough batteries to last the duration of theflight. Also, altitude air pressure factors willaffect all patients as well as device operation.
Patients should expect to use more oxygen
than usual during flight.

CFO POCs—Patient Benefits
from Ambulatory Use
CFO POC’s oxygen production capability is typically three times that of the highest producing
IF-only POC. Greater oxygen production capacity equates to larger dose volumes, more IF and
CF setting options and, if the patient’s condition
deteriorates, the ability to remain useful to thepatient for a longer period of time. There is atrade-off, of course, as CFO POCs (and theiraccessories) can weigh 10-15 pounds morethan the smallest IF-only POCs, making the
CFO POC a slightly less desirable option for
portability than an IF-only unit. But CFO POCs
still remain 10 to 15 lbs less than a standard
stationary concentrator.

The NOTT study revisited identified the benefits of exercise while on LTOT. “High walkers”
on 24 hour supplemental oxygen had the highest survival of all categories at over 75%
survival after 3.5 years. Interestingly, patients that were “high walkers” on 12 hours ofoxygen had better survival at 2 years than patients that were “low walkers” on 24 hoursof oxygen. This statistic alone puts a great deal of emphasis on the value of exercise for
LTOT patients. This study also identified that “high walkers” on 24 hours of oxygen had
a significantly lower hospitalization rate compared to low walkers.
• Deep breathing: Exercise will cause an LTOT patient to breathe faster and deeper. A
deep breath will open airways that have not been utilized, mobilize secretions and increase
surface area for improved gas exchange. Many LTOT patients who receive pulmonary
rehabilitation services are instructed that stacking of breaths and air trapping can occur
and needs to be addressed with proper use of bronchodilators and pursed lip breathing.
• Maintenance of ideal weight: Chronic obesity is often labeled an American problem,
but is becoming a global issue as well. Lack of exercise and poor diet choices has createdsignificant health issues for many people. Overweight LTOT patients with chronic lungdisease can compound their lung problems with obesity related co morbidities such as
diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), plus excess weight can interfere with lungfunction by pushing the stomach up into the chest. Regular exercise and proper nutrition
can help maintain an ideal weight and can reduce complications associated with chroniclung disease and other problems associated with obesity.

Regular exercise and mobility can improve most bodily functions and can condition
the patient to use oxygen more efficiently...Oxygen and exercise is the best
combination of therapy for COPD patients that need LTOT.
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Fig. 3: This chart displays the survival rate of four types of oxygen patients as classified in the NOTT study revisited: High Walkers on 24hrs CFO, Low
Walkers on 24hrs CFO, High Walkers on 12hrs CFO and Low Walkers on 12hrs CFO. High Walkers (i.e. active patients) on 12 and 24hr CFO had higher
survival rates after two years than Low Walkers, suggesting the importance of routine activity in prolonging life while on oxygen.

• Mobilization of secretions: Retained
secretions are an issue for most patients withchronic lung disease. Exercise not only causes
deep breathing it can also loosen secretions
that have clogged an airway. The movement
associated with exercise and mobility vibrates
the airway with jarring motions. Chest physicaltherapy and other methods of mobilizing
secretions are used when a patient cannot
move, yet basic exercise is a very effective
method of secretion mobilization.

patient exercises, all the statements above come into play. Regular exercise, proper weight
management, mobilization of secretions and a positive mental attitude have the potential
to reduce the amount of medications used to counter these issues.
Reduced overall healthcare costs: The NOTT study revisited documented the reduced
hospitalizations associated with “high walkers” on continuous oxygen therapy vs. low walkers.
Given the daily cost of a hospital stay, if a patient does not go to the hospital as frequently
using 24 hour oxygen, the economic impact would be significant. Appropriate oxygenation at
all activity levels is the key to this potential, so the oxygen system a patient uses is important.

The ability for the patient to remain mobile while using a CFO POC is the CFO POCs
biggest asset. Current CFO POCs are not for everyone, but the potential for them to beSocialization: Depression is often associated accessible to an even wider range of oxygen patients is there.
with the need for LTOT. As indicated previously,
there is a perception that LTOT is the last step
The SeQual Eclipse 3-A Third Generation CFO POC
before dying. If a patient is encouraged to be
mobile and has an oxygen system that will The first SeQual Eclipse CFO POC was introduced to the market in 2005 and has sincemaintain oxygenation at all activity levels, they gone through two revisions. While performance and design is largely similar amongst all
are more likely to get out of the house and three generations of the Eclipse, it is currently the only CFO POC on the market that isparticipate in their normal activities, socialize beyond generation one. With each revision SeQual has taken both clinician and patientwith friends and neighbors, and travel.
feedback into consideration when upgrading the Eclipse, and the company has added
several features to expand the capabilities of the device.
Reduction of medications: The evidence is
not available to verify that a patient will use
Eclipse 3 Basic Functions and Accessories
less medication if they exercise with oxygen, Patients desire simple operation from their POC and the user interface needs to be user
yet the potential for this benefit is real. If a friendly. Controls need to be intuitive and easy to use. The Eclipse has a large display with5

four large buttons to control operation of the device:
On/Off, Up, Down, and a flow button to switch between
continuous and intermittent flow modes. The Eclipse 3
provides continuous flow settings from 0.5 to 3.0 LPM
in 0.5 LPM increments. It also features intermittent flow
settings from 1.0 to 6.0 in 0.5 increments, which equate
to fixed volume delivery of 16mL to 96mL in 8mL increments, as well as settings for 128mL, 160mL, and
192mL. Advanced features for clinician control are hidden from the patient so they don’t accidentally change
a setting that was not right for their use.
One battery pack is provided with the Eclipse 3 to help the patient bridge use between
available power sources and encourage mobility. Extra battery packs are likely needed forlong days away from home, and airline carriers require the patient bring enough battery
packs to last the duration of their flight. Battery run out times will vary based on operating
mode and setting, but patients can expect the device to last up to 2 hours at 2 LPM CF
and up to 5 hours at a 2.0 (32mL) IF setting and a resting breath rate (12 BPM). Whenconnected to a power source, the Eclipse 3 automatically begins recharging the battery
pack. An external desktop battery pack charger is also available to charge batteries when
they are not in use. Additional accessories include AC and DC power supplies, a storage
bag and a large wheel cart for easy portability.
Routine maintenance requirements include annual changing of internal filters and an alarm
battery. Providers and servicers of Eclipse 3 POCs are able to test performance output anddiagnose and troubleshoot problems using SeQual’s Eclipse Data Acquisition Tool (EDAT)
software. Using a serial port on the back of the Eclipse 3, a serial-to-USB cable is connected

between the device and a computer running the
EDAT software. Servicers can control the Eclipse
through the software and all device operations
are logged, with the last 300 operations available to view. Performance measurements suchas accuracy of flow rates, battery voltage, operating temperatures and compressor speeds canbe monitored and evaluated in real time. Systemfirmware can easily be upgraded, meaning older
units do not need to be shipped back to SeQual
for the newest device programming. Remote
networking allows for Eclipse units to be serviced in the field while the service technician is ata central facility, meaning Eclipse units do nothave to leave the patient’s home.

Providers andservicers of
Eclipse 3 POCs
are able to test
performance
output anddiagnose andtroubleshootproblems using
SeQual’s Eclipse
Data Acquisition
Tool (EDAT)
software.
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Examples of upgrades to the Eclipse and its
accessories due to clinician and patient feedback include moving the power input further
up on the device to help patients avoid
tripping over the cord, altering the quick
release button on the battery pack to make iteasier to insert and remove, and modifying theluggage cart to create an access point for thebattery. Larger wheels were added to theluggage cart as a result of patients experiencing difficulty navigating over multiple terrains,limiting their mobility in areas like parks,
beaches, and walking trails while using theoriginal cart. While these changes offer noclinical benefits, they have made the Eclipse 3
a much easier device to use.
Eclipse 3 Clinical Benefits
and Capabilities
The Eclipse was the first POC on the market toprovide continuous flow capabilities. Becauseof these continuous flow capabilities, sleeping
while using a POC became a viable option as
the device could be switched to CF mode
when going to bed. With the Eclipse 3, the unit
was upgraded with a feature that helps
address some concerns with sleeping on a
POC—if a patient falls asleep while on IF settings and their breathing becomes too shallow

to trigger the device, the unit will switch to CF operation if abreath is not detected within 15 seconds. The unit remains in CF
mode for 15 seconds before switching back to the original IF
setting. This cycle will repeat if another breath is not detected. In
addition to this “back up flow” benefit, this process can help
preserve battery life over fixed CF operation should the patient
be aboard a flight or on a long trip away from a power source.
As noted earlier, the Eclipse 3 features IF settings ranging in fixed
dose volumes from 16mL to 96mL in increments of 8mL, as well
as settings of 128mL, 160mL and 192mL. No other CFO POC
features this wide of range of settings. Additionally, no other
CFO POC unit provides settings at 128mL or greater,which can address oxygen needs of more severe
COPD patients and those with idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension or
end-stage COPD, though these settings should
not be used if the patient’s breath rate exceeds
device specifications as there may be degradation inoxygen purity.
The Eclipse 3 does feature an algorithm designed to maintain oxygen
purity during IF operation even as the patients breath rate significantly increases, which
ensures that the patient is getting the same oxygen concentration in each dose. Called
autoSAT, the algorithm is designed to increase the Eclipse 3’s oxygen production byincreasing the motor speed to accommodate the increased demand from the patient.
Delivered FIO2 by the device will largely remain the same whether the patient is breathingat 12BPM or 25BPM. This means that the patient’s oxygen saturation levels should remain
relatively unchanged, even with increased activity resulting in a higher breath rate. A goodFig. 4: This chart compares the
Eclipse 3 dose volumes at several
breath rates (represented by solid
colored bars) to the delivered FIO2
at the same breath rates (translucent colored bars) on a test lungvolume of 500mL. Note that there
is very little change in FIO2 attypical breath rates between 15
and 30 BPM. This is autoSAT atwork. FIO2 does decrease at higher
settings and rates (30 BPM andabove), but this is due to theshorter inspiratory cycle, as theentire oxygen dose may not bereaching the lung.
7

analogy for the autoSAT feature on the Eclipse 3 is the cruise control feature on an and features that address both clinical andautomobile. If the patient is the car, autoSAT is the cruise control that ensures that the consumer issues. In addition to improving thepatient does not lose speed, even when faced with a long uphill climb.
ability of LTOT patients to complete their daily
activities, most CFO POCs have been approved
One feature unique to the Eclipse 3 is the ability to display the intermittent flow setting for air travel allowing for trips and vacations
in numerical or mL modes, meaning the clinician and user will know exactly how much to destinations that had been logisticallyoxygen a given setting delivers. Another feature is the ability to adjust the Eclipse 3’s complicated to get to for patients using
triggering sensitivity—the clinician can choose from three settings to ensure that the traditional home oxygen systems.
patient is able to trigger the device in all of the patient’s activities.
There are still issues that need to be understood
New to the Eclipse 3 is a “rise time” setting during IF operation. There are three available by both clinicians and patients before using
settings, Slow, Medium and Fast, with Fast being the default setting. Unlike ventilation POCs as performance capabilities can vary byrise time settings, where the time to reach peak flow is adjusted, the Eclipse 3’s rise time product and most of the smaller, IF-only POCs
settings adjust the peak flow and delivery duration of the oxygen dose. Some patients do not produce the volumes of oxygen needed
experience discomfort when oxygen is delivered at high peak flows, so setting the rise by many patients during activity or at altitude.
time to a lower setting can alleviate some of this discomfort. Another benefit of a lower Patient education is the only mediator that canpeak flow rate is quieter dose delivery, meaning less noise disturbances in public settings work to accomplish compromise between bothlike movie theaters and restaurants. It is important to note that adjusting the rise time the clinical needs and consumer desires.
from the default Fast setting to a lower setting will significantly change the flow delivery Clinicians, providers and patients should work
characteristics. While the dose volume stays the same at each rise time setting, the way closely together to find the oxygen delivery
it is delivered changes, meaning that the FIO2 the patient receives could be lower as the system(s) that work best for the patient’s clinicalrise time setting is lowered. This is especially true of higher IF settings and higher breath and lifestyle needs. CFO POCs like the SeQual
rates. Nonetheless, the Eclipse 3’s rise time feature is another unique characteristic of the Eclipse 3 can balance clinical capabilities with
device, and offers the clinician and patient another way to manage oxygen delivery.
consumer desires and can permit a patient the
freedom to perform their activities of daily living
Conclusionand enjoy a full life. The ability to remain mobile
is key to prolonging an LTOT patient’s life, andContinuous flow-capable portable oxygen concentrators like the SeQual Eclipse 3 have CFO POCs offer the most potential for thesehelped improve the LTOT patient’s ability to be mobile by providing device capabilities patients to do just that.

Fig. 5: This chart shows how the risetime setting affects oxygen delivery fromthe Eclipse 3 on a 4.0 (64mL) IF setting.
The Eclipse 3’s default rise time setting
is Fast, with additional settings for
Medium and Slow. Changing the risetime setting will alter the device’s flow
delivery characteristics, reducing theflow rate and increasing delivery duration as the rise time setting is lowered.
It should be noted that, depending on
the IF setting and patient breath rate,
FIO2 may be impacted when rise time islowered.
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The Eclipse: Jan’s Story

Jan’s Eclipse POC has Jan is a very active patient that uses the Eclipse as both her stationary and portable oxygen
delivery system. She enjoys the freedom the Eclipse is able to provide her, allowing herhelped her to feel and her husband to run regular errands, visit family and friends, and to travel without theempowered to be as worries of coordinating deliveries and equipment rentals with her provider or running out
of packaged gas systems while away from her home.

mobile as she wants to

Several years ago Jan took 3 separate vacations using tickets her daughter was able tobe and continues to travel provide her through her job at one of the local airlines. These trips were to widely different
areas of the country—one trip was to Sea World in Orlando where she had a picture

as often as possible. taken with her Eclipse that later was used for the cover of the May, 2009, issue of the
AARC Times. Jan’s Eclipse POC has helped her to feel empowered to be as mobile as shewants to be and continues to travel as often as possible.
Last summer, Jan and her husband traveled to Arizona to purchase a fully restored 1947
Chevy Coupe. They flew to Arizona to pick up the vehicle and drove the car all the way
back to Minnesota, and her Eclipse unit was always by her side. The car has been theopportunity for more adventures going to different car shows and networking with otherantique car afficianados. Jan’s Eclipse, with its new and continually evolving oxygen technology, is an anachronism to the bright yellow antique car she regularly rides in.
Jan has not let her disease define who she is, and her Eclipse POC has helped to provide
her with the active lifestyle she desires. New and old oxygen patients alike can look at
oxygen users like Jan as a role model for the type of life that can be lead while needing
supplemental oxygen.

White Paper
Robert McCoy BS RRT FAARC
Ryan Diesem BA
Valley Inspired Products Inc.

Sponsored by an educational grant by

800.826.4610