Are you newly diagnosed with COPD? Do not make these common mistakes, read this post to learn about what and how to avoid complications early on! 

Getting diagnosed with COPD can seem overwhelming, especially when it catches you by surprise. It's often even more overwhelming to get used to all the new treatments, medications and lifestyle changes required to keep your lungs healthy, especially while you're still trying to come to terms with your diagnosis.

As a chronic disease, COPD requires constant work and careful decision-making to keep the symptoms under control. Because of this, it's no surprise that new COPD patients make a variety of mistakes that can affect their health and well-being.

Between making changes to your diet, exercise routine, medications, and many other activities of daily life, there are a lot of opportunities for error. As you adjust to life with COPD, it's important to avoid making mistakes that could serious consequences for your health, or at least catch and correct them early on.

That's why you should learn and pay attention to the mistakes that other new COPD patients tend to make. It helps you learn more about your disease, what to look out for, and how to keep your body and lungs as healthy as possible.

In this guide, we're going to help you avoid common pitfalls by showing you the mistakes that new COPD patients frequently make. Along with each mistake we've provided solutions so you'll know how to avoid that mistake and do the correct thing instead.

By taking the time to learn from others' mistakes, you'll be much less likely to encounter the same problems yourself. In the next sections, we'll give you all the information you need to avoid falling into the same pitfalls that other patients end up in.

However, it's important to remember that mistakes and struggles are inevitable as you adjust to the many changes that getting diagnosed with COPD brings. But if you educate yourself now, you can easily correct these mistakes and avoid serious problems that could permanently affect your health.

A major part of keeping your lungs healthy and keeping your COPD under control is learning everything you can about your disease. It also means being an active, motivated participant in your treatment and knowing what you shouldn't do just as much as the things you should.

The Mistake: Not Using Your Inhaler Correctly

While inhalers may seem like fairly straightforward devices, a surprisingly large percentage of patients don't use their inhaler correctly. This happens to many patients who never learned the proper technique or forgot the correct steps over time. Other patients get too complacent or careless and skip steps to save time, not realizing each step is important.

Most of the mistakes patients make with their inhalers have to do with preparing the inhaler and using the right breathing technique. This is a serious problem, since these steps are necessary for getting the medication into the lungs where it needs to work.

Unfortunately, many doctors don't do their due diligence in training their patients to use their inhalers correctly. Even though doctors are supposed to check patients' inhaler technique at every appointment, it is often rare for them to take the time to do it properly in practice.

It doesn't help that many doctors don't even know proper inhaler technique themselves, meaning they can't give their patients adequate instruction. Luckily, the medical community has recently acknowledged the extent of this problem and is making efforts to raise awareness among doctors to correct it.

Here are some of the common mistakes to look out for:

• Not shaking the inhaler before each puff
• Not exhaling fully before using the inhaler
• Not holding the inhaler in the correct position
• Not timing your inhale with the spray from the inhaler
• Not inhaling deeply enough
• Not inhaling slowly enough
• Not holding your breath after inhaling the medication
• Inhaling through your nose instead of your mouth

Making any of these mistakes can result in getting too little medication or none of the medication that you need. This can be very dangerous when you suffer from COPD, because you need your full dose to prevent serious symptoms and exacerbations.

The Solution: Learning Proper Inhaler Technique

Because all inhalers are different, the only way to ensure that you're using your inhaler correctly is to re-read your inhaler's instructions and re-evaluate your technique. That means going over all the steps and guidelines in the information packet that comes with your medication.

This is important whether you're a newly diagnosed COPD patient or you have been treating your disease for some time. No matter how well you think you know it, it never hurts to double check.

You should also take your inhaler with you to every doctor's appointment so you can show your doctor exactly how you usually use it. That way, your doctor can identify any mistakes you make and show you the correct technique.

Every time you use your inhaler, make sure you follow every step and don't rush or cut any corners. Don't forget to shake or prime your inhaler if needed, and always remember to exhale before using it.

Timing your inhale with the spray from your inhaler is extremely important, but also difficult, which is why this step tends to cause patients the most problems. It may take some practice to time correctly, and you may need to use a spacer attached to the mouthpiece to help you do it right.

Studies show that when you inhale too early, then you only get about 35% of the full dose you're supposed to get. If you inhale to late, however, you end up spraying the medication in your mouth and throat instead of inhaling it into your lungs. This makes the medication ineffective and puts your lungs at risk.

To make sure you inhale at the right time and get the full dose, start breathing in slowly just before you press the button to release the medicine. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply as you feel the spray to draw the medication all the way into your lungs.

Remember that inhaling the medication isn't the last step; you still have to hold your breath to keep it in your lungs. Most recommend holding your breath for about ten seconds, then you can slowly and gently exhale.

If you are using an inhaler that contains steroid medications, then you still aren't done quite yet. To prevent the medication from drying out your mouth and throat, you need to rinse your mouth out with water before you're done.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about using your inhaler, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. You can also ask your pharmacist to demonstrate how to use your inhaler(s) or to answer any other questions you have.

You can also find tips and information online for a variety of different types of inhalers. However, this should never be a replacement for the information you can get from your doctor and prescription information.

The Mistake: Not Knowing When to Take Which Medications

Nearly all COPD patients take two major types of medications: maintenance medications and quick-relief medications (also known as rescue medications). Both medications are delivered via inhaler, which is why patients sometimes get them confused.

This can be dangerous, because you need to use both medications correctly in order to treat your COPD effectively and keep your symptoms under control. Mixing up the two medications or forgetting to take them at the right time could make your symptoms worse or cause you to have a serious COPD exacerbation.

Other medications can be confusing to use, too, especially if you are only supposed to take them on certain occasions. For example, many doctors prescribe oral antibiotics and steroid medications for their patients to use as needed to prevent and treat COPD exacerbations.

The Solution: Following Your COPD Action Plan

Every COPD patient should get a COPD action plan from their doctor shortly after getting diagnosed. If you haven't received one yet, ask your doctor to work one up for you, as studies show that they help patients better manage COPD at home.

A COPD Action plan acts like a set of guidelines for you to follow based on how bad your symptoms are from day to day. For example, most action plans have three major “zones” that correspond to the severity of your symptoms; the first zone is for when you are feeling fine, the second for mild flare-ups, and the third for more serious symptoms and complications.

Click here to see what a sample COPD action plan looks like.

Every day, you should evaluate your symptoms to determine what “zone” to look at. Then, you simply follow the instructions in that zone for what medications and what doses you should take. Most action plans also include guidelines to let you know when its safe to exert yourself and at what point you should call your doctor when your symptoms flare up.

Because most COPD patients have several different medications to keep track of, it's extremely important to take the time to learn all of the important facts about each of your medications. That includes learning their full names, what they look like, and what you are supposed to use them for.

This ensures that you can match your medications with the instructions in your COPD action plan and use them exactly as your doctor directs you to. It also makes you much less likely to mix your medications up, take them at the wrong time, or forget about them altogether.

You should also bring a complete list of your medications with you anytime you go to the hospital or doctor's office. This will make it easier for the medical professionals who look after you to ensure you get the best treatment possible.

It is also important to bring this list with you whenever you travel, especially if you will be taking your medication with you on a bus, train, or airplane. You may need to present your list of medications to travel personnel, and it will come in handy if you need medical attention while you're away from your regular doctor.

The Mistake: Not Quitting Smoking

One of the most important things you can do for your health when you have COPD is to stop smoking. Unfortunately, too many patients believe it's too late for them to quit and continue to smoke even after their COPD diagnosis.

The thing is, even after you've developed COPD, there are still enormous benefits to quitting. In fact, having COPD makes it even more imperative to quit, since continuing to smoke can cause your disease to rapidly get worse.

COPD is a result of reduced lung function, often due to smoking, but continuing to smoke after COPD has set in will only harm your lungs even more. Smoking causes you to lose lung function at an accelerated rate compared to COPD patients who are able to quit.

Reduced lung function will make it even more difficult to breathe, do physical activities, and can significantly reduce your quality of life. If you quit, however, you may even see an improvement in your COPD symptoms, and you can enjoy the lung function and lifestyle you have for much longer.

While quitting smoking cannot reverse the damage that's already been done to your lungs, it can slow down the damage from getting worse. It can also increase your lifespan and reduce the number of exacerbations, flare-ups, and hospitalizations you experience because of your COPD.

Don't forget that quitting can reduce your chances for a variety of other serious health problems as well. For example, you can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke if you successfully quit smoking.

The Solution: Making the Decision to Quit

It's important for every COPD patient to understand that it is never too late to quit smoking. Whether you are 25 or 65, you can improve your health and possibly even your lifespan by making the decision to quit today.

It's not an easy decision to make, and it's even harder to actually follow through. However, every year at least 350,000 smokers in the US are able to quit completely, and there's no reason why you can't be one of them.

Although quitting is hard, there are many things you can do to increase your chances of success. For example, using a quit-smoking medication or joining a quit-smoking program can make your quit attempt more likely to succeed.

When you make the decision to quit, remember that you are not alone and there are many ways to get support. First, you should talk to your doctor to see what kinds of medications and support programs are available to help you.

You may want to try nicotine replacement therapy, which is proven to increase smoking cessation rates. There are many different forms available, too, including nicotine gum, skin patches, tablets, oral sprays, and inhalers.

For more information on how to quit smoking, visit the CDC's website for a variety of helpful links and resources. You can also find helpful quit-smoking tips from the American Lung Association's website or from smokefree.gov.

Don't be discouraged if your first, second, or even tenth attempt to quit smoking ends up failing. It takes most smokers at least six attempts to quit smoking, and sometimes up to twenty, before they are able to quit long-term.

As the CDC puts it, “Quitting smoking is a marathon, not a sprint,” and you have to be in it for the long term if you truly want to live smoke free. Even though it is a long and difficult process, it is more than worth the benefits you will receive through improved health, reduced COPD symptoms, and your overall quality of life.

The Mistake: Not Eating a COPD-Healthy Diet

In order to keep your lungs and the rest of your body strong, you need to feed them the nutrients they need. That means eating a healthy, balanced diet every day to give your body fuel to work as efficiently as possible.

Unfortunately, many new patients find that controlling their weight and eating healthy foods is difficult with COPD. The disease can make it difficult to exercise and prepare healthy meals, both of which are vital for a healthy lifestyle.

COPD can make it difficult to lose weight and difficult to gain weight, which is why some patients struggle with being underweight while others struggle with obesity. Either situation is bad for your health and can make it more difficult to breathe.

If you get too few calories and nutrients, then your lungs won't have enough fuel to keep up with your body's needs. However, eating too much and gaining weight puts extra strain on your muscles and lungs, which can also make your COPD symptoms worse.

Also, because COPD makes your lungs less efficient, it means they have to work harder than healthy lungs in order to get enough oxygen to your body. This means that COPD patients need more calories and more nutrients to fuel the needs of their lungs and breathing muscles.

Another danger that many new COPD are unaware of is eating a diet that's too high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates actually put extra strain on your lungs when digested, because they release large amounts of CO2 that then has to be processed through your lungs.

The Solution: Eating Whole Foods and Balanced Meals

Is spending the upfront cash on a high-quality oxygen machine really worth It? How do you know you're making the best choice? 

Read this blog to learn about all of the ways having a portable oxygen concentrator can impact you life. In this post, you will also learn which oxygen devices help you pursue your goals, while others may hold you back! 

Oxygen and medical equipment for people with chronic conditions like COPD, lung failure, or cystic fibrosis is an essential part of daily life. 

Some patients need oxygen 24/7, while others only need it while they sleep or just when they exercise.

No matter the case, getting the appropriate amount of oxygen is a crucial part of treatment that can add years to your life. Chronic lung conditions are also known as progressive disease, meaning they get worse over time.

The general decline in health or function will get worse faster if the condition goes untreated. Once the condition goes untreated, there are more risks of infection that could cause other issues not only in the respiratory system, but the circulatory system, bones, and muscles as well.

Treating your condition with a treatment plan set by you and your healthcare team is the only way you can avoid hospitalization, because there is no cure for chronic conditions, so once the damage is done, all you can do is try to keep it from getting worse. 

To learn more about COPD and life expectancy you can read the article linked in blue. 

What is Supplemental Oxygen Therapy 

Once your disease progresses to a certain degree of severity, supplementary oxygen therapy becomes a crucial part of your treatment, and it is not “optional”.  Your blood oxygen levels are so low that your body cannot function properly anymore, and without the therapy other parts of your system will break down and health issues will occur much more frequently. 

Supplementary oxygen therapy is one of the principal treatments your doctor will recommend and prescribe to you once your blood oxygen levels reach hypoxic levels. 

That's right…

You will need a doctor’s prescription in order to buy an oxygen device from a licensed distributor. Of course, there are knock off portable oxygen concentrators that are advertised to help people who have a hard time breathing, but these devices do not work and buying a cheap oxygen device will only cost you more money in the long run. Not to mention it will do no good in treating your condition, so it is also a waste of valuable time you could be spending saving your life! 

Most oxygen users have the choice of which oxygen method they prefer to use…

You will most likely be able to choose between a portable oxygen concentrator, a liquid oxygen tank, or a gas oxygen tank.

Here is Why Portable Oxygen Concentrators Make the Most Sense Financially

There are pros and cons that come with each method, however, a portable oxygen concentrator is a far better choice for people who are looking to travel, maintain an active lifestyle, and are looking to save some money.

Save money on a portable oxygen concentrator?? There's no way! 

Yup, in the long run you will actually save money by purchasing a portable oxygen concentrators from LPT Medical rather than spending the cash on refilling you tanks fro the rest of your life. 

Once you own a portable oxygen concentrator like the ARYA Artivto Max you have an unlimited amount of oxygen. Simply recharge the device, and you're set to breathe all day long!

Portable Oxygen Concentrators Work Just as Well as Tanks, If Not Better!

So, how does your portable oxygen concentrator administer oxygen? 

Your portable oxygen concentrator comes with either a 8 cell or 16 cell rechargeable lithium ion battery, and depending on the device you have it will last anywhere from 2 hours - 16 hours! The battery is what powers the device to extract air from the surrounding environment and the filter inside the device cleans the air of particles and purifies the oxygen you breathe in through the tubing into medical grade oxygen. 

Portable oxygen concentrators are sleek and compact, compared to a cumbersome oxygen tank.

Most of the pulse flow oxygen devices are no larger than a regular sizer handbag, and they all come with a custom carrying that makes everyday chorus and traveling around with your oxygen a breeze. 

Get the Oxygen you Need in Order to Take Care of Other Parts of your Life 

The other factor you must consider while handling a chronic lung disease is that supplemental oxygen won’t cure anything, it will simply give you the oxygen you need that will support other parts of your life. This means that oxygen will help you get on track with your exercise routine, mental health, and sleep. 

So you will need to treat the disease in other ways in order to minimize the risk of experiencing exacerbated symptoms. And besides things like taking your medications and bronchodilators, oxygen will give you the tools to exercise and sleep better, which will in-turn improve your mood and help with breathing related depression and anxiety.

Say No To Cumbersome Outdated Oxygen Tanks 

That being said, having the right oxygen equipment makes a big difference when it comes to the user's experience and overall livelihood.

Tanks and canisters take away basic human freedoms and leave the oxygen patients at the will of their oxygen delivery service company, they are tied down to the enormous reservoirs while at home, and the canisters only last so long while on the go. 

Also, don’t even think about traveling far… oxygen tanks and canisters are not allowed on any aircraft.

Traveling by car with an oxygen tank or the small canisters is always risky, not only because it's flammable, but also because the tank could run out and if you don't bring extra oxygen you will have to pay a pretty penny to get your oxygen refilled outside of your area. 

What are your Portable Oxygen Concentrators Options 

There are several brands of concentrators that are reliable and built with integrity, these brands include:

1. Inogen Oxygen

2. Respironics 

3. Oxlife (O2 Concepts)   

4. Inova Labs

Brands like Inogen specialize in pulse flow devices and they recently put out a device that is remarkable because of its small size and weight yet its ability to give off oxygen at a rate sufficient for almost any oxygen user that needs pulse flow operation, and we are talking about the Inogen One G5.

The One G5 has long lasting battery life and it only weighs 4.7 pounds, meaning you can carry this device with you either in its custom shoulder bag, or in the One G5 backpack. 

If you don't require a pulse flow operation that is higher than 4 or 5, you could use the Caire Freestyle Comfort or the Inogen One G3, and have a device that is lightweight and last for hours on one charge!

If you need continuous flow you can still use a battery powered portable oxygen concentrator! These devices will be heavier and larger than pulse flow devices because they require more power, but they are still very easy to move and travel with.  

The Respironic Simply Go is the lightest weight continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on the market, and it weighs 10 pounds!

It is equipped with a battery that is rated to last up to 6 hours of battery life on a pulse flow setting of 2 and up to 1.8 Hours of battery life continuous flow setting of 2! 

If you are interested in the Respironics SimplyGoyou will also get: 

• 1x Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case

Even if you are not short of breath, or experiencing symptoms of breathlessness, you blood oxygen levels could be dangerously low! Read this blog to learn about how much oxygen you are getting compared to how much you need. 

The hallmark symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, or feeling breathless. It's certainly one of the most common symptoms, as well as that most invasive. Whether you're the person with COPD or the caregiver, shortness of breath is scary and unsettling for everyone involved.

There are devices called pulse oximeters, which measure your oxygen saturation levels. This is important for COPD patients to know how much oxygen they are able to process. Pulse oximeters have become more popular and accessible in recent years. 

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This is both a good and bad thing because COPD patients may be relying as much on their oximetry results as their actual symptoms when evaluating their breathing capabilities. It can cause a lot of confusion. 

The confusion comes from having a "normal" oxygen saturation level, but still feeling extremely short of breath. Also, it might be hard to notice any symptoms even when your oxygen saturation levels are dangerously low. 

We are going to clear up this confusion in this blog.

The Difference Between Shortness of Breath and Being Hypoxic

There are the three main factors that impact how well your body is able to take up and use oxygen.

1. How well your lungs absorb oxygen into your body and release carbon dioxide. 
2. How well your heart is able to pump oxygen throughout your body.
3. How well your cells and muscles use the oxygen they get from your blood.

Obviously, various diseases like COPD or heart disease will inhibit some or all three of those factors. COPD causes intense lung damage, and even cardiac problems, that definitely can impact all three of these.Treatment methods including medication, supplemental oxygen therapy,  and exercise can help in improving the way your body utilizes oxygen, and in turn, making you less short of breath. 

Feeling breathless

Have you ever felt yourself gasping for air, or feeling out of breath even when you’re not exerting yourself? Well this can happen to anyone, and while it is a common symptom of COPD, not everyone who feels short of breath has COPD. 

Breathlessness is associated with lung damage and/or airway inflammation but it can also be caused by: 

1. Heart health
2. How fit you are
3. Emotions
4. Weather
5. Altitude
6. Infection
7. Low red blood cell count (anemia)

Even if you are t feeling breathless, this does not always mean that you are hypoxic.

Being Hypoxic or Having Hypoxemia

There is a difference between hypoxemia and being hypoxic. Hypoxia is when there is a low level of oxygen in your blood. Being hypoxic means that not enough oxygen is getting to your body's cells. 

These impact your body at two different stages when your body is working to absorb oxygen.  

You can find your oxygen saturation level and test whether or not you have these conditions. There are two ways to measure it:

1. Arterial blood gases test. This takes place at your doctor’s or a with a lab tech
2. Using a pulse oximeter. This you can do on your own, and the small device fits over a finger tip. It uses infrared rays to measure the percentage of oxygen in your blood.

Oxygen saturation is largely dependent on your overall health. This can be indicated by how fast you are breathing during activity and rest.

A typical healthy person has oxygen saturation levels that range from 95 to 100%.When saturation levels drop to 90% and below that is considered low and unhealthy. COPD patients often dip below 90% at times.

Feeling Breathless But Not Hypoxic

Now that you have an understanding of oxygen saturation, and the symptoms associated with low levels of oxygen, you might be wondering, “Why am I so short of breath, but my oxygen levels are still normal?" 

Well, even if you're experiencing extreme breathlessness, but your oxygen saturation levels remain in that 95% - 100% healthy range, then supplemental oxygen will not solve your problem. 

Instead, you need to learn how to recover from breathlessness. Try stopping what you’re doing and resting right away.

After stopping the action that caused your breathlessness try these additional actions:

1. Remind yourself that you know what to do. Taking action can help you overcome the anxiety that often goes along with being short of breath.
2. Position yourself to breathe easier. Leaning forward or bending over helps drop your abdomen away from your lungs, making breathing easier. Lean your arms on your knees or on some stationary object like the wall or a counter. (I remember often seeing my dad doing this, especially after a severe coughing spell.)
3. Work on controlling your breathing. If you know how to do diaphragmatic or pursed lip breathing, then do so. If you haven't learned those techniques yet, then at least work on slowing and deepening your breaths in and out.
4. Once you are feeling better and more in control of your breaths, it may be time to resume whatever you had been doing. But you may need to modify the intensity to avoid re-triggering your breathlessness.

Pulmonary rehab is another great tool that can be beneficial in teaching you how to avoid and/or deal with this symptom. These are classes you take with trained professionals, they teach you breathing exercises and physical activities that are good for your level of health. 

You can also look into a rescue, or quick-relief, inhaler. Talk with your doctor about these options, because they can offer some relief in your situation. 

Hypoxic But Not Feeling Breathless 

Even if you are not feeling at all breathless, your oxygen levels can still be low, and this is an important concept to understand. Low oxygen saturation levels are not healthy, do not  ignore it. Get your oxygen levels tested regularly, even if you are not short of breath.

If you do measure low oxygen levels during a blood test, or while conducting pulse oximeter tests. Speak with your doctor right away about the next steps you must take to get your levels to normal. 

This is often when people need a portable oxygen concentrator to use as their additional source of oxygen. Devices like the Inogen One G5, and the ARYA P5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator often oxygen patients medical grade oxygen they can use 24/7. 

It means your blood and tissues are not getting the oxygen they need to survive, and it needs to be addressed right away.

The answer to hypoxia is supplemental oxygen therapy. However, how much and how often you need oxygen depends on the progression of hypoxia you are experiencing and your health care team will determine this. It is also important that your healthcare team helps you with a plan for how often to measure your oxygen levels with a home pulse oximeter.

Overview 

If you have COPD, remember that shortness of breath (and other symptoms, such as coughing) are an important thing to take note of. Track your symptoms to measure your current health status and how your health changes over time.

As far as knowing your oxygen saturation level, you will need to monitor this regularly because even if you are not short of breath your oxygen levels could be low, and that is dangerous. This is around the time you will need to call LPT Medical at 1+(800)-946-1201 to talk about your oxygen device options. On the other hand, and unfortunately so, it is entirely possible to be short of breath, but have healthy oxygen saturation.

Here at LPT Medical, we’ve always taken pride in offering respiratory patients the resources they need to make educated decisions about their condition. With all the misinformation that’s out there on the web, it’s been our top priority to provide detailed, transparent, and factual information about issues that affect you the most such as oxygen therapy, diet, and exercise. 

Rather than discussing untested alternative therapies or drastic lifestyle changes, we focus on practical solutions that are backed by decades of scientific studies. We also like to stress the importance of having open lines of communication with your doctor and pulmonologist, because ultimately, he/she understands the complexities of the disease you face better than anyone.

Given the current circumstances regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we understand if you’re skeptical of any information that you read on the internet. In times like these, people often rush to disseminate information without taking the time to first verify its validity. To counter this, we’re going to stick to a topic that we know and love — portable oxygen concentrators.

If you’re stuck at home due to the coronavirus lockdowns, you may be wondering what use you’d have with a “portable” oxygen concentrator. After all, these oxygen machines were designed for people who want to get out of their house and get moving. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t a great option for people with a sedentary lifestyle as well. Read on to learn more and be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page if you want to speak with a respiratory specialist.

What is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a device that takes ambient air, removes nitrogen, argon, and other impurities, and puts out high-grade medical oxygen. Until recently, all oxygen concentrators were immobile and they had to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to operate. This wasn’t ideal, because many oxygen patients felt restricted in what they could do and accomplish in their day-to-day life.

In the early 2000s, oxygen concentrators began to be replaced by lightweight portable oxygen concentrators. Rather than running off of a wall outlet, these new oxygen machines had batteries that could be charged and replaced, making it easier than ever for oxygen patients to get out of the house with the comfort of having access to high-grade medical oxygen wherever they went. While these new oxygen generators had many benefits over their counterparts, home oxygen concentrators remain popular to this day.

There are two different types of portable oxygen concentrators on the market: continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators and pulse dose (pulse flow) portable oxygen concentrators. A pulse dose unit conserves power by only administering oxygen when the user inhales and a continuous flow unit puts out a constant stream of oxygen. Because they have to filter more air, continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators tend to be a lot larger and bulkier. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons portable oxygen concentrators are often the best option for in-home oxygen therapy.

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1.) You Can Navigate Your Home More Easily

Although portable oxygen concentrators are designed for people who want to get out of the house, people often forget that they’re also a great option for anyone who wants to navigate their home more easily as well. From doing chores to cooking dinner and performing your daily pulmonary exercise routine, it’s imperative that COPD patients stay as active as possible.

First and foremost, portable oxygen concentrators are the lightest oxygen devices on the market. Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators usually weigh under 6 pounds which is light enough to sling over your shoulder and carry with you wherever you go without suffering back pain or fatigue. The Inogen One G5, for example, weighs in at just 4.7 pounds and it still has a higher oxygen output than most POCs on the market. 

On the other hand, people who use an oxygen tank or home oxygen concentrator find that there’s a lot to be desired. When it comes to compressed oxygen, the size of the unit directly correlates to the amount of oxygen you’ll have access to. This is because oxygen can only be compressed to a certain pound-force per square inch (psi) before it becomes too dangerous to use. Home oxygen concentrators will provide you with an infinite supply of oxygen, but they need to be plugged into an electrical outlet at all times, meaning they’re not ideal for someone who wants to navigate their home more easily.  

2.) They’re Safer Than Their Alternatives

Safety should be a top priority when handling oxygen. Although oxygen is an essential gas that we depend on every day for our survival, it also has a lot of risks associated with it when it’s not handled properly. Contrary to popular belief, oxygen is not a flammable gas, but it is what’s called an oxidizer. This means that anything that oxygen is exposed to, it becomes more flammable. In other words, a fire that’s exposed to high levels of oxygen will burn more easily than a fire that is not exposed to high levels of oxygen.

The problem with compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, and home oxygen concentrators is that they all use continuous flow oxygen delivery. If you happen to drop your nasal cannula and leave it there, you could be putting yourself and loved ones in danger. However, the pulse dose technology that’s used in many portable oxygen concentrators cuts off the oxygen supply if no breath is detected. While this is implemented in order to save battery life, it also acts as a safety mechanism.

With everything that’s going on in the world right now, it’s imperative that you feel safe within your own home. You likely already spend a lot of time disinfecting your home and following all other coronavirus prevention protocol, so having a safe oxygen concentrator will give you one less thing to worry about during these uncertain times. 

3.) They’re More Affordable Than Their Alternatives

Unfortunately, many people will invest in a home oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank with the assumption that it’s the cheapest option available to them. But when you take into consideration both upfront and long-term costs, you’ll find that portable oxygen concentrators can be as cost-effective if not more so than their counterparts.

Oxygen tanks are appealing to many oxygen users because of their low upfront cost. You can purchase an oxygen tank for several hundred dollars, but this doesn’t take into account the costs that will be incurred over the next several months and years. If you want to refill your own oxygen tanks, you’ll need to buy what’s called a “home fill station.” These will run you several thousand dollars, not to mention they take up a lot of space. Alternatively, if you choose to have a professional refill your oxygen tanks, you’ll likely incur hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in service costs.

When you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll eliminate the majority of these long-term costs. These machines are designed to be energy efficient and they’re made of durable components that will last for years to come without needing to be replaced. In fact, most POCs on the market are designed to last 5 years or more. In the event that you receive a defective unit, you’ll be happy to know that most POCs come with a 3-year warranty which can often be extended to 5-year or even a lifetime warranty.

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4.) They Offer More Choices for Patients

Life is all about choices, and the more choices we have, the more freedom we have. Unfortunately, home oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks don’t offer much in the way of options. While you will be able to choose between different brands, there isn’t a large degree of difference between the actual units themselves aside from quality and size.

Portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, offer plenty of options you can choose from, allowing you to pick something that matches your lifestyle. For example, you could purchase a POC like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort which provides you with an outstanding 1,050 ml/min of oxygen or if you want your POC to be as light as possible, you can buy the AirSep Focus which weighs in at only 1.75 pounds! 

Another freedom you’ll enjoy with portable oxygen concentrators is the wide range of accessories that’s available for them. Most POCs are released with accessories such as carrying bags, backpacks, rolling carts, battery packs, and external battery charges, all of which enable you to customize and improve your oxygen experience.

5.) Many POCs Offer Telehealth Services

Telehealth is a fairly new concept, but it’s one that’s shaping the future of healthcare. In fact, in the wake of the novel coronavirus, the need for telehealth services has seen a sharp increase due to the fact that more people are staying home, and people with chronic conditions like COPD want to have access to health services without leaving the home. According to a survey by Black Book Market Research, 59 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to use telehealth services given the current circumstances; 33 percent even said they would leave their current physician for one who supports it.

It may surprise you to know that portable oxygen concentrators are paving the way for telehealth technology in many ways. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort, for example, comes equipped with a program called CAIREview™. Essentially, what this does is provides a cost-effective oxygen usage tracking solution for anyone who owns this travel oxygen concentrator. When you want to learn about your oxygen usage, simply download the app on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. You can even have information sent directly to your pulmonologist.

Another example of telehealth services is the Inogen Connect app for the Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrators. This application is similar to the CAIREview™ but it provides some additional functionality. For example, you’ll receive system updates for your G4 and G5 that can fix glitches in the system. You can also receive special discounts and coupons directly from Inogen. The best part of all is that it’s 100 percent free to download and use.

Last but certainly not least, we offer a free Thrive ePulmonary Advanced workshop FREE with the purchase of any portable oxygen concentrator. This is one of the most reputable and trusted online learning programs and you can experience its full benefits without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. The program includes the following:

• Step-by-step breathing exercises
• Online e-books and respiratory guides
• Access to private support groups
• Access to medical professionals including pulmonologists and respiratory therapists
• Learn skills to help slow the progression of your disease
  
  
  
  

There’s no understating the importance of telehealth services during uncertain times like these. By investing in a portable oxygen concentrator rather than another type of oxygen therapy, you’ll be more connected than ever before despite not being able to leave your home. As a COPD patient, you’ll be able to closely track your oxygen usage and have that information sent directly for your pulmonologist to interpret it.

6.) They’re Great for 24/7 Use

In certain situations, patients may be required to use supplemental oxygen while they sleep. This is more common in people with severe COPD or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the airways are blocked off during sleep. When this happens, you will need a reliable source of medical oxygen that’s designed for 24/7 use. Most portable oxygen concentrators support nighttime use and POCs like the Inogen One G5 even have a special Sleep Mode Technology that will help deliver precise oxygen boluses while you sleep.

One thing to note about sleeping with oxygen is that pulse dose concentrators are NOT compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines. The reason for this is because pulse dose concentrators need to be able to detect your breathing to a tee in order to deliver oxygen at the right time. Unfortunately, CPAP and BiPAP machines interfere with this process so you’ll need to use a continuous flow oxygen machine. Home oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks will work well with your CPAP machine, but continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators will be the ideal choice.

7.) They’re the Best Long-Term Option 

Truthfully, the coronavirus lockdown isn’t something we’re going to have to deal with forever. In fact, many states are already talking about ways to reopen their economies and allow people to safely reintegrate into public areas. While it will likely be some time before COPD patients will want to get back out into the world, it’s in your best interest to be prepared for when it does happen.

One thing you’ll probably want to do once the time comes is to start traveling again and in which case, you’re going to want to have a portable oxygen concentrator rather than a bulky oxygen tank. POCs are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use both inside and outside of the United States. They’re also approved by most cruise lines along with other types of transportation.

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Conclusion

The last couple of months have been very challenging for many people, especially those with chronic conditions that put them at a higher risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Many COPD patients, in particular, are concerned about how they will continue to receive the medical help they need despite not being able to visit their doctor. Fortunately, things like telehealth services are available that can make this a little easier. 

When it comes to choosing a medical oxygen device, there are plenty of great options, but we strongly believe portable oxygen concentrators offer the greatest short- and long-term benefits without breaking the bank. If you’d like to learn more about the POCs we have to offer, please fill out the contact form at the side of the page and one of our respiratory specialists will reach out to you as soon as possible.

The past several months have been challenging for many people across the world. With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), most of us are filled with uncertainty about our health and financial well-being. While many people have lost their jobs, older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions like COPD or diabetes, have had to drastically adjust their lifestyle to avoid getting sick.

Last week, we told you seven things that COPD patients need to know about COVID-19. This guide is a great place to start if you want to know the best way to deal with the coronavirus as a COPD patient. In it, you’ll find information about what exactly the new virus is and why it’s so important for respiratory patients to take extra precautions when it comes to social distancing, sanitation, and sheltering in place.

One important point we discussed in this article was staying active. Despite most of us being in our homes all day and night, exercise remains a key part of treating respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need to get out of your house in order to exercise effectively. 

In this post, we’ll take a look at six tips you should know before exercising at home. While these can act as guidelines to get you started, it’s strongly recommended that you first speak with your doctor or pulmonologist to learn what exercise routines are best for you. In the meantime, if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section at the bottom of the page or fill out the contact form at the side of the page.

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Practice Good Posture

Good posture is paramount not only for exercising, but for managing COPD symptoms in general. Posture simply means the way that you hold and carry your body throughout the day. Someone with bad posture may experience back pain, fatigue, or other adverse symptoms, while someone with good posture will avoid any unnecessary and excessive strain on their body.

As we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a good posture. When we become weaker, we begin to reinforce bad habits that we’ve developed over the course of our life, so late adulthood is a great time to reevaluate the way we sit, stand, and even walk. According to this Harvard report, poor posture can lead to muscle weakness, spasms, and put stress on your neck and lower back. Over time, it can even impair your ability to exercise which is the very goal you’re trying to accomplish in the first place.

Fixing a bad posture is something that you’ll have to actively work at and it’s not something you can necessarily fix overnight. However, by taking things one step at a time, you’ll be able to reverse bad habits that you’ve developed over the course of your life.

Forward Neck 

The first sign of incorrect posture is a forward neck. This happens when someone pushes their head and neck forward away from their center of gravity and usually develops in people who use their computer frequently. This also occurs more commonly in people who are hard of hearing because they find themselves leaning forward to hear a sound more acutely.

The key to fixing a forward neck posture is to strengthen your upper thoracic extensors. These are the muscles that help keep your head aligned with your shoulders. One way to do this is with chin tucks. Each morning you wake up, roll your shoulders back and drop them. Then press your chin gently backwards. Repeat this several times a day and you’ll notice your neck muscles getting stronger.

Another way to fix this posture is to change the way you sit at a desk. If you use a computer or laptop frequently, try raising it up so that it’s at eye level. If it’s below eye level, you may be tempted to bend over to view the screen. You can also try using a standing desk or using a chair that has support all the way up your back. 

Postural Kyphosis

Also known as a “hunched” back, postural kyphosis is a leading cause of back pain, stress, and most relevant to COPD patients, breathing difficulties. While so many people struggle with a hunched back, it's very unnatural for our bodies to be in this position. It causes an enormous amount of stress in the spine, pinches nerves in the back, and compresses the lungs preventing us from getting a full breath.

One simple way to fix this is to stand with your back against the wall. Ensure that your heels are as close to the wall as possible and hold your head up straight looking forward. Drop your shoulders and let them roll backward. You should feel your spine center and start to rest in a more natural position. If you notice your back starting to slouch throughout the day, practice this exercise to reset your posture.

Standing and Walking Posture

Unfortunately, the aforementioned tips won’t do you much good if you don’t apply them to the way you stand and walk as well. As we age, standing and walking can become difficult enough as it is due to conditions like osteoporosis or muscle weakness, so a poor posture will only make this more difficult. In general, the same rules apply as when you’re sitting like a straight back and your head being aligned over your shoulders, however, there are some additional points to take note of.

First and foremost, you should be using decent shoes that have good arch support and shock absorption. Tennis shoes are typically the best option but other types of shoes are an option if they follow these guidelines. Another way to ensure you have a great posture while walking is to act like there are balloons attached to your head and chest while your shoulders are able to drop backwards freely. This may feel awkward at first, but eventually you’ll develop a natural way of doing it.

Another way people develop poor posture while walking is if they carry heavy objects like backpacks, purses, or oxygen concentrators. While it’s recommended that older adults avoid carrying heavy objects, if you need to, make sure you’re doing it properly. If you use a backpack, make sure the straps are pulled tight enough that the majority of the weight is held as closely to your back as possible. Doing so will ensure that you don’t experience any unnecessary back strain.

If you’re a COPD patient who needs to carry oxygen with you while you’re out and about, it’s best to find a carrying method that won’t hurt your back. Portable oxygen tanks can weigh over 8 pounds and continuous flow oxygen concentrators can weigh over 15 pounds, so generally you’ll need to use a rolling cart or carry them in a specially designed backpack. Pulse dose oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, are much lighter (under 5 pounds) and can be carried on one shoulder without ruining your posture. Check out this great guide for finding the best portable oxygen concentrator for seniors or fill out the contact form at the side of the page and we’ll get back with you.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Once you’ve fixed your posture, practicing breathing exercises is a great next step towards staying active during the pandemic. As a COPD patient, breathing correctly is very important, and not unlike posture, it is possible to develop bad breathing habits throughout your life. We’ve discussed this topic in depth in a previous post, but if you want a condensed version, we’ll cover it here.

One of the biggest problems COPD patients face is something called “shallow” or “chest” breathing. This is a type of breathing that is primarily done through the use of intercostal muscles the muscles found in between your rib cage. This is a problem because it limits your air intake and it can be painful or difficult for someone with a chronic lung disease because it emphasizes the use of chest muscles which are often weak in these patients.

Alternatively, COPD patients should practice what’s called “deep” or “diaphragmatic” breathing. As opposed to using chest muscles, this type of breathing uses the sheet of muscle below the lungs called the diaphragm. Learning to master this type of breathing can be difficult, but it’s well worth it for someone who wants to breath more comfortably and freely.

Pursed Lips Breathing

Pursed lips breathing is a breathing exercise that’s used to make your breaths slower and more intentional. It’s also designed to give you more control which is ideal for people who want to improve their athletic performance or cope more effectively with respiratory ailments like cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

To practice pursed lips breathing, lie on your back or sit with your back straight. Drop your shoulders and try to eliminate tension within the body as much as possible. Inhale through your nose for 2 seconds letting your lungs fill with air. Then, purse your lips and blow out slowly for about 4 seconds. Continue to practice this exercise several times each day.

While this may seem like a rather simple and ineffective breathing exercise, studies have shown that it can significantly improve exercise tolerance, arterial oxygen, and breathing patterns, especially in those with declining lung function. This study even found that pursed lip breathing can reduce dynamic hyperinflation in patients with low peak expiratory flow (PEF). Another reason to practice pursed lips breathing is that it can calm your nerves and make you more relaxed. This can help relieve stress and anxiety which are common among COPD patients. 

Coordinated Breathing

Breathing is part of what’s called the autonomic nervous system. What this means is that it’s a function that your body does without you having to think about it. Your heart rate, blinking, and your breathing rate are all controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Coordinated breathing refers to breathing that you consciously try to control while you’re exercising.

Whenever you lift a heavy object or do some type of strenuous exercise, you may notice that you tend to hold your breath for a second or two or otherwise alter your breathing in some way. While this may be harmless to some people, to someone with COPD, it could cause a significant amount of tension and stress to build up in the chest.

If you’re lifting a dumbbell or some other type of weight, for example, inhale slowly before lifting the weight and start exhaling as you lift the weight. Once you start lowering the weight back down, you can inhale again. This is not only done to help you get a rhythm going and prevent tension in the chest, but it can also improve the strength you gain from the training exercise. Once you master this technique, you’ll also notice that it allows you to recover more quickly from a workout so that you can get back to it the next day.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

The diaphragm is a very important muscle in the body. Unfortunately, many people develop bad habits throughout their life that prevent them from using this muscle effectively. If this happens, it’s imperative that you retrain your body to breathe in the most efficient and healthy way possible. This is even more imperative for COPD patients who frequently suffer from muscle atrophy (muscle wasting). Try the following to practice diaphragmatic breathing:

• Lie down on your back on the floor or on a bed. Relax your shoulders and put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
• Inhale for 2 seconds through your nose. If you’re doing the exercise correctly, you should feel your stomach moving more than your chest.
• Slowly exhale with pursed lips and feel your stomach move back downward. Repeat this each day to improve the strength and coordination of your diaphragm.

Practice Endurance Improving Exercises

Lung function is a huge factor in determining your overall endurance. Many COPD patients are unable to run or walk long distances because of problems like low forced expiratory volume (FEV) and total lung capacity. However, by taking the time to create a plan for improving your overall endurance, you’ll be able to do more without adding to symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Typically, pulmonary lung function tests are done in your doctor or pulmonologists office. During this appointment, he/she will perform a number of tests including spirometry, plethysmography, or diffusion capacity tests and gather data about your lung function. Once this is done, your doctor will help you interpret the results and set you up with an exercise plan that best fits your needs. What’s more, you may even be able to track your progress at home using a lung function testing device provided by your doctor. In this case, you’ll be able to track your progress more easily and without having to leave your home.

Aerobic exercise or “cardio” exercise is what you will need to do in order to improve your endurance and lung function as a COPD patient. This includes things like walking, running, hiking, or any other type of activity that gets you moving. Don’t worry though, you won’t have to perform high-intensity exercises to experience the benefits. In fact, many patients are advised not to exercise too much if it will increase your likelihood of experiencing an exacerbation.

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Walking

Walking is one of the most basic forms of aerobic exercise. And although it likely won’t raise your heart rate too much, it will do enough for you to see noticeable improvement if you stay consistent. When the weather is nice, it’s best to do some walking outside in a park or open space with clean air. However, due to current circumstances with COVID-19, it’s important to follow all your local regulations and wear a face mask. Use this guide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to wear a face covering correctly.

If you feel unsafe walking outdoors either due to the virus or the weather, there are plenty of options for walking indoors as well. Some COPD patients enjoy walking up and down the stairs for added exercise but you can also use a treadmill which makes it very easy to track how far you’re walking. If you want, you can even purchase a device like a Fitbit which will track exactly how many steps you’re taking in a day and help you set long-term goals that are more achievable. 

Stationary Bike

Stationary bikes are another great option for at-home endurance training. They’re especially great for COPD patients because they allow you to do something a little more interesting than simply walking and it also works different muscle groups like the hamstrings, quadriceps, and the soleus and gastrocnemius in the calves. You also don’t have to deal with things like balance or the threat of falling over and getting hurt while on a stationary bike.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a long-standing Chinese martial arts tradition. While it’s been used for many purposes over the years, it’s commonly used by older adults and seniors as a form of exercise and meditation. We wrote a whole post on Tai Chi and it’s benefits, so check it out if you’re interested in learning more.

One of the main benefits of Tai Chi for people with lung conditions is that it allows you to tone your muscles, practice good posture and breathing, improve your endurance, and put your mind at ease all with one exercise. Tai Chi doesn’t involve fast-paced movements like other types of martial arts and it’s easy for beginners to jump into and start learning right away. According to COPD News Today, Tai Chi is an accessible, low-cost alternative to pulmonary rehabilitation.

Learn Strength Training Exercises

As aforementioned, muscle atrophy is a common occurrence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic lung conditions. According to this official publication, 40 percent of patients experience limited exercise capacity due to skeletal muscle loss in addition to pulmonary issues. This is often amplified by issues like oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, malnutrition, and hypoxemia.

What this means for those with COPD is that it’s extremely important to not only focus on improving your strength and working each muscle group, but you also don’t want to be losing more weight than you’re putting on. On the other hand, you don’t want to be overweight either because this can lead to problems like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and increase dyspnea (shortness of breath).

Much like endurance exercises, the strength training exercises you do don’t need to be high intensity. The consistency of your efforts is what will make the difference at the end of the day. 

Weight Lifting

Resistance exercises are a key part of any COPD exercise program. Many patients may be intimidated by the thought of performing strength training with a chronic lung condition, but they should only be done under controlled conditions advised by your doctor. Since muscle atrophy can occur anywhere in the body, a full-body exercise routine is likely to benefit you most rather than one that targets a specific muscle group.

One concern many people will likely have is finding the right equipment to perform strength training while at home. If you normally have a gym, you probably don’t have weight machines around your home that you can use. In this case, you’ll have to use a mix of free weights, elastic resistance training, and body weight exercises. While not a lot is known about what exercises are most beneficial for COPD patients, Tom Storer, Ph. D. and former member of the Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation (PERF) board of directors, has put together a great guide for COPD patients interested in strength training.

Use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

No matter what type of exercises you’re doing at home, one thing that can make your life a lot easier is the type of oxygen therapy device you’re using. A large portion of COPD patients are on oxygen 24/7 making it ineffective and difficult or near impossible to stay active. Luckily, there are alternatives to heavy and clunky oxygen tanks. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 are lightweight, small, and easy to use, even when you’re up and moving around the house.

The G5 weighs in at just 4.7 pounds and it’s the size of a small handbag. This means you’ll be able to practice all the at-home exercise we mentioned previously without feeling restricted or confined to one space. Portable oxygen concentrators run on batteries and the G5 offers up to 13 hours of freedom on one charge. What this means is that you’ll be able to move around the house freely without your device being plugged into the wall or without long oxygen tubing that could be a tripping hazard.

Despite portable oxygen concentrators being easier to use, they are less expensive than alternatives like compressed oxygen and liquid oxygen. And since these are difficult financial times for many Americans, it’s best to have a long-term plan for managing your COPD symptoms. When compared side-by-side with there are far less costs associated with portable oxygen concentrators. While oxygen tanks need to be refilled regularly, POCs, will run for 5 to 7 years without needing any additional financial investments.

Last but certainly not least, portable oxygen concentrators are much safer than oxygen tanks. While concentrators remove oxygen from ambient air, oxygen tanks store oxygen at high pressures. This makes them significantly more prone to explosions or other safety issues. Portable oxygen concentrators also use pulse dose technology which only delivers oxygen when a breath is detected. If you happen to drop your nasal cannula, the flow of oxygen will stop, reducing the likelihood of a fire.

At Home Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to educate COPD patients about their lungs and train them on proper techniques for exercising safely and effectively. Under normal circumstances, you would visit a specialist who will walk you through everything you need to know, but with the coronavirus being a clear and present danger, most pulmonologists will advise against in-person pulmonary rehab programs — fortunately, there are alternatives. 

Thrive ePulmonary Learning is a fully online disease management course designed to help COPD patients understand their condition and implement proven breathing and exercise techniques that can reduce symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing. By joining, you’ll have access to the following:

• One-on-one instruction from registered respiratory therapists, nutritionists, and counselors
• Exclusive access to your own support

Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are different from continuous-flow concentrators in that they detect when you inhale and deliver a bolus dose of oxygen on-demand. Concentrators with pulse-flow technology are intuitive and responsive by automatically adjusting the amount of oxygen they deliver based on your breathing rate.

Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are small, lightweight, and run on battery power. They tend to weigh less than 8 pounds and come with over-the-shoulder carrying cases to make them comfortable to wear as you go about daily activities.

In this article we will introduce you to the top four portable oxygen concentrators on the market and look at what makes each one unique. We'll help you compare the most important features that you look for in a portable concentrator, including:

• Size and weight
• Battery life
• Oxygen output
• Available accessories
• Comfort features
• And more!

The portable oxygen concentrators reviewed in this article are listed in no particular order. Let's get started by looking at the powerful and long-lasting Inogen One G3.

Inogen One G3

The Inogen One G3 is one of the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, and it certainly has the features to back up it's reputation. It is a preferred choice because of its compact size, its uniquely responsive pulse flow technology, and its powerful battery.

Features Included in the Inogen One G3

Compared to previous models, the Inogen One G3 has a longer battery life and is lighter than ever. Its compact size makes it ideal to carry for easier breathing and comfort wherever you go.

The G3's sleek, lightweight design paired with a comfortable carrying case allows you to feel free to be active at home or away. It's so small and discrete that you won't feel like you're lugging around medical equipment as you go about your day.

Superior Oxygen Output

Oxygen output is always the first thing you should consider when shopping for the best portable oxygen concentrator, and the Inogen One G3 has that feature well covered. This oxygen concentrator offers pulse settings 1-5, which covers a wide range of patient needs.

Having five settings means the Inogen One G3 is extremely versatile. If you end up needing a higher flow rate you can simply adjust your pulse setting instead of having to buy a completely new portable concentrator.

The Inogen One G3 also adapts in real-time to your breaths per minute. During increased activity the G3 stays efficient by reducing the amount of oxygen it delivers with each pulse, and, alternatively, increases the amount of oxygen per pulse when your breathing rate decreases (such as during rest or sleep.)

High-Power Battery Options

With the Inogen One G3, you can choose from two different batteries: the powerful 16-cell battery or the lighter 8-cell battery.

8-Cell Battery:

If you're going for a smaller, lighter option, the 8-cell battery is the way to go, weighing only 4.8 pounds together with the portable concentrator. At pulse setting 2, this smaller battery will last about 4 hours before needing another charge. It takes up to 5 hours to recharge the battery, although some users report it takes even less.

Estimated 8-Cell Battery Life at Each Flow Rate:

• Flow rate 1: Up to 4.5 hours
• Flow rate 2: Up to 4.0 hours
• Flow rate 3: Up to 3.0 hours
• Flow rate 4: Up to 2.0 hours
• Flow rate 5: Up to 1.7 hours

16-Cell Double Battery:

If battery life is more important to you than weight, then you should consider the 16-cell battery. A single full charge will last you about 8.5 hours at pulse setting 2, and the extra battery cells increase the weight by an extra pound, bringing the concentrator's total weight to 5.8 lbs. This battery takes up to 8 hours to recharge.

Estimated 16-Cell Battery Life at Each Flow Rate:

• Flow rate 1: Up to 9.5 hours
• Flow rate 2: Up to 8.5 hours
• Flow rate 3: Up to 6.0 hours
• Flow rate 4: Up to 4.0 hours
• Flow rate 5: Up to 3.3 hours

Innovative Oxygen Delivery Technology

The Inogen One G3's Intelligent Delivery Technology detects your breathing more quickly and seamlessly than most other portable concentrators. It detects inspiration immediately and delivers a pulse of oxygen no later than 400 milliseconds after you begin to inhale.

Effectively, the Intelligent Delivery Technology utilized by the Inogen One G3 allows you to have the immediate oxygen access that continuous flow concentrators give you along with the added benefits of pulse-flow technology.

This means better comfort, because you will get a burst of oxygen right when you breathe in without the delay that some concentrators have. This quick detection makes it even more effective at delivering oxygen to the lungs and makes sure you get your full dose of oxygen with every breath.

The Inogen One G3's oxygen delivery system isn't just fast, but extra sensitive as well. It has no problem detecting even the most shallow breaths when you sleep.

Its smart technology also tracks your breath rate, responding to changes in your breaths-per-minute and adjusting the amount of oxygen it delivers accordingly. That way, when your breath rate decreases at night, the Inogen One G3 automatically adjusts the size of your dose (often referred to as the “bolus”) to make sure you're getting an adequate amount of oxygen.

It can even detect breaths when you inhale through your mouth, making it a perfect choice for around-the-clock use unlike some other pulse flow concentrators.

Simple, Easy Maintenance

The Inogen G3 is a very low-hassle machine. The only maintenance you should have to perform on it regularly is to change or clean out the filters weekly.

Fortunately, cleaning the filters in an Inogen One G3 is easy to do, and shouldn't take you more than a few minutes. It's a simple 3 step process:

• Turn off the machine and remove the two filters, one from each side
• Rinse out each filter with warm water and mild soap
• Leave both filters out to air-dry

Once the filters have dried out completely, your weekly maintenance is done! Just pop them back into your Inogen One G3 concentrator and it's immediately ready to use.

For long-term maintenance, the G3 simply needs its sieve beds replaced once every couple years, or more often if you use it heavily. But, luckily, the Inogen One G3 has made it as convenient as possible with removable and replaceable sieve beds that take minimal time and effort to change out.

Items Included in the Inogen One G3 Package

• Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• 1x 8-Cell Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supplies
• Custom Carrying Case
• Filters
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year warranty

Inogen One G3 Available Accessories

• 8-Cell Battery
• 16-Cell Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• External Battery Charger
• Custom Carrying Case
• Custom Backpack
• Filters

Product Specs for the Inogen One G3

• Weight: 4.8 lbs with 8 cell battery, 5.8 lbs with 16 cell battery
• Dimensions: 8.75 inches high, 7.25 inches long, 3 inches wide
• Flow Rate: Pulse flow settings 1-5
• Battery Life: Up to 4 hours with 8 cell battery, Up to 8 hours with 16 cell battery
• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 11-16 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

Why the Inogen One G3 is One of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators

The Inogen One G3 delivers more oxygen per pound than almost any other oxygen concentrator and comes with a variety of pulse settings and accessories. It's not the newest model in the Inogen One series, but it still remains one of the best options on the market because of its reputation and reliability.

The double battery for the Inogen One G3 has an impressive battery life, with up to 8 hours of use per charge. Maintenance and upkeep takes minimal time and cost, making it one of the easiest and most convenient oxygen concentrators to own.

If you're looking for a powerful yet lightweight pulse-flow oxygen concentrator, you're not going to find anything much better than the Inogen One G3. Its strong track record has earned it a large fan base and a well-deserved space at the top of best selling lists everywhere.

The Inogen One G4

The newest product in the Inogen One series, the Inogen One G4 meets the same standards of convenience and quality as its predecessors. It weighs less than three pounds and offers three pulse flow settings: settings 1-3.

It has a similar feature set to the G3, but in a smaller, lighter package.

Features Included in the Inogen One G4

With its sleek look, small size, and impressive feature set, the Inogen One G4 is quickly becoming one of the most popular oxygen concentrators in its class. Its unique features include its extremely compact design, its high oxygen output, and its great battery life.

Small, Compact, and Portable Design

At only 2.8 pounds, the Inogen One G4 is one the tiniest and most powerful pulse flow oxygen concentrators on the market. It's less than 6 inches long, 7.2 inches high, and small enough to carry just about anywhere.

The G4 is so tiny you could slip it into a small bag or purse and is so lightweight you will hardly know it's there. To make wearing the G4 on the go even more comfortable, you can get a custom carrying case with an extra-padded strap.

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High Oxygen Output in a Small Package

Despite it's compact design, the Inogen One G4 doesn't lack in quality. It uses the same powerful Intelligent Delivery Technology as the G3, which ensures that you always get a full pulse of oxygen within milliseconds of inhaling.

Its three flow settings, settings 1-3, allow it to serve a range of oxygen patients' needs. This feature also gives you the flexibility to adjust your pulse flow during periods of worsened breathlessness if your doctor advises you to do so.

The Inogen One G4's high sensitivity for detecting shallow breathing during sleep makes it even a viable overnight oxygen choice for some patients and it's one of the best high flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

Great Battery Life

Like the G3, the Inogen One G4 has two battery size options: the single and double battery.

Single Battery:

The standard single battery lasts a little more than two hours on a charge, and together with the G4 oxygen concentrator weighs a total of 2.8 pounds. This is the more lightweight option.

Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate Using the Single Battery:

• Flow Rate 1: Up to 2.7 hours
• Flow Rate 2: Up to 2.25 hours
• Flow Rate 3: Up to 1.33 hours

Double Battery:

The double battery lasts about 4.5 hours on a single charge, and remains lightweight, having only an extra .5 pounds compared to the single battery. Together with the G3 concentrator, it weighs a total of 3.3 pounds.

Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate Using the Double Battery:

• Flow Rate 1: Up to 5.0 hours
• Flow Rate 2: Up to 4.5 hours
• Flow Rate 3: Up to 2.5 hours

Compared to other portable oxygen concentrators of such a small size, the G4 has a vastly superior battery life. The only other portable concentrator in it's class, the AirSep Focus, provides only 1.5 hours of battery life on one charge.

Items Included in the Inogen One G4 Package

• Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Single Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• Padded Shoulder Strap
• Filters
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Inogen One G4 Available Accessories

• Single Battery (4-Cell Battery)
• Double Battery (8-Cell Battery)
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• External Battery Charger
• Custom Carrying Case
• Shoulder Strap
• Filters

Product Specs for the Inogen One G4

• Weight: 2.8 lbs with single battery, 3.3 lbs with double battery
• Dimensions: 7.2 inches high, 2.86 inches wide, 5.96 inches long
• Flow Rate: Pulse flow settings 1-3
• Battery Life: up to 2 hours on single battery, up to 4.5 hours on double battery
• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 11-16 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 year warranty

Why the Inogen One G4 is one of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators

The Inogen One G4's best feature is its compact, lightweight design. Unlike some bulkier portable oxygen concentrators, the G4 doesn't feel like a burden, leaving you free to go about your active life without weighing you down.

The next best thing about the G4 is its customizability. With three flow settings and two battery options, the Inogen One G4 is one of the best choices for daily use, in or out of the house.

You can use the G4's standard single battery for light activity and adjust it's flow settings whenever the need arises. When you're away from home for longer, the double battery will allow you to depend on the portable concentrator for twice the amount of time.

Finally, the G4's Intelligent Delivery Technology gives you a reliable, nearly instant pulse of oxygen every time you inhale. It's versatility and sensitive pulse flow technology makes it one of the most powerful and comfortable pulse flow oxygen concentrators you can find.

The LifeChoice Activox 4L

Another great choice for a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator is the LifeChoice Activox 4L. It comes with a long-lasting built-in battery and, at less than 5 lbs in weight, is easy to wear on-the-go.

Patients who use the Activox 4L often choose it for its long battery life and versatile carrying case. With the ability to deliver more than 4 liters of oxygen per minute and adapt each oxygen pulse to your breathing rate, you'll have a hard time finding a more powerful and responsive portable concentrator.

Features Included in the  LifeChoice Activox 4L

The Lifechoice Activox 4L comes packed with 4 pulse flow settings and a battery life that puts most other portable oxygen concentrators to shame. Its small size and weight makes it easy to carry and it comes with a unique carrying case that allows you to adapt it to all kinds of activities and personal preferences.

Impressive Battery Life

Very few small, portable oxygen concentrators can beat the battery power of the  LifeChoice Activox 4L. On just one charge, the Activox 4L lasts up to a whopping 8.25 hours on pulse flow setting 2.

Unlike the Inogen One G3 and G4, the LifeChoice Activox 4L's battery is built in to the device, so you never have to worry about changing it out. But if you really want to supercharge the Actovox 4L's battery life, you can get an optional external battery that packs an extra 3.75 hours of power.

That means the LifeChoice Activox 4L can keep going for a total of up to 12 hours when paired with the external battery. That's an incredibly impressive battery life for such a small portable oxygen concentrator!

Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate:

• Flow Rate 1: up to 10.25 hours on internal battery, up to 15 hours when combined with external battery
• Flow Rate 2: up to 8.25 hours on internal battery, up to 12 hours when combined with external battery
• Flow Rate 3: up to 5 hours on internal battery, up to 7.75 hours when combined with external battery
• Flow Rate 4: up to 4 hours on internal battery, up to 6.25 hours when combined with external battery

Convenient and Versatile Carrying Case

One of the  LifeChoice Activox 4L's most beloved features is its comfortable and unique carrying case. Unlike typical single-strap cases that come with most portable oxygen concentrators, the Activox 4L carrying case has 4 straps that allow you to use the device hands-free or however is most comfortable for you.

The LifeChoice Activox 4L carrying case allows you to wear it in four different ways:

• Over the shoulder (like a traditional carrying case)
• Backpack style
• Strapped around your waist
• Briefcase style

Patients with the LifeChoice Activox 4L find that its carrying case makes all the difference when it comes to convenience in daily activities. No matter where you go, your versatile Activox 4L carrying case can be adjusted to stay comfortable and out of your way.

Perfect for Round-the-Clock Everyday Use

The LifeChoice Activox 4L comes fully equipped with adaptable pulse flow technology that includes a sleep mode for nighttime use. That paired with its unmatched battery life makes it one of the best portable concentrator for any occasion, day or night.

The Activox 4L can deliver up to 4 liters of oxygen per minute, allowing it to serve a much wider range of oxygen needs than the original Activox, which supplied only 1-3 liters per minute. It also has a responsive Auto Mode feature built in that adapts the amount of oxygen it delivers based on your breathing pattern for maximum comfort.

In sleep mode, the Activox 4L keeps you covered by increasing its sensitivity by ten. This feature allows it to detect shallow breathing and even shallow mouth breaths while you rest.

Items Included in the LifeChoice Activox 4L Package

• LifeChoice Activox 4L Portable Concentrator
• Internal Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• 4-Way Strap System
• Accessory Bag
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

LifeChoice Activox 4L Available Accessories

• External Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• 4-Way Strap System
• Accessory Bag

Product Specs for the LifeChoice Activox 4L

• Weight: 4.8 lbs
• Dimensions: 7.8 inches high, 9 inches long, and 4.38 inches wide
• Flow Rate: Pulse Flow Settings 1-4
• Battery Life: Up to 8.25 hours on internal battery, up to 12 hours when combined with external battery
• Power: 100-245 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 11-16 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year limited warranty