Some people need a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator, meaning your oxygen device detects when you are taking a breath-in, and the machine releases the correct dose of medical-grade purified oxygen.

While oxygen tanks do offer pulse flow settings, you would have to sacrifice your personal freedom to travel or be active due to the restrictive nature of a medical oxygen tank.

Instead you have the option to maintain independence and personal freedom by using the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator. This device only weighs 4.7 pounds, and is the size of a regular handbag. It even comes with a carrying case, like an over-the-shoulder bag that is sleek and stylish.

You will no longer have to worry about refilling your oxygen tanks. The Inogen One G5 restores your mobility with its portable size, delivering a pulse flow settings up to 6, and it is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

There are major advantages of owning or renting the Inogen one G5:

1. Weighs only 4.7 pounds
2. Long lasting battery life for extended mobility
3. Uninterrupted oxygen therapy
4. Sleep mode technology for a delivery of oxygen therapy while you sleep
5. Powerful pulse flow settings available for exercising, sleeping, severe COPD cases, and emergencies 
6. It is designed for 24/7 use

Inogen One G5 when you’re active

The one G5 is now capable of reaching a flow setting of 6, which makes it the most powerful oxygen concentrator available by Inogen, even surpassing their stationary concentrator.

While a higher flow setting might seem like a gimmick if you only need a low setting, there is a benefit to the higher liter flow setting for almost anyone requiring supplemental oxygen. Exercising with COPD can be a challenge because of the higher utilization of oxygen by your muscles, which means you will need to take in more oxygen during your exercise routine.

If your device is not capable of reaching higher liter flows, you might be stuck limiting your exercise routine or only exercising at home where you can use your stationary oxygen device.

With 6 liter flow settings, the Inogen One G5 gives you even more capacity for getting the oxygen you need during exercise so you can go farther without needing to limit your routine.

Inogen One G5 in Cases of Emergency

Additionally, during emergencies, you might need more oxygen than you are typically prescribed with. Although the best strategy for dealing with an emergency is to call 911 or visit your local emergency room, there is greater peace of mind knowing that your portable oxygen device can go higher in liter flow until you can be seen and treated by a doctor or paramedic.

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Inogen One G5 at Night

You will be able to enjoy these same oxygen delivery benefits at night while you sleep thanks to the presence of Inogen’s intelligent Sleep Mode Technology.

Essentially what this means is that as your breathing rate becomes more shallow as you sleep, the Sleep Mode Technology will go to work by increasing each bolus dose of oxygen.

Even if you are a mouth breather, the Sleep Mode Technology is able to detect shallow mouth breaths that are frequent when sleeping. This will then tell the Inogen One G5 to trigger a bolus dose based upon your specific fixed minute volume.

Now, most of our customers are able to use this technology to sleep with the Inogen One G5, however, we highly recommend you first speak with your doctor before using this while sleeping.

Inogen One G5 when you are traveling

When it comes to portable oxygen concentrators, many people’s oxygen demands cannot be satisfied due to the lack of pulse flow settings. With the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator that will not be a problem, as this device offers pulse flow settings of 1-6.

That being said, if the setting is set to 6 the battery’s life span will not last as long as it would if the setting was set to 2.

As you go about your day your breathing rate and requirements change depending on if you are laying in bed or exercising. Your doctor will tell you when your setting needs to be adjusted depending on your activity level, if at all. No matter the case, the Inogen One G5 has the ability to satisfy your oxygen demands.

This is a table explaining the Inogen One G5 battery life depending on the setting and whether it is equipped with a single or double battery.

Clearly the double battery gives the One G5 a valuable extension of battery life. This is a great option if you intend on traveling long distances with no source of power or people who need a strong flow setting throughout the day.

If you only need the flow setting to be high at nighttime while you are sleeping, you can have the machine plugged in and not have to worry about the battery life in that case.

Overview of the Inogen One G5 

These are the benefits as to why the Inogen One G5 is one of the most effective and versatile portable oxygen concentrators of the market. This unit has the credibility to be effective in helping people in all stages of COPD or any respiratory illness get as close to their lifestyle before they were diagnosed.   

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The high pulse flow setting is great for people who need higher flow when they are exercising or while they sleep. 

The extended double battery life gives people the freedom to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, or run their errands for the day on one battery charge. 

It is FAA approved, and traveling with the One G5 is a breeze.

The light-weight and compact design gives people who struggle carrying a lot of weight the ability to move around again and re-gain the strength they once had before they were tethered to a heavy oxygen tank.  

Over-all the Inogen One G5 could really contribute to building a life, post- diagnoses, where you still feel capable, independent, and strong. 

If you are new to the world of oxygen equipment this article is a great place to start. If you are an experienced oxygen user but have been thinking about changing your oxygen device, this is also a great article for you!

Oxygen therapy has been used to treat respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia as early as 1885. Fast forward to 1970, industrial gas suppliers were delivering oxygen tanks and cylinders to oxygen users, and later in the 1970’s, home oxygen concentrators were developed. Concentrators were designed to pull air from the surrounding areas so the oxygen user did not have to re-fill their tanks, so while this was a step in the right direction, both of these methods of oxygen therapy posed an important issue: lack of mobility.

It was only in 2013 when a more portable and efficient form of oxygen therapy was developed and readily available, called portable oxygen concentrators. These devices have the mobility of oxygen canisters, but never need to be refilled similar to a home oxygen concentrator.

Many oxygen users have the option: They can choose between a traditional oxygen tanks or a modern portable oxygen concentrator (POC). If they decide to go with a POC, subsequent decisions about which brand, make, and model they want to go with must be made. Which is where LPT medical comes in.

LPT Medical became one of the most reputable oxygen supply companies in Boca Raton, FL, Denver, CO, and now nationwide because we carry the most efficient and affordable oxygen equipment on the market.

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Since 2013, there have been model after model, and new manufacturers popping up, selling portable oxygen devices, so the market has become saturated with "top of the line" equipment, making it difficult and overwhelming for the everyday oxygen patient to find the right device for their needs. Shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator is not for the faint of heart, it is a tedious task and something that takes up a lot of time and research.

This article is square one. We will tell you what factors to look for while shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator; things like battery life, weight, and flow settings are 3 of the most important factors to understand, and beyond that you should also take into consideration the sound level, if it is CPAP and biPAP compatible, if there is a warranty, and how you will afford a new or used POC.

The 3 most important factors to look out for when shopping for a POC

Battery Life

Battery life is probably one of the most important factors you should consider while shopping for a POC, after all, this is one of the main components that will influence oxygen users to ultimately decide on switching from traditional forms of oxygen therapy like an oxygen tank or canister.

Having an oxygen device that runs off of batteries and never runs out of oxygen is the ultimate freedom! Freedom from dealing with oxygen re-supply companies every week, and freedom from the fear of running out of oxygen should you leave the house with a small canister of oxygen for over a few hours.

So the next step is choosing an oxygen device with battery life that will fit into your daily schedule. For instance, if you work from home, or if you spend a lot of time at home, there is no reason for you to spend extra money on a double battery when you have the option to get a device with a single battery. On the other hand, if you like to travel, have a high oxygen output prescription, or enjoy exercising, opting for a double battery device is going to be worth the extra money spent.

These are the kind of questions our respiratory specialist in Denver, Colorado and our other respiratory specialist in Boca Raton, Florida will ask you over the phone in order to help us determine which POC they should recommend for, not only your oxygen prescription but also your lifestyle.

Depending on the brand, make, and model of your portable oxygen concentrator, the batteries will drain energy differently. For example: A reliable model like the Inogen One G4 Portable Concentrator offers two different battery types, 8 cell and 16 cell also known as a single or a double battery, to meet your different oxygen supply requirements.

One thing you should keep in mind, is that the life of your POC all depends on your oxygen prescription, so how much oxygen you need per minute and therefore the setting your POC is set to. For example, if you need a high oxygen output, and your POC is set to level 4 out of 6, the battery will drain faster than if it were set to level 2 out of 6.

Pulse dose concentrators deliver oxygen only when you inhale, and so they stop when you exhale. This pause during your exhale is essentially a break for you POC, and the reduced demand for power saves energy from the battery as compared to a continuous flow mode concentrator. Continuous flow oxygen concentrators is exactly what it sounds like; they offer a constant flow of oxygen regardless of when you inhale or exhale. Because the oxygen device never gets a “break” and it is continually flowing, this type of POC will require more battery power, and they are notably heavier devices.

This brings us into the next section about the flow settings of you POC

Flow settings: continuous and pulse dose

Flow setting is the most obvious factor that will go into your decision while shopping for a POC. But it is also the easiest to narrow down, and not totally in your control.

Your pulmonary physician or you doctor will prescribe you a dosage of oxygen per minute and this is required to buy a portable oxygen concentrators from a licensed distributor. It is then the oxygen supply company’s job to adhere to the prescription and ensure you will be capable of fulfilling your prescription using the POC we recommend to you. Therefore the “flow settings” is not something you get to decide on, but it is something you should know and be fully aware of, because it can change.

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COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. So, if you ever feel short of breath or notice that your COPD symptoms are worsening and you are taking you oxygen therapy as it is prescribed, you should go and see you doctor and see if you need to change your oxygen prescription.

There are POCs that allow you to switch from pulse flow settings to continuously flow settings, like the Respironics SimplyGo. The SimplyGo is the very lightest continuous flow POC on the market, and its battery can actually outlast a lot of other reputable machines out there. This is because it can operate while using one or two batteries. One battery will be perfect for things like exercising, running quick errands, and doing things around your home, while using two batteries is ideal for traveling, road trips, and extended trips away from your home!

Weight

How much a device weighs is the other important factor that you should consider when purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator. Most of the time, people are looking for the most lightweight design, and in this case we suggest looking at the Caire Freestyle Comfort (5 pounds), or the Inogen One G5 (4.7 pounds), or the Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator (5 pounds). And while the Inogen One G4 (2.8 pounds) is even lighter, the One G5 and Freestyle Comfort are powerful enough to accommodate mostly every oxygen patient with pulse dose oxygen needs, whereas the One G4 covers a few oxygen patients with a specific oxygen prescription.

And while there are devices that are powerful and lightweight, some people’s oxygen needs a greater than what these particular machines are capable of.

If this is you, you should not shy away from the “heavier” POCs because even though they are not extremely lightweight, they are designed to be portable and easy to maneuver, unlike the restrictive nature of even the lightest weight oxygen tank. For instance, the SeQual Eclipse 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator is 18.4 pounds.

This is a continuous flow POC, and the SeQual Eclipse 5 is one of the most, if not the most, popular continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market. It has a notable long-standing track record for being durable and reliable because it was designed and approved by the U.S. Military.

So even though the Eclipse is heavier than the pulse flow concentrators, standing 19.3” H x 12.3” W x 7.1” L, the SeQual Eclipse 5 is still easy to travel with, easily fitting underneath the seat in front of you! It comes with a wheeled travel cart that makes pulling your concentrator behind you seem effortless.

The travel cart is equipped with oversized wheels, an elevated platform, and a telescopic handle. The oversized wheels and elevated platform make going up curbs and stairs a breeze. They also help protect your concentrator from water when you have to go over puddles or if you live in Denver, Colorado and you have to worry about walking through snow in October through May.

The Respironics SimplyGo is the lightest continuous flow POC on the market, and it only weighs 10 pounds. This device comes with a carrying cart, or a strap to carry it over your shoulder, but 10 pounds tend to be too heavy to carry in that way. Most folks would opt for the cart to pull behind them.

Other factors

Sound level

The noise you POC makes is a personal preference, and something you should consider if noise tends to bother you. Newer models and pulse flow devices tend to be quieter because of the more modern technology available and the pulse flow machines do not need to be as powerful as a continuous flow device.

Some devices make noises similar to a fan or running water, it is a constant noise that some people would consider “white noise” and can even be relaxing, and can notably reduce anxiety. There are times where customers reach out to us and let us know that their device is making an obvious clicking noise from time to time. Most people will reach out because they are worried their POC is broken, but it is actually perfectly normal. And because the clicking noise is not constant most people do not pay any mind to this once they know it is not an issue with their POC.

Some devices are quieter than others, so if noise is a component of your priorities that you want to take into account when shopping for a POC, be sure to let your respiratory specialist know this when you speak with them over the phone at 1-(800)-946-1201. They will have a list of recommendations that they will be able to narrow down knowing how much you value silence or vise versa.

CPAP and BiPAP compatibility

Every device that we sell is CPAP and BiPAP compatible. However whether or not you should use your POC at night should be discussed in depth with your doctor and it will be a part of your oxygen prescription. So depending on the hours per day you need oxygen, and the flow setting at which it needs to be administered throughout the day and night, will greatly influence which device we end up selling you.

If you have sleep apnea and you need a CPAP or BiPAP device while you sleep, you may also need oxygen as well. This is important for us to know beforehand, because if you are intending on using your POC while you sleep, then we must be sure that it has the capabilities of administering the oxygen you need while you sleep and not just the oxygen you need during the day.

Sleeping with oxygen can be challenging to get used, both at night and even resting throughout the day. We wrote a blog post recently about the challenges of sleeping while using oxygen and how you can overcome them and get back to a regular sleep schedule.

Click here to read The Complete Guide to Sleeping With Supplemental Oxygen

Warranty

If you are buying something new, it is always smart to go with the company that will give you a warranty. Warranty will cover expenses associated with the device should anything malfunction. At LPT Medical, we cover every new device that we sell for 3 years, and we even warranty our used machines on a case by case basis.

Affording a new or used POC

Many people will shy away from shopping for portable oxygen concentrators because they will see on google that the prices can range from $1,000 to $3,000, so without contacting anyone about these prices, they dismiss the idea of ever owning their own POC. The simple truth is that our devices never cost as much as they are being advertised online, but we are obligated to post certain prices online that align with our manufacturer’s policies. In order to speak with a respiratory specialist about the real prices for the POC you're interested in, just call us at 1-(800)-946-1201.

So not only are you not able to see the promotional deals online, but we offer a lot of alternatives would allow you to have your own POC without breaking the bank. We are able to offer you a payment plan in order t pay for your POC, we will set this up together so you do not have to pay a large sum up front. You also have the option to buy a used and refurbished unit that will be a lot less expensive than a brand new unit.

Still on the fence?

It is understandable to be unsure about whether a POC is the best option for you. The bottom line is that even if you like to stay at home most of the day or be active as much as possible, modern oxygen therapy technology will offer benefits in many facets of your life, and this is something you should seriously consider.

Technology is constantly updating with expectations to make people’s lives easier. So if you have a serious pulmonary disease, having the most modern oxygen therapy equipment is the one of the best ways to treat your disease, and the easier you can do that, the better.

The most important aspect of oxygen therapy you do not want to have to worry about, is running low on oxygen. With a POC you will never have to worry about that, because the device extracts the surrounding air and compresses it into medical grade oxygen.

POCs nowadays are designed to be portable, no matter your flow setting. Even if you need a larger device in order to provide the oxygen you need, they are easy to maneuver. Every year, our manufactures are working on new designs, with the intentions of making the most portable lightweight oxygen device that is powerful enough to meet any oxygen users' needs. Which is one of the reasons we offer a buyback program. You are able to sell your device back to us if you become interested in a different unit in the future.

We work with every customer on a case by case basis, so if you are unsure about whether or not you want to buy a portable oxygen concentrator the best way to make the decision is to reach out to us so we can help determine if a POC is right for you and your lifestyle, and how we can work with you to afford it.

Please leave a comment or email us at info@LPTmedical.com and we will gladly connect you with someone to answer any and all of your questions.

Creating an effective financial plan is essential no matter who you are or what stage of life you’re in. According to brightplan.com, having organized financials can help you improve your confidence, peace of mind, and reach both long-term and short-term goals. However, if your life becomes complicated by a chronic condition like COPD, you might find that financial planning is a lot more time-consuming and less straightforward.

Not only does COPD come with a lot of added costs like doctor’s visits, medications, and oxygen devices, but it also leads to added stress, anxiety, and worry; all of which can make it feel overwhelming to create a financial plan. Luckily, the more you educate yourself about your disease and the common financial mistakes that COPD patients make, you’ll be well on your way towards creating a more secure long-term plan.

Here at LPT Medical, we take pride in offering cost-effective long-term solutions for your supplemental oxygen needs. We offer a wide selection of portable pulse dose and continuous flow oxygen concentrators, stationary oxygen concentrators, as well as oxygen accessories that help you get the most out of your purchase. Read on to learn about some actionable tips for saving money as a COPD patient and be sure to reach out to us if you’re interested in an oxygen machine.

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Reduce Living Expenses

If you think about it, a lot of your money goes into essential things like your monthly rent, food, gas money, car repairs, and insurance. But just because these things are necessary does not mean that you can’t save money on them. In fact, according to a CNBC article from last year, on average, people spend $143 more than their budgeted weekly allowance. And while this may not sound like a whole lot, that adds up very quickly accounting for over $7,000 each year.

Another thing associated with living expenses is that many people assume they only affect younger people. People that are just out of high school or college are oftentimes more aware of their monthly living expenses because they don’t have that much money saved up. As a result, they need to be more frugal in the way that they use things such as utilities or how much they use their car. As we age, however, it’s easier to overspend on living expenses because we have more of a financial safety net.

One popular trend that’s being embraced by many seniors is something called “downsizing.” Simply put, this is the process of significantly reducing your expenses by getting rid of things that you don’t need. In some cases, downsizing could even mean moving from your current home into one that is physically smaller and less costly. By doing so, you’ll be able to save up more money each month for things like doctor’s visits and COPD medication.

Another living expense that COPD patients may struggle with is the prospect of applying to a nursing home. According to AARP, a nonprofit organization designed to support people over the age of 50, the cost of long-term care options like nursing homes is skyrocketing. Because of this, many people with disabilities are opting for cheaper options that don’t break the bank.

Reduce Unnecessary Spending

Unnecessary spending differs from living expenses in the fact that they are not essential. This includes things like subscription services, gym memberships, cigarettes, or any other type of “luxury” product or service. The problem is that nowadays it’s so easy to spend money. Online shopping has become such a common way for people of all ages to pass their time but it’s also very easy to lose track of how much you’re actually spending.

Cigarette smoking is another expense that can really add up over time. Believe it or not, around 38 percent of people with COPD still smoke despite the fact that 85 to 90 percent of COPD cases are the result of smoking. What’s more, smoking a pack a day can run you around $2,292 each year. Not to mention the fact that continuing to smoke while you have COPD will increase your risk of experiencing an exacerbation and cause your diseases to progress more quickly. Inevitably, this will lead to more medical expenses.

Another unnecessary expense that many people fall victim to is subscription services. It seems like just about every product or service nowadays is bound to a subscription payment in hopes that consumers will start one and forget they have it. Unfortunately, this is usually what happens. Take some time to go through your bank statements and identify any recurring costs, and if they aren’t absolutely necessary then you should eliminate them. 

Limit Hospital Visits

By far the biggest expense for anyone with a disability like COPD is a hospital visit. You may be surprised to find that the average hospital visit costs the patient $10,000 and hospital stays are responsible for 60% of all bankruptcies. With this information in mind, it should be your number one priority to prevent medical emergencies that facilitate a need to visit the emergency room.

The best way to prevent medical emergencies related to COPD is to follow your COPD treatment plan and avoid exacerbation triggers such as smoke, pollution, and other airborne particles. And due to the fact that infections are the most significant cause of exacerbation, you should also take safety precautions like getting your annual flu shot and staying up-to-date about COVID-19.

The most essential components of your COPD treatment plan include supplemental oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. Oxygen therapy will help you keep your blood oxygen levels stable wherever you go which can prevent respiratory failure and pulmonary rehabilitation will keep your lungs and muscles working efficiently making it easier to breathe. 

Learn About Social Security Disability Benefits

Old-age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) is the official name for “social security benefits” in the US. This program is funded by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes made by employees and matched by employers. According to the official Social Security website, Social Security benefits play a crucial role in the economic well-being of millions of Americans. So, when it comes to managing your finances with COPD, it’s important to know what your social security benefits allowance is.

The social security administration defines a disability as any condition that prevents you from participating in “substantial gainful activity” for 12 months or more. In other words, if you are unable to work due to severe respiratory symptoms you should start collecting social security in order to help you pay for medical expenses. However, in order to determine whether COPD is severe enough to warrant SS benefits, they use something called the “Blue Book.” COPD is listed under section 3.02. 

In order to qualify for social security benefits, you also need evidence of your COPD diagnosis. First and foremost, you’ll have to provide a full history of your COPD including symptoms, prognosis, and physical examination results. Below are some of the test results that you should provide:

• Pulse oximetry
• Hospital records
• Spirometry results
• Lung function tests
• Supplemental oxygen prescriptions
• Imaging tests such as CT scans
• Arterial blood gas tests

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Remember that it is possible for them to deny your social security benefits claim for COPD. Because of this, it’s important to gather all the medical information you can before filling out the claim. It takes around 3 to 5 months to process your documents and let you know the results, so if you are careless in how you go about the process, you may be waiting a lot longer than expected to start receiving your benefits. Here are some tips to ensure that you’re doing the process correctly:

Fully Understand the Blue Book

The Blue Book also called the “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security” highlights medical conditions and the symptoms that need to be specified in order to receive benefits. You can either view an updated version of this book online or you can receive one in the mail which may take several weeks. This document is used as a guide book for agency officials when determining the validity of your application, so it’s important to read and understand it, especially the section that pertains to your condition.

Receive Up-to-Date Lung Function Tests

One good way to ensure that you’re receiving your full allowance is to get up-to-date tests. For example, if you received a spirometry test several years ago, you may want to consider having another test done. COPD is a progressive disease meaning it tends to get worse over time, so you want the documents you send to the SSA to reflect that.

Learn About Medical Vocational Allowance

In certain situations, it is possible for someone with severe disability to not qualify for social security benefits. However, there is something called a medical vocational allowance which can make this possible. What you’ll need to do to qualify for this is to prove that your disability has prevented you from working a job that you’ve been trained to do. Since COPD significantly impairs lung function, you should have no problem proving this if you are involved in manual labor work. 

Contact a Social Security Attorney or Advocate

If you’re worried about qualifying for social security benefits or you believe you have been wrongly denied for benefits, you may consider working with a social security attorney or advocate. One of the greatest benefits of contacting an SSDI attorney is that you’re protected by something called a contingency fee arrangement. What this means is that your attorney is only allowed to charge you a fee if you win the case. What’s more, the fee is capped at 25 percent of the past-due benefits awarded to you, up to a maximum of $6,000.

Cut Costs on Medication

Medication is another area that COPD patients tend to overspend in. There are a large variety of medications that you may be required to take for COPD including bronchodilators to prevent shortness of breath, antibiotics that prevent infection and exacerbations, and anti-inflammatories which reduce flare-ups. Unfortunately, many COPD patients purchase these expensive medications without taking the time to consider how they can save money. We discussed this topic in detail in a previous post, but we’ll go over it again for your convenience.

Order Prescriptions Online

Most peoples’ gut reaction after being given a prescription is to go to their local pharmacy. While there’s nothing wrong with this approach, it will likely mean spending significantly more money on your medications. Rather, it’s often a better option to research online pharmacies because there is more competition meaning they will offer lower prices. Many online pharmacies also offer free shipping and quick turnaround times, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to receive your medication.

Purchase Generic Brands

While you’re probably constantly bombarded with advertisements of name-brand medications, these are not the only options out there. In fact, many generic brands offer the same exact product for a much lower price. If you want to save some money, ask your doctor about generic brand medications to see if they will work for you.

Use a Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

Believe it or not, many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs designed to help low-income people pay for their medication. Oftentimes, these programs require you to make below a certain income, you must be a US citizen, and you can’t be a part of any other patient assistance program with a different pharmacy.

Ask Your Doctor for Advice

Last but certainly not least, you should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your medication. Not only will he/she have advice for you to save money on your medications, but he/she may also warn you of common pitfalls of the pharmaceutical industry. Medication is expensive these days so it’s important to take the time to understand your options.

Participate in a Clinical Trial

A clinical trial is a program designed to test the safety and efficacy of new medications and treatments before they hit the market. Clinical trials are carefully designed by medical professionals and they must be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These research programs depend on volunteers, so it’s very easy for anyone to sign up for one and get involved. 

The benefit of participating in clinical trials for COPD is that you may be able to test new medications for free and in some cases, researchers will even pay you to participate. What’s more, the researchers will thoroughly examine your medical history to ensure the new medication doesn’t negatively interfere with your condition. Generally speaking, clinical trials are safe and they can save you hundreds or thousands on your medical expenses. It’s also nice knowing that you have the power to help researchers test new drugs and treatment procedures. If you’re interested in researching COPD clinical trials, visit clinicaltrials.gov. 

Invest in a Long-Term Oxygen Therapy Solution

Supplemental oxygen therapy is a reality for most COPD patients. Whether you have stage one COPD or stage four COPD, medical oxygen helps to ensure that your blood oxygen levels remain stable and that you can breathe easily. Unfortunately, many COPD patients take the wrong approach when it comes to purchasing a medical oxygen device and it often costs them more in the long run.

Oxygen tanks are a very popular oxygen for oxygen therapy because they are accessible and have low upfront costs. The problem, however, is that the costs add up very quickly because you have to keep refilling them. Since they run out of oxygen so quickly most people keep two or more on hand at any given time. They’re also really heavy, bulky, and dangerous to use. 

Alternatively, you could invest in a long-term oxygen therapy solution like a portable oxygen concentrator. Rather than refilling oxygen concentrators as you would with an oxygen tank, these devices draw in ambient air and output medical-grade oxygen. Since these are electronic devices, all you need to do is have access to a power outlet in order to charge the batteries. Additionally, portable oxygen concentrators are extremely lightweight and easy to carry making them perfect for traveling and getting out of the house.

If you’re looking to save money in the long term and you want a powerful, reliable oxygen device, we recommend either the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or the Inogen One G5. Each of these units is 5 pounds or under, they offer over 10 hours of battery life, and they can last you between 5 and 7 years with minimal maintenance. They also have 3-year warranties which will protect you from rare occurrences like manufacturing defects.

The above portable oxygen concentrators are pulse dose delivery, meaning they deliver oxygen whenever the user inhales. In certain situations, your doctor may require you to use continuous flow instead. In this case, we recommend using the Respironics SimplyGo. This oxygen machine is not quite as light as the other two but it is the most reliable and trusted continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on the market.

While portable oxygen concentrators have a larger upfront cost, they are always the best long-term solution. Another benefit of owning one is that if you ever decide you want to upgrade to a newer model or your doctor tells you that you no longer need oxygen, many oxygen retailers will buy back your oxygen concentrator. This is usually not possible with oxygen tanks because most oxygen companies just rent them out rather than selling them. 

Speak With a Financial Advisor

Seeking out the help of a financial advisor is usually a last resort for the average person. Some financial advisors charge a pretty penny for their work and some people simply have nothing to gain from it. However, if you’re overwhelmed with financial decisions after being diagnosed with COPD and you can find the right financial expert to go to, it’s always something to consider.

A financial advisor will walk you through all of your financials and put together a long-term plan that will help you meet your goals. Oftentimes, they will tell you where to invest your money and give you a monthly allowance for what you’re allowed to spend. They’ll also help you better understand how to deal with the increasing number of medical expenses that you’re having to deal with.  

Conclusion

Financial planning is something that we all have to deal with throughout our life. Taking the time to understand how much money you have and understanding where you should invest that money is crucial to living comfortably. Unfortunately, if you’re coping with a chronic lung disease like COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis, the process of planning your finances may be difficult and time-consuming.

On a positive note, if you take the time to understand your condition and some common mistakes that COPD patients make, you can avoid some major financial pitfalls. Hopefully, some of the tips listed in this article got you started on the right foot, and if they did, be sure to share it with a friend or loved one who may be struggling with the same issue. 

Life is filled with unpredictability. Whether it’s a change to our daily routine or a life-changing event like a COPD diagnosis, staying on our toes is often the best way to maintain stability in our lives. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to deal with these changes. Sometimes, it can feel like you’re trying to play keep up rather than dealing with problems quickly and effectively as soon as they arise.

What this all boils down to is a matter of motivation. Either you have the motivation to take charge of your life and thrive with the hand you’ve been dealt, or you lack the motivation you need and end up feeling stressed, lost, and unable to deal with life’s challenges effectively. Oftentimes, when someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness, they find themselves in a rut where they are unable to find the motivation to manage their disease effectively. 

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If you want to get to the point where you’re controlling your disease rather than your disease controlling you, it’s imperative that you start with square one. Instead of viewing your disease as a whole with all its complexities, you should break it down into more manageable parts that are easier to work with. In this post, we’ll take a look at the steps you need to take to go from struggling with COPD to thriving with COPD.

Understand That COPD is Not the End

According to mindful.org, positive thoughts not only affect how we feel, but they also affect our behaviors. When someone faces a life-changing scenario like a COPD diagnosis, they often feel shame, fear, or disappointment; all of which will shape the way we cope with this newfound information. Someone who is able to conquer these thoughts quickly and return to a normal, stable mindset will be successful in managing their disease. However, someone who is not able to overcome these negative thoughts will find it increasingly difficult to cope with the challenges of managing a chronic lung disease.

What ends up happening is that many people who have just been diagnosed with COPD automatically place themselves in the same group as someone with heart disease, lung cancer, or some other serious life-threatening illness. This is a mistake because COPD progresses much more slowly than the vast majority of chronic illnesses. In fact, many people around the world have been able to nearly bring the progression of COPD down to a halt by adhering to a strict treatment regime.  

The key to turning these negative thoughts around is understanding that COPD is a very treatable illness and any commitment you make to a new lifestyle will not be in vain. In comparison to lung cancer and other chronic respiratory diseases, COPD is much more predictable in its pathogenesis meaning that following the treatment plan created by your doctor will yield tangible results that you can use to further motivate you.

According to MedicineNet, the five-year life expectancy for someone with COPD is 40% to 70%. In other words, 40 to 70 out of every 100 COPD patients live beyond five years. Keep in mind that about 40 percent of all COPD patients continue smoking after their diagnosis. What this means is that immediate smoking cessation will significantly improve your odds of living beyond five years, and implementing other healthy routines will extend it far beyond that. Many COPD patients have been able to live happy and healthy lives for 20 to 30 years after their diagnosis.

Make Smoking Cessation a Priority

Not only is smoking the leading cause of COPD and COPD progression, but it’s also the cause of many of the emotional difficulties of coping with COPD. According to Bridgestone Recovery, the mental health effects of smoking may be among the most dangerous. 48% of women and 40% of men with severe depression are found to be smokers as opposed to 17% and 25% of women and men who are non-depressed. While smoking leads to temporary feelings of satisfaction and pleasure, the symptoms of withdrawal that you experience far outweigh the benefits.

Simply put, not only is smoking the main factor contributing to the progression of your disease, but it’s also the main factor preventing you from feeling better and living longer. By ending your dependency on cigarettes, you will not only feel better, but you will be more mentally and emotionally available to take on other challenging aspects of COPD management such as exercise, diet, and medication.

Smoking cessation is by no means “easy.” Whether you’ve been smoking for several years or your whole life, the effects of smoking are the same. Nicotine, a chemical found in cigarettes, leads to the release of dopamine in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in our feelings of pleasure and reward. When you’re smoking a cigarette, dopamine levels are high. However, when you quit, your dopamine levels are low, causing you to experience a withdrawal. Studies show that nicotine addiction can occur within a few days of starting to smoke.   

Another reason to start with smoking cessation is the financial burden of cigarettes. Due to market changes and tax increases, cigarettes are not the cheap product that they used to be. According to Very Well, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $6.28. If you smoke a pack a day, that’s $2,292  Alternatively, you could save that money and instead use it to buy a portable oxygen concentrator which will provide you with portable, easily accessible oxygen for the rest of your life.

Consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The world is currently undergoing a mental health paradox. Mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent than several decades ago, yet people are less likely to seek help for their problems. In our modern age, people are constantly bombarded with information through the internet, social media, or in-person with little time to focus on their own mental health. Due to the negative stigma of seeking help for these problems, many people are left with no outlet to express their frustrations. This can make it night impossible for someone to quit smoking.

The objective of cognitive behavioral therapy is to take a behavior that is perceived as “wrong” and correct it to help you better achieve your goals. For COPD patients, this could mean correcting thoughts or behaviors that reinforce your dependence on cigarettes or other bad behaviors that contribute to the progression of COPD. At the end of the day, correcting your thoughts and behaviors will lead to more motivation because it will make you realize that you are capable of managing your disease on your own.

According to Medical News Today, CBT is a form of short-term therapy that often lasts around 20 sessions. They can be one-on-one courses or group therapy situations, but the latter is more common since this type of therapy is very goal-oriented and focused on the individual. After completing CBT, patients walk away with a greater understanding of their problems, what’s causing them, and how to fix them. Most importantly, however, people learn how to be more self-sufficient and avoid giving into thoughts or behaviors that could lead to smoking relapse.

Make a List of Things That are Important to You

Lists are great for a lot of things, but they’re especially helpful if you want to keep track of things that are important to you. Far too many people take the time to implement goals in their life, but by the time they start pursuing them, they’ve forgotten why they’re doing it. Or they simply lose motivation because they lose sight of what’s actually important to them. If you’re trying to quit smoking, for example, take some time to write down 10 or more reasons why it will benefit you. Here are a few of the things you can write down:

• I will save over $2,000 each year without cigarettes
• I will improve my symptoms including anxiety, stress, and depression
• I will slow the progression of inflammation in my lungs
• I will reduce my risk of diabetes, heart disease, and many other life-threatening illnesses
• I will be more socially accepted by my friends and loved ones
• I will have taken the first step toward treating my COPD
• I will be able to help others dealing with cigarette addiction more effectively

These are just a few of the things you can list. Feel free to add to this list if you can think of more important reasons to quit. Once you have written these down, make copies and post them around your house to help motivate you. If you find success in this method, be sure to do the same for any other lifestyle change you want to make such as improving your diet, exercise routine, and more. 

Recruit Others to Hold You Accountable

Generally speaking, people are more successful at accomplishing their goals when they’re held accountable by friends and family. When you’re on your own, it becomes very difficult to pinpoint where you’re going wrong and how you can improve. However, if you have an outside observer looking in, your potential flaws will be more obvious. This is similar to how you have someone proofread your writing for structural and grammatical accuracy.

The bottom line when it comes to having others hold you accountable is that you need to make sure they are being honest and aren’t just telling you what you want to hear. Far too often, family, friends, or caretakers will reinforce negative habits; not because they don’t care about them, but because they want to avoid uncomfortable interactions that could compromise the relationship.  

If you want to do something like quit smoking, exercise more, or improve your diet, start by being open and honest with friends and loved ones about what you’re trying to accomplish. The more aware they are of your goals, the more easily they will be able to hold you accountable and remind you of your goals when you begin to fall back on them. In some cases, you may not even realize that you’re falling back on them.

Upgrade to a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

One thing that’s virtually guaranteed if you’re a COPD patient is that you will be on supplemental oxygen therapy. Since COPD patients have impaired lung function, oxygen therapy assists them by saturating the lungs with medical-grade oxygen, thus increasing blood oxygen levels. When your blood oxygen levels are normal, every organ in your body will receive more oxygen meaning you’ll be healthier and feel happier.

One of the biggest problems with oxygen therapy, however, is that it can be a major inconvenience. Oxygen tanks are very heavy, they take up a lot of room, and they can even be hazardous. If that’s not bad enough, they also need to be refilled after several hours of use either with a homefill oxygen station or with the help of a local oxygen provider. In other words, oxygen tanks keep you bound to your home with very little freedom. What’s more, oxygen tanks are banned on flights, so you won’t be able to travel long distances with the ease that you could previously.

It’s not all bad news, though! Luckily, modern technology is making it easier every day for oxygen patients to get the therapy they need without being stuck at home or put their safety at risk. Portable oxygen concentrators are currently the most advanced oxygen machines on the market. They are powered by electricity meaning they never need to be refilled and you’ll be able to charge them in any wall or car outlet anywhere in the world. Portable oxygen concentrators are also approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) meaning you’ll be able to take them on any commercial flight within the United States.

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Portable oxygen concentrators have been the industry standard for supplemental oxygen since the early 2000s, so there are a whole host of options to choose from. One thing to note, however, is that portable oxygen concentrators have a maximum oxygen output, so you’ll need to ensure that a POC meets your oxygen needs before purchasing it. You’ll also want to look into the weight, battery life, and other factors to determine whether the oxygen machine will meet your lifestyle needs or not. 

If you’ve never purchased a portable oxygen concentrator before, you should start by looking at the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and the Inogen One G5. The FreeStyle Comfort is one of the latest POCs to release and it’s widely considered to be one of the best. Its maximum oxygen output is 1,050 ml/min, so it offers enough oxygen for the vast majority of COPD patients. It offers up to 16 hours of battery life on one charge, meaning you’ll be able to stay out all day without having to worry. Lastly, it weighs in at only 5 pounds making it light enough to carry on your shoulder without it causing any pain or discomfort.

The Inogen One G5 came out last year, so it’s a little bit older than the FreeStyle Comfort, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. The differences between this device and the FreeStyle Comfort are minimal, so the one you choose to purchase will ultimately come down to your preferences. The Inogen One G5 offers a maximum oxygen output of 1,260 ml/min, so it provides a little more flexibility than its competitor. It’s also slightly lighter, weighing in at only 4.7 pounds. The Inogen One G5 provides oxygen users with 13 hours of battery life on one charge, 3 hours less than the FreeStyle Comfort.

Although these are two of the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, it’s imperative that you understand what your needs are first. Get in touch with your pulmonologist and ask him/her how much oxygen you need and how many hours a day you need to be on oxygen. Once you do so, reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical and we will align you with the oxygen concentrator that best meets your needs and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Motivation is paramount when it comes to managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether you are in stage one COPD or end-stage COPD, staying motivated will ensure that you always have the energy to keep up with your treatment plan and make healthy choices. Also, generally speaking, you will be happier and more satisfied with your life when you feel motivated to pursue goals that are important to you.

While there is certainly no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to increasing motivation, there are several problems COPD patients (and people with other chronic conditions) face that can lead to a loss of motivation. In this post, we highlighted just a few of the things you can do to improve your state of mind and get back on track towards achieving your health goals. As always, if you have a question or concern, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term that represents two separate diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The foer affects around 8.9 million Americans and the latter affects around 3 million Americans. One of the characteristics of both of these diseases, however, is that they both develop over the course of many years leading to permanent and irreversible damage to the lungs and airways.

The only way to slow the progression of COPD is with a carefully planned treatment regime organized by your doctor or pulmonologist. These plans typically involve a revised diet, a strict exercise plan known as “pulmonary rehabilitation,” smoking cessation, and supplemental oxygen therapy. If you have another condition such as sleep apnea which can result in complications with COPD, your doctor will likely treat this with medication or other forms of therapy.

While it may not seem like you have much of a say in how your disease is treated, you’ll be surprised to find that there are a lot of decisions to make after being diagnosed with COPD. One of the first, and likely most consequential decision you’ll make is what oxygen device you would like to use. There are many choices including oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, and stationary concentrators. But there’s only one type of oxygen device that will provide you with the ultimate comfort and freedom in your daily life and that’s portable oxygen concentrators. 

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In this post, we’ll take a look at one of the most recently released portable oxygen concentrators, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, and how it provides oxygen patients all over the country with more convenience than ever before. In order to get the right oxygen concentrator for you, be sure to speak with your doctor first to learn what your oxygen needs are. If you have any questions about oxygen concentrators or supplemental oxygen in general, be sure to leave them in the comment section below.

It’s one of the Lightest Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Weight is usually the first concern anyone has when they start looking at oxygen devices, and for good reason. Just a quick internet search will bring up hundreds of different oxygen devices, many of which weigh 10 pounds or more. For someone who suffers from a respiratory impairment, this can be difficult if not impossible to manage, especially for people who enjoy going on long trips.

Oxygen devices vary greatly in terms of weight. The AirSep Focus, for example, weighs in at only 1.75 pounds, light enough to carry on your belt buckle. The problem, however, is that it only provides you with 330 ml/min of oxygen making it off-limits for the vast majority of oxygen patients. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find continuous flow oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks which can weigh as much as 20 pounds. This is far too heavy to carry on your shoulder, and for some people, they’re even too heavy to wheel around using a rolling cart.   

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort hits the sweet spot when it comes to weight. While it’s not light enough to carry on your belt buckle like the Focus, the FreeStyle Comfort still only weighs 5 pounds making it easy to carry around on your shoulder without affecting your walking or causing back pain. You can enjoy long vacations on the other side of the world or a walk in a local park without your oxygen concentrator causing any unneeded stress or strain.

It’s Extremely Reliable

Have you ever gone somewhere and worried about whether or not your cell phone will work when you need it most? Nowadays, we are more reliant on technology than ever before, so ultimately, it’s best to invest in devices that we know will never give out on us. If anything this rings true even more for oxygen patients who have one additional device they need to rely on throughout the day.

Straight out of the box, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort offers a much lower failure rate than most other oxygen devices. Due to the high production standards that Caire Inc. has for their units, they’ve all but eliminated things like factory defects. What this means is that when you receive your device in the mail, it will be in great working condition so you won’t have to worry about sending it back to the manufacturer for repairs.

Another reason the FreeStyle Comfort is so reliable is that it was designed for 24/7 use. More often than not, COPD patients who are prescribed supplemental oxygen are required to use it for 15 hours each day or more and this often means using it while you sleep. The good news is that the FreeStyle Comfort can be run throughout all hours of the day and the night without being shut off or having to “cool down.” 

It Has a High Oxygen Output

“Oxygen output” is defined as the amount of medical oxygen a device can put out in a given period of time. Oxygen output can either be written as liters per minute (LPM) or milliliters per minute (ml/min). And since the FreeStyle Comfort is a pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator meaning it puts out oxygen only when the user inhales, it’s always written as milliliters per minute. 

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The Caire FreeStyle Comfort provides 1,050 ml/min of oxygen output making it the second-best of any pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator in the world. The only other machine that can put out more oxygen is the Inogen One G5 which has a maximum oxygen output of 1,260 ml/min of oxygen and offers one additional flow setting for a total of 6. There are some minor differences between the FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen G5, so be sure to consult with a respiratory specialist before committing to either one.

Another reason to invest in a portable oxygen concentrator that has a high oxygen output is that it gives you room to move up. As you know, COPD is a progressive disease meaning it only increases in severity. As your respiratory symptoms advance, you will need higher concentrations of oxygen in the lungs. So, for example, investing in a POC like the Inogen One G4 which only offers 630 ml/min of oxygen would not be a wise choice for most people, because even if it meets your oxygen needs right now, that likely won’t be the case a year or two from now. 

Fortunately, we have a great trade-in program here at LPT Medical. So if you’ve found yourself with a portable oxygen concentrator that doesn’t meet your needs, you can sell it to us and put that money towards a brand new portable oxygen concentrator. We also offer plenty of used portable oxygen concentrators if that’s something you’re interested in.

It Has Outstanding Battery Life

Battery life is synonymous with freedom; the more battery life your POC offers, the longer you’ll be able to stay out of your house. Drawing in ambient air and putting out medical grade oxygen requires a lot of energy, but due to decades of innovation, oxygen companies have been able to create batteries that are up to the task. All portable oxygen concentrators, including the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, use powerful lithium-ion batteries that allow you to run your concentrator for hours a day without having to be recharged.

On the lowest flow setting of 1 with the 16-cell battery, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort will provide you with 16 hours of battery life! In many ways, this is overkill since you likely won’t be out of the house for this period of time, but it gives you more flexibility and leverage when you increase your flow setting. Even on the maximum flow setting of 5, you will have four hours of freedom. What’s more, if you purchase an additional 16-cell battery, that will double your battery life to eight hours.

Having this amount of freedom was unheard of in the past. Several decades ago when oxygen tanks were the only form of supplemental oxygen therapy, it would’ve been impossible for oxygen patients to travel far from home. Oxygen tanks need to be refilled after several hours of use and there’s no option to “carry extra batteries” like you can with a concentrator. What’s more, oxygen tanks have to be refilled by an oxygen specialist which is costly and very inconvenient.  

Replacing batteries on the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is incredibly easy. Simply press the tabs on either side of the device and pull the battery off the bottom of the unit. Then snap the fully charged battery on to the bottom of the unit and you’re ready to go! If you have the external battery charger, you can have your old battery fully charged and ready to go once your new one runs out of juice.

It’s Incredibly Quiet

One of the biggest concerns many people have about making the switch from an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank is sound. Since these devices have no moving parts they’ve virtually silent. While portable oxygen concentrators produce some sound, people are often surprised to find that it is negligible. Last month, we published an article about the quietest portable oxygen concentrators in 2020, and the Caire FreeStyle Comfort made the list with only 43 decibels (dBA) of sound output. To put this into perspective, it’s about as loud as a quiet conversation.

With a quiet portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll be able to any number of things that are important to you, such as going to church, visiting a library, or going to see a movie without the fear of disrupting other people. Another benefit of a quiet device is that you’ll be able to use your POC while you sleep without it waking you up or causing you to get a poor night’s sleep. Keep in mind, however, that because the FreeStyle Comfort is a pulse dose POC, it is not compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines.

It Has an Ergonomic Design

One of the greatest things about Caire Inc. is their willingness to go the extra mile to provide its customers with something truly special. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is the first portable oxygen concentrator to be designed with an ergonomic curve. Rather than having a box shape like most portable oxygen concentrators do, the FreeStyle Comfort molds to your hip so that it doesn’t slide around as much. This is a small detail, but it goes a long way towards providing oxygen patients with a unit that’s more seamless and comfortable than ever before. 

It’s also pretty incredible considering how far portable oxygen concentrators have come since traditional oxygen therapy devices. Oxygen tanks, for example, are very oblong making them incredibly difficult to maneuver and they’re too big and bulky to carry under your arm as you walk. On the other hand, the dimensions of the FreeStyle Comfort are 10” H x 7.3” L x 3.1” W, so it’s about the size of a lunchbox. 

It Has Built-In Telehealth Technology

Another way Caire has gone above and beyond is by equipping every FreeStyle Comfort with telehealth technology. Telehealth, or “telemedicine” is the concept of providing health-related services remotely. An example of this would be a physician providing his/her patients with a checkup via a video call. Services like these are incredibly important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic that we’re currently facing.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort has built-in software that tracks your oxygen usage (flow rate, usage time per day, and more) then it relays that information to your physician and oxygen provider to help you monitor your progress. You’ll also be able to view this information through the online portal or smartphone application. This software is officially called CAIREview™ telehealth technology. It’s created by SynsorMed, and it’s available for the FreeStyle Comfort, the Eclipse 5, and the Caire Companion 5.

Conclusion

Choosing an oxygen device is no easy feat. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of oxygen devices out there, many of which are poorly made and likely won’t meet your oxygen needs and personal preferences. Ultimately, it’s best to stick with concentrators that are manufactured by popular and trusted brands such as Inogen, ResMed, and Caire Inc. Here at LPT Medical, we don’t sell any portable oxygen concentrators that we wouldn’t use ourselves.

In this post, we took a look at the FreeStyle Comfort, the latest and most advanced portable oxygen concentrator produced by Caire Inc. Due to the reliability, high oxygen output, and lightweight design of this POC, it’s ideal for the vast majority of oxygen patients. However, with that being said, it’s still important to speak with your doctor and understand what your exact oxygen needs are. Once you do that, reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical and we’ll help you find the right concentrator for you that meets both your oxygen needs and your personal preferences. 

From the novel coronavirus to devastating wildfires, 2020 has been a challenging year for us all. But for people with chronic respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma, this year has been the ultimate test. The good news is that, by following all COVID-19 safety precautions stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and by checking the air quality index (AQI) before leaving the house, many COPD patients have adjusted nicely to a new way of life.

With the holidays coming up, you may be wondering how you can stay safe while still catching up with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re flying across the country or you’re just going down the street, it’s important to prepare well enough in advance so that you can stay healthy and happy and avoid emergencies like COPD flare-ups and exacerbations. Conversely, if you are having relatives over to your house, you should ensure your home is safe for you and your guests.

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In this post, we’ll take a look at several of the most important safety tips you should take into consideration. As always, if you have any questions for us, feel free to leave them in the comment section and we’ll do our best to answer them as soon as possible. What’s more, if you have any questions about your COPD treatment plan or you’re thinking of making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medication, please consult your doctor beforehand.

Upgrade to a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Chances are, you know exactly what it’s like to use an oxygen tank during the holiday season. First and foremost, you have to have a plan as to how you will refill your oxygen tank while you’re away from home. This could mean bringing a spare tank or researching oxygen companies in the area that can deliver oxygen to you. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to find an oxygen company that’s actually open during the holiday season.

The next thing you have to consider is how you will actually transport your oxygen. Oxygen tanks are banned on all airlines, so taking a flight is out of the question. It’s also very dangerous to travel with an oxygen tank in your car, so you will have to take a number of safety precautions in order to ensure that it doesn’t move around while you’re in transit. Last but not least, you’ll have to spend your whole holiday keeping a close eye on your tank, making sure it’s not exposed to any open flames or anything that could damage the fragile components.

Fortunately, using a personal oxygen concentrator is much easier and safer. Travel size oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort are lightweight, compact, and most importantly, they’re much safer to use than a standard oxygen tank. Portable oxygen concentrators are electronic devices that draw in ambient air, remove unneeded gases, and then put out medical grade oxygen. As a result, they don’t store oxygen at high pressures like oxygen tanks do. 

Another reason they’re safer is that they have an implemented “breath detection technology” which cuts off oxygen flow if no breath is detected. Since oxygen increases the flammability of everything it comes in contact with, you can rest assured you’ll be safe if you accidentally drop your nasal cannula and leave it for an extended period of time.

One final reason that portable oxygen concentrators are safer to use during the holidays is that they don’t create a tripping hazard. If you use an oxygen tank, you will have to wheel it around on a carrying cart meaning your nasal cannula will have to run from the tank to your nose. However, portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 can be slung over your shoulder and tucked under your arm so that it’s always accounted for. What’s more, you can keep your oxygen tubing nice and short so that it’s not dragging on the ground.

Have a Plan for Dealing with Exacerbations

According to the American Thoracic Society (ATS), a COPD exacerbation is a period of worsening symptoms, most commonly caused by infection. And unfortunately, being around your family and extended family during the holidays will put you at a higher risk of contracting illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and even the coronavirus. Contrary to popular belief, most medical experts recommend wearing a mask if you have COPD. As long as you’re using supplemental oxygen therapy as prescribed and you’re checking your blood oxygen levels regularly, the mask should not affect your symptoms.   

If you’re someone who experiences anxiety or claustrophobia while wearing a mask, there are a number of techniques you can try to alleviate this. Since claustrophobia is closely linked to how you breathe, taking the time to learn breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can help you in the long run. This involves concentrating on using your diaphragmatic muscles to breathe rather than your chest muscles. Another thing you can try is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help you pinpoint the root cause of anxiety and learn ways to cope with it in a manageable way.

Aside from wearing a mask, you should follow all other COVID-19 safety guidelines. This means maintaining 6 feet of distance between other people, washing your hands regularly throughout the day, and making others aware that you’re a high-risk individual. Making others aware of your condition is important because if there was an emergency, they would need to know how to help. If you want, you can even write down an action plan to help you out in a difficult situation. If you’d like to learn more about COPD action plans, read through this post.

Don’t Fall Back on Old Habits

When you were diagnosed with COPD, you likely had some significant obstacles to overcome. Smoking cessation, an improved diet, and a consistent exercise routine are all necessary to get back on track and slow the progression of COPD. Unfortunately, all the bad habits you dropped when you were diagnosed with COPD can come flooding back when you’re around people you haven’t seen in a while.

Before leaving the house for the holidays, it’s important to mentally prepare. While the holiday season is all about relaxing and letting go, you don’t want to be so relaxed that you forget about your COPD treatment plan. One thing most people do on Thanksgiving and Christmas is overeating. This may be relatively harmless for someone who’s healthy, but for someone with COPD, this could mean exacerbating your lung symptoms. 

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The main reason you don’t want to overeat during the holidays is that it can lead to bloating. When this happens, you’ll notice that you have a harder time breathing and you’ll be more likely to experience chest pain or a chronic cough. Secondly, COPD patients have a hard time processing a lot of food all at once. This is why doctors recommend eating smaller meals spread throughout the day because it is easier for your body to manage. Eating large meals can also lead to weight gain. 

According to U.S. News, being overweight has a number of negative effects when it comes to managing your disease. Overweight individuals will get out of breath faster and excess body weight on the stomach and chest can interfere with breathing. Another problem is that overweight people tend to maintain a diet high in carbohydrates which get converted to carbon dioxide (CO2) during digestion. This means you’ll be struggling to get the oxygen you need to maintain your blood oxygen levels. So, if you want to eat healthy this holiday season be sure to focus on portion control and avoid foods that are high in carbs.

Another habit you may be tempted to fall back on is smoking. Cigarette smoking causes around 85 to 90 percent of all COPD cases and continuing to smoke with COPD will worsen the disease and trigger exacerbations. If you’re spending time with relatives that you used to smoke with or people who currency smoke this holiday season, this could cause you to slip back into an old habit. And even if you don’t smoke with this person, being around them will still expose you to secondhand smoke which can be just as bad.

Take Time Packing Your Medication

If you’re a COPD patient, your medication is paramount to your health. Whether you take orally administered medication, inhaled medication like nebulizer therapy or inhaler therapy, or some combination of the two, you’ll need to ensure that everything is packed and ready to go before you head out the door. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to renew your prescription for all of your medications so that you don’t have to worry about that when the time comes to leave.

Long-acting bronchodilators are designed to relax the airways and help you breathe easier throughout the day. This includes drugs such as tiotropium, salmeterol, indacaterol, formoterol, arformoterol, and aclidinium. Short-acting bronchodilators, on the other hand, are designed to work quickly in the event that you experience a COPD exacerbation. Short-acting bronchodilators include albuterol, ipratropium, ipratropium bromide, and levalbuterol.

Plan a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Schedule

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been one of the most hotly debated aspects of COPD treatment plans. In the past, it was believed that any form of exercise would exacerbate respiratory systems. However, within the past several decades, studies have shown that a carefully planned and consistent exercise routine can improve lung strength and slow the progression of COPD.

While it’s tempting to forget about exercising and practicing breathing exercises while you’re away for the holidays, this will only put you behind on your treatment regime. Rather you should take the time to plan out your day and ensure that you follow all of your doctor's instructions. It may not seem like it, but even a small amount of moderate exercise can go a long way towards improving your long term prognosis and helping you feel better.

Check the Air Quality Index (AQI)

You may believe that, since the temperature is starting to drop, there’s no need to check the air quality index before you go outside. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. Cold weather actually causes things like car exhaust and other types of air pollution to stick closer to the ground since the air is denser and moves more slowly. This means it’s more important than ever to check the air quality. What’s more, there are a number of wildfires still raging across the country which are filling the air with smoke.

According to this study, the most common types of pollution during winter months are PM10 (particulate matter that is 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Wildfires are a complex mixture of pollutants including fine particles, water vapor, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, organic chemicals, and more. When you go to check the AQI in your area, be sure to keep an eye out for these.

COPD patients are considered part of the “sensitive group” when it comes to air quality. Generally speaking, COPD patients should not go outside if the AQI is over 100, but if you have late stage COPD, an AQI under 50 will be ideal. Like we discussed in our last blog post, there is an AQI mobile application that you can download on either your Android or iPhone that makes it simple and easy to check the air quality in your area.

Bring Clothing That’s Appropriate for the Weather

The weather has an immense impact on COPD symptoms. Extreme conditions, typically over 90 degrees Fahrenheit or below freezing can cause flare-ups and lead to unexpected side-effects like increased mucus production. Of course, the best way to cope with these weather conditions is to remain inside with the heater on, however, going outside may be unavoidable if you’re visiting relatives. 

One of the best ways to keep your body temperature high while out in the cold is to wear multiple layers. Unfortunately, simply wearing a heavy jacket won’t do much to keep you warm and it could even restrict your breathing. Rather, you should wear several layers of flexible clothing that don’t add any unnecessary strain to your chest or stomach. Also, be sure to wear gloves, a hat, and a scarf. 

For more information on managing COPD in cold weather, read our article titled, “The Complete Guide to Managing Your COPD in the Winter”. 

Conclusion

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner. In just a few weeks it will be time to pack the bags and head to the relatives’ house. And whether you’re planning on traveling across the country or next door, there’s a lot of planning COPD patients need to do in order to stay safe and healthy during this time. Follow the tips above to get you started and don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any questions for us.

If you’re looking for a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator for your holiday trip, feel free to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. We are happy to provide COPD patients with plenty of options from the most reputable brands in the industry like Caire Inc., Inogen, and Respironics. Some of our most popular units include the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, Inogen One G5, and the Respironics SimplyGo.