Medical Respiratory Equipment Product Guide

Respiratory equipment could be considered a cornerstone of medical care, particularly in situations where patients often require assistance to maintain proper breathing. These essential devices are designed to treat a wide range of respiratory conditions, from chronic diseases to acute respiratory distress.

In this guide, we will explore:

• Ventilators
• Oxygen Concentrators
• CPAP Machines
• Nebulizers
• Pulse Oximeters

Ventilators

Ventilators help people breathe when they are unable to do so on their own or are breathing insufficiently by mechanically pumping oxygen-rich air into the lungs while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide from the body. To prevent lung air sacs from collapsing, ventilators maintain a constant low pressure.

Within the category of medical ventilation equipment there are a range of ventilators to accommodate the diverse needs of patients and clinical environments.

Invasive Ventilators:

These devices require the insertion of an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube into the airway.

Non-Invasive Ventilators:

These devices deliver ventilatory support without the need for an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube into the airway.

Portable Ventilators:

These ventilators are lightweight and designed for mobility, often used in emergency medical services (EMS) or during patient transport.

High-Frequency Ventilators:

These deliver very small tidal volumes at a high rate of frequency and are often used in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs).

Volume-Controlled Ventilators:

Deliver a set tidal volume with each breath and are used for patients with stable respiratory conditions.

Pressure-Controlled Ventilators:

This equipment maintains a set airway pressure during inspiration and is commonly used for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or other conditions where lung compliance is low.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Ventilators:

These devices deliver two levels of pressure, higher during inspiration and lower during expiration and are often used to treat sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV):

ASVs adjust ventilation parameters based on a patient’s respiratory mechanics in order to optimize support and reduce ventilator-associated lung injury.

Ventilator features vary according to their purpose. The choice of ventilator is contingent on the specific needs and condition of the patient as well as clinical preferences and protocols. However, there are several important features to look for when vetting and evaluating ventilators. These features include:

• Ventilation Modes
• Monitoring Capabilities
• Safety Alarms
• Portability Options
  
  

Oxygen Concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are on the frontline of delivering supplemental oxygen to patients. The type of oxygen concentrator used depends largely on the patient’s oxygen requirements, mobility, and clinical setting.

Here are commonly used oxygen concentrators:

Stationary Oxygen Concentrators:

These devices are designed to deliver oxygen continuously to patients with moderate to severe oxygen needs in a fixed location such as a hospital. Key features include:

• High flow rates (up to 10 liters per minute or more).
• Consistent oxygen concentrations of 90–95%.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

Portable oxygen concentrators are engineered for use by patients moving within, or to, a medical facility. The portability of these devices gives patients the freedom to move without compromising their oxygen supply. This equipment features:

• Lightweight design and battery-operated power
• Pulse-dose and continuous-flow modes (some models).

Dual-Flow Oxygen Concentrators

Dual-flow oxygen concentrators can deliver oxygen to two patients simultaneously from one device and feature two separate flow meters for individual oxygen flow adjustments.

High-Flow Oxygen Concentrators

These devices deliver oxygen at rates up to 60 liters per minute. High-flow oxygen concentrators are often paired with humidification systems used to reduce dryness and irritation in the airway.

Oxygen Concentrators with Integrated Nebulizers

Oxygen concentrators with integrated nebulizer ports combine oxygen therapy with aerosolized medication delivery.

Pulse Dose Oxygen Concentrators

Pulse dose oxygen concentrators deliver oxygen only during inhalation. Several design features working in tandem to offer the benefit of reduced oxygen waste. They include:

• Sensitive triggers that detect inhalation
• Adjustable pulse size
• Synchronization with breathing
• Fixed minute volume
  
  

Specialized Systems:

Oxygen concentrators are equipped with a variety of features and by extension offer a range of benefits. The choice of concentrator depends on the specific needs and condition of the patient as well as clinical preferences and protocols of the facility. However, there are several general features to look for when vetting and evaluating oxygen concentrators. These features include:

• Adjustable Flow Rates
• Filtration Systems
• Safety Features
• Ease of Use
• Mobility
  
  

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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines

CPAP machines are used to deliver non-invasive respiratory support. Hospitals employ several types of CPAP machines to accommodate a range of patient needs.

Here are the CPAP machines commonly used in hospitals:

Fixed-Pressure CPAP Machines

Fixed-pressure CPAP machines deliver constant and steady air pressure throughout the breathing cycle. Common features include:

• Integrated heated humidification
• Expiratory pressure relief (EPR)
• Constant pressure delivery

Auto-Adjusting CPAP (Auto CPAP or APAP) Machines

Auto CPAPs differ from fixed-pressure CPAP machines with the following features:

• Automatic pressure adjustment
• Advanced breathing algorithms
• Pressure range

Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or BPAP) Machines

BiPAP or BPAP machines are similar to fixed-pressure CPAP machines in that they assist with breathing during sleep. However, these devices offer more sophisticated features:

• Dual pressure settings
• Multiple operating modes
• Wider range of pressure, up to 30 cm H2O

High-Flow CPAP Machines

High-flow CPAP machines, also known as high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy devices, are advanced respiratory support systems that deliver heated and humidified oxygen at high flow rates. These devices differ from traditional CPAP machines in several ways:

• HFNC systems can deliver flow rates up to 60-70 liters per minute, a significant increase over traditional CPAP machines.
• An open system design that uses a nasal cannula that allows patients to eat and talk during use.
• Adjustable oxygen concentration that delivers precise FiO2 from 21% up to 100% independent of flow rate.

Neonatal and Pediatric CPAP Machines

Neonatal and pediatric CPAP machines are specialized respiratory support devices designed for infants and children with breathing difficulties. These CPAP machines differ from adult CPAP devices in several key aspects:

• Size and design: Neonatal and pediatric CPAP machines are smaller and specifically tailored for use with infants and children.
• Pressure range: These devices typically operate at lower pressure settings, usually between 4.5 to 10 cm H2O, to accommodate smaller airways.
• Specialized interfaces: This equipment has been designed with interfaces for the smaller masks, nasal prongs, or nasal cannulas required to fit infants and children comfortably.
• Bubble CPAP: Many neonatal CPAP systems use bubble CPAP technology, which creates gentle pressure oscillations similar to high-frequency ventilation.

Ventilator-Integrated CPAP Systems

Ventilator-integrated CPAP systems are advanced respiratory support devices that combine the features of traditional CPAP machines with those of more sophisticated ventilators. These systems offer several key features that distinguish them from standard CPAP machines:

• Multiple ventilation modes: In addition to CPAP, these devices often provide various modes such as BiPAP, pressure support, and volume-targeted ventilation.
• Advanced pressure control: Ventilator-integrated CPAP systems offer more precise control over pressure settings, including inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP).
• Oxygen blending capabilities: Many ventilator-integrated systems can deliver precise oxygen concentrations, often up to 100% FiO2.

Healthcare facilities use a variety of CPAP machines ranging from simple fixed-pressure models to advanced auto-adjusting and BiPAP systems. High-flow CPAP and neonatal CPAP machines are also widely used for specialized cases. While CPAP machines are equipped with distinguishing features associated with a specific benefit, there are several key features common across all CPAP machines that should be considered during the evaluation process. These include:

• Advanced Monitoring
• Heated Humidification
• Alarm Systems
• Mask Compatibility
• Pressure Settings
• Data Monitoring
  
  

Nebulizers

Nebulizers are commonly used to deliver aerosolized medications directly to the lungs. These devices are essential for patients with respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia.

There are a variety of nebulizers available to support a range of clinical situations and patient needs.

Jet Nebulizers (Pneumatic Nebulizers)

Jet nebulizers, also known as pneumatic nebulizers, convert liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation using pressurized gas as the driving force. Common features of pneumatic nebulizers include:

• Compressed gas source: These devices use compressed air or oxygen to generate the aerosol.
• Jet technology: A pressurized gas stream creates a vacuum effect to draw liquid medication and shear it into small particles.
• Drug delivery efficiency: Simple jet nebulizers typically have a lung delivery efficiency of 6% to 10%.

Ultrasonic Nebulizers

Like jet nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers transform liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation into the patient's lungs. However, these devices use high-frequency vibrations to generate the aerosol particles. These devices also differ from jet nebulizers in several other ways:

• Noise level: Ultrasonic nebulizers operate silently, making them more suitable for use in a wider range of medical settings.
• Particle size: Ultrasonic nebulizers produce larger droplets compared to jet nebulizers.
• Efficiency: Ultrasonic nebulizers can be more efficient in medication delivery, with some models achieving up to 15% efficiency compared to 6-10% for conventional pneumatic (jet) nebulizers.

Mesh Nebulizers

Mesh nebulizers also use vibration to generate aerosol particles, however the mechanism to create the aerosol is a vibrating mech instead of ultrasonic waves. This device is equipped with several other distinguishing features, including:

• Delivery of a wide range of medications, including suspensions that cannot be delivered with ultrasonic nebulizers.
• Smaller, more consistent aerosol particles that can penetrate deeper into the lungs.
• Quiet operation.
• Faster treatment times compared to ultrasonic nebulizers.

High-Flow Nebulizers

Used in conjunction with oxygen therapy, these nebulizers deliver aerosolized medication along with high-flow oxygen or air. Key features of these devices include:

• High flow rates: These devices can deliver gas flows infused with medication up to 60-70 liters per minute.
• Precise FiO2 control: High-flow nebulizers allow oxygen concentrations to be adjusted within the common range 36% and 95%.
• Continuous therapy: These devices accommodate uninterrupted oxygen therapy during medication administration, unlike conventional methods.

Continuous Nebulizers

Continuous nebulizers are designed for prolonged medication delivery. Key features distinguishing these devices from other nebulizers include:

• Extended medication delivery: They can provide uninterrupted aerosol therapy for up to eight hours without refilling, making them suitable for treating severe cases.
• Large reservoir capacity: Some models can hold up to 240 mL of medication, allowing for prolonged treatment sessions.
• Adjustable dosage: The aerosolized medicine delivered to the patient can be increased by adjusting the flow rate of the gas source or changing the solution concentration.

All nebulizers, regardless of their specific purpose or intended use share several common features:

• Aerosol generation
• Particle size control
• Interface options
• Versatility

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Pulse Oximeters

Pulse oximeters are essential for monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and pulse rate. A variety of pulse oximeters, each tailored to different clinical needs, are available for healthcare facility use.

Handheld Pulse Oximeters

These portable devices are equipped with a small screen and a separate sensor probe (usually attached to the patient's finger, earlobe, or forehead). Standard features include:

• Real-time SpO₂ range, 35-100% (accurate to +/- 5% for 70-100% range).
• Real-time pulse rate range, 30-250 bpm (accurate to +/- 2 bpm or +/- 2%).
• Display: High-resolution color LCD or TFT screen, usually 2.8" to 3.5" in size.
• Compact and portable design: Lightweight and easy to carry, typically weighing around 7 oz.

Fingertip Pulse Oximeters

Fingertip devices clip onto the patient’s finger to measure SpO₂ and pulse rate.

• One-button operation: Simple to use with minimal user input required.
• Battery-powered: Typically use 2 AAA batteries, with up to 24 hours of continuous operation.
• SpO2 range: Usually 70-100%, with ±2-3% accuracy.
• Pulse rate range: Typically, 30-250 bpm, with ±2 bpm accuracy.

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Bedside/Stationary Pulse Oximeters

These larger, multi-functional pulse oximeters are designed for continuous monitoring in the hospital setting. Common features include:

• Continuous monitoring.
• Integrated alarms for abnormal readings.
• SpO2 range: Typically, 1% to 100%, with ±2-3% accuracy
• Pulse rate range: Usually 20 to 250 beats per minute (bpm), with ±3 bpm accuracy
• Plethysmographic waveform display: Shows real-time visual representation of blood flow
• Data storage and trending: Often includes 96-hour trend memory with data captured every four seconds.
• Display: High-resolution color LCD or LED screens, often with multiple display modes and adjustable brightness for easy viewing.

Pediatric and Neonatal Pulse Oximeters

These oximeters are designed for the smaller bodies of infants and children. Key features include:

• Size-appropriate sensors: Designed to fit the smaller fingers, hands, feet, or wrists of infants and children.
• Quick response time: Faster response times and maximum sensitivity settings for rapid detection of changes in SpO2.
• Non-invasive design: Comfortable, non-adhesive sensors for extended use without skin irritation.
• Specialized algorithms: Configured for the unique physiology of infants and children.

Healthcare facilities use a wide range of pulse oximeters, from basic fingertip models to advanced, integrated systems. The type of pulse oximeter chosen depends on the clinical setting and patient monitoring requirements. Regardless of the application or intended use, several features are common across all pulse oximeters:

• Non-invasive design.
• Digital display
• Rapid results

Hospitals rely on a diverse array of respiratory products to manage patient care effectively. Each piece of respiratory equipment offers features that cater to specific medical needs. Investing in high-quality respiratory equipment ensures better outcomes and improved patient safety. Healthcare providers must carefully balance functionality, reliability, and budget when selecting these critical devices. Partnering with a healthcare equipment distributor focused solely on medical equipment is essential for equipping a facility with the best respiratory equipment for their needs and budget.

Partner with CME for Medical Respiratory Equipment

CME is dedicated to helping healthcare facilities source a wide range of respiratory equipment from the leading manufacturers in the industry.

Our expert account managers will work with you and the manufacturers’ representatives to evaluate and configure respiratory equipment that is the perfect fit for your facility, at the best price for your budget.

We have relationships with over 2,000 manufacturers and can help you source specialized equipment to ensure that your facility has the right healthcare equipment to treat your patients – from the oldest to the youngest.

Direct-To-Site Logistics and Delivery Services

In addition to delivering respiratory equipment fully assembled when it is convenient for staff, CME Direct-to-Site services can off-set many of the person-hours associated with receiving large orders by receiving, inspecting and warehousing the equipment for a single delivery. CME will deliver assembled respiratory equipment to the service location, ensuring the equipment is ready for immediate use.

CHAT with us to begin a conversation about your respiratory equipment needs.

About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.