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.    

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!

Portable oxygen concentrators are state-of-the-art medical oxygen units designed for mobility, reliability, and ease of use. Anyone who has been prescribed supplemental oxygen by their doctor is a good candidate for these units because they enable you to maintain your freedom and independence while ensuring your oxygen needs are always met. In the video above, we unbox one of the most popular portable oxygen concentrators on the market — the Inogen One G5.

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Inogen is one of the top manufacturers in the industry, consistently putting out reliable and affordable devices like the Inogen One G3 and the Inogen One G4. Their latest portable oxygen concentrator, the Inogen One G5, introduces some new features and improves upon several aspects of its predecessors such as battery life, oxygen output, and weight. Continue reading below to learn more about what the Inogen One G5 has to offer.

Outstanding Oxygen Output

Millions of people around the world rely on medical oxygen to keep themselves safe and healthy. The problem is that traditional oxygen therapy devices like oxygen tanks are extremely bulky and difficult to maneuver, meaning you need to sacrifice a significant amount of your freedom just to use one. However, the experts over at Inogen were able to craft an oxygen device that’s compact, lightweight, and offers up to 6 oxygen pulse flow settings that you can easily adjust on the fly depending on your needs.

The Inogen One G5 offers more flow settings than any other pulse dose concentrator on the market. What this means for you is that you’ll have more versatility than ever before. For example, if you’re exercising and your blood oxygen levels drop, you’ll be able to increase your oxygen flow to accommodate this change. What’s more, the Inogen One G5 has something called Intelligent Delivery Technology® built into it which closely tracks changes in your breathing and adjusts the oxygen delivery accordingly. You can even use your G5 unit while you’re sleeping!

Ease of Use

These days, technology is progressing at the speed of light and it can feel like a full-time job trying to keep up with everything. So, it’s understandable if you are discouraged by the idea of learning yet another electronic device. However, you might be astonished to find out just how easy the Inogen One G5 is to use. Watch the video above to see how quick and painless it is to unbox the Inogen One G5 and start using it.

On the user interface, you’ll notice that there are only five buttons: one for turning the device on or off; two for adjusting the flow setting up or down; one for notifications; and one for volume. That’s it! There’s no need to spend hours reading through the user manual just to get started. If you want, you can even give one of our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical a call and we’ll walk you through the basics of your device and answer any questions you may have.

Long-Lasting Battery

Unlike oxygen tanks which need to be refilled daily or weekly, you’ll simply need to charge the battery to keep your Inogen One G5 running. Since the G5 is an electronic device, you can recharge it using any wall or car outlet. There are two different battery options including the 8-cell battery and the 16-cell battery. The 8-cell comes standard with every G5 unit, but you can always upgrade to the 16-cell if you think you’ll need more battery life.

The G5 utilizes powerful lithium-ion batteries like the ones found in modern cell phones and laptops. The smaller 8-cell battery will provide you with up to 5 hours of operating time on a pulse dose setting of 2 while the 16-cell will provide 10 hours of use. If you want to carry more than one battery at a time, you can use an accessory called the external battery charger to charge two batteries at once. This is ideal for people who are on the go or travel frequently.

Approved by the FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees safety regulations for commercial flights within the United States. Normally, the FAA does not allow oxygen devices on aircraft because they can be a hazard to passengers. However, the Inogen One G5 is so safe that it has FAA approval for in-flight use. This means that you can finally start traveling across the country or world again to visit friends and family or take a well-deserved vacation. But before you do so, you need to have at least one and a half times the duration of your flight in battery life, and you need to contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance. This will afford you enough time to complete any paperwork that they may require.

Advantages of the Inogen One G5

• It’s compact and weighs under 5 pounds
• It’s reliable and can be used 24/7
• It offers 6 pulse flow settings
• It closely monitors your breathing for optimal oxygen delivery
• It’s approved by the FAA
• It’s easy to use, clean, and maintain
  
  

  {{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}Inogen One G5 Specs
  

  Weight	4.7 Pounds
  Dimensions	8.15" H x 7.19" L x 3.26" W
  Flow Settings	Pulse Settings 1-6
  Sound Level	37 dBA @ Setting 2
  Expected Battery Life	Up to 10 hours

With around 65 million patients worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is anything but uncommon. In fact, it’s one of the most prevalent lung conditions in the world behind asthma. However, despite these statistics, COPD is labeled an “invisible illness.” Many people suffer with this condition in silence, and society as a whole tends to stigmatize it by misunderstanding what its causes are and what life is like with this condition.

In previous blog posts, we’ve talked about how the Caire FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is breaking down barriers when it comes to the way people see COPD patients. Instead of having to struggle with heavy and bulky oxygen tanks, COPD patients are now able to get out of the house with ease, travel the world, and keep up with all of their friends and family. Caire FreeStyle Comfort users often attribute these things to the device's small form factor, lightweight design, and sleek indiscreet look.

If you want to learn more about the specifications of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, feel free to visit this page and if you’d like to learn about the top benefits, please visit this page. In the meantime, however, we’re going to be taking a look at all of the accessories currently available for the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. We’ll link out to each accessory so that you can learn more about them and purchase one for an affordable price. And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below so we can get back to you or refer you to one of our oxygen concentrator specialists.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Carry Case

The first thing you need to decide when you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator is how you will carry it. You won’t be making full use of your concentrator if you aren’t getting out of the house and enjoying your newfound freedom, and you won’t be enjoying it to the fullest unless you’re using a carrying case that suits your lifestyle. One of the carrying cases we recommend for the FreeStyle Comfort is the custom carry case.

The FreeStyle Comfort carry case is designed to be simple and easy to use. It’s a thin cloth case that slips onto the bottom of your device. The top of your POC including the control panel will be accessible so you can easily make adjustments to your flow rate, check your battery life, and view any alerts on the screen. The device is held snugly in place so you won’t have to worry about it wobbling around or falling out while you’re walking. It also has an adjustable padded shoulder strap so you can find a length that’s comfortable for you.

This carrying case is perfect for anyone who wants to get out of the house and visit a friend, take a walk, or go to the grocery store. It’s best for anyone who prefers something sleek and easy to use as opposed to something with a lot of bells and whistles or unnecessary carrying space. While the Caire FreeStyle Comfort package already comes with this case, you can always buy one separately if yours is lost or stolen. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Backpack

It’s not uncommon for people with COPD to experience back, shoulder, or neck pain, weakness, or fatigue. Most COPD patients are older adults and meaning COPD patients are far more likely to experience these issues than the general population. We wrote a great article about coping with this type of pain, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested. In terms of portable oxygen, however, many people are unable to carry it over one shoulder like the custom carrying case is designed for.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort backpack is designed for people who want to limit the amount of weight distributed to each shoulder so that you don’t experience any chronic pain. Unlike the backpack for the Inogen One G5 which has lots of carrying space, the FreeStyle Comfort one is relatively minimalistic allowing you to limit your carrying weight as much as possible. 

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort backpack is great for just about any activity you can think of. Whether you’re traveling with your POC or you want to get outside in golf when the weather's nice, this backpack will keep your oxygen unit snug to your back so that you can focus on enjoying your day. It also comes with adjustable padded shoulder straps to help you customize it to your liking. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Small Battery

Like all other portable oxygen concentrators, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is powered by durable and reliable lithium-ion batteries. This is the same type of battery that’s found in your cellphone or laptop and it’s known for providing a long battery life without adding a lot of weight. When you purchase any Caire FreeStyle Comfort package it will come with one “small” 8-cell battery unless you choose to upgrade to a larger one. 

Compared to other portable oxygen concentrators on the market, the FreeStyle Comfort offers an outstanding battery life. Below you can see the expected battery life based on the flow setting that you’re using. As the flow rate increases, the battery life expectancy decreases. Keep in mind that over a very long period of time your battery might gradually lose its ability to hold a charge. Check out this guide to learn why lithium-ion batteries age and how to slow the rate that they deteriorate.  

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Large Battery

The other battery option available for the FreeStyle Comfort is the 16-cell battery (sometimes called the “double” battery). This battery is not sold with the concentrator unless you upgrade your package but it provides twice as much battery life as the 8-cell battery. Below you can see the expected duration based on the flow setting you’re using.

Ideally, before you purchase a POC, you will need to determine how much battery life you will need. If you live an active lifestyle or you travel a lot you might want to have one 16-cell battery and one 8-cell battery or even two 16-cell batteries. However, if you stay home a lot and have access to an outlet then you may be just fine with one 8-cell battery. Here at LPT Medical we always have great deals on batteries so we can help you get what you need.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort External Battery Charger

Normally, to charge your concentrator battery, it needs to be attached to your device. Then you can plug it into any electrical outlet. However, if you have more than one battery and want to keep them all charged at once, you’re going to need an external battery charger. This is a small and lightweight device that you attach to either your 8-cell or your 16-cell battery. 

The external battery charger will add a lot of convenience to your day. Rather than having to charge your batteries back-to-back, you can charge multiple batteries at once. In other words, if you only have a short amount of time at home before you have to leave, you’ll be able to have both your batteries ready to go by the time you leave the house.

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The external battery charger also has a very small form factor so if you’re trying to cut down on carry weight while you’re traveling, you won’t have to worry too much about it. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort AC Adapter

An AC adapter is a cable that allows you to charge your POC via a wall outlet. The AC adapter comes standard with all Caire FreeStyle Comfort packages, but they are also sold separately in case yours is lost or stolen. This is a must-have accessory for the Caire FreeStyle Comfort because you won’t be able to charge your device at home if you don’t have one. It’s also important to note that if you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll need to use an adapter that will fit whichever region you’re in. You should also check the FreeStyle Comfort user manual to make sure the voltage is the same as the wall outlet you’re using.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort DC Car Adapter

A DC adapter is similar to the AC adapter but instead of plugging into a wall outlet, it plugs into the cigarette outlet in your car. This is incredibly useful if you want to have a way to charge your POC while you’re on a road trip. You can even use the oxygen concentrator while it’s charging, so there’s no downtime whatsoever. You can feel free to make as many stops as you want in order to take a break or do some sightseeing along the way.

One thing to note is that it’s best not to charge your portable oxygen concentrator while the car is off. If you drain the car’s battery too much you might not be able to get it started again. What’s more, some cars don’t even allow you to use the electrical outlets while the car is off and it’s to avoid this exact issue. For more information about charging your Caire FreeStyle Comfort in the car, please consult the user manual.

Conclusion

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is one of the lightest, smallest, and most powerful pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators ever produced. It has an extremely low failure rate and it offers a wide range of accessories that help you make the most of it. Accessories like the backpack and custom carrying case provide you with options as to how you want to carry your device and devices like the external battery charger will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes you to recharge your batteries.

While the FreeStyle Comfort is a great fit for most oxygen patients, there are still a couple of other portable oxygen concentrators we happily recommend here at LPT Medical. The Inogen One G5, for example, is similar to the FreeStyle Comfort, however, it offers one additional pulse flow setting and the device weighs slightly less overall.

The Inogen One G4 is another great option if you’re looking to limit weight as much as possible. However, it has a lower flow rate and battery life as a result. If you’re someone who requires continuous flow oxygen, the Respironics SimplyGo is a great choice. It’s the lightest continuous flow ever made and it’s extremely durable and reliable. 

There are many types of home and portable oxygen concentrators out there, so if you’re confused about anything at all, please reach out to our respiratory specialists. We’ll walk you through the whole process of finding the device that’s right for your lifestyle needs and your budget.

Portable oxygen concentrators can be judged on a number of aspects: weight, design, durability, and oxygen output. But the aspect that seems to get the most attention these days is battery life. Battery life is defined as the length of time that a mobile oxygen device can run on a full battery until it’s fully depleted.

In general, a portable oxygen concentrator with a long battery life will afford more freedom and independence to the user whereas ones with less battery life are more likely to keep you homebound.

It’s easy to take for granted having a travel oxygen concentrator that can last for many hours without needing to replace or charge the battery, but it wasn’t always like this.

In fact, several decades ago, portable oxygen concentrators didn’t exist and the few oxygen devices that were available needed to be plugged into a wall in order to run. If they were ever unplugged, they would turn off.

Due to the rapid advancement of battery technology, however, oxygen patients are able to experience a lot more liberty in the way they live and go about their days.

Instead of being restricted by the length of their wall outlet, they can go out of the house and explore for hours, and sometimes even days on end without having to stop to charge or replace their battery.

Since battery life is such an important subject in this day and age, we felt that many oxygen users would benefit from an “oxygen concentrator battery life comparison post.” Today, we’ll take a look at the best POCs for battery life in 2022.

While it’s important to take battery life into consideration before purchasing a POC, you also need to consider other aspects like oxygen output and weight. Be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page so we can discuss these aspects with you.

Why Do Most Portable Oxygen Concentrators Use Lithium-Ion Batteries?

There are many different types of batteries in use today, including but not limited to lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium, and alkaline. However, chances are, you’ve heard the term “lithium-ion batteries” a lot more frequently. This is because lithium-ion batteries are eco-friendly, compact and lightweight, and they have a high energy density, meaning they put out a lot of energy for their size.

This makes lithium-ion batteries the ideal battery for electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, and yes, even your portable oxygen concentrator. What’s more, lithium-ion batteries have progressed very quickly since their invention in the 1990s, so we’re likely to see oxygen concentrator battery life increase even more in the near future.

Why is Pulse Flow Better for Battery Life?

One obstacle you’ll come across when deciding on a concentrator is understanding the difference between pulse flow and continuous flow. While there are many benefits to continuous flow oxygen concentrators, they will almost always provide you with less battery life than a pulse flow oxygen concentrator — this has to do with the way each one works

Portable oxygen concentrators can be judged on a number of aspects: weight, design, durability, and oxygen output. But the aspect that seems to get the most attention these days is battery life. Battery life is defined as the length of time that a mobile oxygen device can run on a full battery until it’s fully depleted.

In general, a portable oxygen concentrator with a long battery life will afford more freedom and independence to the user whereas ones with less battery life are more likely to keep you homebound.

It’s easy to take for granted having a travel oxygen concentrator that can last for many hours without needing to replace or charge the battery, but it wasn’t always like this. In fact, several decades ago, portable oxygen concentrators didn’t exist and the few oxygen devices that were available needed to be plugged into a wall in order to run. If they were ever unplugged, they would turn off.

Due to the rapid advancement of battery technology, however, oxygen patients are able to experience a lot more liberty in the way they live and go about their days. Instead of being restricted by the length of their wall outlet, they can go out of the house and explore for hours, and sometimes even days on end without having to stop to charge or replace their battery.

Since battery life is such an important subject in this day and age, we felt that many oxygen users would benefit from an “oxygen concentrator battery life comparison post.” Today, we’ll take a look at the best POCs for battery life in 2021.

While it’s important to take battery life into consideration before purchasing a POC, you also need to consider other aspects like oxygen output and weight. Be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page so we can discuss these aspects with you.

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Why Do Most Portable Oxygen Concentrators Use Lithium-Ion Batteries?

There are many different types of batteries in use today, including but not limited to lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium, and alkaline. However, chances are, you’ve heard the term “lithium-ion batteries” a lot more frequently.

This is because lithium-ion batteries are eco-friendly, compact and lightweight, and they have a high energy density, meaning they put out a lot of energy for their size. This makes lithium-ion batteries the ideal battery for electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, and yes, even your portable oxygen concentrator.

What’s more, lithium-ion batteries have progressed very quickly since their invention in the 1990s, so we’re likely to see oxygen concentrator battery life increase even more in the near future.

Why is Pulse Flow Better for Battery Life?

One obstacle you’ll come across when deciding on a concentrator is understanding the difference between pulse flow and continuous flow. While there are many benefits to continuous flow oxygen concentrators, they will almost always provide you with less battery life than a pulse flow oxygen concentrator — this has to do with the way each one works.

A continuous flow oxygenator works similar to a compressed oxygen tank. When you turn it on, it will put out a constant stream of oxygen through the nasal cannula. The problem with this method of oxygen delivery is that most of the oxygen that’s being put out is not actually being inhaled meaning your battery will run down quickly and you’ll be using more electricity.

On the other hand, pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators have a built-in technology that allows it to closely track your breathing and only put out oxygen when you inhale. Since the device isn’t working as hard to get you oxygen, the battery will last much longer. You’ll also save a lot of money on energy bills if you like to charge your POC at home. This is why we chose to only put pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators on this list.

CAIRE Freestyle Comfort Battery Life 

In this day and age, the name “Caire Inc.” is practically synonymous with the word “quality.” While they may not be the most popular or recognizable portable oxygen concentrator company out there, they’ve been operating somewhat behind closed doors to bring oxygen patients new technologies and devices that improve their lives and offer them more freedom than ever before. 

Over the years, CAIRE has brought us outstanding oxygen machines including the NewLife Elite, NewLife Intensity, and Companion 5 home oxygen concentrators, the Eclipse 5 continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, and their most recent, the FreeStyle Comfort pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator.

These oxygen concentrators offer oxygen patients the liberty to choose how they want to live their lives while ensuring that their oxygen needs are always met.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort was released last year and has more than held its own against other portable oxygen concentrators currently on the market. With this portable oxygen concentrator, it was clear that Caire wanted to go all out with their battery.

On the lowest flow setting, the FeeStyle Comfort battery lasts up to 16 hours on average! That’s the best battery life of any portable oxygen concentrator on the market.

The greatest thing about the long-lasting battery in the FreeStyle Comfort is that even people with high oxygen needs can experience true freedom. On a setting of 5 (1,050 ml/min of oxygen), you’ll still be able to get up to 4 hours out of one charge.

This is in stark contrast to most other pulse flow POCs which will only give you an hour or two of freedom on the max setting. Below is a table showing the battery life of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort.

CAIREview™ Telehealth Technology

Telehealth is a rather new term used to describe the use of a digital medium to administer health-related services. When it comes to oxygen equipment like the Caire Freestyle Comfort, telehealth often comes in the form of mobile applications that connect to portable oxygen concentrators via Bluetooth or some other wireless technology.

CAIREview™ is one of the most advanced telehealth services offered by an oxygen manufacturer and it can be used for free, exclusively with your Caire Freestyle Comfort. Once it’s set up with your device, it will allow for 24/7 monitoring of your device no matter where you are in the world.

The data that’s sent includes machine function, oxygen usage, and device integrity. No personal data is sent and you can rest assured that you will be connected to a secure network.

While the mobile application is not required in order to use the telehealth aspect of your Caire FreeStyle Comfort, it is recommended if you want to make the most of it. The app will gather information about your oxygen concentrator usage such as flow rate, oxygen delivery, and battery usage. Then, at any time, you can download the information and make adjustments to your oxygen treatment accordingly.

Another outstanding aspect of this feature is that it will allow the oxygen supplier to troubleshoot your medical oxygen machine remotely. If there is a simple fix to a problem that you’re having with your device, you won’t have to waste valuable time and money shipping it to a professional to have it fixed.

You’ll also be notified if components like the columns, filters, or batteries need to be replaced. This way, you’ll always be getting the most out of your portable oxygen concentrator. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Accessories

One of the greatest things about battery powered oxygen concentrators is that you’re always able to carry a backup battery if you need more time. Since the Caire FreeStyle Comfort comes with two different battery options and two different battery charging options, you’ll be able to customize your oxygen therapy experience to your liking.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort Comes with the smaller 8-cell lithium-ion battery. This battery offers up to 8 hours of use on a setting of 1. With the battery attached to the device, its dimensions will be 7.3 inches wide x 3.1 inches deep x 10 inches high. And your portable oxygen concentrator will weigh in at only 5 pounds with this battery attached. 

The battery that’s sold separately from the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is the 16-cell lithium-ion battery. With this battery, you’ll have up to 16 hours of battery life on a flow setting of 1. The dimensions of your POC will be 7.3 inches wide x 3.1 inches deep x 11 inches high and this extended battery will only add one additional pound to the overall weight of your device.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort comes with both AC and DC power cables. The AC power cable will allow you to charge your battery operated oxygen concentrator in any wall outlet and the DC power cable will allow you to charge your POC in any car power outlet.

So, whether you’re going to be at home for a bit or you’re going on a road trip, you’ll be able to charge your oxygen machine wherever you go. Just remember that if you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll need to bring a charging adapter because the Caire FreeStyle comfort AC charging cable is meant for U.S. wall outlets only.

With the long battery life of the 8-cell and 16-cell batteries, lightweight design of the unit, charging options, and built-in telehealth technology, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is one of the best portable battery operated oxygen concentrators the market has to offer.

What’s more, Caire Inc. has a long history of success when it comes to customer satisfaction, making it possible for more oxygen patients around the world to experience true freedom and independence.

LifeChoice Activox 4L Battery Life

The LifeChoice Activox 4L is an oxygen concentrator produced by Inova Labs. This company was recently acquired back in 2016 by the world’s leading innovator of sleep-disorder breathing care, ResMed.

ResMed currently has a large lineup of world-leading patient interface products including the AirCurve 10 and Stellar non-invasive ventilators, and the Astral™, an award-winning life support platform. So, the acquisition of Inova Labs was a natural next step for them when it comes to providing patients with high-quality and innovative new products.

One of the unique things about the LifeChoice Activox 4L is that it operates using an internal battery. This battery can be charged just like the battery on the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, but it can’t be removed without sending it into the manufacturer. What’s more, you’ll also have the ability to attach an external battery to it which can extend the battery life by a couple of hours.

The good thing about the internal battery is that it’s very powerful, offering up to 10 hours of battery on a flow setting of 1. However, the downside is that if something malfunctions with it, you’ll need to either send it in for repairs or rely on the external batteries which aren’t as powerful.   

Auto Mode and Pulse Wave Delivery

One of the reasons the Activox 4L has such a great battery life is because of the auto mode and the pulse wave technology that are built into it. Auto mode is a system that’s designed to detect changes in your breathing rate.

So for example, if you were to start walking up a hill and your breathing rate increased, the oxygen output will adjust to that. Pulse wave will detect how long you’re inhaling each time and deliver oxygen throughout your entire breath. This way, you’re receiving oxygen with each inspiration and no oxygen is ever wasted.

Inogen One G5 Battery Life

Inogen is quite possibly the most recognizable brand when it comes to portable battery operated oxygen concentrators. While they don’t have as long of a history as medical oxygen supply companies like Respironics or AirSep, they’ve made a greater impact due to the level of innovation that each of their battery powered portable oxygen concentrators has brought to the table.

Back in the early 2000s when home oxygen concentrators were the primary medical device of choice for most patients, Inogen set their sights on pulse flow technology. Inogen believed that there was no reason oxygen patients shouldn’t be able to experience the same freedom and independence as everyone else. As a result, they’ve become the primary driving force that drives the oxygen industry forward each year.  

Inogen Connect Application

Similar to CAIREview, the Inogen Connect is a mobile phone application that can be connected to your portable oxygen concentrator via Bluetooth. The main difference is that the Inogen Connect does not have the telehealth aspect which allows the oxygen manufacturer to view information about your device from anywhere in the world.

Instead, the Inogen Connect will show real-time information about your device such as battery life, column status, and filter status. You’ll also be able to access a digital version of your Inogen One G5 manual so that you don’t have to keep track of your paper one.