[Noise and machine failures: determining factors in the acceptance and behavior of O2 concentrator. The Asturias project].
OBJECTIVE
Prospective study of compliance and performance with De Vilbiss concentrator (De Vo/44), in patients with COLD and domiciliary O2 therapy.


METHODS
54/136 severe COLD patients who used de Vo/44 concentrator were followed-up for 1 year, with home interviews every 2 months. Physiological measurements: FVC, FEV1, PF, Hemoglobin, ECG, blood gas tension(breathing air), smoking habits, drug therapy, and De Vo/44 performance(machine failure, flow rate and oxygen concentration accuracy).


RESULTS
During the 1 year study 9 patients (16.6%) died and 16 (29.6%) refused the concentrator. 18 devices needed to be changed due to machine failure. Flow rates measured at De Vo/44 were 58.15 +/- 12.9 l/hour vs a theorical of 56.60 +/- 15.4 l/hour, and the purity of O2 was 94.19 +/- 0.3%. The power consumption was 1.9 +/- 0.01/ampers/hour.


CONCLUSIONS
Almost 1/3 of COLD patients refused O2 concentrators due to excessive noise, and 1/3 of the machines needed to be replaced due to malfunction. Thus level of noise and proper functioning of concentrator are two important factors, affecting compliance and performance of these machines.
Diego González
E G
EG
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Central de Asturias.
Méndez Lanza
A
A
Mosquera Pestaña
J A
JA
D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009622:Noise; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies