Oxygen
What is continuous flow oxygen?
When a continuous flow oxygen delivery system is being used, oxygen is flowing at a prescribed liter flow all the time (like when you turn on your faucet and water flows). Oxygen will be flowing while you are breathing in (inspiration), and while you are breathing out (exhalation). These systems are either concentrators (powered by electricity), cylinders (tanks, oxygen under pressure), or liquid systems (liquid oxygen is warmed so it turns from liquid oxygen into gaseous oxygen).
What is a pulse dose or conserving device oxygen system?
A pulse dose system only delivers oxygen during a portion of the inspiratory cycle; because oxygen is not being delivered during exhalation it is conserving oxygen.
Important note:There are no government regulations mandating the amount of oxygen to be delivered during the "pulse dose", or the length of time the oxygen is to be delivered during inspiration. The available systems vary GREATLY; therefore, anyone wanting to use a pulse dose delivery system should be tested by a clinical professional with a pulse oximeter to make sure the oxygen level they are receiving is safe.