Discover how an oxygen concentrator works diagram

How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?

If you’ve been prescribed oxygen therapy and are in the market for an oxygen concentrator, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:

“How does this device actually create oxygen?”

The good news is, it’s simpler than it sounds.

Turning Air Into Oxygen

An oxygen concentrator doesn’t “store” oxygen like a tank.

Instead, it pulls in ambient air from around you and concentrates the oxygen inside it.

The air we breathe is made up of:

  • ~78% nitrogen
  • ~21% oxygen
  • Small amounts of other gases

An oxygen concentrator’s job is to remove the nitrogen and deliver the oxygen.

Step-by-Step: What Happens Inside the Device

Here’s what’s happening inside your Kingon portable oxygen concentrator:

  1. Air is drawn in through filters

The device pulls in room air and removes dust and particles using intake filters.

This is why regular filter cleaning is important for performance

  1. Air is compressed

A small internal compressor pressurises the air so it can be processed.

  1. Nitrogen is removed (the key step)

The air passes through something called a molecular sieve (zeolite material).

  • Nitrogen is trapped
  • Oxygen is allowed to pass through

This process is called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA).

  1. Oxygen is concentrated

What’s left is high-purity oxygen, typically around 90%+ depending on the device.

  1. Oxygen is delivered to you

This is where portable devices like the Kingon P2-E and P2-E6 are different.

Instead of a constant flow, they use pulse dose delivery:

  • The device detects when you breathe in
  • It delivers a precise burst (bolus) of oxygen
  • This makes the device more efficient and portable

Kingon devices are designed to detect even very light breathing using sensitive triggers. If no breath is detected, the Kingon oxygen concentrator pulses oxygen every 3 seconds automatically. Once it detects breathing via the cannula, it resumes delivering oxygen according to the patient’s breathing pattern.

Diagram of the components of a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Pulse Dose vs Continuous Flow (Quickly Explained)

For a more comprehensive breakdown visit our guide on Pulse Dose vs Continuous Flow Oxygen. In summary:  

Pulse Dose (Portable units like P2-E / P2-E6 / P2-E7)

  • Oxygen is delivered only when you inhale
  • Smaller, lighter, operates on battery life
  • Up to seven flow settings, P22-E7 equivalent (approx) to 7 litres per minute
Kingon Portable Oxygen Concentrator Flow Settings Chart

Continuous Flow (Home or hybrid units like P2-TOC or P2-SOC)

  • Oxygen flows constantly
  • Required for overnight use
  • P2-TOC provides continuous oxygen therapy at home or on-the-go
  • P2-SOC (P2-05E) is a simple, AC plug-in setup without managing batteries

Why This Matters for You

Understanding how your concentrator works helps you:

  • Choose the right device
  • Use it correctly
  • Feel confident using it in daily life

Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to give you freedom and independence, without relying on heavy oxygen tanks. While Stationary Oxygen Concentrators are typically better suited to home or clinical environments, especially where continuous flow and overnight oxygen therapy are required.

Simple Way to Think About It

Your concentrator is essentially:

An air filter + compressor + smart oxygen delivery system

All working together to help you breathe easier, wherever you are.

Final Thought

Modern medical-grade devices like the Kingon range are built to be:

  1. Lightweight
  2. Easy to use
  3. Reliable for everyday life

And once you understand how they work, they become a lot less intimidating. 

Not sure which device is right for you? Learn how to compare portable oxygen concentrators here.

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