The novel coronavirus has completely reshaped the way that we view sanitation. Over the past year, organizations and individuals alike have taken steps to control the spread of disease, and the population as a whole has become more aware of the impact of infectious disease. Another thing that people have become more aware of is the impact of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. Studies have shown us that these people are “high risk” when it comes to infectious disease, so we need to take steps to protect their health.

Unfortunately, simply telling someone to “clean more often” or “clean more thoroughly” is bad advice. These statements fail to acknowledge that cleaning products themselves can actually put our health at risk. Many household cleaning products are filled with toxic chemicals that can irritate the eyes, skin, and throat. And in the worst cases, they can even contribute to COPD symptoms by exacerbating chest pain, difficulty breathing, and chronic coughing.

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In this post, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of steps for cleaning your home as a COPD patient. We’ll give you advice on choosing cleaning products, how often you should clean, and other things you should take into consideration. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. And if you find this information helpful, don’t hesitate to share it to help us get the word out about safe cleaning habits.

How to Choose Cleaning Products With COPD

The first step in cleaning your home is to choose the cleaning products that you will use. While this may sound like the easiest step, it’s actually the hardest. Cleaning products are rife with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are artificial meaning they’re man-made, and they contain chemicals such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), trichloroethylene, oxygenates, and other industrial solvents. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concentrations of VOCs are up to ten times higher indoors than they are outdoors. This is largely due to the fact that VOCs are found in many household cleaning products and many homes are not ventilated well enough to rid them of harmful chemicals. But VOCs aren’t the only harmful ingredients found in home cleaning supplies. Many of them also contain carcinogens, chemicals that are known to cause cancer.

As a COPD patient, your goal should be to eliminate all hazardous cleaning products from your home. However, it’s especially important to avoid cleaning products that can exacerbate your respiratory symptoms. Products like air fresheners are particularly harmful to COPD patients because aerosol droplets can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, meaning they can be inhaled. Generally speaking, “scented” cleaning products should be avoided at all costs. While we may enjoy a fresh smell and equate it with a clean home, most of these products contain harmful chemicals.

Before heading out to the store, create a list of ingredients that you should avoid. The ingredients below are commonly used in cleaning products and should be avoided:

• Perchloroethylene (PERC)
• Formaldehyde
• 2-Butoxyethanol
• Ammonia
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Chlorine

Some common cleaning products you should avoid include:

• Bleach
• Spray cleaners
• Fragrance sprays
• Carpet fresheners
• Fabric softeners
• Varnishes
• Drain cleaners
  

Another thing to note is that you should be wary of anything labeled “green,” “organic,” or “eco-friendly.” Just because something is “organic” does not necessarily mean that it is healthy or safe. However, you may see products labeled as “safer choice.” These cleaning products are actually regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and they’re aimed at reducing, eliminating, or preventing pollution at its source. In many cases, these cleaning products can be a safer alternative for COPD patients but many of them still contain chemicals.

How to Make Safe Cleaning Products at Home

Believe it or not, homemade cleaning products can be extremely effective and they can also be much safer to use than store-bought items. When you make your own cleaners, you’ll know exactly what’s in them and you won’t have to worry about reading through and researching a long list of ingredients.

According to Healthline, some of the safest and most effective ingredients you can use to make homemade cleaning products include white vinegar, lemon juice, methylated spirits (denatured alcohol, and baking soda. Unlike the harsh chemicals found in store-bought products, COPD patients typically don’t have any reactions when exposed to these ingredients.

If you want to clean your floor or countertops, combine boiling water with either lemon juice, white vinegar, or methylated spirits. This will make a great degreaser and prove much more effective than a wet rag. If you want to clean a mirror, vinegar and water is a great combination. For removing stains, soda water is your best bet.

Keep Your Home Well Ventilated

Ventilation is imperative when it comes to keeping your home clean. Simply put, ventilation refers to the healthy exchange of air between the inside of your home and outdoors. This prevents harmful chemicals, moisture, and other allergens from concentrating in your home and posing a serious health risk. One of the best ways to ventilate your home is to simply crack a window when you’re cleaning.

If you’re worried about allergens making it into your home through the window, you can install a screen. While this won’t block out all allergens, it will prevent some of the larger particles from entering your home. Another thing you can do is change up the air filters on your HVAC system. The air filter or “particle filter” is designed to remove allergens from the air as it’s circulated throughout your home. However, over time, these filters can become very dirty. Not only will this start spiking your utility bills, but it won’t filter airborne pollutants correctly.

Choose the Right Tool for the Job

Aside from choosing the right cleaning products, you also need to choose the right tools for cleaning your home. COPD is a debilitating condition so you may need to find creative ways of doing things that won’t add any unnecessary strain on your lungs and the rest of your body. For example, if you need to clean in a hard-to-reach area, be sure to use a cleaning device with an extendable handle. This way, you won’t have to strain yourself or risk falling just to clean your home.

If you’ve been prescribed long-term supplemental oxygen therapy, another thing that can help is a portable oxygen concentrator. If you already use a stationary oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank for your oxygen needs, a portable oxygen concentrator will provide you with much more freedom to navigate your home with ease. Rather than having to be plugged into a wall outlet, POCs operate off of powerful lithium-ion batteries so you won’t be relegated to one room of the house.

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Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 are very lightweight and compact, so you can carry them around all day without feeling exhausted or out of breath. The FreeStyle Comfort even has an ergonomic curve design that will prevent the unit from sliding around at your side while you’re cleaning the house. Once you’re ready for a break from cleaning, simply plug your device into the wall and by the time you’re ready to go again, you’ll have a full battery.

If you’re someone who needs more oxygen to keep you going, the Respironics SimplyGo may be the portable oxygen concentrator for you. This is a continuous flow unit meaning it puts out a constant stream of oxygen rather than “boluses” of oxygen like the FreeStyle Comfort and the Inogen G5. While the Respironics SimplyGo is a bit heavier than these two, it will provide you with more options including the ability to use your POC with your CPAP or BiPAP machine while you sleep.

Don’t Forget to Declutter Your Home

While you’re up and about cleaning your home, it’s also a good idea to spend some time decluttering your home. “Decluttering” simply means reorganizing or getting rid of some of your belongings in order to make your home more comfortable and easy to navigate. This is very important if you’re a COPD patient because having to navigate a messy home can be very challenging and dangerous.

We briefly discussed decluttering in our post about COPD and balance issues, but the basic idea is that you want to create a living space that’s accommodating of your lung condition. First and foremost, you should remove any belongings from the floor that could be a tripping hazard such as clothing, cables, and even furniture. Taking the time to move these things out of the way of where you walk in your home can go a long way toward making your home safer and more accommodating for you and your guests. 

If you want to go the extra mile, you might want to consider installing a medical alert system in your home. This consists of a receiver that’s plugged into the wall and a small button that can be worn around your neck. If you take a fall or experience a COPD exacerbation in your home, simply press the button and medical personnel will immediately be sent to your home. These are a must-have for any COPD patient, especially if you don’t have friends or caretakers who visit your home regularly.

Get Outside When You Can

According to the EPA, indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor air pollution. The reason for this is because indoor air pollutants are concentrated in a small area whereas outdoor air pollution can dissipate. While you can and should take the time to clean your home, you should be going outside as much as possible to get some fresh air.

AirNow.gov has a great air pollution map that will give you a good idea of how clean the air is in your area. Simply visit their site and type in your ZIP code. You’ll be given a number anywhere between 0 and 500 with 0 being the least polluted and 500 being the most polluted. It’s recommended that COPD patients avoid going outside if the air quality index (AQI) is over 100. However, people with severe COPD may only want to go outside when it’s below 50 AQI.

While the AQI is a good indication of the air quality in your area, it’s not 100% accurate. If you live in a very urban area with a lot of traffic, the air quality may be lower than what the website tells you. As such, it’s important to use your best judgment before going outside. Try going out when traffic has settled down and try to stay away from the roads as much as possible.

The temperature is another important factor to consider before going outside. Extreme conditions of any kind can lead to exacerbation of COPD. Low temperatures can be particularly difficult for COPD patients because inhaling cold air can thicken your mucus making it more difficult to breathe. Hot temperatures can cause you to feel exhausted more quickly and also exacerbate respiratory problems.

Schedule a Home Inspection

If you want to take the extra step towards making your home as accommodating as possible for your COPD, you should consider scheduling a home inspection. This is when a professional safety inspector walks through your home and performs a variety of tests designed to determine the safety of your home. While you may think of a home inspector as someone who examines the structural integrity of a home, they also play an important role in determining its cleanliness as well.

One important thing your home inspector will do is evaluate your HVAC system. This includes things like your heater, air conditioner, air ducts, and air filters. He/she will check to ensure that there are no leaks and that your system is circulating clean air throughout your home. The inspector will also look for water damage or plumbing leaks throughout the home that could lead to the growth of mold. Several types of mold, like black mold, can be very hazardous to your health. Black mold poisoning is associated with a chronic cough, fatigue, and irritation in the throat and eyes. 

Home inspectors won’t fix these issues within your home. Rather, they provide you with a list of potential problems in your home and advise you on what to do or who to call to get the issues resolved. However, hiring a home inspector is still a very important step because you may be exposed to harmful airborne irritants unknowingly. Many people live with health issues for years only to find out they had a mold or HVAC problem that they were unaware of.

Recruit Help With Cleaning

There’s no doubt about it, cleaning can be exhausting. If you feel like you have a lot to clean and not a lot of time to do it, you may want to start outsourcing work to friends, family, or even a caretaker. While physical exercise is a must for any COPD patient, too much exercise or overexertion can lead to a flare-up in your symptoms, most notably chest pain, breathlessness, and fatigue.  

There’s no shame in asking for help with cleaning your home, especially when your well-being is at stake. However, if you decide to recruit help from a friend or family member be sure to let them know about your safe cleaning routine. Let them know that you’re concerned about the chemicals in common store-bought cleaning products and show them how to make the homemade cleaning products we discussed earlier in this post. 

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Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy living environment is one of the most important things you can do as a COPD patient. Poor air quality in your home will not only irritate your skin and eyes, but it can damage your lungs and lead to flare-ups in your respiratory symptoms. COPD patients who do not breathe clean air are more likely to experience exacerbations that can lead to hospitalization.

Unfortunately, simply cleaning more often or more thoroughly is not the solution. You need to be careful about what cleaning products you’re using and how they affect the quality of air within your home. You should also take additional steps like ensuring your home is well-ventilated and that you’re keeping dust and mold in check.

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it so you can refer back to it in the future. And if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung conditions in the world. It’s known for developing slowly over the course of many years, leading to increased breathlessness, chest pain, coughing, and wheezing. As this incurable disease progresses, flare-ups and exacerbations become more common, so COPD patients need to pay especially close attention to the treatment plan created by their doctor. Since a core aspect of most treatment plans involves supplemental oxygen therapy, it’s also important for COPD patients to find an oxygen device that serves their long-term goals.

Unfortunately, the medical oxygen industry can be very confusing, especially for someone who’s never had to navigate it before. People who are buying oxygen for the first time often fall victim to false advertising, scams, or they simply end up purchasing an oxygen device that doesn’t meet their needs. As such, we strongly encourage oxygen patients to do their research and understand what oxygen devices there are before buying one. Here at LPT Medical, we take pride in providing oxygen patients with the resources they need in order to make educated decisions about their disease. 

In this post, we’re going to take a look at seven reasons someone who uses a liquid oxygen tank or someone who is considering purchasing a liquid oxygen tank may want to upgrade to a pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator: the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. This is one of many oxygen concentrators on the market, so be sure to speak with our respiratory specialists if you’d like to learn about other options. You can reach us at 1-800-946-1201 or you can email us at info@lptmedical.com.

What is a Liquid Oxygen Tank?

A liquid oxygen tank (also called a LOX unit) is a medical device that stores oxygen in a liquid form. They are often seen as an upgrade to compressed oxygen tanks because they are lighter, safer, and store more oxygen. What’s more, you can also purchase portable versions of these tanks, usually called “portable oxygen cylinders.” These tanks are light enough to carry on your shoulder as you walk and they provide you with many hours of oxygen.

While liquid oxygen tanks provide many benefits over compressed oxygen tanks, they still cause a lot of inconveniences for oxygen patients. One of the most glaring problems with liquid oxygen tanks is that, in order to store oxygen in a liquid form, it needs to be kept at very low temperatures (typically around -183°C or -297°F). While the tanks themselves are designed to maintain these temperatures, it’s inevitable that the tank will heat up causing the water to evaporate over time. In other words, you won’t be able to store a liquid oxygen tank for a significant amount of time without the oxygen dissipating.

What is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort?

An oxygen concentrator performs the same function as a liquid oxygen tank by providing the user with medical-grade oxygen. The difference between the two, however, is that oxygen concentrators are electronic devices that run off of batteries. Rather than storing oxygen inside the machine, concentrators take ambient air, remove unneeded gases like nitrogen and argon, then puts out medical-grade oxygen through the nasal cannula.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is a pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator meaning it carefully monitors your breathing and only puts out oxygen when you need it. In other words, it conserves energy so that you can go more places and do more things on one battery charge. Much like a liquid oxygen cylinder, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is very lightweight and easy to carry on your shoulder.

Another thing to note about this portable oxygen concentrator is that it’s manufactured by one of the most trusted brands in the medical oxygen industry. Caire Inc. advertises its products under the names SeQual, AirSep, and Caire, and the FreeStyle Comfort is one of their most advanced oxygen machines yet. Thee Caire FreeStyle Comfort is widely considered to be one of the best portable oxygen concentrators ever made, but many people also believe the Inogen One G5 is the best. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should upgrade your liquid oxygen cylinder.

Safety

Safety is incredibly important. The reason for using supplemental oxygen therapy in the first place is to maintain oxygen levels in the blood and prevent life-threatening conditions like right-sided heart failure; so, it goes without saying that you don’t want your supplemental oxygen device to add any unnecessary health risks. And despite the fact that liquid oxygen tanks are safer than compressed oxygen tanks, they are still more dangerous to use than a portable oxygen concentrator.

Liquid oxygen tanks are stored at a pressure of around 350 PSIG (pressure per square inch, gauge). While this is significantly less than the 2,000 psi that regular oxygen tanks are stored at, it can still be a safety concern. Liquid oxygen tanks have complex safety mechanisms in place that prevent pressure from building too high, but in reality, there is simply more that can go wrong with these units.

The great thing about portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is that you never have to deal with a high-pressure device in the first place. Since oxygen concentrators take ambient air and immediately put it out of the nasal cannula, you never have to feel insecure about using supplemental oxygen. What’s more, if you happen to drop your nasal cannula the device will stop putting out oxygen until a breath is detected.

Convenience

Another point to note about traditional oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks is that they’re extremely inconvenient to use. Because these tanks can’t be simply recharged like an oxygen concentrator, you have to have some way of refilling them. Whether that means having new tanks delivered by an oxygen company or having to refill them with a liquid oxygen reservoir, you’ll need to find something that works for you.

If you decide to have your tanks delivered or drive to an oxygen company to refill them, this could be a huge time sink for you and you may have trouble working your schedule around them. On the other hand, if you decide to purchase your own oxygen reservoir, you’ll only be able to refill your liquid oxygen tank in your home. On top of this, reservoirs tend to be very bulky, heavy, and difficult to move.

Since the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is charged through either a wall outlet or a car outlet, you’ll be able to take your portable oxygen concentrator just about anywhere with you. You’ll be able to charge your machine at your home, in hotels, airports, and in any vehicle that has a power outlet. And the best part of all is that you can use the machine while it’s charging, as long as it’s on a low flow setting.

Long-Distance Travel

In the past, beginning supplemental oxygen therapy meant giving up your freedom to travel long distances. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees safety regulations for commercial flights in the United States, and both traditional and liquid oxygen tanks are banned. What this means is that if you’re using one of these oxygen devices, you’ll be relegated to other slower forms of transportation. 

However, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort — like most portable oxygen concentrators — is approved by the FAA for in-flight use. All you need to do is call your airline 48 hours ahead of your flight and be prepared to bring at least 1.5 times the duration of your flight in battery life. Once that’s out of the way, you’ll be able to fly anywhere in the country without question. If you’re going out of the country, be sure to check in with the regulations in your destination country before leaving.

Reliability

It’s easy to get caught up in talking about all of the other factors of a portable oxygen machine and forget about one of the most important factors: reliability. Having reliable supplemental oxygen means being able to be out and about at the store, visiting a friend, or on vacation, without ever having to worry about receiving the oxygen you need to maintain your blood oxygen levels. You’ll be able to spend more time focusing on enjoying your day and accomplish your goals rather than worrying about whether or not your oxygen needs are being met.

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Like we mentioned earlier, liquid oxygen needs to be kept at very low temperatures in order to prevent it from turning into a gas. While liquid oxygen tanks are designed like a thermos to keep the internal temperature low, it’s inevitable that it will heat up over time, especially if you’re out in the hot sun. Over time, you will begin to lose oxygen from your liquid oxygen device even if you aren’t using it.

Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, on the other hand, are known for their reliability. In fact, back in August, we featured the FreeStyle Comfort as “the most reliable portable oxygen concentrator” ever produced. This is because it has the lowest failure rate of any POC on the market, meaning that, out of the box, it is less likely to have a defect than any other device like the Inogen One G5 or Respironics SimplyGo.

Another wonderful thing about the Caire FreeStyle Comfort — and portable oxygen concentrators in general — is that the vast majority of issues they have can be fixed on the fly. If you experience a glitch or the device isn’t working properly, a hard reset will typically fix the issue right away. We discuss how to perform a hard reset in this post, but if you have any problems either consult the user manual or reach out to our portable oxygen concentrator specialists at 1-(800) 946-1201.

Liquid oxygen tanks are very different from this. Since they aren’t electronic devices like POCs, you can’t simply restart them if they aren’t working properly. Liquid oxygen tanks are a very complex piece of equipment, and if you tamper with them you risk injuring yourself or further damaging the unit. In order to fix your problem, you’ll need to send it to an oxygen specialist and it could take days or weeks to get it back.

Cost

Liquid oxygen is considered to be the most expensive form of oxygen therapy. Some of the more popular portable liquid oxygen units like the HELiOS Plus will run you over a thousand dollars. And remember, you’ll also need to either have a home fill reservoir to fill your own portable units or you’ll have to go to an oxygen supplier regularly. These costs can add up really quickly and there’s a lot more that could go wrong.

On the other hand, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort requires no additional components aside from the battery. Since these batteries are rechargeable, you won’t have to keep investing in your oxygen therapy over time. Simply plug your device into any wall or car outlet and you can charge the battery all the way up.

Ease-of-Use

Most people are very surprised to find just how easy it is to use the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. All you need to know how to do to get started is how to turn on the device, charge it, and adjust the flow settings. Any additional information about notifications, alarms, or warnings can be found in the user manual. However, with a liquid oxygen tank, not only will you need to know how to operate the portable unit, but you’ll also need to know how to refill it using the reservoir. This can be very time consuming and most people admit that it’s a pretty convoluted process.

Additional Features

The final reason to upgrade from liquid oxygen to the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is because of all the additional features you’ll get with the latter. The FreeStyle Comfort has something called CAIREview which is a free oxygen tracking application made by SynsorMed. By connecting your phone or computer to your POC, you’ll be able to see up-to-date information about your oxygen usage. Liquid oxygen tanks don’t offer any features like this. 

Conclusion

Liquid oxygen tanks are a huge upgrade from traditional oxygen tanks. They’re lighter, smaller, safer, and hold a lot more oxygen. However, they offer few advantages over portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. These oxygen machines enable you to have access to an infinite supply of oxygen no matter where you are in the world and they’re far more convenient and reliable than the alternative.

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Despite what you read here, we here at LPT Medical encourage oxygen patients to take their time when choosing a supplemental oxygen device. Also, it’s important to be open with your doctor and understand exactly what your oxygen requirements are. If you’d like to learn more about portable oxygen concentrators, don’t hesitate to reach out to our respiratory specialists. You can reach us at 1-800-946-1201 or you can email us at info@lptmedical.com. 

When we’re younger, we often take for granted our ability to get around with ease. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store once a week or a month-long trip across the country, there are very few physical limitations setting us back. But as we get older, tasks that used to be second nature to us now become strenuous exercise. This is further complicated by the fact that older adults are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), all of which are debilitating.

According to Healthline, COPD is most commonly diagnosed in people over 40 years of age. However, the age groups that are most affected by COPD are women between the ages of 65 and 74 and men between the ages of 75 and 84. This is when people tend to struggle the most with mobility because the effects of aging begin to mix with the later stages of the disease. But despite the struggles these patients face, it is possible to regain a significant portion of the mobility that they lost.

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While every case of COPD is different, treatment is usually focused on pulmonary rehabilitation, which is essentially an exercise routine that’s focused on lung strength and education; a refined diet with an emphasis on protein and healthy fats; and finally, supplemental oxygen therapy which is designed to reduce the physical burden on the lungs and maintain blood oxygen levels which leads to improved systemic health.

If you’ve gone ahead and purchased a Caire FreeStyle Comfort, one of the lightest and most powerful portable oxygen concentrators on the market, you’re likely looking to enjoy your newfound freedom by taking a trip of some kind. Since the FreeStyle Comfort is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you’ll be able to fly anywhere in the country or worldwide with your new concentrator. In this post, we’ll go over 7 must-know tips before you travel with your Caire FreeStyle Comfort.

Speak With Your Doctor

Whether you’re taking a flight or a road trip, you should speak with your doctor before you even begin planning. Your doctor will not only provide you with advice on using your oxygen concentrator away from home but he/she will also make sure you understand all other facets of your treatment plan like your diet, pulmonary rehabilitation, and sleep schedule. Be sure to write down any questions you may have before you go in for a doctor’s visit.

Easily the biggest problem many COPD patients face when traveling is falling back or cheating on their new diet. Since your diet is inextricably linked to your lung health, making poor dietary choices can be devastating. Since most people tend to be “on the go” when they’re on vacation, they usually opt for simple snacks or fast food which are usually high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats instead of protein and healthy fats like your COPD diet entails. This can put you at higher risk for exacerbations while you’re away from home.

Another aspect of your COPD treatment plan that might get neglected while you’re traveling is your exercise routine. It can be difficult to find the time to set aside time for important exercises that can boost your strength and improve endurance so your doctor may set you up with a special routine. On the other hand, if you’re going to be up and moving a lot anyways, your doctor may tell you not to worry about pulmonary rehab while you’re gone.

Lastly, you should consult your doctor for information about using your oxygen concentrator while away from home. He/she may have advice for you on adjusting your flow setting based on whether you’re sitting or walking. This way you can conserve battery life and experience more freedom during your trip.     

Skim Through Your User Manual

There’s no doubt about it, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is one of the easiest portable oxygen concentrators on the market to use. There are just three buttons on the user interface: two to control the flow setting up or down and one to turn the device on or off. While you’ll likely get the hang of using this concentrator almost immediately, it’s still a good idea to read the user manual in order to understand its more advanced features.

The user manual will help you get better acquainted with the various audio and visual alarms on the device. For example, there is a symbol when your battery life is getting low or if there is some type of malfunction. By learning these symbols, you won’t have to stress about them while you’re on vacation trying to enjoy yourself. Also, take some time to read through the “troubleshooting” section so that you can fix minor errors on your own while you’re away from home.

Another section of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort manual that you should pay special attention to is the one titled “Travel Information.” By reading this, you’ll learn some helpful tips for using your portable oxygen concentrator while on a flight including how to put it into airplane mode.     

Pack Extra Batteries

Despite the Caire FreeStyle Comfort offering the longest battery life of any pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator on the market, it’s still a good idea to bring extra batteries with you when you travel. With an additional small 8-cell battery for the FreeStyle Comfort, you can double the battery life of your device and only add a small amount of weight. You can even upgrade to a large 16-cell battery and you’ll still be carrying less weight than most portable oxygen concentrators out there.

Another great advantage of these batteries is that they don’t take up very much space. You can easily fit several of them in your backpack or purse while still having room for other personal belongings like your keys or wallet. This is in stark contrast to oxygen tanks which take up significantly more space, not to mention the fact that they’re awkwardly shaped making it difficult to fit them in storage.

Other Accessories to Pack 

Aside from extra batteries, there are a lot of other accessories out there for the Caire FreeStyle Comfort that you should consider taking on a trip. First and foremost, you need the AC charging cable. This accessory comes with every FreeStyle Comfort package and allows you to charge your device with any electrical wall outlet. If you’re traveling to another country, be sure to get an adapter to ensure you are able to charge your POC wherever you go.

Secondly, you will need a DC charging cable. This is similar to an AC charging cable but it allows you to charge your Caire FreeStyle Comfort in any car cigarette outlet. Most people don’t realize this, but you’re actually able to use your POC while it’s charging in the car. So, if you’re taking a long road trip you’ll always have a full battery. If you want to get out and stretch your legs or do some sightseeing, you’ll have peace of mind that you have a full battery to work with. 

Last but certainly not least, you’re going to want to purchase and bring an external battery charger with you. Normally, you need to have a battery attached to your concentrator in order to charge it, but the external battery charger allows you to charge the battery when it’s not attached. In other words, you’ll be able to charge two batteries at the same time. This is perfect for people who are on-the-go a lot and don’t have much downtime. 

For example, if you’re going back to the hotel for an hour or two, the external battery charger will let you charge your batteries much more quickly allowing you have more freedom once you leave. You can also charge two batteries overnight without having to wake up and swap out the batteries on your concentrator.

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Learn About CAIREview™ Telehealth Technology

One of the most unique features of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is its telehealth technology. Telehealth is a practice that’s progressing very quickly in this day and age. Essentially, it means health care professionals providing patients with services over long distances by taking advantage of video communication and other technologies. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort has its own built-in telehealth technology called CAIREview. 

CAIREview is an advanced and cost-effective tracking solution that will help you better understand how you’re using oxygen and how you can improve your treatment. This information can also be shared remotely with your provider who can help you make changes to your routine. What’s more, you can rest assured that this is all done over a secure network that doesn’t share any personal information unrelated to your oxygen usage. To get started, you’ll simply need to install the CAIREview application and connect it wirelessly to your POC. 

Decide How You Will Carry Your Device

The way you carry your oxygen device can make a huge difference when it comes to your ability to get around while you’re on vacation. For example, oxygen tanks are so heavy and bulky that the only way to carry them is with a rolling cart. This is not ideal because it can make it very difficult to get up a flight of stairs or move through crowded areas without bumping into people.

If you have a Caire FreeStyle Comfort, however, you will have many different options for how you transport it. Most people choose to use the custom carrying case that comes with the device because it can easily be swung over your shoulder and kept close to your side. The FreeStyle Comfort has an ergonomic curve design to keep it from sliding back and forth as you walk and you’ll have easy access to all the controls on the top of the device.

Another carrying option available to you is the FreeStyle Comfort backpack. With the backpack, you’ll have plenty of extra room to carry things like your keys, wallet, water bottle, or any other supplies you need for traveling. Some people find it more comfortable to carry their POC on their back because it spreads the weight between their shoulders, preventing back pain or soreness. However, it will always come down to your personal preference and what you’re trying to accomplish.  

One final way you can carry your oxygen device is with a mobility aid like a wheelchair or rolling walker. Mobility aids are best for older COPD patients who are struggling to get around on their own. If you use a wheelchair, you can hang the concentrator over the back of the chair. Just be sure that there is no slack in the oxygen tubing so it doesn’t get caught on a wheel. Most walkers or “rollators” as they’re often called have a seat that can be used to rest your concentrator on as you walk.

Contact Your Airline Ahead of Time

While the FreeStyle Comfort is approved for all commercial airlines in the United States, you’ll still need to contact your airline of choice 48 hours before your flight. This is because they may have paperwork that you need to fill out about your respiratory condition or your oxygen usage before you can fly. Once you actually arrive at the airport you should also check in with the receptionist at your gate to make sure they’re aware of your oxygen usage. This is just to make sure that there isn’t any confusion or holdups before you have to get on the plane.

Another policy many airlines have is that you need to have 150% of the duration of the trip in battery life. Delays and malfunctions are not uncommon in the airline industry so they simply want to make sure you’re covered in the event that there is a delay. Make sure that you charge some extra batteries the night before you leave and have them in your carry-on bags ready to go. 

Conclusion

Supplemental oxygen therapy is one of the most important aspects of a COPD treatment plan. As such, it’s important to be very well prepared before you travel with an oxygen concentrator. This means knowing when to use oxygen, what flow setting to use, as well as following all other aspects of your COPD treatment such as your diet, exercise routine, and sleep schedule.

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Fortunately, travel is made a lot easier with a powerful pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. This POC weighs in at just 5 pounds with the single battery and only 6 pounds with the double battery, it offers up to 16 hours of battery life on a flow setting of 1, and it has a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 ml/min or a flow setting of 5. These are the best specs of any oxygen concentrator on the market, so it’s no wonder that so many people have bought one.

While the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is the best POC for the greatest number of people, we here at LPT Medical understand that everyone has different needs. If you have higher oxygen demands than what the FreeStyle Comfort is able to provide, we are here to help you find exactly what you need. We offer a wide range of continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators such as the Respironics SimplyGo or the Oxlife Independence, as while as a host of stationary oxygen concentrators including the Respironics EverFlo Q and the Inogen at Home.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

Whether you have a friend or a loved one with COPD or you have COPD yourself, you can likely attest to the fact that this disease can cause significant problems with mobility. The top causes of mobility issues in COPD patients include poor pulmonary function, leg swelling (peripheral edema), and loss of muscle mass (muscle atrophy). Combined with the effects of aging and other chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, COPD patients can experience a lot of difficulties getting around in their day-to-day life.

Aside from supplemental oxygen therapy, a healthy diet, and pulmonary rehabilitation, another thing that can help you get around are mobility aids. A mobility aid is a device that’s used to help older people and people with chronic conditions walk more easily. They’re often designed to improve balance, reduce physical load, and in COPD patients, they can even help to prevent exacerbations and flare-ups. There is a huge variety of mobility aids and you’re not just limited to choosing one or the other.

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In the following sections, we’ll help you better understand the mobility options available to you as well as some other helpful information that will help you maintain your mobility as a COPD patient. As always, if you have any questions, please be sure to address them in the comment section or consult your doctor for more specific information pertaining to your disease and treatment plan.

Why Are Mobility Aids Important for COPD Patients?

According to an article published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, balance deficit is a common issue among COPD patients. COPD is a progressive disease meaning it becomes worse over time. And as symptoms like breathlessness, chronic fatigue, and chest pain progress, so do issues related to balance and mobility. Believe it or not, studies have shown that COPD is one of the chronic illnesses with the highest rate of falls next to osteoarthritis.

Several months ago, we wrote an article discussing a common complication of COPD called peripheral edema. In short, this is a condition where your legs or feet begin to swell due to a buildup of fluid. One of the root causes of this condition is pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lungs. High blood pressure in the lungs puts more strain on the heart and prevents oxygen-rich blood from circulating to organs like the liver and kidneys. Since these organs are responsible for removing fluids from the body, swelling of the feet or legs are usually a sign of this happening.

While peripheral edema is a complex condition, it’s one of the issues contributing to the high risk of falls in COPD patients. As the disease progresses, COPD patients don’t just have to deal with increased respiratory symptoms, they have to deal with complications that can result from their disease. Someone with peripheral edema may not even realize they have it because it often comes on slowly and doesn’t cause any pain.

Another issue contributing to the high rate of falls in COPD patients is muscle atrophy. In other words, as COPD progresses, patients tend to lose muscle mass from a variety of issues like a changed diet and reduced physical activity. Similar to peripheral edema, a patient may not realize that they are losing muscle mass until they experience a fall. This is why pulmonary rehabilitation is such an important part of any COPD treatment plan. 

One final problem that can contribute to the fall rate in COPD is an exacerbation. An exacerbation is an event where respiratory symptoms suddenly worsen. According to COPD.com, the most common cause of exacerbation is a bacterial infection, but air pollution is another common cause. COPD exacerbations can lead to problems walking, balance issues, chest pain, headaches, and confusion, all of which can increase your risk of falls. 

While mobility aids are not a replacement for your treatment plan, they play a crucial role in preventing falls, especially in people with late-stage COPD where the disease is the least predictable. Mobility aids don’t need to be prescribed by your doctor so it’s up to you and your loved ones to determine whether you need one or not. Continue reading to learn about some of the mobility options available to COPD patients.

Canes

Walking canes are the oldest type of mobility aid and they’re also one of the simplest. Most walking canes are made of wood or a light metal material meaning they’re easy to carry despite your level of physical impairment. Canes are also widely accessible, and you can buy them just about anywhere, or you could even make your own if you have time. Walking canes are great for taking weight off your joints and providing you with a little extra stability as you walk.

The key to improving your mobility with a cane is to get one that’s the appropriate size. While there is no hard and fast rule as to how you should choose a cane, it should be long enough that you aren’t bending over and straining your back in order to use it and it should be short enough that you can actually lean on it. For most people, this will be somewhere around their hip bone. Luckily, most modern canes are adjustable, so you’ll probably be safe buying one online rather than shopping around for one.

One thing to consider if you want to use a cane is how you will carry your supplemental oxygen device. If you have an oxygen tank and you wheel it behind you using a rolling cart, a walking cane might not be the best option for you because you won’t have any hands free to catch yourself if you fall. A cane is a better option if you carry your oxygen device on your back because it will help you keep a good posture as you walk.   

Walkers

Walkers are another mobility option available to COPD patients. There are several different types including traditional walkers, two-wheel walkers, and four-wheel walkers. Traditional walkers tend to be a poor choice for most COPD patients because they need to be picked up as you walk which can be strenuous on your shoulders, arms, and back. Two-wheel walkers provide a little more mobility by allowing you to push the walker rather than lift it. However, for most people, four-wheel walkers, or “rollators” as they’re often called, will be the best option. 

Modern rollators are more advanced than other types of walkers because they offer four swivel wheels that afford you more control. They also offer a braking system that’s controlled by two levers on the handlebars on either side of the device. They also provide a padded platform in the middle that you can either sit on or rest your oxygen device, purse, or handbag on as you walk. Some rollators even have a basket in front for added storage.

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It’s a good idea to speak with a mobility aid expert if you want to get a rollator. Since these devices are so popular, there are many different versions and brands available to choose from. What’s more, it’s easier to use one if you’ve been shown how to do so by someone who’s experienced with them. You’ll also need to have one fitted unless you can find one that’s adjustable.

Wheelchairs

When you think of a mobility aid, chances are, wheelchairs are the first thing that comes to mind. They’re commonly used by people who are permanently disabled, but how do they fare when it comes to someone with limited mobility? The answer ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. COPD patients with poor upper body strength may find it difficult to get around in a manual wheelchair, but if you have a caretaker or loved one who can push you around it shouldn’t be a problem. 

Another option for you are motorized wheelchairs or “power wheelchairs” as they’re often called. The benefit of investing in a power wheelchair is that you will have the same mobility as a manual wheelchair, but you won’t have to push it with your arms. Power wheelchairs have a joystick that you use to move in any direction. They’re not overly complicated to operate but they can be difficult to transport and you’ll need to keep it charged if you want to stay out of the house for extended periods of time.

Scooters

Mobility scooters are similar to power wheelchairs but they differ in terms of their design. Unlike power wheelchairs which use a joystick, scooters are controlled with handlebars similar to a bike. Scooters can either have three or four wheels depending on what your preferences are. They also have baskets on the front that you can use to store things like your portable oxygen concentrator, a purse, or other personal belongings. Since there are so many options available when it comes to mobility scooters, it’s important to speak with an expert who can align you with the exact product you’re looking for. 

Stairlifts

Stairlifts are a mobility aid that many people have never heard of, but they’re incredibly useful. Essentially, a stairlift is a chair that moves up and down a rail that’s installed on a flight of stairs in your home. The chair has a built-in motor that can be controlled with a joystick on the handlebars. This allows you to navigate the stairs in your home without the risk of experiencing a dangerous fall. The one downside to stairlifts is that they can be very expensive and many people can’t justify spending the money to have one installed in their home. 

Surprisingly, stairlifts are extremely versatile and can be installed on most staircases regardless of their size or shape. What’s more, if you like to get outside, there are specially designed stairlifts that can be installed on outdoor staircases. They can be installed in several hours so you won’t have to wait days or weeks to start using them.

Will Medicare Pay for a Mobility Aid?

Whenever it comes to medical equipment, questions about health insurance and Medicare are sure to follow. And while it would be nice if Medicare paid for medical expenses like you’d expect them to, it’s never that simple. More often than not, they will cut corners providing you coverage for mobility aids and find any way they can to offer you the bare minimum rather than what you deserve.

In short, Medicare will provide some compensation for manual or power wheelchairs and scooters. Mobility devices like these are covered under Medicare Part B and it is classified as durable medical equipment (DME) the same as oxygen tanks and portable oxygen concentrators. But it’s important to note that not all devices are covered. Medicare has a list of devices that are covered, and some of them require prior authorization. So, it’s best to consult with both the mobility aid supplier and a Medicare representative before you make any decisions. 

Another thing to note is that Medicare has a long list of prerequisites that you need to meet in order to qualify for compensation. First and foremost, the doctor that has prescribed you with COPD and the mobility aid supply company needs to be enrolled in Medicare. Additionally, you’ll need a written order from your doctor stating that you have a medical need for a mobility aid. For a full list of requirements, refer to the wheelchair and scooter benefit page of Medicare Part B.

Get a Handicap Parking Permit

Once you have your mobility aid of choice, you may want to consider getting a handicap parking permit. This permit will allow you to park in any handicap spot in the country making it much easier for you to get around. This is especially useful for people who are using electric scooters or power wheelchairs because you won’t have room to unload it in a standard parking spot.

In order to get a handicap parking permit, you’ll need to apply at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Every state has different policies but you’ll likely have to provide a doctor’s note which outlines your lung condition and symptoms. You’re more likely to get approved if you can prove that you use an electric scooter or power wheelchair as opposed to a cane or walker so it’s best to put time into finding a mobility aid first.

Last but not least, if you’re given the option between a handicap sticker that goes on your car or a placard that you hang on the mirror, always go with the placard. This is because you can transfer these to any car that you’re in whether it belongs to a family member or friend. Be aware that it is illegal for them to use the placard without you actually being present and most states require you to be recertified for your handicap permit every couple of years.  

Conclusion

Making the decision to use a mobility aid is an important step for many COPD patients. People with chronic respiratory conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing falls than the general public, but mobility aids will help to support your balance whether you’re inside or outside the home. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone has their own needs and preferences so you should consider all options available to you.

Canes and walkers are a good place to start because they’re affordable and they’re easy to carry. However, you may want to consider a more long-term solution like a mobility scooter or power wheelchair. These devices are generally safe and easy to use, and they will make it easy to carry around your oxygen devices such as your oxygen tank, liquid oxygen tank, or portable oxygen concentrator.

Lastly, you should check with your health insurance to see if your mobility device is covered. This could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. You can also file for disability and receive a handicap parking permit which will afford you more convenience and freedom whenever you leave the house. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use portable oxygen concentrators such as the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or the Inogen One G5, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical.

People reach out to us everyday and ask about how they can make their life, living with supplemental oxygen, easier. They call us wondering if there is an alternative for their oxygen tanks and how they can afford it.

When you call us, and your doctor's prescriptions states that you need to be administered oxygen via pulse dose, one of the first units we think of is the Caire Freestyle Comfort, and for a number of reasons. In this article we talk about everything this device can do for you, and how it will contribute to making your life easier and more comfortable.

For the sake of this article, we will say that it the Caire Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is the best choice for you, so we are going to talk about everything this device can do for you, and how it will contribute to making your life easier and more comfortable.

Buying a Caire Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator

There is the argument that oxygen tanks are notably less expensive than portable oxygen concentrators, however this is not exactly the case. While a portable oxygen concentrator costs more upfront, if you have tanks you will constantly have to pay to get them refilled. Not only is this a waste of money but it also takes up a lot of time. Delivering oxygen is not a perfect science, and it may require you to cancel your plans because you have to be home all day waiting for an oxygen delivery to switch out your tanks.

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Despite the issues associated with oxygen tanks they are a very popular method for oxygen therapy because they are accessible and have low upfront costs. However, some people do not realize that these costs add up very quickly because you will always have to refill them. Not to mention they’re also really heavy, bulky, and flammable, and they are ultimately an outdated source of long-term oxygen therapy.

Investing in a long-term oxygen therapy solution like a portable oxygen concentrator means you will never have to pay or waste time refilling oxygen tanks. These machines draw in ambient air and output medical-grade oxygen. With a POC, all you need is access to a power outlet in order to charge the batteries. Additionally, the Freestyle Comfort is extremely lightweight and easy to carry making it perfect for traveling and getting out of the house. This does not go without saying that some people cannot afford even the cheapest portable oxygen concentrator.

This is why LPT Medical offers a number of ways for you to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator. We have financing options, so you can pay it off over a series of months, and you also have the option to buy a refurbished unit that will cost you much less than a new unit.

When it comes to how much you will spend on a portable oxygen concentrator, do not shy away from the prices listed online. Most of the time, the manufacturers require the sellers to post their advertising prices, but a simple phone call can adjust the price you pay for a unit, just by speaking to a respiratory specialist. You can reach us at 1-800-946-1201 or find us on Facebook, @LPTMedical.

Caire Freestyle Comfort stats

Here are some quick stats about the Freestyle Comfort.

• 5 pounds
• Pulse Flow Settings 1-5
• 10” H x 7.3” L x 3.1” W
• Up to 16 hours of Battery Life
• 3 Year Warranty

For reference 5 pounds is about the same weight as a two-liter bottle of water, and it can easily fit into a purse, or you can use one of the carrying cases, either an adjustable backpack or side satchel to wear on your hip.

The small compact size makes the Freestyle very easy to carry with you wherever you go, but it was also designed to be ergonomic, and fit into the curve of your body so it doesn’t swing around while you walk or exercise. All of the buttons to adjust your oxygen levels and the power switch are conveniently located on the top of the unit. It is easy to replace the batteries, simply by pulling them out of the bottom of the unit.

Oxygen tanks are an older form of oxygen therapy, and that is why they are not very user friendly. On the other end of the spectrum, the Caire Freestyle Comfort is the newest pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator by CAIRE Inc. which is one of the global leaders in oxygen supply manufacturing. For 50 years, they’ve worked to refine and improve oxygen delivery equipment which helps respiratory patients live more active and productive lives.

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort does just that. Helps you to live a more active and productive life, and to do so this unit offers one of the longest lasting batteries available.

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Battery Life

So, unlike oxygen tanks, POCs run off of batteries, and the better the battery the longer the POC can administer oxygen to the user. With the Freestyle Comfort you will be able to move around on your own terms without boundaries, because this machine offers very long battery life and you can go longer without having to worry about recharging your device.

The flow settings of the Freestyle Comfort go from 1-5, and on the lowest flow setting of 1 which comes out to 210 ml/min, is 16 hours. This is even more than top-of-its-class portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5.

Similarly to with Inogen oxygen concentrators, you’ll be able to charge your Freestyle Comfort using an AC or a DC outlet, so in the cigarette lighter in your car or at home with a standard outlet.

You have the option to go with the 8-cell battery or the 16-cell. The 16-cell will be slightly more expensive, and it has a recharge time of about 6 hours. The 8-cell battery will take about 3.5 hours to charge. Both batteries will keep the unit under 6 pounds, but the 8-cell battery is just slightly lighter than the 16-cell. If you do a lot of traveling or if you need a higher oxygen output and don’t want to recharge often, the 16-cell battery is right for you. But if you like to relax at home after a trip to the grocery store, the 8-cell is perfect.

This information is similar to how our respiratory specialist will go through the buying process with you so that you feel confident about the choice you are making purchasing the Ciare Freestyle Comfort.

Here is a table the explains the Freestyle Comfort battery life depending on the battery and settings:

Flow settings

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is not just small, it is very powerful. Administering a pulse dose setting from 1 to 5, so 210 ml/min to 1050 ml/min. Because we are a licensed distributor, we can only sell you our POCs with a prescription from your doctor. We also pride ourselves on being able to offer a wide variety of units that will meet almost anyone’s oxygen requirements.

Because the Freestyle comfort does not offer continuous flow, like the Respironics SimplyGo which offers both, this unit is best for someone who needs a flow setting of around 1-3 with the option to increase their oxygen intake over time, if need be, without having to get a new unit.

It is prudent to have room to grow into your portable oxygen concentrator should your oxygen prescription change, during an exacerbation, or should you need more oxygen during exercise.

Here is a table that explains the oxygen output at each setting:

As you can see there is a lot of wiggle room for a person who only needs 420 ml/min of oxygen, and these machines are built to last. We also offer a 3 year long warranty on this unit, so if something should malfunction you will be covered.

Should you ever need to go beyond these oxygen outputs, and the Ciare Freestyle Comfort no longer fits into your daily routine, we have a buyback program in place to make the transition into a new POC smooth and financially responsible.

UltraSense Breath Detection Technology

So what else makes The Caire Freestyle Comfort one of the most efficient and effective on the market? It has an ultra-sensitive breath detection feature so rather than providing you with a constant stream of oxygen, the Freestyle Comfort delivers oxygen only when a breath is detected. This is also known as a “bolus” of oxygen, and it is perfectly synced with your breathing to ensure no oxygen is wasted.

Overview

As we mentioned in the section above, The Freestyle Comfort offers you 5 oxygen flow settings with a maximum oxygen output of 1050 ml/min which is enough oxygen for the vast majority of oxygen patients. Depending on your oxygen needs, it may provide plenty of room to move up if your symptoms progress.

Over-all The Caire Freestyle Comfort is one of the top-tier pulse flow oxygen concentrators when it comes to total oxygen output. We are so proud to sell these units in particular because it can be life changing for our patients. We are here to give oxygen patients a new outlook, and hopefully remind them that oxygen therapy can be a very good thing, with the right machinery, you will be able to travel, stay active, stay healthy, and live a longer happier life.

Imagine going from lugging around a bulky oxygen tank to simply inserting you Caire Freestyle Comfort into its carrying case, your purse, or backpack and going out for a walk, to run errands, or golfing! These small freedoms add up, and over time you independence from care-takers and loved ones will blossom.

When is comes to modern oxygen delivery and technology the Caire Freestyle Comfort is at the top of the list, alongside the renowned Inogen One G5, and One G3. This unit has hardly any drawbacks, and as long as you prescription matches the oxygen output, you could go for years and year with this trusty companion. With the Caire Freestyle Comfort, the world is your oyster, and this machine is your ticket to anywhere!

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases in the world. It’s estimated that about 16.4 million people in the United States alone have COPD and millions more are either undiagnosed or at high risk of contracting it. Despite this fact, many people are woefully unaware of what causes this disease and how it should best be managed.

In short, COPD is an umbrella term that denotes two conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. While the symptoms and pathogenesis of these two diseases are slightly different, they are both primarily caused by cigarette smoking. However, in rare instances, someone who has never smoked can contract COPD through something called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency).

One of the symptoms of COPD that’s particularly vicious is something called an exacerbation. This is similar to an asthma attack in that it causes respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, and sputum production to suddenly become worse, oftentimes requiring you to seek immediate medical attention. In this post, we will help you better understand COPD flare-ups and exacerbations, as well as how to avoid being hospitalized as a result. 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave them in the comment section so we can address them.

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What’s the Difference Between a Flare-Up and an Exacerbation?

Generally speaking, the terms “COPD flare-up” and “COPD exacerbation” are used interchangeably. They both refer to respiratory symptoms becoming worse due to environmental causes, infections, or any number of other things. However, when it comes to discussing these symptoms, it’s important to be precise not only about what’s causing them but how severe they are as well.

A mild COPD exacerbation is one that could lead to increased discomfort but is unlikely to cause any serious long-term consequences. These can typically be treated with short-acting bronchodilators (SABD) or “rescue inhalers” which work to quickly open up the airways allowing you to breathe better. Moderate COPD exacerbations should be supplemented with oral corticosteroids which suppress inflammation and antibiotics which can help fight inflammation.

The final type of exacerbation is a severe exacerbation, sometimes called an “acute” exacerbation. This type of exacerbation requires immediate medical attention and can even be life-threatening if it’s not treated appropriately. Ideally, the best way to prepare for this type of exacerbation is to have an action plan and ensure you always have someone on hand to either take you to the hospital or call an ambulance. 

Why it’s so Important to Avoid Hospitalization With COPD

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, COPD is responsible for $72 billion a year in direct healthcare expenditures. The majority of these costs come from hospital visits which range from 4.5 to 8.8 days on average. Around two-thirds of all COPD hospitalizations are due to COPD exacerbations, and the majority of COPD exacerbations are caused by infections — specifically viral infections. 

The primary reason it’s important to avoid hospitalization for COPD is because of the risks for your health. According to another study by the aforementioned medical journal, after testing over 2 million patients, the 1-year readmission rate was 64.2% and the 1-year mortality rate was 26.2% both of which were significantly higher than rates among the general COPD population. Readmission and mortality rates are also much higher among patients who were hospitalized with severe exacerbation of COPD.

The second most important reason to avoid hospitalization due to COPD is cost. Frequent or long-term admissions can pose a significant financial burden on people with COPD which can also lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. In our last post, we highlighted some key ways that you can avoid unnecessary financial costs due to COPD so check it out if you’re interested in learning more.

Have a Plan to Deal With Exacerbations

First and foremost, if you want to avoid hospitalization due to COPD exacerbation, you need to have a plan of action before an emergency occurs. An action plan is a sort of written outline that you will follow in order to accomplish a certain goal. This way, if you notice your COPD symptoms starting to worsen, you can refer to your sheet instead of worrying about making difficult decisions at the moment.

In order to prepare your COPD action plan, you should first consult your doctor. He/she will likely already have a template that you can fill out to make this process a little easier. On this action plan, you will need to create an “action” for every symptom you experience. For example, if the symptom is a gradual decrease in your blood oxygen levels, you might make a note to increase your oxygen flow setting or contact your doctor. If you experience sudden shortness of breath, you might make a note to use your rescue inhaler.

Another important thing to know about your COPD action plan is that it should not be private information. You should make it a priority to go over your plan with friends and family, especially if they spend a lot of time with you. This way, if you are in a situation where you are unable to act out your action plan, they will be able to help. In this post, we discuss how you can prepare for medical emergencies and hospital visits with COPD, so check it out if you want to know more. 

Change Up Your Diet

Diet can be a very difficult topic to discuss in this day and age. Most people have access to more types of food than ever before and there is a near endless list of diets that people swear by. As a result, it can feel like an insurmountable task trying to find something that keeps you happy and healthy. The good news, however, is that many years of research have been dedicated to COPD diets, so you shouldn’t have to do much scrambling to make sense of it all.

Generally speaking, COPD patients should maintain a diet that’s high in protein, fiber, and fat, but low in carbohydrates. The reason for this is that the metabolism of carbs produces the highest amount of carbon dioxide in the body while the metabolism of fat produces the least. Adequate protein ensures your respiratory muscles stay strong and efficient, and fiber helps to control blood glucose levels and reduce cholesterol in the blood.

Another reason to keep your diet healthy, natural foods rather than processed ones is because weight management is vital to COPD management. Most often, people tend to become underweight after contracting COPD due to a loss of appetite or other factors. Sometimes, people experience a loss of appetite because consuming food is more physically exerting than it was previously, and bloating can contribute to breathing difficulties. COPD patients who are underweight may find that they lack the energy or endurance to make it through the day.

On the other hand, being overweight with COPD can contribute to breathing problems as well. While it is less common for a COPD patient to become overweight than underweight, the problems associated with it can be just as severe. Simply put, having a higher body mass index (BMI) can be obstructive to your breathing by putting more strain on your lungs when you inhale. However, some studies have found mixed results when it comes to being overweight/obese with COPD.  

Be Consistent With Your Exercise Routine

Consistency is unbelievably important when it comes to treating COPD and preventing exacerbations. For example, your diet is much more likely to benefit you if you keep up with your goals week in and week out. But if you do well one week then cheat the next, you’re going to put yourself at a much higher risk of COPD complications like exacerbations. This works pretty much the same way when it comes to your exercise routine.

Oftentimes, exercise specialists will talk about getting into a “routine.” In other words, you do the same exercise each day for an allotted period of time. By doing so, it will be much easier to track your progress and catch yourself when you fall back on your plan. This works well for most people who want to commit to an exercise routine, but it’s especially useful for COPD patients who benefit more from consistent moderate exercise rather than high-intensity exercise.

Avoid Getting Sick

Lung infection is both the number one cause of severe COPD exacerbation and the number one cause of hospitalization due to COPD. With that being said, staying healthy and avoiding infection (especially lung infections) is vital. One of the best things you can do right now to avoid getting sick is to quit smoking or avoid second-hand smoke if you live around smokers.

It’s been known for quite some time that smoking reduces the immune response in the body and also makes the smoker more likely to have exaggerated responses to viral infections. During influenza outbreaks and with the current situation we face involving COVID-19, smokers have a much lower survival rate when compared to the general population. Not to mention that smoking and second-hand smoke can trigger COPD exacerbations even if an infection isn’t present.

Another thing you can do to avoid getting sick is to be more conscious of your daily habits. For example, do you wash your hands frequently throughout the day? Do you take care to avoid places that are unclean or unsanitary? Do you stay away from people who exhibit symptoms of the cold or the flu? Do you clean surfaces in your home like door handles, coffee pot handles, or faucet handles? Are you following all the precautions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to prevent contracting the novel coronavirus? 

Last but certainly not least, you should be getting the doctor-recommended eight hours of sleep each night in order to avoid getting sick. According to WebMD, sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system and puts you at a higher risk of contracting colds, the flu, and other ailments. This is an especially difficult topic for many COPD patients because respiratory symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. In this post, we take a look at some actionable tips to improve your sleep if you have COPD.

Avoid Environmental Triggers

It can be a scary world out there for anyone who values their lung health. From wildfire smoke to car exhaust and pollen, it’s easy to feel like no place is safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even reports that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Fortunately, it’s not all grim news for COPD patients who want to avoid exacerbation triggers. Just by following a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding the most common triggers.

Despite summer ending last week, we are still in the midst of wildfire season. As a result, COPD patients need to be aware of when they go outside, especially when it concerns exercising outdoors. Air quality index (AQI) is the measurement we use to determine how safe outdoor air is to breathe. Each day before you go outside, be sure to check AirNow.gov for the AQI in your area. If the AQI is above 100, this is a sign that the air quality is too poor for people with lung diseases like COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis.

Another thing you should be wary of is seasonal allergies. Contrary to popular belief, allergies are a reality during all times of the year as opposed to only being active during certain seasons. In September and October, allergens like ragweed are typically at their peak. According to WebMD, if you get allergies in the spring, you are about 75% likely to have reactions to ragweed. So, if you’re outside this trying to enjoy the fall colors and cool weather this year, just be aware that allergies are still a reality.

The final airborne COPD exacerbation triggers we’d like to talk about are the ones found in your home. Like we mentioned earlier, indoor air can potentially be more dangerous than outdoor air. This is because the air in your home is extremely concentrated, so if you track things in like dust, allergens, or smoke, it will likely start to build up in one area of your home unless you take the time to clean regularly. While it may not seem that important, taking the time to vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces every day can go a long way to preventing COPD exacerbations. What’s more, it will help you get your daily exercise.     

Use a Reliable Portable Oxygen Machine

Last but certainly not least, having a reliable portable oxygen device that you can take anywhere will put you in the best position to avoid COPD exacerbations and hospitalization. For the vast majority of COPD patients, supplemental oxygen therapy is a medical necessity. Not only does it stabilize your lung condition, but it also ensures your blood oxygen levels are normal, which in turn saturates every organ in your body with the oxygen it needs to function properly.

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For the foreseeable future, portable oxygen concentrators are your best bet for reliable portable oxygen. Unlike oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks, portable oxygen concentrators are electronic devices. So, instead of having to go out of your way constantly to have your tanks refilled by an oxygen specialist, you simply need to carry batteries with you. Fortunately, these batteries are lightweight and don’t take up very much space in your backpack or handbag.

Currently, the best portable oxygen concentrator on the market is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. It weighs in at only 5 pounds and it offers 5 different flow settings that you can adjust on the fly as needed. One of the unique features of the FreeStyle Comfort is its ergonomic design which keeps the device comfortably at your side rather than jostling around as some other concentrators do. 

Another portable oxygen concentrator we’d like to recommend is the Inogen One G5. While this POC came out last year, it’s still very relevant and a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable 24/7 medical oxygen supply. The Inogen One G5 has one more pulse flow setting than the FreeStyle Comfort and it weighs slightly less at just 4.7 pounds. Inogen is one of the top brands in the medical oxygen industry and they take pride in customer satisfaction.

In rare instances, your doctor may require you to use a continuous flow concentrator. If this is the case, we recommend the Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator. This unit is twice as heavy as the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, but since it puts out a continuous flow of oxygen, it can be used with your CPAP or BiPAP machine if you have sleep apnea or another related sleeping disorder. If you’re looking for affordable portable oxygen concentrators, don’t hesitate to visit our online oxygen store.

Conclusion  

Unfortunately, exacerbations and flare-ups are a reality for COPD patients. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take steps to reduce your risk of experiencing hospitalization due to an exacerbation. Above all, following your treatment plan as closely as possible and preventing sickness like the cold or flu will be your best bet if you want to avoid hospital visits. 

If you would like to learn more about managing chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, stay tuned to our blog. We aim to equip our readers with the knowledge they need to combat breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue in their daily lives, as well as learning how to cope with the mental aspects of chronic disease like anxiety and depression. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or concerns.