Most people like to think of the internet as a place they can have all their burning questions answered. Just a quick visit to your favorite search engine and you can have some of the world’s most complex questions answered in a matter of minutes. However, while it is easy to use the internet, it’s still important to be wary about where we’re getting our information and how we use it.

When it comes to oxygen concentrators, there is a lot of misinformation to be found on the internet. Whether it’s confusion about the cost of oxygen concentrators, how they work, or anything else, this information might dissuade someone from purchasing one, and thus experiencing the many benefits that they offer. In many ways, this is understandable considering the fact that oxygen concentrators have a lot more features than other oxygen devices such as oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks.

In this post, we’re going to go through a couple of the most common myths and misconceptions about oxygen concentrators and debunk them. By doing so, we hope to provide you with a more clear understanding of what your options are in terms of supplemental oxygen therapy. If you have any questions at all after reading this article, feel free to reach out to our respiratory specialists.

Myth #1 - They’re Not a Cost-Effective Option

Understandably, cost is a major concern for many oxygen patients. Money can be tight these days especially if you’re having to spend a lot on medication, doctor’s visits, and other healthcare costs. This is why many people are looking for the cheapest option when it comes to supplemental oxygen therapy.

While it’s certainly a good idea to look for the best deal possible on medical oxygen, it’s also important to think in the long term rather than the short term. Buying the cheapest oxygen concentrator might seem like a good idea at the moment, but you may begin to regret your purchase over the course of several weeks or months.

Oxygen concentrators can be deceiving in that they have a higher upfront cost than oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks. But over the course of several years, oxygen tanks rack up a lot of costs that you simply won’t have to deal with if you own an oxygen concentrator. What’s more, oxygen concentrators that are manufactured by reputable brands tend to have a lifespan of anywhere between 5 to 7 years and they’re designed to be run 24 hours a day without being turned off.

Another reason oxygen concentrators are cost-effective is that they come with manufacturer’s warranties. A warranty is a contract that states the oxygen company will repair or replace a unit if it becomes damaged within a certain period of time. Most oxygen companies offer a 3-year warranty free of charge with the purchase of a new oxygen concentrator, but they can often be extended to a 5-year or lifetime warranties for an additional cost. However, for most people, three years is plenty of time to ensure that your oxygen device is working properly.

When you compare oxygen concentrators to other oxygen therapy devices like oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks, the long-term costs are much lower. Oxygen tanks need to be refilled weekly and if you don’t want to drive to the nearest oxygen station, you will need to pay to have them delivered as well. Over time, this can become a hefty expenditure. On the other hand, oxygen concentrators do not need to be refilled and the only thing you’ll need to do is replace the sieve beds which are responsible for filtering out unneeded gases like nitrogen and argon.

Myth #2 - They’re Complicated and Difficult to Understand

The last thing most people want nowadays is another device or gadget to worry about. From smartphones to computers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the complicated technology that surrounds us every day. This is why many people worry about purchasing an oxygen concentrator. They’re under the impression that it will be difficult to understand just like their phone or computer.

Fortunately, this is not the case! Oxygen concentrators are actually designed to be very easy to operate and many people would argue that they’re even easier to use than an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank. For example, one of the most popular portable oxygen concentrators on the market, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, has just three buttons — one to turn the power on and off, and two to adjust the flow setting. The screen displays the flow setting you currently have selected as well as the amount of battery life you have remaining. Aside from learning how to replace and charge the battery, this is all you need to know in order to start using it. 

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Another thing that makes oxygen concentrators easy to use is that they don’t have to be refilled like oxygen tanks do. Stationary oxygen concentrators like the Respironics EverFlo Q simply need to be plugged into a wall outlet in order to work and portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 run off a portable battery. Oxygen tanks are much more difficult to learn because you need to know how to operate the tank as well as the oxygen concentrator that’s used to refill the tank. If you don’t want to hassle with this, you’ll need to have your oxygen delivered which is costly.

Several newer portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 and Caire FreeStyle Comfort have technology that enables you to connect to your smartphone and view information pertaining to your oxygen usage. The good news, however, is that these features are entirely optional, so you can just use the basic features of the concentrator without ever connecting it to your phone.

Myth #3 - They’re Dangerous to Use

Safety should be your number one priority when you choose an oxygen machine. After all, the whole point of being on medical oxygen in the first place is to keep you healthy and happy. So there’s no point in adding any unnecessary risks if you don’t have to. Many oxygen patients are surprised to discover that oxygen concentrators are the safest option available to them.

Since oxygen concentrators take surrounding room air and filter out gases like nitrogen and argon, they don’t hold any compressed oxygen. The oxygen simply passes through the device and into the nasal cannula where it is inspired by the oxygen patient. Oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks work differently because they actually hold oxygen within the unit. A normal oxygen tank holds oxygen gas while a liquid oxygen cylinder holds liquid oxygen. While liquid oxygen tanks hold oxygen at much lower pressures, they can still be dangerous to use. 

Chances are when you go to pick up an oxygen tank for the first time, you will be provided with a long list of things that you’re not allowed to do. Here are just a few of the rules you’ll need to follow with an oxygen tank:

• Never smoke near an oxygen tank
• Oxygen tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated and non-confined space to avoid creating a fire hazard
• Use only water-based products rather than oily or petroleum-based products around an oxygen tank
• Never leave oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks in a hot car
• Tanks should be stored so that they don’t move around while in transport
• Liquid oxygen tanks should never be stored on their side
• For more oxygen tank and liquid oxygen tank safety tips, check out this post
• For a list of oxygen concentrator safety tips, check out this post

As you can see, there are many things you need to watch out for when using any type of oxygen tank. And while there are certain things that you should look out for when you’re using an oxygen concentrator, they are nowhere near as dangerous as the alternative. For example, portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G3 use pulse dose oxygen rather than continuous flow oxygen. The primary purpose of this is to conserve battery life, but it also serves a purpose as a safety feature. If you walk away from your oxygen device and leave it on by accident, the flow of oxygen will stop. This is because pulse dose concentrators have an advanced feature that only delivers oxygen when it detects a breath.

Another reason portable oxygen concentrators are so safe is that they are very small and lightweight. Most pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators are light enough to carry on one shoulder without it causing a lot of strain on your arm or back. Since you won’t be pulling it around using a wheeling cart, there’s no chance you’re going to bump into anything or get your nasal cannula caught on something as you’re walking. 

Myth #4 - They’re Loud and Disruptive

One of the biggest benefits of oxygen tanks is that they’re virtually silent. As a result, many oxygen patients are afraid to upgrade to an oxygen concentrator because they fear it will be loud and disruptive to their daily activities. Fortunately, this is not the case! While oxygen concentrators do put out more noise than an oxygen tank, you’re unlikely to find anyone who believes they are “loud” or “disruptive.”

While some older oxygen concentrators — mainly home oxygen concentrators — ring in at around 45 to 50 dBA (decibels), newer pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 and Caire FreeStyle Comfort are under 40 dBA making them no louder than a whisper or quiet conversation. This is very impressive considering how powerful and reliable these devices are.

All-in-all, while oxygen concentrators do make noise, it’s nowhere near as bad as people expect it to be. You’ll still be able to go to church, a library, or a friend’s house without feeling like you’re a burden to anyone. And if you’re someone who needs to be on oxygen 24/7, your oxygen concentrator won’t cause you to lose any sleep.

Myth #5 - They Don’t Work at High Altitudes

If you’ve lived at sea level your whole life, you might never think about the effect altitude plays on not only your health but your ability to use a medical oxygen device as well. The higher you are in altitude the more you will notice your COPD symptoms starting to get worse. Since the air is thinner the higher you go, it’s harder for your body to get the oxygen it needs. What’s more, if you don’t travel to high altitude very often, there’s a chance you could contract altitude sickness. This is when your body has a difficult time adjusting to this new atmosphere. During this time, it’s more important than ever to have an oxygen device that you can rely on.

Contrary to popular belief, most oxygen concentrators work just fine at high altitudes. The maximum operational elevation of the SeQual Eclipse 5, for example, is 13,123 feet above sea level. Considering the highest city in the country is just 10,151 feet above sea level, you’ll have no problems using this oxygen concentrator. Other oxygen concentrators will have similar maximum operational altitudes, but it’s important to check with your oxygen supplier if you’re planning on traveling to the mountains. Keep in mind that this does not apply to flying. When you’re on a plane the cabin is oxygenated so your oxygen concentrator will have no problems functioning on a plane.

How to Avoid Misinformation About Oxygen Concentrators

While oxygen concentrators offer oxygen patients more options than ever before, this has come with a price. Because oxygen concentrators vary so widely in terms of the features they offer, it has led to confusion about what benefits they actually offer. Above are just a few of the most common misconceptions about oxygen concentrators, but you’re sure to come across more as you do more research. If you want to avoid this, be sure to consult the user manual of the oxygen concentrator you have a question about. Most oxygen manufacturers make their manuals available to the public, not just people who have bought from them. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical and we can answer any question you may have.

Conclusion

Most people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are prescribed long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). This is a type of supplemental oxygen therapy that requires patients to be on oxygen for 15 hours a day or more, seven days a week. As a result, it’s important to find an oxygen device that meets your long-term goals, not just your short-term needs.

Since oxygen concentrators have not been around very long in comparison to oxygen tanks, there tends to be a lot of misunderstanding about what they are, how they work, and what benefits they provide. The above are just a few of the common myths we wanted to debunk in order to help you make an informed decision about your health.

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If you don’t want to spend hours researching oxygen devices online, we recommend reaching out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. Our primary goal is to understand your needs and preferences, then narrow down an oxygen concentrator that’s best for you. We also aim to provide oxygen concentrators for anyone who wants them so we offer many flexible options such as oxygen concentrator rental, used oxygen concentrators, refurbished oxygen concentrators, and brand new oxygen concentrators depending on your budget.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that affects around 16 million people in the United States alone. While there is no “cure” for COPD, the rate that it progresses can be slowed significantly with healthy lifestyle choices and therapy options such as pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and nebulizer therapy. COPD is a debilitating condition meaning it can affect your ability to get around. But despite this, many people with COPD have been able to live active lives.

One activity in particular that many COPD patients may have trouble doing is grocery shopping. Many people enjoy going to the store because it can be therapeutic and it allows them to plan their own meals. However, on the other hand, grocery shopping requires a lot of walking and lifting which can be made more challenging by increased breathlessness, chest pain, and chronic fatigue.

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In this post, we’ll take a look at some actionable tips for making grocery shopping a little bit easier and accommodating of your lung condition. And if you are unable to make it to the grocery store, we’ll provide you with some interesting alternatives that you can try. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Speak With Your Doctor

Before you start planning your trip to the grocery store, it’s very important that you speak with your doctor. While it would be nice if there was one simple dietary plan that every COPD patient could follow, the truth is, no two people have the same nutritional needs. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine what foods you should be eating based on the severity of your COPD, your age, and whether or not you have any comorbidities like diabetes, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Diet and respiratory health are inextricably linked. Whenever you eat, the food consumed is used as raw materials in a process called cellular respiration. This is when the oxygen that you take into your lungs is used to break down food and turn it into usable energy for your entire body. If you eat unhealthy foods or you don’t have the proper balance of nutrients, your lungs will not have the energy and strength they need to function properly.

You not only need to know what to eat but how much to eat as well. If you don’t eat enough food and you’re malnourished, you likely won’t have the energy to go about your daily life and do things like grocery shopping or cooking. Many COPD patients are underweight because eating can lead to bloating, chest pain, and fatigue. If this is the case, your doctor may closely manage your diet to ensure you’re getting enough protein and healthy fats in your diet. He/she may also prescribe you medication that helps you cope with bloating and fatigue after eating.

On the other hand, being overweight can also cause a lot of problems in COPD patients. While overweight is far less common in COPD patients, the added weight can lead to obstructed breathing. If you are overweight, your doctor will likely make adjustments to your fitness routine to ensure you’re getting the right amount of exercise. Spreading meals throughout the day and implementing portion control can also help alleviate weight problems. Atrophy (muscle wasting) is a common cause of weight loss in COPD patients, so it’s important to lose weight in a healthy way that burns fat rather than muscle.

Last but certainly not least, you should not hesitate to address any questions or concerns you have about grocery shopping, cooking, and diet with your doctor. If you think you have a “weird” question, chances are, there are many other people out there who have the same question, so it’s best to just speak your mind. One good way to do this is to keep a notepad handy as you go about your day and write down any questions you have as you think of them. Once it comes time to visit your doctor, simply hand him/her the notepad.  

Take Time to Plan Ahead

Going to the grocery store with COPD is all about planning. The more prepared you are, the better you will be able to deal with complications as they arise. Before heading out the door, you might want to create a list of emergency contacts that you can call if you experience a flare-up in your symptoms and need someone to come get you. According to Healthline, the average COPD patient experiences between 0.85 and 1.3 exacerbations a year so it’s best to be prepared no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing.

COPD is an invisible disease in many ways meaning nobody is going to know that you have COPD just by looking at you. This is why it’s important to have a plan rather than relying on strangers in the grocery store if you experience a flare-up. If you’re able to, you might consider reaching out to a friend and schedule days to go to the grocery store together. This could be another person with COPD or a healthy individual, but what matters is that they understand your disease and how to deal with a flare-up or exacerbation.   

Research Nutritional Information and Brands

One thing you should get in the habit of doing is being more careful about the brands you buy and the nutritional labels on the back of each product. Unfortunately, there is a lot of deceptive advertising out there to make you think that you’re eating healthy food when you’re really not. According to Truth in Advertising, 70 percent of consumers make buying decisions while they are in the store making them more susceptible to false advertising.

Remember that stores are specifically designed to get shoppers like you to spend more money. But “spending more money” doesn’t always mean getting healthy and nutritional food. If you’re in the store looking at a wall of different products, don’t just take the first one you see. Take some time to read the nutritional label on each of them and determine which one is best suited for your dietary needs. Also, be sure to write down which ones you choose so that you know for next time.

Find the Right Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Medical oxygen is a core aspect of most COPD treatment plans. Using supplemental oxygen throughout the day as prescribed allows COPD patients to keep their blood oxygen levels stable while preventing breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing. The problem, however, is that oxygen tanks are very bulky and the longer you want to stay out of the house, the heavier your tank will be.

Fortunately, there is a better alternative to oxygen tanks called portable oxygen concentrators. Unlike oxygen tanks which store compressed oxygen, oxygen concentrators are electronic devices that take in ambient air, remove nitrogen, argon, and other gases, then put out medical-grade oxygen. The benefit of this is that you don’t need to buy a large, heavy oxygen tank just to get out of the house, you just need enough batteries to last the duration of your trip.

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One of the most popular portable oxygen concentrators on the market in 2021 is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. This unit weighs in at only 5 pounds making it one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators ever produced. But that’s not all that it has going for itself. The FreeStyle Comfort has a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 milliliters per minute (ml/min) of medical grade oxygen (5 pulse flow settings) and offers up to 16 hours of battery life on one charge while using the 16-cell battery.

Another great affordable portable oxygen concentrator is the Inogen One G5. Much like the FreeStyle Comfort, the G5 is lightweight, weighing in at only 4.7 pounds. It also has the highest oxygen output of any pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator with 1,260 ml/min of medical-grade oxygen. Last but not least, it offers up to 13 hours of battery life on one charge using a 16-cell battery.

Needless to say, there are plenty of options available to you in terms of portable oxygen concentrators. Rather than going with the first one you find, you should take the time to speak with a respiratory specialist who will be able to align you with the POC that best meets your wants and needs. Remember that you will need a prescription from your doctor or pulmonologist in order to purchase or rent a medical-oxygen device. 

Bring Your Rescue Inhaler

A rescue inhaler is a small portable device used to administer inhaled medications. Most respiratory patients including people with asthma and COPD are prescribed an inhaler because it provides quick relief during respiratory exacerbations. Fast-acting bronchodilators act quickly to open up the airways, clear mucus, and alleviate breathlessness so it’s important to carry yours with you and keep it handy whenever you go to the grocery store.

Unfortunately, inhalers are notoriously difficult to use. Unlike nebulizers which deliver medication in a constant stream, allowing you to breathe at your own pace, inhalers require you to inhale sharply in order for the medication to reach your lower respiratory system. This can be really challenging for some COPD patients, especially people with more severe lung impairment. One great way to combat this is to use an inhaler spacer. A spacer is a plastic piece that attaches to your inhaler mouthpiece and holds the medication for longer, giving you more time to inhale it. If you’d like more information on using an inhaler more effectively, please read this article. 

Use Mobility Aids

A mobility aid is a device that helps you get around more easily. Devices like walking canes, walkers, manual wheelchairs, and electric scooters can be invaluable tools for anyone with COPD. Many grocery stores have electric scooters at the door to make it more accessible for people with disabilities. These scooters usually have a basket on the front or back so that you can store your groceries, so be sure to take full advantage of these if you see them in your store. 

Choose the Right Time and Day

Choosing the right day and the right time to go to the store can make a world of difference. Going during peak hours will mean spending more time in lines and you might be forced to rush through your grocery shopping. For someone with COPD, this is not ideal because you need to be careful about the products that you’re buying. Additionally, there’s usually added stress and anxiety when you go during the busiest hours.

According to Thrillist, the busiest times at grocery stores are Saturday afternoons between 1 pm and 3 pm and weekdays after 4 pm or 5 pm. The least busy time is Monday mornings and any weekday before noon. Planning your grocery store trip during these times will make your shopping experience much more pleasant and you won’t feel the need to rush through what you’re doing just to get out of someone’s way. 

Learn the Store’s Layout

As you go through the store for the first time, you should take note of where everything is located. You don’t need to write down everything, but you should keep track of what isle number your favorite products are located in. This will make it much easier to plan your shopping list next time you go to the store.

Consider Grocery Delivery Services

Last but certainly not least, you may want to consider either doing grocery pickup or have your groceries delivered to your home. Grocery pickup is where you order your groceries online and then you simply have to drive to the store to pick them up. This will save you a lot of time and you won’t need to worry about walking around the store to find the groceries you need. Simply pull up, load the groceries into your car, and you’re all set.

Another option is grocery delivery. Grocery delivery is usually done by third-party companies like Instacart or Shipt and will provide you with even more convenience than in-store pickup. However, the one downside to having your groceries delivered is that you will have to pay a delivery fee, so this is not a great option if you just need a few things.

Conclusion

Grocery shopping and cooking are two activities that many people love to do. However, if you’re living with COPD or any other type of chronic lung disease, you may find it difficult to find the energy to do these things. What’s more, you might worry about not having enough medical oxygen to last the duration of your trip to the store. Follow the tips above to get you started with grocery shopping in a way that’s safe and accommodating for your respiratory illness.

Here at LPT Medical, we strive to provide as many oxygen patients as possible with high-quality, lightweight, and easy-to-use portable oxygen concentrators. Unlike old outdated oxygen tanks, portable oxygen concentrators enable you to go wherever you please without restriction. With long-lasting lithium-ion batteries, you’ll never have to worry about running out of oxygen while you’re out of the house. And taking a trip to the grocery store will be a breeze with POCs like the Inogen One G5 or Caire FreeStyle Comfort. 

Whether you simply have a question about portable oxygen concentrators or you’re looking for a great deal on a new or used portable oxygen concentrator, don’t wait to reach out to our respiratory specialists here in Denver, Colorado. You can reach us by phone at 1-888-416-3855 or by email at info@lptmedical.com. Alternatively, you can leave a comment below expressing your interest in an oxygen concentrator and we will reach out to you with more information.  

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone and people with COPD should take extra precautions to avoid over-exerting themselves mentally and physically, over-eating, and stressing. If you are one of the 16 million Americans with COPD, avoiding these COPD triggers over holidays will make everything more enjoyable and you will run a lower risk of getting sick or experiencing a COPD exacerbation.

However, this holiday season, 2020 and going into 2021, the global COIVD-19 pandemic is making this holiday season even more difficult, especially for our family and friends that have COPD.

With COVID-19 cases increasing as we are getting more into the holiday season, public health experts are encouraging people to be even more stringent about social distancing, and limiting travel.

These unprecedented circumstances have changed almost everything, including the ways we interact with people. Connecting virtually with loved ones and family members is one of the only ways to safely spend this lovely time of year together, even in the weeds of a pandemic.

If you have never tried FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or any other form of face to face virtual communication, there is no better time to do so! Also, stay on the look out for a new LPT Medical blog about connecting with family and friends digitally!

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The Importance of Holidays and Social Connection

Holidays give us a sense of belonging, and they bring our most loved people together into one place. This tradition should continue into this year in some way shape or form. So, start spreading the idea that creating new traditions amongst your family members can be very joyful and fun.

That being said, holidays can be exciting and fun, but for people who suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) holidays can also initiate stress and other COPD triggers.

In this article we are going to discuss how you can avoid COPD exacerbations throughout the holidays, and minimize your chances of getting sick.

COPD and the Holidays

If you have COPD, be prepared this holiday season. It is unfortunate, but living carefree and enjoying the holidays can be difficult for those that suffer from ongoing medical conditions, such as COPD. The extra effort it takes to just to breathe can cause any holiday to be just that much more stressful, not to mention the added stress of a global pandemic. However, there is relief, and we have compiled some helpful COPD tips for the holiday!

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Helpful COPD Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is famously the time of year we get to relax and spend quality time with loved ones, but it does pose real risk for additional anxiety and increased stress, which can be triggering for patients with COPD. So here some helpful tips for you!

Traveling

Of course it is recommended not to travel for the holidays this year, but if you are traveling, be prepared, be prepared more than you have ever been before.

You don't only need to remember all of your medications and be sure you have your portable oxygen concentrator (POC) or oxygen tank, you also have to make sure that you have an extra POC battery, and your POC AC and DC charger cables. Should your POC start to run low, you want to avoid having to stop into a location to charge your oxygen device in order to avoid contact with strangers and surfaces. If you do not have an extra battery or other oxygen accessories, all of those items can be found on our website.

Watch What you Eat

If you have COPD it is important to avoid overeating. This is much easier said than done especially during the holidays, but portion control can be the difference between enjoying your holiday versus spending it in the hospital

Medically, a full stomach can press on the diaphragm. This will increase the regular symptoms of COPD that include breathlessness, and can often induce a COPD exacerbation.

Eating healthy foods that help with COPD symptoms is a must during the holidays, especially if cold weather is a factor in your area. Minimizing the chances of triggering a COPD exacerbation is key to enjoying the holidays, and if you can’t control the cold weather, you can control what you eat, so eat healthy.

Everything may look delicious, but go with the fresh veggies, greek yogurt dip, whole grain items, potatoes and smoked turkey (in small portions) because these are all great options to choose from. You can even suggest these dishes in advance, some people love to have ideas before they decide on what food they will bring to the potluck.

Save money

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Limit shopping to what’s absolutely necessary. This year is more financially taxing for most people than any year in the past, so there is no absolutely no shame in expressing your gratitude in other ways rather than in material gifts.

As a person with COPD, it is never advisable to be out shopping among large groups of people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season. Luckily, you can do much of your shopping from the comfort and safety of your home!

Even small local businesses have developed their online platform as a result of COVID-19 restrictions in many areas. So you will still have the option of buying thoughtful gifts that only your favorite local stores supply rather than buying from bulk operations like Amazon.

Our small family owned business, LPT Medical, invites you to shop with us online or over the phone at 1-800-946-1201 for any of your oxygen therapy necessities or accessories. From portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, The Inogen One G5, or the Respironics SimplyGo, to any and all of the accessories you need to make the most of them we have some great holiday deals that our respiratory specialists would be happy to discuss with you. If you would like to know how much portable oxygen concentrator costs please call us at 1-800-946-1201, for all of your oxygen inquires and questions.

Watch What you Carry

If you do decide to venture out to go shopping, don’t be afraid to use a cart! And make sure you clean the handles of the cart with an antibacterial cleaner before you use it. If you don't already have a portable oxygen concentrator backpack, you might find it useful for carrying your oxygen device along with your other essentials everywhere you go this holiday season, to ensure you do not forget anything.

The Inogen One G4 backpack has also been reviewed as one of the easiest ways to transport your oxygen with you wherever you go, and it is also user friendly, so if you need to adjust your oxygen flow or mess with the settings, the POC is conveniently located so you can get to it without rummaging through your bag! There are also custom backpacks for the One G3 and One G5.

Stay Warm

If you haven't already read our LPT Medical blogs about avoiding COPD exacerbations, cold weather and COPD are not the perfect combination, so dressing warm for both the expected outdoor temperatures and the indoor ones is essential for maintaining your health over the holidays.

Here is a tip if you use supplemental oxygen keep your oxygen tubing under a layer of clothing so that the air you breathe will be warmer. Also, consider wearing a scarf or a CT face mask to make breathing colder air easier while you are outside!

A CT mask is the perfect holiday gift for a loved one with COPD it converts the cold dry air into moist warm air, and help respiratory patients breathe in cold air, just take note these masks do not protect against COVID-19

Be Prepared

Have all of the tools you need for everyday activities, including medications, daily inhalers and fast-acting inhalers for emergencies. If you use supplemental oxygen, make sure that you have an adequate oxygen supply by either ensuring that you have enough oxygen left in your tanks or an extra portable oxygen concentrator battery to keep your POC charged all day and night.

Trust Yourself

This holiday season is not the same as many others, where gatherings and events could go on for a long period of time, and someone with COPD might have to step out for the night due to feeling overwhelmed and tired. This is normally when we would recommend trusting this instinct and leaving when you know you have had enough rather than over-extending yourself, and weakening your immune system to the point where you are more susceptible to illness.

But this season, you might be feeling lonely, anxious, or even frightened, and it is important to recognize these emotions as valid, and understand that millions and millions of people are feeling similarly. Click here for a guide about encouraging mental health for people with COPD.

This is why it is so important for mental health to stay connected with your family and loved ones during this holiday season even if you cannot be together in person.

Overview

These suggestions for staying safe and sane during the holidays may seem like common sense, but oftentimes a reminder to trust your instincts, eat healthy, stay warm are positive health checkups we do not do enough!

Also, we wrote this article mainly as a reminder, that even if you do struggle with breathing problems, due to a chronic illness or other ailment, that does not mean that you should not experience the joy that comes with sharing the holidays with those we love.

If you are struggling with staying connected, subscribe to our daily newsletter to be updated every time we post a new blog, Or you can join our facebook group, by searching LPT Medical COPD & Respiratory support group on the Facebook App. Our emails and our Facebook group connect you with the best resources and information for anyone that suffers from a respiratory disease, or chronic illness like COPD. Our readers utilize this information to make valuable life changing decisions.

We like to write about changing your habits, your medical oxygen supply needs, tips and tricks to get through just about any obstacle life throws at you. So if you need the gift of connection, please comment below this article with any inquiries, questions, or happy holiday wishes. From LPT Medical’s family to you and yours, we are wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season.

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or any other debilitating lung condition, you likely depend on a strict treatment regime that encompasses all facets of your life. Typical treatment plans usually involve an improved diet high in protein and fiber, an exercise routine that improves lung strength and endurance, and most importantly oxygen therapy which helps stabilize your lung condition and ensure blood oxygen levels are normal.

One concern many people have with these lifestyle changes is that they make you increasingly dependent on medical devices like your oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, or inhaler. If these devices stop working suddenly, you may be stuck in a situation where you’re unable to get the medication you need. This issue only gets worse as your disease progresses because your doctor may require you to use oxygen for longer periods of time each day.

Fortunately, we live in a time of innovation and the medical devices we have access to today are far more reliable than in the past. Portable oxygen concentrators, for example, are battery-operated oxygen machines that are praised for their reliability and long lifespan. Rather than going out of your house each day worrying that you may lose access to your oxygen supply, portable oxygen concentrators allow you to focus on things that are important to you in your day-to-day life.

If security is important to you, stick around because we’re going to take a look at the most reliable portable oxygen concentrators in 2021. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve owned a POC in the past, you’re sure to find something on this list that suits your lifestyle. If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comment section below or reach out to us to speak with a respiratory specialist.

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Why Choose a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

You may be thinking to yourself, “what’s so special about portable oxygen concentrators?” After all, there are plenty of other options available like oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, and stationary oxygen concentrators. And while these oxygen devices have served their purpose for many decades, they simply can’t compete with the state-of-the-art design of modern portable oxygen machines.

The truth is that oxygen tanks and stationary concentrators have overstayed their welcome in many ways. Oxygen manufacturers have shifted their focus to battery-powered portable oxygen delivery systems because they provide their customers with more freedom and convenience in their daily lives. Rather than being confined to your home with a heavy and bulky oxygen tank, POCs allow you the freedom to live life on your own terms.

At this point in time, portable oxygen concentrators are the only oxygen delivery devices that are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use due to safety concerns. What this means is that if you choose to use an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank, you’re largely forfeiting your ability to travel long-distance. On top of this, other modes of transportation like driving, walking, or taking the bus will be much more difficult and stressful. 

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort

If reliability is important to you, there is no better portable oxygen concentrator out there than the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. In fact, this is one of the only concentrators currently in use by military personnel meaning it’s a trusted product even under the most strenuous of circumstances. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort also sees use in a variety of other industries including space exploration laboratories, hospitals, and in-home use. 

While Caire Inc. may not be a household name in the oxygen industry, you may recognize their products under the name AirSep, Helios, and SeQual. The Companion 5, for example, is one of their top stationary oxygen concentrator designs offering economic in-home oxygen delivery and easy-to-use controls. They’ve also produced continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators like the SeQual Eclipse 5 which offers up to 3 liters per minute (LPM) of oxygen and 9 pulse flow settings.   

One of the most unique things about the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is its mobile application, CAIREView Telehealth Technology. This app can be downloaded on any phone, tablet, or computer and connect to your Caire FreeStyle Comfort via Bluetooth. It has two primary benefits. First and foremost, it enables you to track all your oxygen usage through a simple-to-use dashboard. It will provide you with information such as hours of use, flow settings used, and alerts.

Secondly, this application allows for periodic monitoring to ensure that patients comply with their oxygen treatment plan. Clinicians will be able to view up-to-date data about your oxygen usage and assist remotely by monitoring your device settings. This feature significantly increases the reliability of your device, because in the rare chance that it stops working or you stop receiving the oxygen you need, your doctor will know about it immediately and he/she will notify you. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Specs 

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The Inogen One G5

Inogen is one of the top pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator manufacturers in the industry. While Inogen has only been around since 2001, they made a name for themselves very quickly. While they started off with stationary oxygen concentrators, they made their way into portable oxygen concentrators with the Inogen One G1. There are currently five generations of Inogen POCs, and their latest, the Inogen One G5, is one of the most advanced on the market.

On most fronts, the G5 is pretty neck-in-neck with the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. They both offer 6 pulse flow settings, they’re both around 5 pounds, and they’re about the same size. However, the Inogen One G5 has a great reputation for having an extremely low failure rate and a long lifespan between 5 and 7 years.

Similar to the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, the G5 is accompanied by a mobile application called Inogen Connect. This app was introduced with the Inogen One G4 and allows you to manage your flow rate and device settings remotely. This is great if you carry your POC on your back and don’t want to take it out all the time to adjust your oxygen settings. 

Inogen One G5 Specs

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The Inogen One G3

Although the Inogen One G3 released all the way back in 2012, that hasn’t set it back when it comes to being a dependable portable oxygen concentrator. While the G3 certainly has a little less oxygen output than the Inogen One G5 or the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, it makes up for it with an array of useful accessories that help you customize your oxygen therapy.

One of the most unique accessories for the Inogen One G3 is the GO2 Carryall. This product is designed to look like any ordinary purse or handbag but it holds your G3 snuggly and securely inside. It also comes with both a hand strap and a shoulder strap so you can choose exactly how you want to carry your portable oxygen concentrator.

One thing you’ll notice right away about the GO2 Carryalls is that they’re way more fashionable than any other POC carrying case you’ve seen in the past. They come in either black or brown to match your wardrobe and they’re made of genuine leather so that no one would ever suspect there’s a portable oxygen machine inside. There’s also plenty of room for personal belongings like your car keys, a wallet, or your G3 user manual.

While fashion is important for many people, the most important thing about the GO2 Carryalls is that they protect your Inogen One G3. When your G3 is inside one of these bags, you can rest assured that it will be protected from things like scratches, dents, and even minor water damage. Although the GO2 Carryalls are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof, so you’ll want to find some cover if you’re getting rained on.

All-in-all, the GO2 Carryalls make the G3 one of the most reliable oxygen concentrators on the market. These bags have a mesh material on the side where the intake vents are located so that your device never overheats or stops working. It also enables you to carry your Inogen One G3 conveniently at your side so that you can keep track of it. However, if the GO2 Carryalls don’t appeal to you, you’ll be happy to know that there are three other carrying options: the G3 custom carrying case, the G3 backpack, and the G3 rolling backpack.   

Inogen One G3 Specs

The Respironics SimplyGo

All of the aforementioned machines have been pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators. What this means is that they closely monitor your breathing rate and deliver oxygen only at the peak of your inhalation. The Respironics SimplyGo differs from these in the fact that it also has a continuous flow setting. In other words, it can deliver oxygen indiscriminate from your breathing rate. The Respironics SimplyGo can deliver up to 2 LPM of continuous flow oxygen.

One of the most important things to note about the Respironics SimplyGo is that it is the lightest continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on the market. Whereas most continuous flow units need to be wheeled around on a carrying cart, the SimplyGo is light enough to carry on your shoulder or your back. This may not seem like a big deal, but for someone who’s been prescribed continuous oxygen, it can be a life-changer.

If you’ve been an oxygen patient for some time, you know that having to wheel around your oxygen concentrator can be a huge pain. Not only do you have to make sure that it’s not bumping into anyone but there’s always a chance of your oxygen tubing getting caught on something and damaging your unit. Walking in a busy area is difficult and it can distract you from what you’re trying to do.

Using the convenient carrying case, you can ensure that you always have a reliable source of oxygen wherever you go. The Respironics SImplyGo was designed for people with the highest oxygen demands so it can run 24/7 without running into any problems. Since it’s a continuous flow POC, it’s perfectly compatible with CPAP, BiPAP, or APAP machines. In other words, it’s one of the most reliable portable oxygen concentrators for people who have both COPD and sleep apnea.

Respironics SimplyGo Specs

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Conclusion

Dependability is one of the most important attributes of portable oxygen concentrators. If you’re looking for a POC, it means you want to be able to get out of the house and enjoy your freedom, so your device needs to be able to match your lifestyle. While there are plenty of great oxygen concentrators out there, the ones above will offer you the reliability you need to live life on your own terms.

If you’re still struggling to find the right portable oxygen concentrator for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. We’ll walk you through all your options ensuring that both your oxygen needs are met and you have a unit that will give you the freedom you need to go about your daily life.

If you’re a respiratory patient with a condition such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or cystic fibrosis, you’ve likely accepted change as a normal part of your life. Being able to implement treatments into your life such as pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen therapy, and an improved diet routine is never easy, but it is essential if you want to feel better and improve your long-term prognosis.

But it’s important to remember that COPD treatment rarely remains stagnant. There will likely be a time — whether it’s several weeks, months, or years down the line — when you’ll need to make adjustments to your routine. This could be due to your doctor discovering more information about your condition or it could be caused by a serious event such as a COPD exacerbation.

Either way, you’re going to need to be adaptable in the way that you approach your condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes you 4 hours of supplemental oxygen a day, you might be tempted to get a cheap oxygen device that will simply “get the job done.” However, since COPD is a progressive disease, it’s safe to assume that you will eventually be prescribed more oxygen use by your doctor. When this happens, you’ll be stuck in a difficult situation where you need to sell your old oxygen device and get a new one that better suits your long-term needs.

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This is why we recommend small lightweight portable oxygen concentrators to the vast majority of people who need oxygen. Even if you don’t think you’ll be getting out of the house every day, portable oxygen allows you to have much more freedom within your own home. What’s more, our respiratory specialists will be able to get you the best deal possible on them. So give us a call or fill out the form at the side of the page to get your free oxygen concentrator guide.

In the meantime, we’re going to be taking a look at the smallest portable oxygen concentrators of 2021. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.

Why is it Important to Have a Small Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

The term “portable oxygen” implies that the machine is lightweight, durable, easy to use, and most importantly — small. Just like how you judge the portability of your phone by how well it fits in your pocket, concentrators can be judged by how easily they can be carried on your shoulder. The smaller the concentrator, the easier it will be to carry it under your shoulder without interrupting your walking.

Another major benefit of small portable oxygen concentrators is that they’re much easier to store. If you ever need to put your concentrator in storage, you can rest assured you’ll find a place for it. Also, since you don’t have to transport small portable oxygen concentrators on the ground, you won’t have to worry about not being able to put it on a table where it could spread germs. This is especially important during this time when people are trying to avoid the novel coronavirus.

There are three different types of oxygen concentrators: home oxygen concentrators, continuous flow oxygen concentrators, and pulse dose oxygen concentrators. The latter two are the only ones that can be labeled “portable” because they can actually deliver oxygen while you’re moving. Home oxygen concentrators, however, need to be connected to a wall outlet in order to put out oxygen.

The AirSep Focus 

The AirSep Focus not only holds the title for the lightest portable oxygen concentrator but it holds the title for the smallest portable oxygen concentrator as well. Weighing in at only 1.75 pounds and with dimensions of 6.4” H x 2.5” D x 4.8” W, the AirSep Focus is truly a mini portable oxygen concentrator. In fact, this device is so small that you can even wear it on your belt!

However, there are some obvious downsides to investing in the AirSep Focus. First and foremost, it only has 2 pulse flow settings with a total oxygen output of 330 milliliters per minute (ml/min). Unfortunately, this is not enough for most oxygen patients, so that will completely rule out this option even if you do like the idea of having an ultra-lightweight portable oxygen concentrator.

Another downside to the AirSep Focus is battery life. Battery life is what enables you to get out for longer without having to run home and charge your device, and the AirSep Focus only offers 1.5 hours per charge with the standard battery and 3.5 hours per charge with the 8-cell battery. However, the purchase of an AirSep Focus comes with two micro-batteries, so you’ll get 3 hours of battery life right out of the box.

Since AirSep wanted to make the Focus as simple and small as possible, you won’t be able to adjust the flow rate or audible output settings. In fact, unlike most other portable oxygen concentrators, the Focus doesn’t even have an interface with controls on it. Simply turn the device on and you’ll start receiving oxygen. This makes for a very “bare-bones” experience that’s perfect for someone who isn’t looking for something too fancy.

AirSep Focus Specs 

The Inogen One G4

In a way, Inogen is like the Apple of oxygen concentrator manufacturers. While they haven’t produced medical equipment for as long as other companies like Caire Inc. or ResMed, their consistent drive to improve the freedom and independence of oxygen patients everywhere has put them at the forefront of the oxygen industry since the early 2000s.

The Inogen One G4 was released all the way back in May of 2016, but it’s still one of the most popular portable oxygen concentrators on the market. It weighs in at only 2.8 pounds and it has dimensions of 7.2” H x 5.91” L x 2.68” W, so it’s the smallest and lightest portable oxygen concentrator behind the AirSep Focus.

While the Inogen One G4 is not small enough to clip to your belt like the AirSep Focus, it is small enough to fit in a purse or handbag. However, we don’t recommend doing this because it could damage the machine and prevent it from processing oxygen correctly. Fortunately, the G4 comes with a convenient carrying case and adjustable strap so that you can sling it over your shoulder.

The only real limitation the G4 is that it doesn’t go beyond 630 ml/min of oxygen output or a pulse flow setting of 3. This is almost twice as much as the AirSep Focus, however, it still may not be enough for many oxygen patients. Before investing in the G4, make sure that your doctor approves of it first so that you don’t end up with an oxygen machine that doesn’t meet your needs.

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Inogen One G4 Specs

The Inogen One G5

As we said, Inogen does not take their work lightly, and this is no different when it comes to their latest portable oxygen device — the Inogen One G5. Releasing in the summer of 2019, the G5 immediately seized the title of “the most powerful pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator” with 1,050 ml/min of oxygen output. As of right now, the only other oxygen machine to match that is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort which was released earlier this year.

All things considered, the Inogen One G5 is one of the best portable oxygen concentrators for people with high oxygen demands. It offers an outstanding battery life allowing you to get out of the house and stay out for longer, it’s under 5 pounds, and it’s compact and durable. Since it’s so new, you can expect it to be fully supported by Inogen and oxygen retailers for many years to come.

There are a number of accessories sold separately from the G5 that can help you make the most of it. For example, the 16-cell battery will effectively double your battery life, allowing you to stay out and about for up to 13 hours on a flow setting of 1! The G5 external battery charger is also a great option for people who are on the go and want to be able to charge batteries more quickly. Normally, batteries need to be connected to the unit in order to charge, but this device will enable you to charge one separately.

Inogen One G5 Specs

The Respironics SimplyGo

It’s not very often that we would mention a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on a list of “the smallest portable oxygen concentrators,” however, the Respironics SimplyGo is the one exception. Continuous flow machines tend to be much heavier and larger than pulse dose units because they have to put out a much larger volume of oxygen than their counterparts.

Unfortunately, not all patients are able to use a pulse dose machine, either because it doesn’t provide them with enough oxygen, or their doctor specifically advises them to use continuous flow. The Respironics SimplyGo is 10” H x 6” D x 11.5” W and weighs in at only 10 pounds making it both the lightest and smallest continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on the market. While the SimplyGo can be carried using a shoulder strap, if you have chronic back pain or some other disability, it’s recommended that you use the rolling cart. Fortunately, this accessory comes with the device, so you won’t need to make any additional purchases in order to experience the freedom that you deserve!

If that was not enough, you’ll be happy to know that the Respironics SimplyGo also comes with a pulse flow option. There are 5 different settings with a maximum oxygen output of 2,000 ml/min and the standard continuous flow option will afford you between 0.5 and 2.0 liters per minute (LPM) of oxygen. Keep in mind that your battery will last longer on one charge when you’re using the pulse dose setting as opposed to the continuous flow setting.

Respironics SimplyGo Specs

Three Steps to Choosing a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Still don’t know which oxygen concentrator is right for you? While there are many great devices to choose from, it’s important to find one that suits your wants and needs. Follow the steps below to get started.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for portable oxygen concentrators for sale, don’t hesitate to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. There are many factors to consider when buying a new portable oxygen unit, but we’ll simplify it by walking you through each step of the process. All you need to know is what amount of oxygen you need. If you don’t have a prescription or proof of oxygen use, simply provide us with a doctor’s number and we’ll handle that all for you! 

If you’re ready to get started, give us a call at 1-888-416-3855.

Medical terminology can be very challenging to understand sometimes. Even with the abundance of resources we have nowadays in order to research and understand these terms, there are always certain things that will be lost in translation. The oxygen industry, for example, is rife with terms that many people don’t entirely understand. This can lead to a lot of confusion when it comes to discussing them with your friends, family, or doctor. 

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In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most commonly misused respiratory terms including but not limited to respirators, ventilators, and oxygen concentrators. Whether you’re someone with a respiratory condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, or you’re just interested in this topic, you should find this guide useful. If you have any questions about what you read, be sure to leave them in the comment section so that we can help clarify.

What is a Respirator?

A respirator is a type of mask that covers the user’s nose and mouth. They’re designed to reduce the wearer’s risk of inhaling hazardous substances that could damage the lungs and body in general. All respirators must be certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Respirators are used in both medical and industrial settings. In a medical setting, respirators are used by healthcare professionals to filter infectious diseases out of the air that they breathe. Since we first discovered coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), you’ve likely heard the term “N95 masks” thrown around. This refers to a type of respirator that’s specifically designed to filter out viruses. N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) remove 95% of very small particles (0.3 microns).

Industrial respirators, on the other hand, are designed to protect the wearer against harmful airborne particles found in an industrial setting. Airborne particles are divided into three different groups: small, medium, and large. Small particles are less than 1 micron in diameter, medium particles are between 1 and 100 microns in diameter, and large particles are greater than 100 microns in diameter.  

Generally speaking, respirators are used by healthcare workers and industrial workers. Many national and local laws require these people to use NIOSH-certified masks while they’re on the job in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease and to prevent long-term lung damage. Most people need to be trained on how to use respirators correctly because there can’t be any air leaks. What’s more, respirators may be hazardous for people with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma.

Respirators should not be confused with surgical masks. A surgical mask is a very loose-fitting piece of cloth that’s only designed to filter out very large particles. Surgical masks are worn by the general public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases, but they are not an all-in-one solution. If preventing the spread of disease is your goal, you will still need to follow all of the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) like maintaining 6 feet of distance from the nearest person and staying home if you feel sick.

What is a Ventilator?

Ventilators have an entirely different function than respirators. A ventilator is a machine that helps patients with the mechanical act of breathing. It helps push breathable air into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide-rich air from the lungs. Ventilators are typically used in hospitals and they’re designed to help patients who have severely impaired lungs or diaphragmatic muscles and are unable to breathe on their own. They’re also used in patients who have suffered brain trauma. 

There are two different types of ventilation: non-invasive ventilation and invasive ventilation. Non-invasive ventilation can be done at home via a special machine and face mask, however invasive ventilation requires a medical professional. During invasive ventilation, a tube will be inserted into the airways either via the mouth or a surgical incision in the neck. There are two different methods used to administer ventilation to a patient: positive-pressure ventilation and negative-pressure ventilation.

Positive pressure ventilation was invented in the 1950s and it’s considered the standard, however, negative-pressure ventilation is rarely used today. CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP are all types of non-invasive ventilation that can be done at home. 

What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

Simply put, an oxygen concentrator is an electronic device that supplies patients with medical-grade oxygen. Unlike ventilators, an oxygen concentrator does not force air into the lungs. It simply releases oxygen that can be inhaled by the user. Oxygen concentrators are used to treat a variety of conditions, but chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) are among the most common.

Oxygen concentrators work by taking in ambient air and removing nitrogen dioxide, argon, and other impurities. It then concentrates the oxygen and outputs it through a nasal cannula that’s attached to the patient’s face. There are two different methods of delivery for oxygen concentrators: continuous flow and pulse flow. The former is a constant stream of oxygen and the latter is the delivery of oxygen in puffs called “boluses” only when the user inhales.

Since oxygen therapy is often prescribed for 14 hours or more every day, most patients prefer to have a portable option so that they can get out of the house. Fortunately, there are portable oxygen concentrators available, and they’re very lightweight and reliable. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort, for example, is one of the lightest and most powerful portable oxygen concentrators ever produced. It weighs just 5 pounds, provides up to 16 hours of battery life on one charge, and has a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 milliliters per minute (ml/min) of medical-grade oxygen.

The FreeStyle Comfort isn’t the only outstanding POC on the market, however. Another popular pulse dose unit is the Inogen One G5. This machine weighs in at just 4.7 pounds with a maximum oxygen output of 1,260 ml/min of medical-grade oxygen, and 13 hours of battery life on one charge. For its weight, the G5 puts out more oxygen than any other POC ever produced and its battery life is nothing to joke about either. Inogen also has a long history of customer satisfaction.

The last POC we need to mention is the Respironics SmplyGo. This one differs from the last two in that it’s a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator. In fact, it’s the lightest continuous flow POC ever produced. If your doctor prescribes you continuous flow oxygen, this will likely be your best option because it’s only 10 pounds which is significantly lighter than any other option on the market. There are many things to look for in an oxygen concentrator, so be sure to check out this guide before making your decision.

What are Nebulizers and Inhalers?

Nebulizers and inhalers are respiratory devices used to administer medication to the lungs. If you have a chronic respiratory ailment like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, sometimes it is more effective to administer medication directly to the lungs, rather than taking an oral tablet which will need to go through the bloodstream. Nebulizers and inhalers are similar, but they’re used in different scenarios.

A nebulizer is a tabletop machine that takes liquid medication and turns it into a fine mist called “aerosol.” This aerosol is then inhaled through a mouthpiece. An inhaler does the same thing, but it’s much smaller and lighter so you can take it anywhere. The problem with inhalers, however, is that they require you to precisely time your inhalation in order for them to be effective. Nebulizers allow you to inhale the medication at your own pace.

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Most people with COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis will use some combination of nebulizer and inhaler therapy. You’ll likely use your nebulizer for long-term treatment and your inhaler can be used while you’re out of the house as a “rescue Inhaler.” In other words, you’ll use fast-acting bronchodilators that open your airways in the event that you experience an exacerbation.

What are CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP Machines?

CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP are all different types of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. They’re used exclusively by people with sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep causing breathing to stop momentarily. Complications of sleep apnea include cardiovascular problems, daytime fatigue, eye problems, and more.

Essentially, positive airways pressure is designed to keep the airways open during sleep and prevent any disruptions. If a patient has both a chronic lung disease and obstructive sleep apnea, a continuous flow oxygen concentrator can be bled into the PAP therapy device to ensure they are able to maintain their blood oxygen levels. There are three different types of PAP therapy machines, so it’s important to understand how they differ.

Much like a continuous flow oxygen concentrator, constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines put out a consistent stream of high-pressure air. For many OSA patients, CPAP machines will work just fine because you simply need to turn the device on before you sleep and it will run all night. However, the problem with CPAP therapy is that the same air is being applied when you’re exhaling. If this causes difficulty exhaling, it could lead to a buildup of CO2 in your system. 

BiPAP machines are an alternative to CPAPs which have two different pressure settings: one for inhalation and one for exhalation. This will afford you more comfort as you exhale and reduce the risk of you retaining CO2 as you exhale. An auto-adjustable positive airway pressure device (APAP) takes this one step further with an array of pressure settings to account for fluctuations in your sleep patterns. These are the most advanced type of PAP therapy device, but they’re also the most expensive. Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine which one is best for you.

Conclusion

While all of the above medical devices are concerned with respiratory health, they all have very different functions. Respirators filter out harmful particles, ventilators help patients with the mechanical act of breathing, oxygen concentrators supply medical-grade oxygen, and PAP machines prevent the airways from collapsing during sleep.

Whether you’re someone with COPD, asthma, sleep apnea, or any number of other conditions that affect the respiratory system, it’s important to be clear about the differences between the devices above. If you have any questions about what you read here, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below.