If you tuned into our blog earlier this month, you know that we discussed COPD as a “systemic disease.” In other words, it’s a disease that affects every part of the body, not just the lungs. This is an important distinction to make because it enables both patients and medical professionals to detect systemic manifestations earlier on and treat them more effectively. One of the systemic manifestations that we mentioned in this post is osteoporosis, a disease that affects the density of the bones.

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Osteoporosis is a common comorbidity of COPD, meaning the two conditions often exist side-by-side. Because of the nature of the two diseases, there are many complications that arise as a result of having them both. For example, both COPD and osteoporosis increase the patient’s risk of experiencing a fall as well as getting seriously injured from a fall. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the connection between COPD and osteoporosis, how they’re related, and how to cope with each. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to leave them in the comment section below so that we can get back to you.

What is Osteoporosis?

Your bones are in a constant state of repair. Cells called osteoblasts synthesize bone material and assist in the mineralization of bone tissue. Simultaneously, cells called osteoclasts degrade old bone tissue and send calcium back into the blood. After a year, your body has regenerated about 10 percent of its bone tissue. The reason your body does this is that bone tissue does not last forever. It needs to be replaced regularly in order for your bones to be strong enough to support the weight of your body.

It’s natural for bone remodeling to occur more slowly the older we get. However, if the rate at which bone is produced is much slower than it’s being removed, or it’s being removed much quicker than it’s being replaced, this is known as osteoporosis, a disease that affects around 10 million Americans. Osteoporosis is more common in women over the age of 50, but anyone can get it at any age.

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Osteoporosis usually develops very slowly and people are at a higher risk if they have a lower “peak bone mass.” Most people reach this point when they’re in their mid-twenties to thirties, so osteoporosis can sometimes (but not always) be predicted. Oftentimes, there are no warning signs of osteoporosis until the patient experiences a fracture. However, some people will experience joint pain, back pain, or a stooped posture. One instance where you may receive an early diagnosis of osteoporosis is if your doctor believes you are at high risk for this condition.

Bone fractures in the hip or spine are some of the most serious complications of osteoporosis because they impair the patient’s mobility. Falls are the most common cause of these types of injury but in severe cases, bones can fracture from simply bumping into something, bending over, or coughing. While there is no cure for osteoporosis there are many treatment options available that can help boost the rate of bone growth in your body, thus helping to prevent fractures and chronic pain.

How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

The main test used to diagnose osteoporosis is called a bone mineral density (BMD) test. It uses a type of low-energy X-ray called Dexa-Scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DXA) to calculate the density of bone in the spine and hip. Your bone mineral density (BMD) is compared to the mean BMD for your age to determine if you have either osteoporosis or osteopenia. This is a condition that simply means you have low bone mineral density, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop osteoporosis in the future or that you’re at risk of experiencing a fracture. If your BMD is less than one standard deviation below the mean, your bones are normal. Between -1 and -2.5 standard deviations is considered osteopenia and more than -2.5 is osteoporosis.  

There are many other tests that can be performed to assist health professionals to determine if you have osteoporosis. Computerized tomography (CT) scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and body composition analysis which shows the percentage of body weight due to bone, fat, muscle, and water. There are also many blood tests that can assist in diagnosing osteoporosis including blood calcium tests, vitamin D tests, thyroid tests, and testosterone tests. Be sure to ask your doctor if you’re not sure which test you need to take.

What’s the Link Between COPD and Osteoporosis?

At first glance, you might notice a lot of similarities between COPD and osteoporosis. Both conditions are more common in older adults, more common in women, and they can’t be cured. However, they’re both highly treatable. In other words, you’re at a higher risk of contracting COPD and osteoporosis based on your age and gender alone. But when you take a closer look, you’ll notice that there are many common side-effects of COPD that put you at a higher risk of osteoporosis in old age. 

According to a study published by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which included 14,828 subjects over the age of 45, there was an 8.5% prevalence of osteoporosis in non-COPD patients, but there was a prevalence of 16.9% in COPD patients. Let’s take a look at some of the side effects of COPD that may lead to osteoporosis.

A History of Smoking

Smoking is the most common preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smoking has countless systemic effects ranging from lung cancer to heart disease. Studies have also shown for decades that tobacco use has extremely adverse effects on bone health, not least of which is decreased bone density. According to UCI Health, there are several reasons why smoking is so bad for bone health. Firstly, it reduces the flow of blood to your bones by causing your blood vessels to constrict. This means your bones are being deprived of vital resources including osteoblasts, the bone-producing cells. Smoking has also been shown to hamper the resorption of calcium meaning it can’t be replaced in the bones.

There isn’t much to say about smoking and COPD that hasn’t already been said. According to the American Lung Association, about 85 to 90 percent of COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking. What’s more, about 38 percent of people with COPD continue to smoke after receiving a diagnosis. It goes without saying that, if you’re a current smoker, the sooner you quit, the better. The respiratory effects of smoking are bad enough on their own, but when they’re combined with chronic pain and an increased risk of fractures, these issues are exacerbated.

Diet

Your body needs a large variety of vitamins and minerals in order to maintain every bodily function from digestion to blood flow. But when you develop a chronic condition, you often need to adjust your diet to accommodate for certain deficiencies that you may develop. In COPD and many other respiratory diseases, vitamin D deficiency is very common. Vitamin D is essential for everyone because it plays a vital role in helping your body absorb calcium which is the main support structure for your bones. Without it, your bones will become weak and brittle.

One of the main reasons respiratory patients are vitamin D deficient is that they oftentimes aren’t exposed to as much sunlight as their healthy counterparts. Sunlight is the most important natural source of vitamin D, but many COPD patients are immobilized by symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and chronic pain. One way to combat this is to simply sit by a window where you’re receiving direct sunlight. If you live in an area that doesn’t receive sunlight for prolonged parts of the year, you can supplement your diet with vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish, red meat, or egg yolks.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body mass index is derived from your body weight and height. Anything between a BMI of 18.5 and 24.9 is normal, but if you dip below this or go above it, it may be cause for concern. While the United States suffers from an obesity epidemic, COPD patients often suffer from the opposite problem — being underweight. According to the Lung Institute, COPD patients burn an average of 10 times as many calories while breathing as their healthy counterparts do. This is why many doctors recommend that COPD patients increase their caloric intake after being diagnosed. According to Healthline, about 25 to 40 percent of people with COPD have low body weight. 

Having a BMI under 21 is also a risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. Studies have shown that BMI inversely correlates with BMD, so the lower your body weight is in comparison to your height, the more at risk you are for developing weak bones. As a COPD patient, the best thing you can do to prevent this is to ensure that you are eating enough and that you are following your doctor’s advice on what to eat. If you experience exhaustion from consuming large meals, try eating smaller meals all throughout the day in order to meet the calorie requirement that your doctor has set. This also helps your body out with digestion and prevents feelings of fatigue and bloating after eating.  

Physical Activity

Exercise is one of the key components of an effective COPD treatment regime. Exercise keeps the lungs strong and healthy, reducing symptoms of breathlessness and chest pain. Strong muscles also use oxygen more effectively meaning you’ll be able to stay out of the house and stay active longer without taking a break. And while exercise can’t reverse COPD, it can improve your life expectancy and quality of life. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which exercise program will be best for you. Most health specialists recommend pulmonary rehabilitation which involves lung education, strength training, and endurance training.

According to Orthoinfor.aaos.org, exercise affects bones similar to how it affects muscle — it makes it stronger. Bone is living tissue and when stress is applied to it, it reacts by building more tissue. So, it goes without saying that, by exercising regularly, you can keep your bones in good condition and prevent osteoporosis. Unfortunately, due to the respiratory symptoms of COPD, many people are left feeling unmotivated or unable to exercise, and in turn, their bone health begins to suffer. You should aim to exercise at least 3 to 4 times per week and since hip and spinal fractures are most common in osteoporosis, be sure to get on your feet and work your whole body, not just your arms. Exercise also strengthens your stabilizer muscles, helping to improve balance and prevent falls. 

COPD Medication

One final way that COPD affects your bones is through your medication. Your medication is a vital part of your treatment plan, but you have to be careful with it because, like any medication, it has both short- and long-term side effects. Most of the side effects should be listed on the container of the medication, but for more specific information, be sure to consult your doctor. The main COPD medication of concern when it comes to bone health is corticosteroids. These drugs are used by COPD patients to reduce inflammation which can prevent flare-ups and exacerbations. Corticosteroids are usually inhaled via an inhaler or nebulizer in order to reach the lungs more quickly.

The way that corticosteroids affect the bones is by altering the way the body uses vitamin D and calcium. Oftentimes, corticosteroids increase the rate at which bone breaks down and reduces its ability to absorb calcium. If corticosteroids are used heavily, this could lead to rapid bone deterioration, so it’s important to use them only as they’re prescribed. If you’re still concerned about bone loss even while taking the normal dosage, be sure to ask your doctor if there are any alternative medications that you can take without this side effect.  

Conclusion

COPD is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the world. However, many people are unaware of the many systemic manifestations of this disease. About 36 to 60 percent of COPD patients have osteoporosis which is higher than the general population. The good news is that just a few lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing low bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Immediate smoking cessation, a revised diet, regular physical activity, and careful use of your COPD medication are just a few of the most important.  

If you’re a COPD patient who’s struggling to get on your feet and maintain an exercise routine, consider upgrading your obsolete oxygen device to a portable oxygen concentrator. POCs are much smaller and lighter than a standard oxygen tank meaning you won’t feel out of breath after a short walk. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 and Caire FreeStyle Comfort have taken the oxygen industry by storm with a simple, easy-to-use interface, sleek design, and high oxygen output. If you’d like to learn more about these devices and all that they have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our oxygen concentrator specialists here at LPT Medical.    

If you have a respiratory disease that requires oxygen therapy as treatment, you have a few options as to how you get your oxygen. 

Pulse vs. Continuous Oxygen Flow 

First, it is important to know what type of oxygen flow you require— pulse flow or continuous flow. If you need continuous flow, you need an oxygen device that provides a constant flow of oxygen whether or not you're inhaling or exhaling. 

Pulse flow oxygen devices offer “doses” of oxygen every time the device notices your inhale.

At first glance both methods seem rather straight forward, however, pulse low devices require a certain technological advancement that allows the device to recognize what your inhale is. 

A portable oxygen concentrator is the best option for oxygen patients who need pulse flow and/or continuous flow oxygen. These devices are battery powered and are designed to be portable for anyone that likes to be active! If you have a high end pulse flow device, like the Caire Freestyle Comfort, it has built in technology that recognizes even the shallowest inhales, thereby ensuring you get the right amount of oxygen no matter what. 

Exercise and Oxygen Therapy 

Even with a respiratory disease that impacts your ability to breathe, exercise and maintaining the ability to be mobile is an essential part of treatment! Being active helps you keep your bones, muscles, and lungs strong. Without regular exercise, your bone muscle and joints will weaken and start to deteriorate, then your symptoms associated with respiratory disease will worsen at a faster rate.

Because exercise is so important, yet breathing is so difficult, respiratory patients have a lot of uphill battling to do, literally and figuratively. It is helpful to have an oxygen device that works with you to battle through exercise, rather than battling the exercise and oxygen device. 

You and your oxygen device are a team. Once you are prescribed medical oxygen as a form of treatment you have it for the rest of your life! 

In order to maintain the highest quality of life as an oxygen patient, you must abide by the oxygen prescription laid out for you. It is not easy, and it will take time to adjust to the supplemental oxygen. 

In order to adjust to oxygen therapy and simultaneously keep up with your other respiratory treatments, you will want a reliable, easy to use portable oxygen device. 

If you want a high quality oxygen device to help you do the job, you will need to do a little bit of research, but LPT Medical makes this very easy. 

You can start with a phone call, speak with a LPT Medical respiratory specialist about your oxygen requirements, your lifestyle, your goals, and they will pick out the oxygen device that suits your needs best. 

If you are a pulse flow patient, and you enjoy being active or have goals to increase your activity/mobility levels, we will recommend a few devices. One of our longtime best selling pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators is the Caire Freestyle comfort, and for a number of reasons we will go over later in this blog! 

That being said, we recently added three NEW portable oxygen concentrators to our catalog, and we are excited to introduce these new devices into the lives of our oxygen patients! One of the new devices that is comparable to a best seller is the Devilbiss iGo 2 portable oxygen concentrators. 

Let's learn more about it!

DeVilbiss iGo 2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare is an oxygen manufacturing company that is dedicated to developing state-of-the-art equipment fully equipped with cutting-edge technology.

It is this spirit that gives quality of life to the users of their products. This is evident when we look at the DeVilbiss iGo 2 portable oxygen concentrator and what it has to offer you, the oxygen user.

The DeVilbiss iGo 2 is a pulse flow device that is simple to use, yet so complex and changes the way of oxygen therapy forever. Built with integrity and the oxygen user in mind, this device makes breathing easy again.

SmartDoseTM Auto-Adjusting Conserver Technology

The DeVilbiss iGo 2 comes equipped with an auto-adjusting converser feature, this technology works to adjust the oxygen production and delivery to meet your specific oxygen demands. No matter what you are doing, whether it's an activity or rest, your oxygen from the iGo 2 will always be optimized to meet your needs.

This SmartDose Technology makes this oxygen unit the most efficient and effective on the market. The SmartDose works by detecting your breathing rate and delivering more oxygen when your breath increases and will reduce flow once your breath comes down again, always ensuring your oxygen levels are stable and consistent.

Basically, you will never need to manually adjust the setting of your oxygen device, just breath!

Battery Life

One of the reasons so many people own portable oxygen concentrators over oxygen tanks and canisters is because they are able to use an oxygen device that runs off of battery power and has an unlimited supply of oxygen. So, the iGo 2 took no shortcuts when it came to changeability and battery life!

The DeVilbiss iGo2 can last for 3.5 hours on a pulse flow setting 2, that means you have plenty of time to run errands, go for a walk, attend your pulmonary rehab class on one charge.

If you plan to be out and about longer, you can purchase a second battery to use as a backup for longer trips and flights! (Yup, the iGo is FAA approval and you can use it on planes)

Switching batteries, and replacing the dead battery with the fully charged battery is a breeze. This device’s battery dock is located on the top of the machine, so accessing the battery is effortless because it opens without having to remove the device from the carrying case.

You can also charge the battery while you are using the device, just plug it into the wall with the AC power cord, or use the DC power cord to charge in the car, RV, or boat and just breathe!

Small, Compact, and Easy to Use

The DeVilbliss iGo 2 is a small compact device that stands 8.4” tall, 3.5” wide, and 8.6” long! It fits perfectly in the custom carrying case and including the shoulder strap it weighs a total of 5 pounds! The custom carrying case is visually appealing, and it is the perfect balance of casual and professional, the black leather custom carrying case looks great on all genders and ages!

The device hangs nicely near your waist, and sits comfortably strapped over your shoulder. Carry it as easily as you would a regular size handbag, and don’t worry about bumps in the road, the i Go 2’s rugged design is lined with protective rubberized casing, that keeps the device safe against damage from bumps and drops, and the rubber casing even protects your device from mold!

The SmartDose technology makes the iGo 2 super easy to use because you never have to adjust your oxygen delivery setting. Instead the device is able to increase the oxygen output when you are breathing deeper during exercise or activity, and it will reduce the oxygen output when your breath comes back to a normal rate, ensuring you are getting enough oxygen and also not too much!

This isn’t the only reason the iGo is so user friendly, the control center is a LCD screen that lights up with big letters and numbers indicating the battery life and oxygen setting.

The iGo 2 takes care of you. With respiratory disease, forgetting a simple step in your treatment of daily plan can be harmful to your health and wellbeing and unfortunately it is also something that happens all too often.

The iGo 2 has audible alerts for when it has a low battery, low oxygen output, no breath detected in PulseDose mode, high temperature, or unit malfunction! This is peace of mind you can't get with any other oxygen device.

FAA Approved

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing safety regulations for commercial airlines in the United States. Without FAA approval, you will not be able to carry your oxygen concentrator on a plane. Fortunately, the DeVilbiss iGo 2 is already approved by this government organization. All you’ll need to do is get in touch with your airline before you fly!

So, all of these feature make the iGo 2 an unstoppable oxygen device, but how does it compare to one of our long-term best selling devices on the market? 

Let’s talk about the Caire Freestyle Comfort! 

The Caire Freestyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Device

CAIRE Inc. is one of the global leaders in oxygen supply manufacturing. For 50 years, they’ve worked to refine and improve oxygen delivery equipment that helps respiratory patients live more active and productive lives. 

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort is the latest pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator by CAIRE Inc. This new oxygen machine offers a lightweight and ergonomic design that’s comfortable and easy to carry whether you’re just going for a walk in the park or taking a long trip across the world. 

UltraSense Breath Detection Technology

The Caire Freestyle Comfort offers an ultra-sensitive breath detection feature that makes this oxygen unit one of the most efficient and effective on the market. Rather than providing you with a constant stream of oxygen, the Freestyle Comfort delivers oxygen only when a breath is detected. This “bolus” of oxygen is precisely synced with your breathing ensuring no oxygen is wasted.

The Freestyle Comfort offers you 5 oxygen flow settings with a maximum oxygen output of 1050ml/min. This is enough oxygen for the vast majority of oxygen patients, and for some, it provides plenty of room to move up if their symptoms progress. The Caire Freestyle Comfort is one of the top-tier pulse flow oxygen concentrators when it comes to total oxygen output.

Long Battery Life

Unlike oxygen tanks, pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators like the Freestyle Comfort run on batteries. You’ll be happy to know that this oxygen machine will provide you with plenty of battery life to help you live life on your own terms without boundaries.

On the lowest flow setting with the 16-cell battery, you’ll experience an astounding 16 hours of battery life! That’s 3 more hours than top-of-its-class portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5. What this means is that you’ll be able to stay out and about for longer without having to come back home to recharge your unit.

Like with Inogen oxygen concentrators, you’ll be able to charge your Freestyle Comfort through either an AC or a DC outlet. Whether you’re at home or in the car, you’ll be able to charge your device wherever you please. The 8-cell battery has a recharge time of about 3.5 hours and the 16-cell battery has a recharge time of about 6 hours.

Comfortable and Ergonomic

If you’ve ever used a bulky and cumbersome continuous flow concentrator, you know that they’re anything but user-friendly. While they do offer you the oxygen you need, it doesn’t feel like they were built with your comfort in mind.

The Caire Freestyle Comfort got its name for a reason; it was specifically designed to be comfortable to wear and use. This oxygen unit has a curved design that fits the natural shape of your body. While you’re walking, it will stay at your side instead of sliding around and interfering with your natural movements. All of the buttons for your oxygen control as well as the power switch are conveniently located on the top of the unit and the batteries can be easily pulled off the bottom of the unit for replacement.

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators on the market, weighing in at just 5 pounds with the 8-cell battery and 6 pounds with the 16-cell battery. This means you’ll be able to carry your oxygen unit without ever experiencing back pain or unnecessary strain that can ruin your day.  

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FAA Approved

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing safety regulations for commercial airlines in the United States. Without FAA approval, you will not be able to carry your oxygen concentrator on a plane. Fortunately, the Caire Freestyle Comfort is already approved by this government organization. All you’ll need to do is get in touch with your airline of choice well enough ahead of your flight.

Overview 

Clearly, both of these oxygen devices fit into your life as the perfect travel and exercise companion. 

Both are able to detect the shallowest of breaths, so you never have to think twice about getting the oxygen you need. This peace of mind alone can give you the freedom and independence you desire, making all of the costs of the POC worth it. 

Beyond oxygen delivery, there are so many other features that make both the iGo 2 and the Freestyle Comfort worthwhile. Whether you are attracted to the lightweight compact design, or the long-lasting battery life, you get it all! 

If you want to learn more about the Carie Freestyle Comfort or the DeVilbiss iGo 2, simply call 1-(800)-946-1201 to speak with LPT Medical, we are happy to talk over the phone about the prices, your payment plan options, 3 year warranty on new devices and much more! 

When you think about your daily routine, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of making your bed, taking a shower, or making a cup of coffee. These are all things that most people do sequentially and sometimes even subconsciously. But have you ever wondered why it’s so easy to do these things regularly, but something like implementing a new diet or exercise routine can feel near impossible to achieve?

As COPD patients, we’re faced with a difficult decision: either ignore our treatment plan and maintain the unpredictability of life or live life by the books, following every rule that our doctor tells us. However, with some hard work and determination, it’s possible to accomplish both of these tasks without having to stress about whether you’re making the right decisions.

If you’re a COPD patient who has trouble making and sticking to a routine, read on because we’re going to take a deep dive into some of the biggest roadblocks preventing COPD patients from living a healthy and happy life. As always, if you’re planning on making any major changes to your treatment plan, be sure to speak with your doctor first.

Why Are Routines So Important?

A routine is something that you do habitually. In other words, it’s something you do without giving much of a second thought to. These can either be good things like going to bed at the same time each night; or bad things like smoking cigarettes after lunch. But the one thing they have in common is that they both feel natural in your day-to-day life. Without having these routines, we might feel a lack of structure or direction in our lives.

Another problem with having no routine is that it can be mentally and physically exhausting to accomplish goals. For example, if you’re constantly having to fight yourself to eat the right foods or take your medication on time, you might get behind on them and get discouraged. Each time this happens, you’re getting farther and farther away from accomplishing your goal.

But one of the most common misconceptions about good habits is that just because something works for one person does not necessarily mean it will work for another. This is why it’s important to start with a broad overview, then narrow down something that will work for you.

Make Sure You Understand Your Long-Term Goals

Generally speaking, bad habits are the result of a narrow-minded approach to your health. For example, if you take a smoke break in the middle of the day you’re only taking into consideration how you’re feeling at that moment. You might feel stressed or antsy early in the day, but after smoking, you feel satisfied and complete. However, in reality, smoking actually increases stress, because, after an initial release of dopamine in the brain, you’ll begin to experience withdrawals which make you feel even worse than before.   

Whether you’re struggling with bad habits involving smoking, your diet, exercise, or anything else, the best place to start is by shifting your focus to long-term thinking. Rather than creating habits that satisfy your immediate desires, you should be creating habits that reinforce what you’re trying to accomplish in life. This is an important step because the more clearly you define what you’re trying to do, the more obvious it will be if you start falling back on your goals. 

Eliminate Any Distractions

Distractions are so commonplace in the modern world. If you own a phone, tablet, computer, or any other electronic device, you’re probably well aware of how easy it is to spend hours on these devices without even acknowledging what’s going on in the real world. According to Kommando Tech, people check their phones an average of 58 times a day. Even if you’re looking at your device for a fraction of a second to check or reply to a message, you’re still taking your mind off of whatever you were doing. Over time, this could become a significant roadblock preventing you from implementing healthy habits.

Electronics are not the only distractions in our lives, however. If you take some time to think about the distractions in your life, you’ll likely come up with a good list of things. For many people, a dirty or cluttered home can be a distraction. According to Men’s Health, a messy home can contribute to anxiety, affect your quality of sleep, and contribute to avoidance strategies that make us less productive. These are just a few of the distractions that could be present in your life. Be sure to take some time to sort these out before you move on.

Make Reminders Around Your Home

Chances are, you have that one friend who likes to create reminders for everything, even for things that don’t seem important. From an outside perspective, this can be a little overbearing; but if you’re the one setting the reminders, it might make more sense to you. Reminders are a great way to force yourself to stick to a routine, at least until you’re able to do it without them. Some people prefer to make physical reminders on a notepad or sticky note, but others prefer to use digital reminders on their phone or computer. Better yet, you could try a combination of the two.

Physical reminders are great if you want to keep yourself on track throughout the day. For example, you could place sticky notes on the door reminding you to take your medication before leaving the house or you could put sticky notes on your fridge to remind you what foods to avoid. Setting reminders on your phone can also be useful if you want to remind yourself of doctor’s appointments or when to exercise. The type of reminders you need will depend entirely on what habits you struggle with keeping, but generally speaking, they’re a great way to keep you on track.

Find Ways to Make Your Routine Easier

Most people prefer to find the path of least resistance when it comes to accomplishing their goals. There’s no point in adding any unnecessary struggle, especially if your health is at risk. So, it goes without saying that any little thing you can do to make your health routine easier to follow will be very beneficial in the long run. One of the best things you can do to simplify your COPD treatment plan is to invest in a portable oxygen concentrator.

A portable oxygen concentrator is an electric oxygen generator used to replace old, outdated types of oxygen equipment like oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks. They work by drawing in ambient air that you would normally breathe and then removing gases like nitrogen, argon, and more. The device then puts out medical-grade oxygen through the nasal cannula. You’ll receive the exact same amount of oxygen with a portable oxygen concentrator, but the device is much easier to manage.

First and foremost, portable oxygen generators are much lighter than oxygen tanks. A pulse dose concentrator like the Inogen One G5 is under 5 pounds making it very easy to carry on your shoulder or back. Oxygen tanks, however, tend to be much heavier at around 10 to 15 pounds. As a result, you’ll need to wheel your oxygen tank around using a carrying cart. This is especially inconvenient if you need to go up a flight of stairs or some other obstacle.

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Another problem with oxygen thanks is that they are very bulky and oblong. So when it comes to storing one, you’ll have a difficult time. Since they’re highly pressurized and contain medical oxygen, they can be very dangerous. Oxygen tanks can be stored at 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) or more which makes them a hazard to keep around the house. Portable oxygen generators don’t have any compressed oxygen inside the unit so they don’t have this problem.

Finally, portable oxygen concentrators are simply put, much easier, and convenient to use. Oxygen tanks need to be refilled by a professional when they run out of oxygen, but POCs just need to be recharged. Since the batteries are so light, you can carry plenty of backup batteries with you wherever you go and you’ll never run out of oxygen. You can even use your POC while it’s plugged into the wall charging.

The reason POCs make your COPD routine easier is that they are mostly out of sight and out of mind. Rather than having to worry about whether or not you’re getting enough oxygen wherever you go, POCs provide you with a consistent and reliable source of oxygen that won’t fail when you need it the most. COPD patients who use concentrators find that they spend less time thinking about their disease and more time living their lives.

Don’t Get Thrown Off by a Change of Plans

It’s happened to all of us… we’re doing a great job of maintaining good habits and working towards our goals. Then, all of a sudden, something happens that causes us to get off course. Life isn’t always going to be predictable, so we need to be prepared when our plans change and we aren’t able to follow through with our normal routine.

It’s important that you have the freedom to attend family events and visit friends whenever you want. But at the same time, you need to have a plan to stay on track towards meeting your goals even with all of life’s surprises. One way to do this is to simply notify your friends and family about your routine so that they can help you stay on track. 

Get Plenty of Sleep

One of the most important factors that will help you maintain a routine is alertness. Studies have found that COPD patients are significantly more likely than the general public to experience sleep disruptions that can lead to daytime sleepiness and even contribute to COPD flare-ups like breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue. It’s important to fix these underlying issues if you want to have the energy to follow through with your routine. Try some of the following tips to improve sleep with COPD:

• Changing your sleeping position can take some stress off your lungs and promote more restful sleep. The Lung Institute recommends sleeping on your side with your head slightly propped up to improve breathing.
• Avoid taking naps during the day. A consistent nighttime sleeping pattern will keep you more alert and prevent daytime drowsiness.
• Avoid using electronics right before bed. Staring at a screen as you’re winding down for the night can mess with your body’s circadian rhythm. 
• Exercise more consistently. Moderate exercise increases the amount of slow-wave sleep you get. In other words, you get more “deep sleep” where your body and mind are able to rejuvenate.
• Get tested for a sleep disorder. COPD-OSA overlap syndrome is a common cause of sleep disruptions. Treating obstructive sleep apnea will be the best way to experience better sleep at night. 
• Speak to your doctor about your medication. Certain COPD medications may contribute or outright cause sleep problems.

Speak With Your Doctor

Ultimately, your doctor will be your greatest resource if you’re having trouble following your treatment plan. He/she may have some helpful tips to keep you on track, or your doctor may be able to alter your treatment regime completely in order to make it easier to follow. Another thing that your doctor can do is refer you to a mental health specialist who can help you cope with the mental and emotional aspects of dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most trusted forms of therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that aims to change the way that you think and act. It’s designed to target negative or inaccurate thinking patterns that can lead to you developing bad habits. CBT is a type of psychotherapy (talk therapy) that usually involves a one-on-one conversation with a mental health counselor. Most commonly, CBT is used to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders, but it can be used by anyone to help people cope with difficult situations like living with COPD. Below are the steps involved in a CBT session:

Identifying the problem: Before you can solve the problem you need to know what’s causing it. Your first session of CBT will likely be focused on targeting troubling situations or conditions in your life. This could be things like COPD symptoms, or a troubling experience involving a flare-up or exacerbation.

Becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings about these events: Next, it’s important for you and your therapist to understand exactly how you’re reacting to these problems. You may be asked to keep a daily journal where you write down your change of emotions throughout the day.

Understanding negative or inaccurate thinking: Destructive thoughts are usually the result of an inaccurate interpretation of an event. This step will help you identify these thoughts so that they can be reversed.

Reinforcing positive thinking patterns: Finally, you and your therapist will working on reinforcing constructive thoughts throughout your daily life. This could take several weeks or several months depending on how receptive you are to the changes.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s much easier to give in to bad habits than to reinforce good habits, especially if you suffer from a chronic illness like COPD. Being diagnosed with COPD means having to take on new responsibilities and pay closer attention to how your daily routine affects your long-term health. This can feel overwhelming at times, but if you break it down and understand how habits develop in the first place, it will be much more manageable.

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In this post, we showed you just a few of the things you can do to maintain healthy habits with COPD. However, as we mentioned, everyone is different and what might work for one person may not work for another. If you’re still struggling with managing COPD symptoms, be sure to stick to our blog. We try to provide respiratory patients with a unique perspective on their disease as well as providing tips that you won’t find anywhere else. 

If you’re looking for a portable oxygen concentrator for sale in Denver, don’t hesitate to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. Since most COPD patients need 24/7 supplemental oxygen, it’s our goal to ensure they are able to do this comfortably and without affecting their daily routine. Call us at 1-800-946-1201 today to speak with a respiratory specialist.

For the majority of people, summer is the best time for being active. No matter what type of physical exercise you like to do, everything tends to be more enjoyable and productive when it’s done outside rather than inside. What’s more, studies have shown many health benefits to being outdoors including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and preventing insomnia, a sleep disorder that often results from a lack of sunlight during the day. 

On the other hand, if you have COPD or any number of chronic respiratory conditions, you may find it difficult to exercise during the summer. Hot weather can exacerbate your respiratory symptoms and sap your energy making you feel unmotivated to face the challenges of your disease. Additionally, several allergens such as pollen, mold, and insect bites are at their peak in the summer months, which can lead to a whole host of problems for COPD patients as well.

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Despite the challenges of staying active during the summer, it’s imperative that COPD patients do so. Exercise is a key part of any treatment regime because it strengthens the lungs and makes your body more efficient at using oxygen, thereby reducing symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue. By having strong stabilizing muscles that you enhance by exercising, you’ll be able to reduce your risk of experiencing a fall or any other type of physical injury. In the following sections, we’re going to take a look at a couple of tips for staying active in the summer if you have COPD. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment at the end of the article if you have any questions or concerns. 

Plan Your Trips Carefully

The first, and probably the most crucial tip to help you stay active during the summer is to plan your trips carefully. Depending on where you are in the country, weather can be variable and sometimes even unpredictable. You should get in the habit of checking the weather regularly and comparing it across multiple sites so that you have a good picture of what the weather will be like. Even then, weather forecasts are never perfect so you should always plan for the worst-case scenario. 

Generally speaking, the hottest time of the day is in the afternoon, so ideally, you’ll want to plan your outdoor activities in the morning or in the evening. However, this can vary if there is cloud coverage or precipitation. Since everyone with COPD has different severities of respiratory symptoms, it’s difficult to say what temperature is “too hot.” Most people know their limits and you may have a higher tolerance for hot weather if you’ve spent most of your life in a hot climate. According to Science Direct, about 4% of the population is heat intolerant. This means that they are not able to acclimate to high degrees of heat stress. 

Aside from checking the weather before you leave the house, you should also check the air quality in your area. Summer is wildfire season in much of the country and there’s also a high risk of allergens like pollen and mold. And although car exhaust tends to dissipate better in the summer than in the winter, it’s still possible for there to be a lot of pollution during the summer, especially if it’s a little cooler and overcast.

Dress for the Weather

The way you dress can have an immense impact on how you tolerate heat while you’re outdoors. Short-sleeve, loose-fitting clothing is always ideal if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time and you should be sure to wear lighter colors that reflect more heat. Another important thing to consider is the material of clothing that you wear. Breathable materials like cotton, polyester, and nylon are very light and perfect for a hot summer day. But you should be sure to avoid heavy materials like wool and insulated clothing like rain-resistant shirts or pants.

Another must-have article of clothing for a sunny day is a hat. If your face and head are exposed to too much sunlight you’ll feel fatigued much quicker and you might start to get a bad headache. You’re going to want to wear a wide-brimmed hat that keeps the sun off your face, head, and neck, but just like your shirt, it should be made of breathable material. According to the University of Michigan, 50% of the body’s heat is released from the scalp and face.

Stay Hydrated

When it’s hot out, your body releases more sweat in order to keep you cool. And since sweat is 99% water, you can become dehydrated very quickly by being out in the sun. The CDC recommends drinking at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes while you’re outside. And ideally, you should be drinking in consistent intervals so that your body isn’t working so hard to process it all at once. But you should also take care to stay hydrated before you exercise outdoors, not just during your exercise. 

Equally important as drinking enough water is avoiding drinks or food that can dehydrate you. While salty foods may sound tempting while you’re outside exercising, be aware that you will have to drink more water to accommodate this. And while sugary sports drinks or energy drinks may give you a nice boost before exercising, they can also dehydrate you and you’ll experience an energy crash after its effects wear off. Ideally, you should stick with water and unsalted foods while exercising in the heat.

Keep Medications on Hand

Just like any other time you leave the home, you need to make sure you have all of the medications you need. Many COPD patients use fast-acting bronchodilators which are designed to quickly release tension in the chest and airways if you’re experiencing a flare-up or exacerbation of your symptoms. These are especially important to have on hand when you’re exercising and away from home because you won’t have many other options for alleviating your symptoms.  

Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness

The easiest way to prevent heat-related illness is to simply know the warning signs. The sooner you realize that your body is overheating, the sooner you can make it to a shaded area or air-conditioned building so that you can begin to recover. Heat exhaustion can happen slowly over the course of a couple of hours or it can come on very quickly so you should always be on the lookout for any symptoms. According to Healthline, there are three different stages of heat emergency: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Heat cramps are more common in older people who have been physically active. They’re also more common in people who are overweight or who have been drinking alcohol recently. The primary symptoms of heat cramps are muscle pain and tightness. The second stage of heat emergency is heat exhaustion which comprises a list of potential symptoms including:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild confusion
• A fast heart rate or fast breathing
• Extreme thirst
• Nausea
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
  

Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat emergency and it can include all of the aforementioned symptoms in addition to:

• Confusion
• Irrational behavior
• A body temperature over 104°F
• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

If you’re outside exercising with a friend make sure that they are also aware of these symptoms and don’t be afraid to check up on each other regularly. 

Focus on Moderate Exercise

One of the key mistakes many people make when starting their pulmonary rehabilitation routine is believing that they need to practice high-intensity exercise in order to stay healthy. However, for most COPD patients, high-intensity exercise is not necessary and it can even lead to a respiratory exacerbation if you’re not careful. What’s more important than anything is that you’re consistent with your exercise and that you don’t stay sedentary for long periods of time. Walking, hiking or moderate weight lifting exercises can all be beneficial for lung health.

Have a Safety Net in Place

A safety net is a must when you leave the house during the summer. Before you do anything, make sure to tell at least one person where you will be going and how long you will be gone. This way, if there’s an emergency, your friend or loved one will know exactly where to look for you. Secondly, you should create a list of contacts of people that you can call if you experience a flare-up in your symptoms and don’t feel comfortable driving or walking home alone. However, if you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency, you should always call 9-1-1 first. 

Use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

There comes a time when oxygen tanks become too much to manage. While supplemental oxygen is a medical necessity for most COPD patients, oxygen tanks are extremely heavy and bulky making it difficult to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional oxygen tanks and they’re called portable oxygen concentrators. A portable oxygen concentrator puts out medical-grade oxygen just like a tank, but the difference is that it’s an electronic device that runs on batteries. Simply have a fully charged battery on hand and you’ll have access to an infinite supply of oxygen.

Another great thing about portable oxygen concentrators is that they’re very easy to operate so you won’t have any problems making adjustments to your flow setting on the go. POCs like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 only have a few buttons on them so you can have it up and running in just a few minutes and feel confident about using it outside of the home. Both of these concentrators offer a high flow setting and they weigh under 5 pounds meaning they’re incredibly versatile. Most POCs also have a DC charging option available, so you won’t have to worry about running down your battery while you’re driving to whatever destination you’re going to.

All things considered, portable oxygen concentrators are a much more financially sound and practical long-term investment. While they do cost more money upfront than oxygen tanks, the important thing to remember is that you don’t have to keep paying to refill them. In the long term, this could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. What’s more, POCs often come with manufacturer warranties which will have you covered if anything goes wrong with your unit within the first couple of years after your purchase.  

Speak with Your Doctor

As always, if you have any concerns about being able to cope with the hot weather this summer, you should address them with your doctor. Heat-related illness is a potentially serious condition. According to the CDC, there are about 702 heat-related deaths in the United States each year. Unfortunately, due to the symptoms of COPD including chronic breathlessness and fatigue, COPD patients are oftentimes at a higher risk of experiencing heat-related illness than the general public. This study found that hospitalization in COPD patients increased by 7.6% for each degree Celcius over 29°C (84°F).

As aforementioned, no two cases of COPD are the same so it’s impossible to say what advice your doctor will have for you. If you have more severe stage 3 or 4 COPD and heat-related illness runs in your family, he/she will likely recommend that you use a high degree of caution when it comes to exercising outdoors. But if you’re stage 1 or 2 and you don’t use oxygen regularly, your doctor’s guidelines might be a little more lenient. 

Conclusion

As a COPD patient, consistent exercise is very important for your well-being. But severe weather conditions like high heat or excessive dryness or humidity can make this seem like an insurmountable task. So, if you want to exercise outdoor this summer, you should take some time to plan ahead, and as always, if you have any questions about coping with extreme weather, be sure to address them with your doctor or pulmonologist as soon as possible.

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If you’re looking for a brand new, used, or refurbished portable oxygen concentrator to help you get on your feet this summer, look no further than LPT Medical. We proudly offer pulse dose and continuous flow oxygen concentrators from some of the most reputable manufacturers on the market including but not limited to Caire, Inogen, and AirSep. While there are many different concentrators out there, our respiratory specialists will take the time to understand your wants and needs and recommend the perfect device for you. We also have a variety of different financing options available to help you pay off the device in a more manageable way. Reach out to us either by phone or email to speak with an oxygen concentrator specialist.

Activities of daily living (ADL) is a term that was first coined by Sidney Katz in 1950. Essentially, it refers to the basic functions that an individual must perform on a daily basis in order to be considered self-sufficient. By better understanding the level of independence of patients with debilitating illnesses like COPD, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer’s Disease, medical professionals are able to make better decisions for their patient’s well-being such as recommending medical equipment or an assisted living facility. Activities of daily living are generally divided into five distinct categories:

Personal Hygiene - bathing, grooming, hair care, and oral health

Continence - using the bathroom

Dressing - the ability to select clothing and dress for different occasions

Feeding - the ability to eat and drink

Ambulating - the ability to walk and move around independently

When it comes to managing your daily life with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s very important to consider how your condition affects your ability to live independently. Studies have shown that ADLs can be very challenging for respiratory patients because they can lead to dyspnea (shortness of breath) and oxygen desaturation, meaning the percentage of oxygen in the blood is lower than what it should be.

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In this post, we’ll take a look at the importance of supplemental oxygen for carrying out activities of daily living. We’ll also show you why portable oxygen concentrators are the best device to use for maintaining your freedom and independence. If you have any questions about these units, please feel free to leave a comment or reach out to our respiratory specialists.

What is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

A portable oxygen concentrator is an electronic device used to administer medical-grade oxygen. POCs are the most state-of-the-art oxygen units on the market because they’re extremely lightweight and versatile. Using a POC, you’ll be able to go more places and do more things than if you had a standard compressed oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank. Since they’re electronic devices, you simply need to have access to a source of power in order to recharge your batteries. You’ll never have the need to reach out to an oxygen company ever again to refill or deliver new tanks to your home!  

One of the greatest benefits of owning a portable oxygen concentrator is that they’re approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use. What this means is that you can take your POC with you on any commercial flight within the United States. This is a freedom that COPD patients never had in the past because compressed oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks are not allowed on flights for safety reasons. Upgrading your old outdated oxygen device to a portable oxygen concentrator quite literally opens up a world of possibilities! Without further ado, let’s take a look at why activities of daily living are so much easier when you have a portable oxygen concentrator.

Reduced Shortness of Breath

The human body has a complex system for managing breathing rate and breathing depth. Breathing is part of something called the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary physiologic processes like heart rate and blood pressure. However, you also have the ability to take control of your lungs through voluntary breathing. Exercises like deep breathing or controlled breathing are great for teaching you how to use your lungs more effectively.

One of the primary factors that affect respiratory rate is how much carbon dioxide is in the blood. When you are unable to expel air from the lungs fully — a problem that’s common among COPD patients — CO2 begins to build up in the bloodstream. This change in CO2 levels is detected by chemoreceptors which send a message to the medulla oblongata (the control center for the lungs) to increase respiratory rate. Other factors that affect respiratory rate and depth include atmospheric pressure, intra-alveolar pressure, and body temperature.

If you have COPD, interstitial lung disease, or any number of other respiratory conditions, the best way to reduce feelings of breathlessness is by increasing the concentration of oxygen in the lungs. By doing so, you will stabilize CO2 levels in your blood and the chemoreceptors will never send a message to your brain that you need to breathe quicker or more heavily. What this means when it comes to activities of daily living is that you won’t need to stop to catch your breath so frequently.

Using a portable oxygen concentrator throughout the day will prevent you from becoming breathless and thus reducing your chance of experience a COPD exacerbation. Many people find it difficult to keep up with their friends or loved ones because they need to stop to rest frequently. But with a portable oxygen concentrator, you can easily adjust the amount of oxygen you’re receiving based on how you’re feeling. It’s important to speak with your doctor, however, who will tell you what oxygen levels are acceptable.

Improved Mental Alertness

Your ability to complete daily tasks like eating, bathing, and cooking is equally reliant on your mental ability as it is your physical ability. When the oxygen levels in your blood are low this may result in brain hypoxia, also known as cerebral hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in the brain. Symptoms of brain hypoxia include temporary memory loss, impaired motor functions, confusion, lightheadedness, and more. 

Maintaining a “sharp” mind with age is notoriously difficult and living with a respiratory condition like COPD can make it even more challenging. However, by carrying a portable oxygen concentrator with you wherever you go and keeping your oxygen saturation at a healthy level, you’ll be able to rule out one potential cause of cognitive decline as you go about your daily life. Studies have found that there is a correlation between disease severity and cognitive decline, so the more you can do to slow the progress of COPD, the better off you will be in terms of your mental health as well.

A portable oxygen concentrator will provide you with a convenient and reliable source of oxygen as you go about your day. POCs like the Inogen One G5 and Caire FreeStyle Comfort simply need to be turned on and then you can adjust the flow setting however you need it. Then all you need to do is set it and forget it. Your POC will provide you with a steady supply of oxygen all day allowing you to go about your day with your oxygen needs out of mind. This will afford you the freedom to focus your attention on what you’re trying to accomplish rather than worrying about whether your needs are met.

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Another reason mental alertness is so important is for your safety. People experiencing cognitive decline, more specifically dementia, are at a higher risk of experiencing a fall. Like we discussed in a previous blog post, experiencing a fall, whether it’s inside or outside your home can be dangerous. Studies have also found that dementia patients are at a greater risk for car accidents. Whether you’re driving to the store or just doing chores around the house, maintaining your oxygen levels will keep your mind sharp so that you can navigate safely. 

Improved Exercise Tolerance

As you’re likely already aware, a healthy exercise routine is paramount to any COPD treatment plan. While exercise is important for everyone, it’s especially important for people with chronic lung conditions who need their lungs to perform as optimally as possible. Studies show that exercise increases the strength and function of muscles meaning that they require less oxygen. In other words, any form of exercise will benefit you in the long run. But if you want the best exercise routine, speak with your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a type of exercise routine that focuses on your lungs and respiratory system as a whole.

When you’re exercising, the rate and depth of your breathing increase because your muscles need more oxygen. What’s more, your heart rate and blood flow increase in order to get that oxygen to the parts of the body that are being worked the most. Not only do your muscles need this oxygen in order to provide them with energy, but oxygenated muscles tend to recover and rebuild faster than muscles that do not get oxygen. So your body will feel more prepared to go through a strenuous exercise the next day. 

Without a doubt, portable oxygen concentrators are the best oxygen device for exercising. Most pulse dose concentrators weigh around 5 pounds and are no bigger than a handbag or purse, so taking one with you when you do your exercise routine is hassle-free. Concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort also have a lot of carrying options available for them so you can find one that works best for the type of workout you’re doing. The custom carrying case, for example, is great for walking or hiking, but if you’re doing something more involved like weight lifting, you might want to go for the FreeStyle Comfort backpack.

Improved Mobility

Mobility is oftentimes one of the most discussed issues when it comes to aging, and for good reason. The older we get, the more likely we are to suffer from debilitating conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, impaired strength or balance, or dementia. COPD only makes these conditions worse by adding breathlessness, chest pain, and chronic fatigue to the mix. Sometimes, there isn’t one particular way of dealing with these issues, but instead, COPD patients should work with their doctor and loved ones to find the best solution for them.

While portable oxygen concentrators certainly don’t “solve” mobility issues, they can definitely help. Old outdated oxygen devices like oxygen tanks are extremely heavy and awkwardly shaped making it nearly impossible to navigate your home with ease. But when you upgrade to a POC, you’ll have a machine that you can carry around the house all day while completing chores and never feeling the need to set it down for a rest. If you use a mobility aid like a walker, wheelchair, or electric wheelchair, you can easily set your POC on your mobility for even more convenience and comfort.

Another benefit of having a portable oxygen concentrator is that it’s easier to prevent your oxygen tubing from getting tangled or tripping over it as you walk. Whether you carry your POC on your shoulder or your back, you won’t need to use long oxygen tubing. But since oxygen tanks are so heavy, you’ll need to use a rolling cart, meaning you’ll need to use much longer oxygen tubing. Many people find that their oxygen tubing gets tangled and wrapped around things while using an oxygen tank which is not only frustrating but dangerous as well.       

Conclusion

Activities of daily living are essential tasks that we need to perform each day in order to be independent. If COPD prevents you from doing one or more of these tasks, then you may need to consider hiring a part-time or full-time caretaker. Alternatively, you could invest in a medical oxygen device like a portable oxygen concentrator which allows you to extend your freedom and independence. Many COPD patients feel like they’re taken back in time when they get their first POC because they are able to do things they never thought would be possible after being diagnosed with COPD. 

One important thing to note is that oxygen is a controlled substance in the United States. In other words, you will need to have a prescription for medical oxygen from your doctor in order to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator. Whether you have a prescription or not, your best course of action is to give our respiratory specialists a call here at LPT Medical. If you don’t have the required paperwork to purchase a POC, we can reach out to your doctor for you. We’ll also walk you through the process of choosing a portable oxygen concentrator from start to finish. We’re also happy to announce that we now offer assistance with Medicare and medical financing so you can save as much money as possible on a new, used, or refurbished unit.

Give us a call or email us today for more information!

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is one of our highest in demand portable oxygen concentrators and for good reasons!

To name a few: 

- Its light weight 

- Its has powerful pulse flow operation 

- It has a long lasting battery 

- It has two battery options for longer battery life 

- The batteries are rechargeable 

- it is durable and rated to last a long time with minimal maintenance   

- Easy to travel with and FAA approved for air travel! 

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Watch this unboxing video to learn about what you will receive when you purchase a Caire Freestyle Comfort from yours truly, LPT Medical! 

The Caire Freestyle Comfort was designed with lifestyle in mind, if you are interested in traveling, exercising, or simply being more independent you need a device like the Freestyle comfort! 

Lightweight and Compact Design 

First and foremost, the Freestyle Comfort is lightweight, and only weighs 5 pounds. What does this mean for you, the oxygen user?

Five pounds is approximately the same as a half carton of soda pop, you will be able to carry your oxygen with you wherever you go without having to worry about getting exhausted from pulling a heavy cumbersome tank behind you. 

A lightweight device gives you freedom to enjoy things you once loved to do again! 

Not only is the device lightweight, it is also compact and sleek. It is a simple and elephant design, that won’t take up much space whether you sling it around your shoulder and let it rest on your hip, or if you opt to use the Caire backpack for easy transportation, the Freestyle Comfort will never get in your way! 

Battery Power Is Unmatched 

The battery power of the Freestyle comfort is compared to the best Inogen systems that are available today! That's saying a lot, because the Caire Freestyle Comfort by Respironics is competing with Inogen, the best oxygen brand out there! 

The average battery life of a portable oxygen concentrator on a setting of 3 is around 1-2 hours, and then you’ll have to recharge it! The Freestyle can last 3 hours with the 8 cell-battery 6 hours with the 16 cell-battery on a pulse flow setting of 3!

Longer battery life means more time with oxygen, but don't worry, when the battery runs low you can simply plug it into your wall outlet or use the DC charging cable and plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter and continue to use the device! 

If you don’t want to stay still and charge your device, no need to fret! You can get the external battery charger, and charge one of your extra batteries, so that you can simply switch your batteries when one runs low, and there ya go, more freedom to go and do as you please!

Powerful Pulse Flow Settings

The oxygen output is the very first priority when buying a portable oxygen concentrator because you obviously need an oxygen device to give you the medical grade oxygen you need to reach healthy oxygen levels. 

The Caire Freestyle Comfort gives you oxygen anywhere from 210 ml/min to 1050 ml/min which is a setting of 1-5. This covers most oxygen patients that need a pulse flow oxygen device, with wiggle room to increase the oxygen output if needed. 

What You Will Get with Your Caire Freestyle Comfort 

When you purchase a Caire FreeStyle Comfort, you are not only getting the portable oxygen concentrator, it will come with some additional accessories that will help you make the most out of your oxygen therapy device, as well as a 3 year warranty!

Portable oxygen concentrators run off battery power, and the Caire FreeStyle comes with the 8-cell Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. If you want a more powerful battery, you have the option to get the large Caire FreeStyle 16-cell battery. You will also get an AC adapter and the DC car adapter, which allows you to charge your device in a traditional wall outlet, or in the car using the cigarette lighter. If you want another way to charge your device, you can purchase the Caire Freestyle external battery charger separately. With the external charger you can keep your batteries charged no matter where you are in the world.

When you buy a Caire FreeStyle Comfort, you will also receive the Caire FreeStyle custom carrying case that comes with a convenient shoulder strap. You can also opt for another carrying method with the Caire Freestyle comfort backpack, this way you have several options to choose from when you carry your device with you. 

With the purchase of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, you will receive:

• 8-Cell Battery 
• AC Charging Cable
• DC Charging Cable
• Caire Freestyle Custom Carrying Case 
• Tubing
• Filter
• Manual
• 3 year long warranty

Any Questions? 

Oxygen devices can be confusing, there are a lot of brands and all of the machines offer something different. Understanding what you need and what is going to service you best is not always obvious. You can learn a lot in a conversation from the most experienced oxygen distributors out there!

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If you want to learn more about what the Caire Freestyle Comfort can do for you, call 1(800)-946-1201. We would also be happy to teach you more about other devices that we have to offer which may work even better for you depending on your lifestyle and oxygen requirements!