If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or any other debilitating lung condition, you likely depend on a strict treatment regime that encompasses all facets of your life. Typical treatment plans usually involve an improved diet high in protein and fiber, an exercise routine that improves lung strength and endurance, and most importantly oxygen therapy which helps stabilize your lung condition and ensure blood oxygen levels are normal.

One concern many people have with these lifestyle changes is that they make you increasingly dependent on medical devices like your oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, or inhaler. If these devices stop working suddenly, you may be stuck in a situation where you’re unable to get the medication you need. This issue only gets worse as your disease progresses because your doctor may require you to use oxygen for longer periods of time each day.

Fortunately, we live in a time of innovation and the medical devices we have access to today are far more reliable than in the past. Portable oxygen concentrators, for example, are battery-operated oxygen machines that are praised for their reliability and long lifespan. Rather than going out of your house each day worrying that you may lose access to your oxygen supply, portable oxygen concentrators allow you to focus on things that are important to you in your day-to-day life.

If security is important to you, stick around because we’re going to take a look at the most reliable portable oxygen concentrators in 2021. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve owned a POC in the past, you’re sure to find something on this list that suits your lifestyle. If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comment section below or reach out to us to speak with a respiratory specialist.

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Why Choose a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

You may be thinking to yourself, “what’s so special about portable oxygen concentrators?” After all, there are plenty of other options available like oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, and stationary oxygen concentrators. And while these oxygen devices have served their purpose for many decades, they simply can’t compete with the state-of-the-art design of modern portable oxygen machines.

The truth is that oxygen tanks and stationary concentrators have overstayed their welcome in many ways. Oxygen manufacturers have shifted their focus to battery-powered portable oxygen delivery systems because they provide their customers with more freedom and convenience in their daily lives. Rather than being confined to your home with a heavy and bulky oxygen tank, POCs allow you the freedom to live life on your own terms.

At this point in time, portable oxygen concentrators are the only oxygen delivery devices that are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use due to safety concerns. What this means is that if you choose to use an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank, you’re largely forfeiting your ability to travel long-distance. On top of this, other modes of transportation like driving, walking, or taking the bus will be much more difficult and stressful. 

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort

If reliability is important to you, there is no better portable oxygen concentrator out there than the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. In fact, this is one of the only concentrators currently in use by military personnel meaning it’s a trusted product even under the most strenuous of circumstances. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort also sees use in a variety of other industries including space exploration laboratories, hospitals, and in-home use. 

While Caire Inc. may not be a household name in the oxygen industry, you may recognize their products under the name AirSep, Helios, and SeQual. The Companion 5, for example, is one of their top stationary oxygen concentrator designs offering economic in-home oxygen delivery and easy-to-use controls. They’ve also produced continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators like the SeQual Eclipse 5 which offers up to 3 liters per minute (LPM) of oxygen and 9 pulse flow settings.   

One of the most unique things about the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is its mobile application, CAIREView Telehealth Technology. This app can be downloaded on any phone, tablet, or computer and connect to your Caire FreeStyle Comfort via Bluetooth. It has two primary benefits. First and foremost, it enables you to track all your oxygen usage through a simple-to-use dashboard. It will provide you with information such as hours of use, flow settings used, and alerts.

Secondly, this application allows for periodic monitoring to ensure that patients comply with their oxygen treatment plan. Clinicians will be able to view up-to-date data about your oxygen usage and assist remotely by monitoring your device settings. This feature significantly increases the reliability of your device, because in the rare chance that it stops working or you stop receiving the oxygen you need, your doctor will know about it immediately and he/she will notify you. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Specs 

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The Inogen One G5

Inogen is one of the top pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator manufacturers in the industry. While Inogen has only been around since 2001, they made a name for themselves very quickly. While they started off with stationary oxygen concentrators, they made their way into portable oxygen concentrators with the Inogen One G1. There are currently five generations of Inogen POCs, and their latest, the Inogen One G5, is one of the most advanced on the market.

On most fronts, the G5 is pretty neck-in-neck with the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. They both offer 6 pulse flow settings, they’re both around 5 pounds, and they’re about the same size. However, the Inogen One G5 has a great reputation for having an extremely low failure rate and a long lifespan between 5 and 7 years.

Similar to the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, the G5 is accompanied by a mobile application called Inogen Connect. This app was introduced with the Inogen One G4 and allows you to manage your flow rate and device settings remotely. This is great if you carry your POC on your back and don’t want to take it out all the time to adjust your oxygen settings. 

Inogen One G5 Specs

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The Inogen One G3

Although the Inogen One G3 released all the way back in 2012, that hasn’t set it back when it comes to being a dependable portable oxygen concentrator. While the G3 certainly has a little less oxygen output than the Inogen One G5 or the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, it makes up for it with an array of useful accessories that help you customize your oxygen therapy.

One of the most unique accessories for the Inogen One G3 is the GO2 Carryall. This product is designed to look like any ordinary purse or handbag but it holds your G3 snuggly and securely inside. It also comes with both a hand strap and a shoulder strap so you can choose exactly how you want to carry your portable oxygen concentrator.

One thing you’ll notice right away about the GO2 Carryalls is that they’re way more fashionable than any other POC carrying case you’ve seen in the past. They come in either black or brown to match your wardrobe and they’re made of genuine leather so that no one would ever suspect there’s a portable oxygen machine inside. There’s also plenty of room for personal belongings like your car keys, a wallet, or your G3 user manual.

While fashion is important for many people, the most important thing about the GO2 Carryalls is that they protect your Inogen One G3. When your G3 is inside one of these bags, you can rest assured that it will be protected from things like scratches, dents, and even minor water damage. Although the GO2 Carryalls are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof, so you’ll want to find some cover if you’re getting rained on.

All-in-all, the GO2 Carryalls make the G3 one of the most reliable oxygen concentrators on the market. These bags have a mesh material on the side where the intake vents are located so that your device never overheats or stops working. It also enables you to carry your Inogen One G3 conveniently at your side so that you can keep track of it. However, if the GO2 Carryalls don’t appeal to you, you’ll be happy to know that there are three other carrying options: the G3 custom carrying case, the G3 backpack, and the G3 rolling backpack.   

Inogen One G3 Specs

The Respironics SimplyGo

All of the aforementioned machines have been pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators. What this means is that they closely monitor your breathing rate and deliver oxygen only at the peak of your inhalation. The Respironics SimplyGo differs from these in the fact that it also has a continuous flow setting. In other words, it can deliver oxygen indiscriminate from your breathing rate. The Respironics SimplyGo can deliver up to 2 LPM of continuous flow oxygen.

One of the most important things to note about the Respironics SimplyGo is that it is the lightest continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on the market. Whereas most continuous flow units need to be wheeled around on a carrying cart, the SimplyGo is light enough to carry on your shoulder or your back. This may not seem like a big deal, but for someone who’s been prescribed continuous oxygen, it can be a life-changer.

If you’ve been an oxygen patient for some time, you know that having to wheel around your oxygen concentrator can be a huge pain. Not only do you have to make sure that it’s not bumping into anyone but there’s always a chance of your oxygen tubing getting caught on something and damaging your unit. Walking in a busy area is difficult and it can distract you from what you’re trying to do.

Using the convenient carrying case, you can ensure that you always have a reliable source of oxygen wherever you go. The Respironics SImplyGo was designed for people with the highest oxygen demands so it can run 24/7 without running into any problems. Since it’s a continuous flow POC, it’s perfectly compatible with CPAP, BiPAP, or APAP machines. In other words, it’s one of the most reliable portable oxygen concentrators for people who have both COPD and sleep apnea.

Respironics SimplyGo Specs

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Conclusion

Dependability is one of the most important attributes of portable oxygen concentrators. If you’re looking for a POC, it means you want to be able to get out of the house and enjoy your freedom, so your device needs to be able to match your lifestyle. While there are plenty of great oxygen concentrators out there, the ones above will offer you the reliability you need to live life on your own terms.

If you’re still struggling to find the right portable oxygen concentrator for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. We’ll walk you through all your options ensuring that both your oxygen needs are met and you have a unit that will give you the freedom you need to go about your daily life.

Medical terminology can be very challenging to understand sometimes. Even with the abundance of resources we have nowadays in order to research and understand these terms, there are always certain things that will be lost in translation. The oxygen industry, for example, is rife with terms that many people don’t entirely understand. This can lead to a lot of confusion when it comes to discussing them with your friends, family, or doctor. 

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In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most commonly misused respiratory terms including but not limited to respirators, ventilators, and oxygen concentrators. Whether you’re someone with a respiratory condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, or you’re just interested in this topic, you should find this guide useful. If you have any questions about what you read, be sure to leave them in the comment section so that we can help clarify.

What is a Respirator?

A respirator is a type of mask that covers the user’s nose and mouth. They’re designed to reduce the wearer’s risk of inhaling hazardous substances that could damage the lungs and body in general. All respirators must be certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Respirators are used in both medical and industrial settings. In a medical setting, respirators are used by healthcare professionals to filter infectious diseases out of the air that they breathe. Since we first discovered coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), you’ve likely heard the term “N95 masks” thrown around. This refers to a type of respirator that’s specifically designed to filter out viruses. N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) remove 95% of very small particles (0.3 microns).

Industrial respirators, on the other hand, are designed to protect the wearer against harmful airborne particles found in an industrial setting. Airborne particles are divided into three different groups: small, medium, and large. Small particles are less than 1 micron in diameter, medium particles are between 1 and 100 microns in diameter, and large particles are greater than 100 microns in diameter.  

Generally speaking, respirators are used by healthcare workers and industrial workers. Many national and local laws require these people to use NIOSH-certified masks while they’re on the job in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease and to prevent long-term lung damage. Most people need to be trained on how to use respirators correctly because there can’t be any air leaks. What’s more, respirators may be hazardous for people with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma.

Respirators should not be confused with surgical masks. A surgical mask is a very loose-fitting piece of cloth that’s only designed to filter out very large particles. Surgical masks are worn by the general public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases, but they are not an all-in-one solution. If preventing the spread of disease is your goal, you will still need to follow all of the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) like maintaining 6 feet of distance from the nearest person and staying home if you feel sick.

What is a Ventilator?

Ventilators have an entirely different function than respirators. A ventilator is a machine that helps patients with the mechanical act of breathing. It helps push breathable air into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide-rich air from the lungs. Ventilators are typically used in hospitals and they’re designed to help patients who have severely impaired lungs or diaphragmatic muscles and are unable to breathe on their own. They’re also used in patients who have suffered brain trauma. 

There are two different types of ventilation: non-invasive ventilation and invasive ventilation. Non-invasive ventilation can be done at home via a special machine and face mask, however invasive ventilation requires a medical professional. During invasive ventilation, a tube will be inserted into the airways either via the mouth or a surgical incision in the neck. There are two different methods used to administer ventilation to a patient: positive-pressure ventilation and negative-pressure ventilation.

Positive pressure ventilation was invented in the 1950s and it’s considered the standard, however, negative-pressure ventilation is rarely used today. CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP are all types of non-invasive ventilation that can be done at home. 

What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

Simply put, an oxygen concentrator is an electronic device that supplies patients with medical-grade oxygen. Unlike ventilators, an oxygen concentrator does not force air into the lungs. It simply releases oxygen that can be inhaled by the user. Oxygen concentrators are used to treat a variety of conditions, but chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) are among the most common.

Oxygen concentrators work by taking in ambient air and removing nitrogen dioxide, argon, and other impurities. It then concentrates the oxygen and outputs it through a nasal cannula that’s attached to the patient’s face. There are two different methods of delivery for oxygen concentrators: continuous flow and pulse flow. The former is a constant stream of oxygen and the latter is the delivery of oxygen in puffs called “boluses” only when the user inhales.

Since oxygen therapy is often prescribed for 14 hours or more every day, most patients prefer to have a portable option so that they can get out of the house. Fortunately, there are portable oxygen concentrators available, and they’re very lightweight and reliable. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort, for example, is one of the lightest and most powerful portable oxygen concentrators ever produced. It weighs just 5 pounds, provides up to 16 hours of battery life on one charge, and has a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 milliliters per minute (ml/min) of medical-grade oxygen.

The FreeStyle Comfort isn’t the only outstanding POC on the market, however. Another popular pulse dose unit is the Inogen One G5. This machine weighs in at just 4.7 pounds with a maximum oxygen output of 1,260 ml/min of medical-grade oxygen, and 13 hours of battery life on one charge. For its weight, the G5 puts out more oxygen than any other POC ever produced and its battery life is nothing to joke about either. Inogen also has a long history of customer satisfaction.

The last POC we need to mention is the Respironics SmplyGo. This one differs from the last two in that it’s a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator. In fact, it’s the lightest continuous flow POC ever produced. If your doctor prescribes you continuous flow oxygen, this will likely be your best option because it’s only 10 pounds which is significantly lighter than any other option on the market. There are many things to look for in an oxygen concentrator, so be sure to check out this guide before making your decision.

What are Nebulizers and Inhalers?

Nebulizers and inhalers are respiratory devices used to administer medication to the lungs. If you have a chronic respiratory ailment like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, sometimes it is more effective to administer medication directly to the lungs, rather than taking an oral tablet which will need to go through the bloodstream. Nebulizers and inhalers are similar, but they’re used in different scenarios.

A nebulizer is a tabletop machine that takes liquid medication and turns it into a fine mist called “aerosol.” This aerosol is then inhaled through a mouthpiece. An inhaler does the same thing, but it’s much smaller and lighter so you can take it anywhere. The problem with inhalers, however, is that they require you to precisely time your inhalation in order for them to be effective. Nebulizers allow you to inhale the medication at your own pace.

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Most people with COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis will use some combination of nebulizer and inhaler therapy. You’ll likely use your nebulizer for long-term treatment and your inhaler can be used while you’re out of the house as a “rescue Inhaler.” In other words, you’ll use fast-acting bronchodilators that open your airways in the event that you experience an exacerbation.

What are CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP Machines?

CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP are all different types of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. They’re used exclusively by people with sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep causing breathing to stop momentarily. Complications of sleep apnea include cardiovascular problems, daytime fatigue, eye problems, and more.

Essentially, positive airways pressure is designed to keep the airways open during sleep and prevent any disruptions. If a patient has both a chronic lung disease and obstructive sleep apnea, a continuous flow oxygen concentrator can be bled into the PAP therapy device to ensure they are able to maintain their blood oxygen levels. There are three different types of PAP therapy machines, so it’s important to understand how they differ.

Much like a continuous flow oxygen concentrator, constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines put out a consistent stream of high-pressure air. For many OSA patients, CPAP machines will work just fine because you simply need to turn the device on before you sleep and it will run all night. However, the problem with CPAP therapy is that the same air is being applied when you’re exhaling. If this causes difficulty exhaling, it could lead to a buildup of CO2 in your system. 

BiPAP machines are an alternative to CPAPs which have two different pressure settings: one for inhalation and one for exhalation. This will afford you more comfort as you exhale and reduce the risk of you retaining CO2 as you exhale. An auto-adjustable positive airway pressure device (APAP) takes this one step further with an array of pressure settings to account for fluctuations in your sleep patterns. These are the most advanced type of PAP therapy device, but they’re also the most expensive. Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine which one is best for you.

Conclusion

While all of the above medical devices are concerned with respiratory health, they all have very different functions. Respirators filter out harmful particles, ventilators help patients with the mechanical act of breathing, oxygen concentrators supply medical-grade oxygen, and PAP machines prevent the airways from collapsing during sleep.

Whether you’re someone with COPD, asthma, sleep apnea, or any number of other conditions that affect the respiratory system, it’s important to be clear about the differences between the devices above. If you have any questions about what you read here, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below.

Supplemental oxygen therapy, or simply “oxygen therapy,” is the use of medical-grade oxygen to treat a variety of conditions. In hospitals, short-term oxygen therapy is used to help patients recover from surgery or acute conditions, but oxygen can also be administered for long-term in-home use in people with chronic lung diseases like COPD and cystic fibrosis.

No matter what your reason is for using supplemental oxygen, it’s important that you’re using it correctly because it can be a fire hazard. While oxygen itself cannot burn, it is what’s called an oxidizer meaning it makes everything it comes into contact with more flammable. What’s more, improper use of oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity or lung damage that results from inhaling too much oxygen.

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In the following sections, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common mistakes new oxygen users make and tell you how to avoid them. If you have any questions about using oxygen safely and effectively, be sure to address them with your doctor. And if you have questions about what you read here, leave them in the comment section and we’ll get back to you.

Choosing the Wrong Oxygen Device

Oxygen therapy has been used since the 1950s to treat conditions like pneumonia. However, as you can imagine, it has evolved over the years as researchers have learned more about how supplemental oxygen can be used safely and effectively. In the past, oxygen tanks were the only option for people suffering from respiratory conditions. But nowadays, there are many other types of oxygen devices at peoples’ disposal like liquid oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators.

The first mistake many patients make when they’re first prescribed medical oxygen is choosing the wrong oxygen device. What happens is that many people rush into choosing something rather than taking the time to do research and figure out what options are available to them. And while oxygen tanks are certainly a popular choice for long-term oxygen therapy, they are not the only one.

Liquid oxygen, for example, is a common alternative to traditional oxygen tanks. Rather than storing oxygen in its gas form, these oxygen tanks are kept at very low temperatures in order to keep the oxygen in its liquid form. The reason for this is because oxygen expands significantly in its gaseous state meaning it takes up a lot more space. What’s more, it’s stored at much higher pressures making it more dangerous to use.

While liquid oxygen enables oxygen patients to experience more freedom, they’re not without their downsides. In order to keep oxygen in its liquid form, you need a special container. For safety reasons, these containers need to be vented so that as the heat increases, the pressure can also be released. What this means is that you will slowly lose your oxygen supply over time if you aren’t using it. According to the Lung Institute, liquid oxygen will evaporate after a week or two.  

Another downside to liquid oxygen is that it’s more expensive than traditional oxygen tanks. Not only do the units themselves cost more, but they cost more to maintain and refill. As a result, Medicare and other healthcare providers may not help you pay for them like they do with compressed oxygen. Luckily, liquid oxygen and compressed oxygen are not the only supplemental oxygen options available to you.

Oxygen concentrators are a newer more advanced form of oxygen therapy. As opposed to storing oxygen like the aforementioned devices, oxygen concentrators are electronic devices that draw in ambient air and put out pure medical-grade oxygen. Home or stationary oxygen concentrators need to be plugged into the wall but portable oxygen concentrators run off of batteries, allowing you to go wherever you please.

Not Using Oxygen As It’s Prescribed

Like we mentioned earlier, oxygen is a controlled substance in the United States. Oxygen sales are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that only respiratory patients have access to medical oxygen. But being prescribed oxygen does not mean you should use it however you please. You need to follow your doctor’s instructions for using it safely and effectively.

More often than not, people begin to fall back on their oxygen routine as time goes on. It’s not unusual to feel exhausted always being connected to your oxygen device and many people experience discomfort with the nasal cannula. If you’re falling back on your oxygen therapy plan because of irritation or dryness in your nose, please read this post to get a few tips for alleviating these issues. 

If the reason you’re not using enough oxygen is because of your oxygen device, following the instructions above to get the oxygen device that’s right for you may be your best option. Unfortunately, since oxygen tanks only provide a limited amount of oxygen, people find themselves turning down their flow rate in order to have more freedom. This is a bad idea because it means your blood is not saturated with the right amount of oxygen to keep you healthy. Fortunately, portable oxygen concentrators help you to ensure that you have access to oxygen wherever you are in the world so that you don’t have to turn down your flow rate.

Although less common, it is possible for someone to use more oxygen than they’re prescribed. For example, if you’ve been exercising and you’re feeling out of breath, you might feel tempted to turn up the flow setting on your oxygen device. Before doing any form of exercise, you should consult with your doctor and ask him/her what an acceptable flow rate is while you’re sedentary and while you’re exercising. Also, be sure to carry a pulse oximeter with you when you exercise so that you can ensure that you stay at the correct blood saturation level.

Another reason you might be using too much oxygen is if you’re unaware of the harmful effects of having too much oxygen in your system. While oxygen is vital for the healthy functioning of every organ in our bodies, having too much of it in your blood can lead to oxygen toxicity. This condition will result in coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Prolonged exposure to high partial pressures of oxygen can even result in death. Before taking the initiative to increase your oxygen flow rate if you’re feeling out of breath, be sure to consult your doctor. There could be any number of reasons that are causing a flare-up in your symptoms. For more information on preventing COPD flare-ups, check out this blog post.

Not Cleaning Your Oxygen Therapy Device

In this day and age, the saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” has taken on a whole new meaning. With the advent of the novel coronavirus, our society as a whole has been more conscious of the spread of bacteria, germs, and viruses. What many people don’t acknowledge or even realize is that COPD patients and other respiratory patients are at a higher risk of both contracting and experiencing severe symptoms from infections.

One of the added health risks that COPD patients experience is having to carry around an oxygen device that can collect bacteria. Even if you’re careful not to set your oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank down in a dirty place, it’s inevitable that it will collect germs. Aside from the concentrator or tank itself, the nasal cannula and oxygen tubing can also get dirty so you should be sure to clean them often.

COPD patients are sensitive to certain cleaning products, especially ones with bleach, ammonia, and fragrances. So, when you go to clean your oxygen concentrator, be sure to not use any products that could exacerbate your symptoms. Cleaning products marked as “safer choice” are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and they don’t contain as many harmful chemicals as standard cleaning products. You can also make your own cleaning products so that you know exactly what’s in them.

Whenever you leave the house, be sure to take your cleaning product of choice with you. Clean the unit once or twice a day and make sure to get all sides including the bottom. The nasal cannula and oxygen tubing should be cleaned as well. The Lung Institute recommends washing them in 10 parts water one part vinegar and then rinsing them and leaving them to dry completely. Oxygen tubing should be replaced after several months of use.  

Smoking Around An Oxygen Device

Smoking is the number one cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But did you know that many people (around 38 percent) continue to smoke even after being diagnosed? Unfortunately, being unable to kick this bad habit means you’re unlikely to make much progress on your COPD treatment plan. After all, the purpose of using oxygen is to help limit and prevent symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, and a chronic cough. But smoking regularly will just cause these problems to resurface.

Another reason to avoid smoking is that it could damage your oxygen device. Oxygen concentrators work by taking in ambient air and removing nitrogen and other gases. If you’re smoking near your concentrator, the smoke could damage the internal components. Most concentrators have particle filters but these won’t stop smaller particles from entering the device. However, you should remove the particle filters regularly and clean them off so that they’re as effective as possible.

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The third and final reason you should avoid smoking near an oxygen device is for safety reasons. While your oxygen tank or concentrator won’t explode or catch fire like many people believe, they are still a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 5 percent of all home fires between the years of 2012 and 2016 were caused by smoking materials. That’s around 19,000 fires each year that could be prevented if cigarettes were not a concern.

Fires that are exposed to medical oxygen will burn faster and be harder to put out. Since supplemental oxygen is a medical necessity, cigarette smoking is really the only variable in this scenario. We wrote a whole guide on smoking cessation so be sure to check it out if you’re struggling to drop the habit. 

Not Enjoying Your Newfound Freedom

Last but not least, you need to be able to enjoy the newfound freedom that your oxygen device has afforded you. This means getting out of the house, exercising, exploring, and visiting friends and family. Far too many COPD patients believe that being prescribed supplemental oxygen means giving up all of the things that you love to do, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

While you can live a sedentary lifestyle if you choose, the main purpose of oxygen therapy is to help you get back on your feet and moving again. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible for oxygen patients because they weigh under 5 pounds and they supply enough oxygen for the vast majority of COPD patients.

Another major advantage of portable oxygen concentrators is their lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are extremely durable and long-lasting meaning you can stay out and about for longer than ever before. The FreeStyle Comfort allows you to run your oxygen device for up to 16 hours without recharging and the G5 allows you to run your oxygen device for up to 13 hours without recharging.  

Conclusion

All things considered, it can be somewhat overwhelming being prescribed supplemental oxygen therapy. You need to understand exactly what your prescription entails and you need to find an oxygen device that will meet your needs. While this will certainly take some trial and error, however, you can always rely on experts such as your doctor or pulmonologist if you need help.

If you’re interested in learning more about using a portable oxygen concentrator for supplemental oxygen therapy, you need to ensure that you receive a device that is capable of meeting your medical needs as well as your personal preferences. Rather than taking hours out of your day to research every device on the market, reach out to our oxygen specialists here at LPT Medical. We take the time to understand what your needs are and then we apply our knowledge of oxygen concentrators to align you with the perfect device for your needs.

We offer a wide range of products from stationary oxygen concentrators to pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators and all the oxygen accessories you need to make the most of them. If you have any questions at all or you’re ready to pick out an oxygen machine, you can reach us by phone or email.

There are a few areas of focus that are great for comparing portable oxygen concentrators. However, people’s oxygen requirements vary from person to person, based on their pulmonary illness, severity, and their overall health. Then, there are other confounding variables like personal choices, daily lifestyles, and priorities that also vary from patient to patient and play a valuable role in your decision to buy a portable oxygen concentrator.

Because the information can be overwhelming at times, we created this unbiased informative guide that will help you gather all of the information you need about the Caire Freestyle Comfort, the Inogen One G5, and the Respironics Simply Go in order to make informed decisions about the devices.

Once you have a better idea of which device you are interested in, or if you have questions about the many other portable oxygen concentrators that we have to offer, you can reach us at 1-888-416-3855. We are here to help you make the most reliable and personal choice, so you feel confident in your decision.

To find links to our website please click here:

Inogen one G5

Caire Freestyle Comfort

Respironics SimplyGo

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading respiratory diseases in the world in terms of morbidity and mortality. Around 65 million people have it, and many experts are expecting that number to grow over the next 50 years. One thing that’s unique about COPD is the fact that it develops very slowly over the course of many years. Because of this, many COPD patients are susceptible to complications that are as bad, or even worse than their underlying condition.

One of the most notable examples of this which often occurs in the later stages of COPD is heart disease. Since the heart and lungs work together to distribute oxygen throughout the body, impaired lung function can result in added strain on the heart. Over time this can cause serious complications like right-sided heart failure, heart attacks, and coronary artery disease.

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Fortunately, studies have shown that — by proactively managing your respiratory symptoms — you’ll significantly reduce your risk of experiencing complications from COPD. Treatments like oxygen therapy will reduce the workload on your heart and lungs and ensure that every organ in your body has the oxygen it needs to function properly. However, it’s still important to understand the complications of COPD so that you know what symptoms to look out for.

In the following sections, we’ll take a look at one of the lesser discussed COPD complications called pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung. If you have any questions about the content of this article, please address them in the comment section below. However, if you have questions about your COPD or treatment plan be sure to consult with your doctor. COPD is a complex disease, so something that works for one person may not work for another.

What is Pneumothorax?

“Pneumothorax” is the medical term used to describe a collapsed lung. This occurs when air enters the “pleural space” which is the area around your lungs. This disrupts the balance of pressure between the inside and outside of your lungs and can result in a collapse of the lung. Pneumothorax ranges in severity from mild to life-threatening. Mild pneumothorax often needs no medical attention and will heal over time.

What Types of Pneumothorax Are There?

There are two basic types of pneumothorax: traumatic and nontraumatic. Traumatic pneumothorax is caused by physical injuries such as a fall, car accident, or any other type of injury that damages the chest or lung wall. Nontraumatic pneumothorax is also called spontaneous pneumothorax because it occurs without injury. There are many different factors that can contribute to or cause the onset of non-traumatic pneumothorax and it tends to be more difficult to understand than its counterpart.

There seem to be two separate instances where non-traumatic pneumothorax occurs and as a result, researchers have created two different classifications: primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is more common in younger adults with no lung disease and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) is more common in older adults with lung conditions.

One final classification that should be mentioned is spontaneous hemopneumothorax (SHP). This is an extremely rare but serious condition where both air and blood fill the pleural cavity, usually in patients who have no known history of chronic lung disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumothorax?

Symptoms of pneumothorax vary based on what is causing the condition. Since pneumothorax can develop very slowly this may cause someone to underestimate the risk. However, in certain situations, it can develop very quickly causing someone to immediately seek medical attention. In mild cases, you may not experience any symptoms at all or at least not enough to cause you any concern. Below are some possible symptoms of pneumothorax:

• Dyspnea - shortness of breath
• Tachycardia - a fast heart rate
• Chest pain
• Cyanosis - a bluish discoloration of the skin
• Tightness in the chest
  
  

Causes and Risk Factors of Pneumothorax

Causes:

Mechanical ventilation - Mechanical ventilation is a medical procedure that’s used to assist someone with breathing if they are undergoing surgery or they have a medical condition that is preventing their lungs from working. While ventilation is mostly a safe procedure, if it is administered incorrectly and there is an imbalance of pressure within the chest, it can cause the lungs to completely collapse. 

Ruptured air blisters - Small blisters called blebs can form on the top of the lungs in people with damaged lung tissue. Over time, these blisters can burst, allowing air into the pleural space. This can put a lot of pressure on the lungs and cause them to collapse.

Chest injury - Chest injury is a very common cause of pneumothorax. Blunt or penetrating injuries can occur during car accidents, sports injuries, or falls. Chest injury can also occur during lung surgery or it can be caused by collateral damage from other types of surgery.

Risk Factors:

Age - Pneumothorax is more likely to occur in young people between the ages of 20 and 40 or older adults with chronic lung conditions.

Gender - Tall underweight men are more likely to contract pneumothorax.

Smoking - Risk of pneumothorax increases with time and the number of cigarettes smoked.

Lung disease - Having a chronic lung condition like COPD, asthma, or cystic fibrosis puts you at a higher risk of pneumothorax.

Genetics - Studies have shown that mutations in the FLCN gene can cause pneumothorax.

Medical history - People who have experienced pneumothorax in the past are more likely to experience it again.

Why is COPD a Risk Factor for Pneumothorax?

The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe two different diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation in the bronchioles (bronchial tubes) which are the airways that lead to the lungs. Emphysema causes the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) to fill with fluid and impair the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the bloodstream.

One of the main reasons that COPD contributes to pneumothorax is because of the inflammation and damage that occurs to the lungs. While on the surface it may seem like COPD is a simple condition, it’s actually very complex and it affects the respiratory system in more ways than one. One thing that emphysema causes in particular are a change in the structure of the lungs. As the alveoli in the lungs start to break down, they lose their elasticity making it much more likely for air pockets to form in the pleural space.

Bullous emphysema results when fluid-filled sacs begin to form in the lungs. Bullae usually form in the upper lobes of the lungs and lung function can be significantly impaired if they become inflamed or rupture. This also weakens the overall structure of the lungs putting you at a higher risk of experiencing pneumothorax and other related issues.

In some cases, emphysema patients are a candidate for lung volume reduction surgery. While it may sound counterintuitive to reduce the size of the lungs of someone who can’t breathe well, this surgery is designed to remove only the diseased tissue. In other words, the surgeon will remove tissue that has lost its elasticity or isn’t able to transfer oxygen to the blood. This prevents the lungs from trapping air and allows you to breathe much easier.

Unfortunately, lung surgery can also be the cause of pneumothorax, especially if it involves a highly invasive procedure like lung volume reduction surgery. Before you decide that surgery is the best procedure for treating your emphysema, be sure to speak with your doctor about the risk of pneumothorax and ask any questions if you have them.

What Do COPD Patients Need to Do to Prevent Pneumothorax?

Schedule Regular Checkups

Probably the best thing you can do to prevent pneumothorax as a COPD patient is to see your doctor regularly. As aforementioned, pneumothorax isn’t always a condition that progresses quickly. In some cases, it can progress slowly and heal on its own. But to give yourself the best chance possible to recover quickly and effectively, you need to be aware of what’s causing it. Visiting your doctor regularly will give you a chance to discuss your symptoms and learn about your condition.

Follow Your Treatment Regime

There’s no doubt about it, you have a lot to worry about as a COPD patient. COPD treatment regimes usually involve a lot of different lifestyle changes like oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, a revised diet, and an improved sleep schedule. While it’s not easy following all of these things to a tee, it’s worth it if you want to minimize your risk for common COPD complications like pneumothorax.

Quit Smoking Immediately

Smoking is the primary cause of COPD and it’s also one of the biggest risk factors for pneumothorax. So, it goes without saying that immediate smoking cessation will be hugely beneficial if you’re concerned about this complication. Smoking has been proven to increase the likelihood that a bleb will rupture which leads to air building up in the pleural space which collapses the lung.

Have an Action Plan

Another thing you can do is to simply have a plan in place in the event that you experience serious symptoms. Considering the fact that COPD exacerbations are a common occurrence you should already have an emergency plan in place. One thing you should do right away is to install a medical alert system in your home. The medical alert system comes with a small pendant that you wear around your neck. If you experience a medical emergency, simply press the button and an ambulance will be sent to your home. 

How is Pneumothorax Treated?

Observation

The first thing your doctor will likely do if he/she suspects you have pneumothorax is to test for and observe your lungs. Chest X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) are the two most common tests used to detect but ultrasound imaging can also be used to get a better look at the lungs. If these tests reveal that you have a pneumothorax, your doctor may continue to observe it over the course of several weeks or months if it’s not urgent.  

Needle Aspiration

This is one common treatment option for pneumothorax where a special needle is inserted into the pleural area. This needle extracts air so that the lungs can begin to re-expand and you can breathe normally again. Typically the needle is left in for several hours to ensure that all of the excess air is removed. A similar procedure is done by inserting a tube into the pleural space instead of a needle.

Nonsurgical Repair

If the above methods don’t work, there are several non-surgical options that your doctor might try. Bronchoscopy is a procedure that’s commonly used to examine the lungs and diagnose lung conditions, but in pneumothorax patients, it can be used to place a one-way valve in the affected area of the lungs. This will allow air into the lungs but prevent it from going back into the pleural area, thus re-expanding the lungs.

Surgery

If all other treatment options are exhausted, a medical specialist may resort to surgery in order to repair your pneumothorax. The specific type of surgery used to treat pneumothorax is called video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or thoracoscopy. There are two other surgeries that can be done at the same time to prevent the resurgence of pneumothorax. These procedures are pleurodesis and bleb resection.  

Pleural abrasion is one of the most common types of pleurodesis and it involves applying a special chemical designed to seal up the area of the lung that is leaking. Another way this can be done is by extracting blood from another area of the body and using this as a type of sealant to repair the leak. This is referred to as an autologous blood patch.

Conclusion  

Pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, is a scary thought regardless of whether you are a COPD patient or someone who’s otherwise healthy. In some cases, pneumothorax can be harmless and will heal itself over time. But in other cases, it can be life-threatening and require immediate emergency medical attention. Unfortunately, pneumothorax shares many symptoms in common with COPD exacerbations so it’s best to see your doctor any time that you experience a flare-up in your symptoms.

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Here at LPT Medical, we are serious about providing COPD patients with reliable portable oxygen devices. While oxygen therapy will not prevent pneumothorax, it will ensure that you are able to use supplemental oxygen therapy wherever you go and reduce your risk of experiencing severe side-effects of COPD. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 are our most popular units, but we offer many other options as well including pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators, continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators, and stationary oxygen concentrators.

Managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can feel like a balancing act a lot of the time. On one hand, you want to do everything you can to reduce the symptoms and prevent the progression of your disease. However, on the other hand, you don’t want to use any treatments that could cause serious side-effects. It’s not always easy to find a balance between these two things and create a routine that works for you.

This has never been more true than with home remedies. Simply put, a home remedy is an easy and accessible treatment option for an ailment that you can do at home. Home remedies are not prescribed by a doctor and they typically have more anecdotal evidence to prove their efficacy than hard scientific fact. What’s more, home remedies aren’t always focused on treating a specific disease like COPD. Instead, they could be focused on improving your health in general which, in turn, could help you treat your COPD.

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Rather than taking a risk with home remedies you may find on social media or elsewhere on the internet, we’re going to outline some COPD home remedies that are proven to be safe and effective. Just remember that home remedies should never be put before the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor including but not limited to supplemental oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and an improved diet. As always, if you have any questions about what you read here, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are commonly misunderstood in today’s world. Many people are under the impression that dietary supplements can replace a healthy diet and others are convinced that dietary supplements do nothing at all. However, the truth is somewhere between these two points of view. Supplements can potentially enhance your diet, but there are also a few things you need to be aware of in order to use them safely.

Dietary supplements are not considered “medication” by any means. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies them as a “food product.” The good news is that this means they are widely available and you won’t need a prescription in order to buy them. But the bad news is that supplements are not regulated the same way as medication. It also means you’ll have to do your due diligence and research supplements, as well as the company selling them before you make any commitments.

Vitamin D Supplements

It’s a well-known fact that many people develop vitamin D deficiency after contracting COPD. According to the National Emphysema Foundation, over half of all COPD patients develop vitamin D deficiency because they consume fewer foods that are high in vitamin D and they are less likely to spend time outside in the sunlight which is a major source of vitamin D for many healthy people.

The main problem associated with vitamin D deficiency is osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become weak and brittle. Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium which gives the bones their structure and strength. Vitamin D also plays an important role in the growth and function of muscles which is also very important for COPD patients.

Ginseng

Ginseng has a long history of use in Chinese medicine. It’s an herb that’s believed to improve pulmonary function as well as respiratory endurance. It’s known for both its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as being able to regulate blood sugar levels. While the benefits of ginseng look promising, it’s important to discuss with your doctor before using it because it’s known to interfere with certain COPD medications.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

This is an antioxidant supplement that’s shown potential when it comes to thinning mucus, reducing phlegm, and clearing the airways. Like ginseng, NAC is a widely available supplement that can be bought without a prescription. However, it is also known to interfere with certain medications, so it’s important to consult with your doctor before using it to treat your COPD.  

Smoking Cessation

The vast majority of people who have COPD have smoked in the past and about 38 percent of current COPD patients are also smokers. Many people believe that, since they’ve already contracted COPD, there is no reason to put in the effort to quit smoking. But this could not be farther from the truth. The main reason to quit smoking is to slow the progression of COPD, but there are a whole host of other reasons as well.

Smoking increases your risk of conditions like heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, and more. What’s more, current evidence suggests that smoking is associated with increased severity of disease and a higher likelihood of death in COVID-19 patients. Smokers are known for having impaired immune systems which could also put you at a higher risk of contracting respiratory infections.

While there are many prescription medications you can use to quit smoking such as Chantix or Zyban, there are also many natural methods for quitting smoking. One thing you should know about smoking and other types of addictions is that you need it in order to feel normal. If you’re deprived of it for too long, you will likely start to experience feelings of withdrawal. When this happens, you’ll experience intense cravings, along with headaches and a change of mood. This is when you’re most likely to fall back into your smoking habits.

In order to avoid these intense feelings, you may have to slowly wean yourself off cigarettes or use a common technique like nicotine replacement therapy. Unfortunately, many smokers feel like they’re up against impossible odds when it comes to smoking cessation. Maybe you’ve seen others around you fail at losing cigarettes or you just don’t feel like you have it in you. But the truth is, it takes many attempts to quit smoking. This study suggests that it could take anywhere between 8 and 14 attempts to drop a smoking habit for good. 

Cleaning Your Home

For most people, cleaning the house is a chore. But for someone with COPD, it can be a lifesaver. There are two reasons you should clean your home on a daily basis: first and foremost, it helps to eliminate airborne allergens and bacteria from your home, and secondly, cleaning is a therapeutic activity that helps you feel accomplished and whole. When your living environment becomes messy or dirty, you’re far more likely to experience issues like anxiety and depression.

Before you start cleaning, you need to make sure you’re using safe cleaning products that don’t contain dangerous chemicals that could exacerbate your respiratory problems. Unfortunately, the cleaning product industry is rife with hazardous chemicals that, if inhaled, can lead to coughing, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and even permanent lung damage. In COPD patients, inhaled chemicals can even cause severe exacerbations.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some of the most common hazardous materials you should keep an eye out for. Some common personal and home care items that include VOCs are:

• Disinfectants and cleaners
• Pesticides
• Air fresheners
• Deodorant and cosmetics
• And fuel

Other hazardous things in cleaning products include bleach, ammonia, ethylene glycol, monobutyl acetate, sodium hypochlorite, and trisodium phosphate. If at all possible, you should entirely avoid using cleaning products with these chemicals in them. However, if you absolutely have to use them, you should ensure that the room is well-ventilated, you should always wear a mask, and avoid getting the cleaning product on your hands or near your eyes or mouth. Refer to the Cleveland Clinic for more information on cleaning safely if you have COPD. 

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises may seem silly to someone who has never tried them. However, the more you look into them, the more you begin to realize the bad breathing habits people develop over the course of their life. As a society, we spend more time sitting and remaining sedentary than ever before. This has caused many people to develop a shallow, ineffective breathing method that can be dangerous for someone with COPD or other respiratory conditions.

Breathing exercises are very easy to practice in the comfort of your own home and they are the perfect thing to incorporate into your daily routine. Not only will breathing exercises help you correct bad breathing habits, but they will also teach you how to reduce and manage anxiety more effectively.

One of the worst habits for COPD patients to develop is chest breathing. This type of breathing is focused on using the chest muscles in order to expand the lungs which can be exhausting with inflamed and obstructed lungs. Chest breathing should be replaced with diaphragmatic deep breathing which is focused on using the diaphragm, the thin sheet of muscle above the stomach to expand the lungs.

Anxiety Management

Cleaning regularly and practicing breathing techniques are both great ways to reduce anxiety, but they aren’t the only ones. The tricky thing about anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders is that they can be triggered by just about anything. Some people may experience anxiety about their health whereas other people may experience anxiety for reasons that are purely biological.

The first step to preventing anxiety is to simply follow your treatment plan as closely as possible. Your treatment plan is designed with your long-term well-being in mind and that includes your mental health. Things like exercise and a healthy diet will help with full-body wellness and they’re always the first things you should commit to if you want to feel happier and more motivated. If you’ve tried all of this and you’re still experiencing anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best alternative. 

Weight Management

COPD is commonly linked with weight loss. Due to the increased energy that it takes to breathe with COPD, a changing immune system, and other factors like a loss of appetite, many COPD patients find themselves losing an unhealthy amount of weight. Oftentimes, this weight can be muscle mass rather than fat which is the most dangerous part about it. Your body needs muscle strength in order to breathe and get around more efficiently, so it’s very important to keep a healthy weight with COPD. 

Weight management is something that can be done at home. Your doctor has likely set you up with a new diet plan that includes high protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You should follow this plan as closely as possible. What’s more, you should eat regularly throughout the day instead of eating one or two big meals each day. This will prevent you from feeling exhausted or bloated after eating and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

The second thing you should be aware of is your exercise routine. Pulmonary rehabilitation isn’t just designed to keep your lungs strong, it’s also important for helping you manage your weight by keeping fat off and muscle on. Like your diet, the most critical thing with pulmonary rehab is consistency so try to incorporate fitness into your daily routine.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Your sleep/wake cycle doesn’t just affect your alertness throughout the day, it also affects your energy levels and your ability to take on the challenges that COPD presents. For example, someone with a healthy sleep schedule will have a better mental attitude and a better willingness to make lifestyle changes that will positively impact their respiratory health. A poor sleep schedule can also contribute to anxiety which can further exacerbate COPD.

The key to a healthy sleep schedule is consistency. Adults should be getting between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and your sleep schedule shouldn’t vary night-to-night. Try to get to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Doctors also recommend avoiding naps throughout the day, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding using electronics before you go to bed.

If you’re concerned that you’re losing sleep at night due to low oxygen levels, you may want to speak with your doctor about using supplemental oxygen therapy while you sleep. You are likely already on some form of oxygen therapy, but using an oxygen concentrator while you sleep will ensure that your blood oxygen levels remain stable throughout the night. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or the Inogen One G5 are great options because they’re small, quiet, and can be plugged into any wall outlet meaning they’ll never turn off on you in the middle of the night. 

If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and need to use a CPAP or BiPAP machine while you sleep, you will need to use a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator like the Respironics SimplyGo. This concentrator is designed to put out a constant stream of oxygen, so if your breathing is interrupted for any reason while you sleep, you can rest assured that you’ll still be receiving medical-grade oxygen.   

Conclusion

When it comes to treating COPD, you need a comprehensive approach that takes into consideration all facets of your life from your sleep schedule to your mental well-being. Home remedies are a great way to make you more conscious about how your lifestyle is affecting your health and what steps you can take to reverse these issues.

At the same time, however, you need to be careful about what home remedies you use. Some people will make unfounded claims about dietary supplements or other remedies which can actually make your symptoms worse. This is why you should always consult your doctor before using a new product or making drastic changes to your lifestyle.

Above all, you should be focusing on the treatment plan that you’ve created with your doctor. Doing so will help you alleviate breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing associated with COPD and you can expect to see a better prognosis for your disease.