In the 21st century, we are highly dependent on energy sources like natural gas and electricity. We use fuel to power our cars, cook and heat our homes, and we use electricity to charge our phones, computers, and more. But what happens when we lose access to these resources due to a natural disaster or some other problem? In some situations, this can be a minor nuisance; but in others, it could be life-threatening.

Fortunately, hospitals and other medical facilities have back-up generators that allow them to use life-saving medical equipment even in the event of a power outage. But what about individuals living at home who are reliant on electronic devices? What safety measures are in place to ensure these people are able to use the medical devices they need to stay healthy?

The truth is that there aren’t many safety nets in place to help people experiencing power outages, so this is why it’s always important to be prepared, especially if you depend on electricity to power your medical equipment. In this post, we are going to highlight all the steps you should take to be prepared for a power outage if you have COPD or any other chronic respiratory disease.

What Causes Power Outages?

Before we can discuss the different ways to plan for power outages, it’s important to understand what actually causes them. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average household experienced one outage in 2016, accounting for 112 minutes of lost power. Although this is the average, this does not mean that power outages cannot last longer. Depending on what causes the power outage, they could last anywhere between several days and several weeks. So you should always plan for the worst-case scenario.

According to Constellation, the most common cause of power outages are severe weather and natural disasters. High winds, snowstorms, and thunderstorms can all knock power lines over causing entire neighborhoods to lose power. Extreme temperatures can also lead to power outages if it results in people overusing their air conditioners or heaters. There are so many different variables that come into play, so it’s best to always be prepared for an outage, regardless of the time of year and what the weather is like.

Install an Emergency Power System

The first thing you should do to prepare for power outages is to have an emergency power system in your home. There are many different options for powering your home in the event of an emergency, so you will have to do a lot of research to determine which one will best meet your needs. However, a good place to start is by contacting your utility company. Some utility companies provide backup generators for people with medical conditions free-of-charge. Others may add an additional fee to your monthly utility bills. Below are some of the most widely used emergency power supplies:

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Home Backup Generators

A home backup generator, also known as a standby generator, is a permanent power generator that is installed outside of your home. These generators resemble air conditioning units and they run off of your existing natural gas or LP fuel supply. While home backup generators are the most costly option for backup power, they are also the most convenient and reliable. These units are designed to turn on automatically when a power outage is detected, so you won’t have to go outside to turn it on. Since these generators are permanent, they will give your home’s value a nice boost if you ever decide to sell it. As you can imagine, home backup generators are extremely advanced, so you will need to hire a professional to install one for you.

Portable Generators

A portable generator, also known as a recreational generator, is a type of generator that’s commonly used for camping and other outdoor activities. However, they can also be a good way to power your home during a power outage. Unfortunately, these devices don’t start automatically when your power goes out, so you’ll have to go through the hassle of setting it up when your power goes out. What’s more, these units use fossil fuels which can exacerbate your respiratory symptoms, so be sure to never use one inside of your home. The benefit of portable generators is that they are much more affordable than home generators. 

Solar Generators

Just like the name suggests, solar generators are powered by the sun. The only scenario where you should purchase a solar generator is if you live in an area that is very sunny to ensure that your generator is fully charged when you need it most. Since these generators don’t burn any fuel, they won’t exacerbate your lung symptoms and they aren’t noisy. Solar generators are fairly expensive but they are worth the price for many people.

Install a Medical Alert System

An emergency alert system is a device designed to alert medical professionals if you experience a medical emergency like a COPD exacerbation or a fall. Each medical alert system comes with a pendant that you wear around your neck and a receiver that plugs into the wall. In the event of an emergency, press the button on the pendant and an ambulance will be dispatched to your home. 

What many people don’t know is that many medical alert systems have backup batteries that will kick in if there is a power outage. Generally speaking, most backup batteries will last a day or two, but you should speak with the company that manufactures it to learn the full details. Medical alert systems are an invaluable tool to have when the power goes out so be sure to get one installed as soon as possible.

Another way to prevent falls when the power goes out is to have a flashlight on hand. Chances are, even if you have a generator in your home, you’re going to want to conserve energy by keeping as many lights off as possible. A flashlight will help you navigate your home safely while doing so.

Keep Backup Batteries or Oxygen Tanks

COPD patients have a variety of options at their disposal when it comes to medical oxygen. Some of the most popular options include oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, and oxygen concentrators. The one you choose as your “backup” oxygen supply in the event of a power outage will depend on what your needs are.

The most notable benefit of having backup oxygen tanks is that they don’t require electricity in order to operate. Oxygen tanks have compressed oxygen inside them, so all you need to do is connect your nasal cannula and you’ll have access to medical-grade oxygen. However, the downsides of oxygen tanks are that they are very heavy and bulky so you won’t be able to get around your home while you’re using one.

Liquid oxygen tanks work a little differently than normal oxygen tanks. Rather than storing the oxygen as a gas, these tanks store oxygen as a liquid. Since gas is expanded, storing it as a liquid allows you to carry more of it with the same size and weight tank. This will allow you more freedom in the event of a power outage. However, there is one glaring flaw with liquid oxygen tanks which makes them impossible to recommend for this situation. Oxygen needs to be stored at very low temperatures in order to stay as a liquid, so over time liquid oxygen will begin to evaporate, According to the Lung Institute, liquid oxygen will evaporate in a week or two depending on the type of tank you have.  

Last but certainly not least there are oxygen concentrators. Unlike the previous two oxygen devices, concentrators are electronic devices. They work by drawing in ambient air and putting out medical-grade oxygen. It may seem silly to use an electronic oxygen device during a power outage, but you may be surprised to find that they are actually the best backup oxygen device for this situation. Portable oxygen concentrators run off detachable batteries that can be stored for emergencies. 

These batteries are also very small and only weigh about a pound so you can store as many as you’d like. One important thing to note is that batteries should be used from time to time in order to help them keep their charge. Be sure to swap out the batteries occasionally so that each one is being used. Let’s take a look at some of the best portable oxygen concentrators to have during a power outage. 

Best Oxygen Concentrators for a Power Outage

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort

The FreeStyle Comfort is currently one of the most popular portable oxygen generators on the market. It’s a pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator meaning it has built-in technology that tracks your breathing and only delivers oxygen when you inhale through the nasal cannula. What this means is that it’s able to conserve electricity while still giving you the oxygen you need to stay healthy. With the larger 16-cell battery, the FreeStyle Comfort can run for up to 16 hours on one charge.

The FreeStyle Comfort is one of only a few portable oxygen concentrators that weigh at or under 5 pounds. Additionally, it’s one of the most compact concentrators so you can carry it around on your shoulder with ease. In the event of a power outage, the FreeStyle Comfort will provide you with plenty of battery life, ease-of-use, and mobility. It has a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 milliliters per minute (ml/min).

The Inogen One G5

The Inogen G5 is another pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator under 5 pounds. With the 8-cell battery, the G5 weighs only 4.7 and has a battery duration of 6 ½ hours. The battery life can be doubled with the 16-cell battery affording you up to 13 hours of battery life on one charge. Just like with the FreeStyle Comfort, the batteries are very small and lightweight so you can store as many as you think you’ll need to make it through a power outage.

One of the great things about the Inogen G5 is the number of accessories there are for it. The G5 external battery charger is very useful if you’re planning for a power outage because it allows you to charge one battery separate from the G5 unit itself. In other words, it allows you to charge your batteries more quickly so that you can always be prepared. Another great accessory to have during a power outage is the DC charging cable. This is a type of cable that allows you to charge your G5 in the car via a cigarette outlet. Keep a DC charging cable in your car so that you’re always prepared if you need to leave the house in a hurry. The best part about this is that you can use your device while it’s charging meaning there will never be an interruption in your oxygen treatment.

The Respironics SimplyGo

The last portable oxygen concentrator we’d like to recommend for power outages is the Respironics SimplyGo. Certain patients are prescribed continuous flow oxygen which is where oxygen is administered irrespective of the user’s breathing rate. When this is the case, the SimplyGo is the lightest and most reliable unit available to you. The SimplyGo has a maximum flow rate of 2 liters per minute (LPM) at it weighs only 10 pounds which is significantly lighter than most continuous flow POCs on the market. Unfortunately, the SimplyGo offers significantly less battery life than the aforementioned POCs, so you may need to keep even more batteries charged.

Create a List of Contacts

Having a convenient list of contacts you can call during a power outage is very important. You don’t want to be searching the internet using what little electricity you have to find out the number of your utility company or your neighbor’s phone number. Take some time right now to write down your contacts so that you don’t have to do it when an emergency occurs. 

Firstly, you should write down the numbers of a couple of friends or family members who could come pick you up if your power is out. Secondly, you should have your doctor or pulmonologist’s number as well as the closest medical oxygen company. If you happen to run out of oxygen for one reason or another you can reach out to them and have them deliver some oxygen tanks. Lastly, don’t forget to write down the number of your utility company. Be sure to call them immediately when the power goes out so that you can plan accordingly.  

Keep Non-Perishable Food in Your Home

One of the most notorious issues with power outages is that all of the food in your fridge will begin to spoil. This can be absolutely devastating if you like to keep your fridge well-stocked with lots of food and beverages. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of buying healthy non-perishable food at the grocery store that can hold you over if you experience a power outage. Apples are a great source of energy and they will stay fresh for up to a week while sitting on the counter. However, be sure to ask your doctor about non-perishable foods that are healthy for COPD patients.

Speak With Your Doctor

Last but certainly not least, you can and should speak with your doctor about managing your COPD during a power outage. Your doctor might have some helpful information or resources for you to refer to. Most likely, he/she will tell you the minimum flow rate you’re allowed to use on your oxygen tank or concentrator in order to maintain your blood oxygen levels. Also, be sure to ask your doctor if it’s okay to cease your pulmonary rehabilitation routine while the power is out so that you can conserve your oxygen supply.

Conclusion

While it’s rare to experience a power outage that lasts more than a couple of hours, it’s crucial that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Studies have shown that power outages are associated with a greater risk of exacerbation and hospitalization in COPD patients. Ensuring that you always have access to a dependable medical oxygen supply will help you to stabilize your respiratory condition.

What’s more, you should work together with your doctor to create a power outage action plan. You may be able to reduce your oxygen flow rate in order to conserve your oxygen concentrator battery life during a prolonged power outage. And ideally, you’ll have some sort of backup generator that you can use to hold you over until the electricity returns to your home.

Here at LPT Medical, we can help you prepare for power outages by providing you with a durable and reliable portable oxygen concentrator like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or the Inogen One G5. While we can’t guarantee that your battery will last the duration of the outage, we can help you find the best concentrator for your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us either by email or by phone.

The holidays and shopping for friends or family with COPD can be difficult. But you know what's more difficult? Living with COPD every day of the year, and especially in the cold winter months!

Gifts can bring a lot of joy to the holiday, but special gifts picked out specifically for your loved ones with chronic respiratory diseases can bring joy that lasts throughout the year! Below are 16 practical Christmas gift ideas that COPD patients may find useful!

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So, while the gifts laid out in this article are practical and very useful for COPD patients, always remember that COPD patients may want something lighthearted, fun, that brings an element of the holiday spirit.  

Exercise Bike

Exercise is an essential part of treating COPD. Exercise gives COPD patients hope for rebuilding strength and enjoying a fuller, more active life. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs typically combine education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling, but for some people pulmonary rehab classes are not an option! 

An exercise bike is a great option for low impact exercise that you can do from the comfort of your own home. 

Nothing is more important to the person who has COPD than exercise. Exercise ultimately makes it easier for those with COPD to breathe by strengthening muscles, bones, and lungs.

An exercise bike is something that will be valued by your loved one for years to come.

A tip for purchasing an exercise bike for a loved one is to choose a model that has several levels of resistance and a smooth magnetic resistance system so it can meet any COPD patient's needs.

Hat, Scarf and Glove Set

The cold winter months are a challenging time of year for COPD patients who already struggle to get around. 

Staying warm is especially important for someone with COP. Breathing in cold air can ignite a bronchospasm and shortness of breath, causing a nasty flare up. 

A scarf, hat and glove set will help your loved ones stay warm when they go outside and reduce the likelihood of them experiencing an exacerbation due to the cold air.  

There are face masks designed for people with COPD that you can also buy. They are less fashionable, but offer a ventilation system that warms and moisturizes the cold dry air they are breathing in while outside! 

Oxygen Therapy Gifts 

If you are looking for a gift for a love one who uses oxygen therapy here are some ideas: 

A New Pulse Flow or Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Device 

Pulse flow options: 

Caire Freestyle Comfort 

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator capable of delivering medical grade oxygen to COPD patients via face or nose cannula. 

When you order the Freestyle Comfort from LPT Medical you are not only getting the portable oxygen concentrator, it will come with some additional accessories that will help your loved one make the most out of their oxygen therapy device, as well as a 3-year warranty!

Portable oxygen concentrators run off battery power, and the Caire FreeStyle comes with the 8-cell Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. If you want a more powerful battery, you have the option to get the large Caire FreeStyle 16-cell battery.

You will also get an AC adapter and the DC car adapter, which allows you to charge your device in a traditional wall outlet, or in the car using the cigarette lighter.

If you want another way to charge your device, you can purchase the Caire Freestyle external battery charger separately. With the external charger, you can keep your batteries charged no matter where you are in the world.

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

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

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

Lifestyle P2 

The Lifestyle P2 from Rhythm is one of the smallest and lightest units on the market. At 4.37 pounds, it offers pulse settings 1-5 and gets up to 5 hours of battery life.   

Rhythm products, specifically their Lifestyle P2 portable oxygen concentrator, is not only built to keep oxygen users safe, comfortable, and independent, it is also a source of guidance and education.

Lifestyle Mobility Aids exists with a simple mission— to take care of people with medical needs, including those with respiratory issues that need supplemental oxygen to survive. 

What Comes With the P2 Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

• P2 Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator 
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Rechargeable Battery 
• Protective Carrying Case
• Shoulder Strap
• Tubing
• Filter
• Manual
• 3 year Warranty 

Inogen One G5

Medical oxygen tanks can be restrictive and oftentimes people sacrifice their freedom to hang out with friends or visit with family on your terms due to their oxygen device.

Help your loved one get back to doing what they love, ditch those cumbersome oxygen tanks and order the brand new Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator.

Instead of worrying about refilling your oxygen tanks, the Inogen One G5 restores your mobility thanks to its portable delivery of pulse flow settings of 1-6, which is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Plus, if you’re familiar with the Inogen family of medical oxygen concentrators, the Inogen One G3 offers incredible battery life in combination with a compact and lightweight design. Well, the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator is lighter and offers a longer battery life than the Inogen One G3.

What Comes With Your Inogen One G5:

• Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Single Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• Shoulder Strap
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Continuous flow options:  

Respironics SimplyGo 

Philips Respironics broke the stereotypical design for continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators when they released the Respironics SimplyGo.

Ever since it was released it has been one of the top continuous flow units on the market! However, its small size isn’t the only reason it’s been one of the top units on the market. Backed by one of the biggest names in the respiratory field, the SimplyGo is as reliable as they come!

If you are looking for a lightweight portable continuous follow device to gift your loved one for the holiday call 1+(800)-946-1201!

What Comes With Your SimplyGo?

• Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• 1x Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• Padded Shoulder Strap
• Padded Handle Strap
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

SeQual Eclipse 5 

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is the 4th generation model in SeQual’s extremely popular Eclipse line of concentrators.

In fact, the Eclipse 5 is one of the best selling and most reliable continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market. It offers the highest oxygen output on the market, gets good battery life, and it was also designed for the US Military.

What Comes With Your Eclipse 5?

• SeQual Eclipse 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• 1x Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Tubing
• Filter
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty 

Other COPD Gift Ideas

FDA Approved Pulse Oximetry Monitor

Having a FDA approved pulse oximetry monitor indicates whether or not you are getting enough oxygen.The large, easy to read LED display and accommodates fingers of all sizes, and is each to bring anywhere due to its compact size.

Blood Pressure Monitor

A blood pressure monitor is an essential piece of a COPD management kit! Many people with COPD also struggle with ​​other complications and may take a variety of medications. Maintaining healthy blood pressure is an essential part of disease management.

Blood Pressure Monitor can also display an automatic alert if an irregular heartbeat is detected and the ability to remember the last 100 BP readings. All great safety features that help to better understand what the body is doing and how it functions in certain situations.

Nebulizer Compressor Kit

A nebulizer administers medication directly into the COPD patient's airways, helping them breathe easier.

Some COPD patients are lucky enough to have insurance that pays for their nebulizers, but this is not always the case and many are unable to afford one. 

If your loved one does not have a nebulizer compressor kit, it is a great gift that keeps on giving.

Custom carrying backpack for the Inogen One G5 

A custom carry backpack is just the ticket your loved one needs to live a more active and independent lifestyle.

This backpack is lightweight and durable, this one can be used with almost any compact portable oxygen concentrator but it fits the One G5 perfectly. It is perfect for COPD patients who like to travel and be active.

COPD for Dummies

COPD for Dummies or any other resource that helps explain COPD is a great gift that help educate the family on COPD so everyone is capable of lending a helping hand, but also so that everyone can understand the disease and its toll it take on those diagnosed with it

The book includes the most basic information on COPD symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and how to cope with COPD.

This may be a nice gift for those who were recently diagnosed with COPD.

Overview 

Make the holidays extra special this season with gifts for people in your life with COPD! Buying them gifts that are practical and useful for disease management can help them all year around become more independent and healthier! 

If you are interested in the process of buying a portable oxygen concentrator or accessories to go with their portable oxygen concentrator simply call 1+(800)-946-1201 

Try to think back, and remember what your daily routine looked like before you started suffering from symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, or sleep apnea…

Were your days filled with long walks outdoors, or restful naps after reading your new favorite novel? Did you spend time gardening and taking care of tasks around the house, or did you dedicate you free time to traveling far and wide to see loved ones meeting new friends along the way?

No matter what your daily life looked like before, you should still be able to experience the joys of life by accomplishing a similar daily routine now, or at least a daily routine that you love.

If you are diagnosed with stage one through four COPD or another type of breathing ailment, (for the sake of this article, we will mostly refer to COPD, however, the information applies to everyone who needs supplemental oxygen therapy despite what disease or chronic illness you may have) it is time to take control of your disease before it takes control of you. There are a lot of different lifestyle choices, treatments, and medications that can help you treat and control COPD.

For example, Several kinds of medications are used to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD. You may take some medications on a regular basis like Bronchodilators which are medications that usually come in inhalers — they relax the muscles around your airways.

Your doctor may recommend you begin a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which is a course for people with chronic lung diseases like COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It will allow you to be as active as possible while educating you about your disease.

You can also try to limit or stop habits that impact your well-being such as smoking or exposing yourself to harmful populates and allergens.

You can start exercising more and eating lung and heart healthy foods.

However, the most impactful treatment that will allow you to get back to the daily routine which you love and value, is starting oxygen therapy. Now, the only people who can reap the benefits of oxygen therapy are patients who experience low-levels of oxygen, enough so that they require supplemental oxygen to increase their blood-oxygen levels to normal rates.

If you do not have low enough levels of oxygen, taking supplemental oxygen will not benefit you, and instead you should try to increase your exercise tolerance, take you medication prudently, and eat healthy. Inhaling extra oxygen your body does not need, can make you feel nauseous or dizzy from too much oxygen saturation.

If you need oxygen therapy, it will not only increase your blood-oxygen levels. This therapy will help you get back to doing the things you love to do, whether that is sleeping, walking, golfing, traveling, reading, socializing, and so on.

The most obvious thing about supplemental oxygen therapy is that it relieves a lot of the symptoms associated with COPD. Many of the symptoms that come with COPD are debilitating, leaving you at the will of your breathlessness and irritation. Taking away these symptoms gives you the freedom and energy you need to take advantage of all the life you have left!

Oxygen therapy relieves symptoms associate with your chronic illness so you can get back to doing what you love

Your goal when it comes to oxygen therapy should be to continue as many of your usual activities as you can!

You should work with your doctor and oxygen supply company to get oxygen equipment that will allow you to do every activities you still enjoy. Choosing the right type of equipment for you and your lifestyle is crucial — the right portable oxygen equipment can play a major role in improving your quality of life, starting by relieving a lot of your symptoms.

Here are 10 symptoms of COPD that oxygen therapy will work to improve or relieve, and some of the benefits you reap by doing so:

1. Combats breathless
2. Reduces dry coughing
3. Improves stamina and energy
4. Increases exercise tolerance
5. Strengthens muscles, joints, and bones
6. Give you the ability to travel
7. Improves sleep
8. Increases life expectancy
9. Reduces headaches and nausea
10. Can improve memory

Combats breathlessness 

Oxygen therapy takes away that feeling of breathlessness all times of the day. Whether you are resting or exercising, while you are using your oxygen, you should feel comfortable breathing and capable of doing things that once made you stop to catch your breath.

If you use a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), for example the Inogen One G5, you are able to carry it with you simply by slipping it into your purse, side satchel, or backpack. It only weighs 4.8 pounds, and has a pulse dose rate 1-6. So if your oxygen levels fluctuate throughout the day depending on the activities you are performing, your POC will be able to range between every oxygen source you need.

If you have very low levels of oxygen, and you require a continuous flow of oxygen while you rest or sleep, but during the day a pulse dose setting works for you, the Respironics SimplyGO POC has you covered. This unit weighs in at a mere 10 pounds and the SimplyGo is one of the smallest and lightest continuous flow portables available.

These two POC offer the same quality of life for two people with very different oxygen requirements, so whichever oxygen user you are, you can enjoy your days with little to no breathlessness.

Exacerbations, often referred to as flare ups, are caused when someone with COPD experiences extreme shortness of breath and their medications do not work in time to relieve their breathlessness, to the point where they must seek medical attention.

By using and adjusting to a portable oxygen concentrator or another form of oxygen therapy you will likely experience less flare ups and therefore spend less time in the hospital or seeking emergency medical attention.

This peace of mind alone can serve as many forms of release from COPD’s control over you, to the point where you feel in control of your disease.

Works to alleviate symptoms associated with coughing 

If you have COPD, you have definitely experienced a persistent cough, but did you know that a cough that brings up a healthy amount and color of mucus is actually very beneficial for your airways and lungs?

If you are coughing “correctly” you are clearing your airways that are filled with excess mucus and often swollen airways. These two factors make it hard for oxygen to pass through, thereby reducing the function and productivity of your lungs.

Read this article for tips and tricks on how to cough correctly if you have COPD.

Well, if you have COPD you probably also experience a non-productive cough, often caused by smoking, it's called a dry cough. Other coughs that are common among patients with COPD are associated with anxiety. These coughs can be relieved and treated so that you can avoid coughing at social gatherings and in public spaces where it may make you feel uncomfortable.

You can reduce the dry cough if your doctor prescribes you some prednisone. A Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps with inflammation of your airways in your lungs. If your cough is due something else that over-the-counter cough medications are unlikely to help, there are still other things that you can do to quiet a pesky cough.

Drinking water thins out your mucus making it easier to expel, staying hydrated also soothes your dry, irritated throat. You should drink at least 8 ounces of water every two hours, and if you tend to drink caffeine you should drink even more than that!

Lastly, you should try to avoid lung irritates like smoke, allergens, pollution, and other impurities in the air. These ailments can get into your lungs and stay there, making your cough last a lot longer than necessary. You can try using a humidifier in your home if you live in an arid environment to keep your throat and airways moist. Some air filters are also great for home use and can go a long way in filtering out dust and other particles in your home for fresh breathing air.

So, what does oxygen therapy have to do with a pesky cough that makes you want to stay home rather than attending your favorite annual conference or attending a social gathering? Coughing is a natural reaction that your lungs will force you to do when your airways are swollen tight and filled with mucus. Your cough alone will not clear your airways enough so that you can breathe in the amount of oxygen you need to not only be more social, but to survive.

An additional oxygen therapy prescription on top of the correct coughing techniques will get your body the oxygen it craves. You will likely start to enjoy attending more social events like you once did because you are not coughing as often, and when you do cough, you can excuse yourself to clear mucus efficiently, so you are able to get back to the festivities.

Improves stamina and energy

Your lack of energy may not have to do with your age at all. As we age we often find reasons to blame our tiredness on the fact that we are getting older. However, this is not always the case and if you are willing to accept that reality, it's time to take a look at your oxygen levels.

Without the proper exchange of gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide, your body can't get the oxygen it needs. When your body is low on oxygen, you will feel tired and fatigue comes more quickly when your lungs can't properly inhale and exhale air. You'll develop low blood oxygen levels, a condition called hypoxemia, which is one of the main signs associated with COPD that indicates you need oxygen therapy.

Your doctor can perform a series of respiratory tests to see what your breathing capacity is and how well your lungs are functioning. In stages one and two of COPD, your oxygen level may be sufficient enough on their own, and if you stick to a healthy and active lifestyle, you should be able to slow down the progression of your disease from becoming more severe.

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Once your lungs require supplemental oxygen therapy, this means that you probably have reduced ability to do daily actives without experiencing severe shortness of breath, your stamina and energy have likely declined to the point where you feel lethargic or even exhausted throughout the day.

While there is no cure for COPD, oxygen therapy is essentially a cure that will boost your stamina and energy levels! Once you get adjusted to the best portable oxygen concentrator designed to fit your needs, you will be able to get back to the sports, hobbies, chores, and other aspects of your life that give you purpose!

Works with you to help improve your exercise tolerance

Exercise is one of the best treatments for slowing down the progression of your COPD. And before you started on oxygen therapy, you probably had no intention of exercising because simple tasks would leave you breathless. Exercise seemed out of the picture.

If you have a lightweight and battery powered portable oxygen concentrator (POC), you can go out for walks and adjust the oxygen level to the appropriate output so that you do not feel as breathless and exhausted while walking.

You can also bring your POC with you to the gym, pulmonary rehabilitation, or anywhere else that you get your daily physical activity in.

And because your blood oxygen levels are more saturated after adjusting to your supplemental oxygen, you will not feel as fatigued and you will be able to build up your exercise tolerance.

This means that you might not be able to walk to the end of the street right now, but if you start walking to and from the kitchen into the living room, and then start down the driveway from your front door, eventually you will have the ability to walk up and down the cul de sac.

By improving your exercise tolerance, you are strengthening your heart, bones, muscle and most importantly your lungs! In order for you muscles to work properly your blood must be capable of delivering oxygen-rich blood to the muscle that you are working out, so in order to do this properly with COPD, supplemental oxygen is a must.

The best portable oxygen concentrators for exercise would be a unit that is lightweight so that you can carry it while you walk, jog, bike, or do aerobics. That being said, one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrator is the Caire Freestyle Comfort, and it only weighs 5 pounds. This POC offers pulse dose oxygen delivery at any rate of 1-5, this means it can deliver anywhere from 210 mil/min (milliliters per minute) to 1050 ml/min of oxygen.

The Freestyle Comfort is a wonderful option for COPD patients that need supplemental oxygen for exercise, and throughout the day and if you do not require more than 1050 ml/min of oxygen.

But many COPD patients require a continuous flow of oxygen to start or continue to exercise, others just require a higher pulse dosage.

In the case of the latter, the Respironic SimplyGO portable oxygen concentrator is an option for people who need a pulse flow settings 1-6 or continuous flow settings 0.5-2.0 LPM. This unit weights almost 10 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the other units we have discussed in this article, but that is nothing to shy away from!

You can use your POC with a portable travel cart, and research has shown the travel cart makes it much easier for a patient to bring their oxygen with them. For example, it can take less energy to pull an 18 pound unit behind you than it takes to carry a 5 pound machine so there's no need to be afraid of the larger machines.

No matter what your oxygen requirements are, a certain amount of exercise is right for you. It is up to you to take the initiatives and start somewhere where you can build up strength and endurance, and with the help of the right oxygen equipment, you can get anywhere!

Strengthens muscles, joints, and bones

Similarly to the section above about exercise, oxygen therapy can help to strengthen your muscles, joints, and bones. Now, it is important to understand that using your portable oxygen concentrator or any form of oxygen therapy will not strength your body on its own, simply by you breathing it in.

However, by adjusting and adapting to your oxygen therapy, this will give you the “tools” you need to be successful in training, exercising, and building strength.

Allows you to travel worry free

While there is no direct “symptom” of COPD that says you cannot travel, the condition does impose a lot of challenges when it comes to travel, whether it's traveling by car, airplane or boat.

The only “cure” for travel with COPD when you need oxygen therapy, is a portable oxygen concentrator. This is because if you have a liquid oxygen tank or a gas cylinder that you rely on most of the day and night, you are not allowed to travel by plane with one of these oxygen tanks.

A portable oxygen concentrator is FAA approved! This means that you can bring your POC on the airplane with you.

The SeQual Eclipse 5 portable oxygen concentrator may be heavier than other POCs like the Inogen One G3, G4, and G5, but this unit is still very easy to travel with and perfect for everyday use. 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 when it’s snowing.

The telescopic handle lets you adjust the travel cart to the height that is most comfortable for you! And if you ever need to store your concentrator the handle slides all the way down and locks. So if you’re traveling you can keep your SeQual on the travel cart and it will still fit underneath the seat in front of you!

If you are eager to get back to traveling, it is time to look into which POC will meet your oxygen requirements.

Helps you sleep more soundly

Oxygen therapy is shown to improve the quality of your sleep. This is because the lack of oxygen can wake you up while you are in the REM cycle of your sleep.

Many people with COPD also have obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, you probably already use a CPAP or BiPAP machine while you sleep to keep your airways open and keep them from collapsing with every inhale and exhale.

If so it is important to have a POC that is compatible with your CPAP and BiPAP machine.

No matter what your oxygen requirements are at night, LPT medical has the right unit that will work for you, and all of our units can hook up to your CPAP and BiPAP machine. That being said it is very important you talk to your doctor about using oxygen at night, and whether or not this decision is right for you.

Can add years to your life 

COPD is a chronic illness, meaning there is no cure, and therefore the disease will progress into a more severe state. Nevertheless, there are plenty of lifestyle changes, treatments, medications, and therapies that will slow down the progression of your disease, thereby adding years to your life.

By far, the most important benefit of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is that it may prolong your life, especially if you have COPD with severe resting hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in your blood) and/or you use oxygen continuously rather than just at night or sporadically.

A combination of healthy choices and medication will get you very far in slowing down the progression of your COPD.

Life expectancy for people with COPD can be predicted by assessing body mass index (BMI), airway obstruction, dyspnea (Breathlessness), and your exercise capacity. After these value are taken into account, your doctor can give you an average of year you are expected to live

In the end, the average life expectancy for people with COPD is just that—an average estimation. You can exceed expectations by taking control and addressing the factors that you can change.

Relives headaches and nausea  

One of the more obvious symptoms oxygen therapy can relieve, is reducing COPD related headaches and nausea.

Headaches and that nauseous feeling are often caused by the lack of oxygen reaching your brain. This goes for everyone and not just people with COPD. Have you hiked a mountain top,or been to a town at high elevation where the air is thinner? At high altitudes there is less oxygen in the air, and therefore less oxygen you can breath in, and in these condition someone might experience “altitude sickness”

Altitude sickness causes someone to feel dizzy, nauseous and will also induce a painful head all, all because your body is not getting the amount of oxygen it is used to when you are at lower elevations. A simple cure is to relax, and drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

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But if you have COPD, drinking water may help your headache or other symptoms, but not always and not for long. Eventually your headaches will not feel better after drinking water and oxygen therapy is the best solution.

Once these pesky symptoms of COPD induced dyspnea are relieved, you can get back to doing the things you enjoy, rather than being held back by a bad headache or feeling nauseous.

Can help to improve your memory 

Several studies show that using oxygen at home for more than 15 hours a day increases quality of life, oxygen therapy has good short-term and long-term effects in people who have COPD.

Using oxygen may also improve confusion and memory problems.

Getting back to the daily life you are used to

The Inogen One G5 is the newest of Inogen's oxygen devices. The One G5 is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator (POC). The One G3 and One G4 came before the One G5, and all three of these devices are some of the best POCs money can buy. The easiest way to buy an Inogen device is to call LPT Medical at 1(800)-946-1201, but before you do, make sure you weigh all of your options! 

Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

If you are in the market for a new pulse flow oxygen device, read about why a POC is the best option for oxygen therapy, and follow up that information with the best portable oxygen concentrator for your lifestyle. 

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In this blog we talk about the ways in which POCs are better than oxygen tanks. This comparison should give you the confidence in your decision to switch from tanks and canisters to a battery powered oxygen device. 

We will then discuss one of the NEW portable oxygen concentrators that are available for purchase on our website today! 

In this blog we will dive into everything you need to know about The Live Active Five. If you want to see our other new devices on our website, you will find the Lifestyle P2, and the DeVilbiss iGo 2 Portable Oxygen Concentrators.

Each device has its special features that make it top of its class. And because LPT Medical only supplies our customers with the best oxygen technology, we were ecstatic to add the Active Five to our already stacked catalog!  

Let's start with getting to know the Active Five!

The Live Active Five Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

The Live Active Five is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator from Precision Medical Inc. This company is a global pioneer in respiratory care focused on manufacturing medical devices. 

This all-American brand provides hospitals and individuals with high-quality medical products, each carefully crafted and meticulously assembled by hand, to give you oxygen that you need that won’t cost you your freedom! 

The Live Active Five pulse flow portable oxygen device is one of a kind, and offers you a number of features beyond oxygen output that makes your daily life easier. Designed to give you independence and flexibility, Live Active Five is a powerful, lightweight portable oxygen concentrator featuring an ergonomic design. 

The Live Active Five can be worn comfortably either across your body or over your shoulder for a hands-free breathing experience.

The Live Active Five can help you save money by eliminating the high recurring costs of deliveries and the burden of managing cylinders. This device also minimizes maintenance and time dealing with issues by getting rid of the basic "pressure only" system which causes you to frequently need to replace your sieve bed. 

Just because this device is small, doesn't mean it is not powerful! The Active Live Five weighs 5 pounds and is 8.4 in. in height (21.4 cm), 3.2 in. (8.3 cm) wide, and 8.5 in. (21.6 cm) long. Its small size does not hinder its ability to produce high oxygen output and quality! It produces 87% to 95% oxygen concentration at a flow rate of 1-5, which is just as powerful as the famous Inogen One G5.

Only Precision Medical POCs use Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) technology ensuring each sieve bed is perfectly regenerated every cycle. This optimizes sieve bed performance to produce high oxygen purity (95.5%) for a longer period of time. With Controlled Minute Volume (CMV), you will receive therapeutic oxygen at maximum effectiveness, regardless of your breath rate.

With the single battery installed, the Active Live Five only weighs 5 pounds! On a single charge, and depending on the setting, the Live Active Five can last for up to 6.5 hours! But if you are a relatively active person that likes to be out and about, then having an extra battery or the Live Active Five Battery Charger will come in handy.

You can easily switch out your batteries with the top-loading design of the Live Active Five, allowing you to quickly change the battery while the device is still in its custom carrying case. This system is conveniently designed with intentions to extend your battery life as needed without having to carry the extra weight of a double battery.

There are two ways to charge your device:

AC Power Adapter: The AC power adapter allows the device to be connected to a wall outlet. Using the AC power adapter will allow you to use the device and will simultaneously charge an installed battery.

DC Car Adapter: The DC car adapter allows the device to be connected to 12-volt DC auxiliary outlet, which is the cigarette lighter in your car. Using the DC car adapter also allows you to use the device and will simultaneously charge the installed battery.

Easy Maintenance and Technical Support Built In

This portable oxygen concentrator has a built-in Concentrator Performance Information (CPI) Technology that helps to easily identify unit problems that may occur in its lifetime. This technology, powered by Bluetooth, tracks unit activity which can then be analyzed so that you get direct support from the manufacturer.

The Live Active Five comes with a custom-designed carry bag that allows you to comfortably wear the device on either side of your body or as a cross body. This dual curve design keeps the nasal cannula in place, and the bag’s smart strap prevents it from accidentally unhooking from the oxygen outlet.

No matter how you choose to wear the Live Active Five, the custom carry bag always keeps the unit’s screen and cannula front-facing so you are able to adjust the settings when you need to. The carry bag strap has a soft padded cushion that makes the bag feel lighter while carrying and helps ease back and shoulder pain.

Traveling with the Live Active Five

The Live Active Five POC conforms to all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use on board aircraft. Just be sure that when you make flight arrangements, many U.S. airlines require advanced notice if you plan on using a POC while on board the aircraft as well as evidence you have additional battery power!

Prior to the flight, ensure your Live Active Five is clean and in good working condition. Bring enough charged batteries with you to power your Live Active Five for at least 150% of the expected duration of your flight, including ground time before and after the flight, security screenings, connections and possible delays.

FAA regulations require that all spare batteries be individually wrapped and protected to prevent short circuits. Spare batteries can only be carried on board in carry-on baggage.

Inogen One G5 

When it comes to portable oxygen concentrators, many of our customer’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!

So as your breathing rate and requirements change depending on if you are laying in bed or exercising, the Inogen One G5 has the ability to satisfy your oxygen demands.

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. 

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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.

Overview 

The Inogen One G5 may be the most popular POC on the market, but it is not the only POC that will give you the freedom to be mobile and travel! 

The Live Active Five is a great option for oxygen patients who are wanting to be out and about and more active. 

If you are getting on a new exercise regimen your oxygen concentrator needs to be reliable and easy to move around! The Live Active Five will take care of all of your oxygen needs and with the carrying case and lightweight design, you will be able to bring it on walks with you and to the gym!

With the long lasting battery life, you will be able to go to the grocery store and run errands during the day without having to lug around heavy tanks. 

One thing people love about the Inogen One G5 is how easy it is to use! Well the Live Active Five makes adjusting your oxygen levels and charging the battery as needed a breeze. 

The Live Active Five is a reliable oxygen device, but should something go wrong, avoid the trouble shooting all together, with the built in technology, the manufacturer will be able to pinpoint the issues you're having at a glance!

If you are interested in learning more about the Live Active Five or another device call 1-(800)-946-1201, We would be happy to answer any and all of your questions!

It is true that when people are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any other chronic respiratory illness their lives change forever. 

Even though you might feel physically the exact same way leaving the doctor's office that day as you did when you walked in, your mentality is noticeably different. After you are diagnosed with COPD or once you have reached a point in your diagnosis where you need to be out on oxygen you are given another chance. 

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It is not a death sentence, and it should not be treated as one. You can look at this moment as a second chance. 

Now you know why you are coughing excessively, feeling tired, short of breath, moody and all of the things you were experiencing are due to something in your body that isn’t exactly right. And while that thing that isn’t exactly right is not curable, you can treat it and make it more manageable day to day.  

There are levels of severity of COPD that are broken down based on your lungs capacity and their ability to do their job! At a certain point in your diagnosis, there may come a time where you need extra help getting oxygen pumping through your body. 

You will go through a series of tests that will display to you doctor whether or not you need supplemental oxygen therapy. As with any prescription drug, you will be prescribed medical oxygen, and within your prescription will be instructions on how much oxygen you need and when.

Supplemental oxygen therapy is designed to help you improve your lifestyle and quality of life. And similarly to prescription medication, too much is too much and too little isn’t enough, so be sure you follow your doctor's instructions when it comes to oxygen therapy. 

This also means it's essential to have an oxygen therapy device that can handle your oxygen needs. You can either go with an oxygen tank or a portable oxygen concentrator (POC).

Both devices will give you oxygen, but one device is an older more traditional source of oxygen (tanks) while the other (POCs) is a newer more advanced device that has a number of qualities that make everyday life easier. 

To learn more about you oxygen therapy options read this blog: Upgrading From an Oxygen Tank to the Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator

So let's get down to it… Once you get that oxygen therapy prescription, your oxygen therapy gives you another chance to treat your disease so it is more manageable and you symptoms are less intrusive. 

Oxygen therapy is also the one treatment that has actually been proven to add years to your life, and not only time, but quality time where you can eat right, exercise, and sleep well (if you put in the work).

This is not to say that there will be hard days, COPD and respiratory illness across the board are no joke, and they affect millions of people across the world. 

How Oxygen Therapy Can Save your Life 

When you get on oxygen you will be sourcing your lungs with extra medical grade pure oxygen so that oxygen can move fluidly throughout your blood and muscles. 

With the help of you oxygen therapy you will have an easier time getting to sleep and staying asleep. Exercise will come more easily because you won't fee las tired or short of breath. Oxygen therapy is giving you the tools to live an active and healthy life, so it is not not only extending your life but improving the quality of life you have. 

Here are the 7 portable oxygen concentrators, and their most attractive features, that will help you live a long and healthy life. 

Inogen One G4 

The Inogen One G4 is a pulse flow device, it only weighs 2.8 pounds, that's no more than a basic laptop computer. 

Caire Freestyle Comfort

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is also a pulse flow device, it has a long lasting battery life. With the double battery installed it can last for up to 8 hours on a setting of 2 LMP. 

Inogen One G5

The Inogen One G5 is the most popular pulse flow device on the market because it is so powerful. It can operate on any setting 1-6 LPM without sacrificing battery life.

Respironics SimplyGo

The Respironics SimplyGo is the lightest continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator. It weighs 10 pounds and can give off pulse or continuous oxygen depending on the setting you set it to.  

Oxlife Freedom

The Oxlife Freedom is a pulse flow device that is the first of its kind. It is equipped with tools to help oxygen patients and their healthcare providers better manage their respiratory conditions! The built in DNA or Dynamic Network Analysis is cutting edge technology that allows your healthcare provider to more closely monitor your oxygen use.

 Oxlife Independence

The Oxlife Independence portable oxygen concentrator is a continuous and pulse flow device is also the first of its kind. It is the world’s first “smart” portable oxygen concentrator. It is equipped with the same DNA technology inside the Oxlife Freedom which is powered by the Verizon network. The Oxlife Independence can monitor your usage and corresponding environmental conditions to adapt and proactively support your needs. It tracks vital data like hours used, breathing rate, ambulation, and more!

SeQual Eclipse 5 

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is both a continuous and pulse flow device. It is known for offering the highest oxygen output on the market, gets good battery life, and it was also designed for the US Military.. It is one of the most popular continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market because of its long-standing track record for being durable and reliable. If it’s good enough for the US Military, that should tell you something.

Staying On Track to Live A Healthy Life on Oxygen 

If any of these portable oxygen concentrators are calling your name, simply call 1(800)-946-1201 to speak with an oxygen specialist about their other features and how it can fit into your life! 

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Once you have an oxygen device that you trust you can start adjusting your lifestyle to a more positive and active one that cultivates more energy and happiness. We would like to leave you with some positive suggestions for everyday life that will make the challenges you face dealing with respiratory disease more manageable.

Keep a Journal 

Keeping track of your oxygen levels, symptoms, triggers, and health related issues are valuable for you and your doctor. This can give your doctor an inside look at your life at home, and how your symptoms evolve and change so they can advise a course of action and treatment plan that works for you.

It is also valuable to jot down your emotions, to do lists, write down goals, and stories. Writing ignites a creative part of your brain, that like your muscles need exercise. 

Even if you haven't written anything down for years, it is never too late to pick up a pen and paper and write down your struggles, achievements and everything in between. 

You will be surprised how helpful it is to make decisions when you create a pros and cons list, or how writing down something that happened to you that day can enhance your memory. 

Exercise in the Water 

We hear all the time that oxygen patients also require exercise as treatment. But for many, exercise can cause a lot of other issues throughout the body. 

People with COPD may have muscle or bone conditions that make exercise painful and high impact workouts can be impossible. Water exercises give you the alternative for a less stress induced workout on the body. 

A 2013 study found that water-based exercises might increase a person’s exercise capacity and quality of life. In people with COPD and physical disabilities, water-based exercises were more effective than both land-based exercise and no exercise.

The researchers suggested that these effects might be due to the unique properties of water, which support body weight through buoyancy and provide resistance to increase exercise intensity

Breathing with Purpose to Avoid Excess Anxiety

Avoiding stress and anxiety are two big ones when it comes to easing COPD symptoms. Breathing can be directly related to relaxation or lack there of. 

Anxiety will come up for the patient and caretakers for everyone with chronic illness. The very real stressors that come with chronic illness include medical emergencies, financial worries, everyday care issues.

So these stressors are unavoidable, and the emotional distress can trigger a physical reaction that may lead to you being hospitalized for exacerbated symptoms, known as a COPD flare up. 

Naturally when humans feel afraid or upset, the heart rate, and blood pressure increase, this causes the breathing to speed up. Anxiety and fast breathing means more shortness of breath. For people with respiratory disease who already suffer from shortness of breath, this can generate even more anxiety, which causes further shortness of breath…It’s a toxic cycle.

So how can you and your caretaker help each other learn to relax in these moments? Try following three basic relaxation techniques from the Crossroads Hospice online resource center: 

Take 10 minute to do each of the following breathing techniques:

1. Deep breathing. Sit comfortably, feet on the floor. Put one hand on your chest, the other just under your ribs. Breathe slowly through your nose, counting to five. Only the hand at your belly should rise. Exhale slowly, counting to five. Repeat.

1. Muscle relaxation. Lie down or sit comfortably. Starting with your toes, tense and relax your muscles, moving up your body to calves, thighs, etc. Count to five while tensing and to 30 while relaxing. Notice the difference between tense and relaxed.

1. Visualization. In a quiet place, lie down or sit comfortably. Imagine yourself at your favorite place of tranquility (beach, mountains, etc.). Bring in as many elements of the place as you can: what you would be seeing, smelling, hearing, touching.

Managing Fatigue Effectively

It's common for COPD patients and oxygen users to “run out of gas” even when doing simple things around the house.

You can learn to conserve energy—The energy that keeps you awake and moving around—so you are able to enjoy activities and exercise that you love to do for longer.

Try getting into the rhythm of this simple strategy- Understand that you have a limited amount of energy each day. If you’re mindful of how you use that energy by creating a daily routine, for chorus, everyday necessities, any medical treatment, and exercise and life’s pleasures.

Plan out your days with the pace for each activity. Keep these tactics in mind:

• DON’T rush, allow plenty time for what needs to get done.

• Alternate activity with rest.

• Divide large chores into smaller tasks spread across the day or week. 

• Work smarter by minimizing trips up/down stairs, shopping with a list and in as few stores as possible, cook in bulk and freeze the leftovers, after bathing, rest in a terrycloth bathrobe instead of drying with a towel. These little things conserve a lot of energy over time. 

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You can order your medications and groceries to be delivered.Throughout the day, look for opportunities to sit down, and minimize time walking, lifting, and bending (use extensions bending and reaching).

• Sit down while cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, or grooming face and hair, have a stool or seat handy in multiple rooms of your house.

• Stay organized and lay out supplies at waist height so everything is within easy reach before you start cooking, cleaning, bathing, or dressing.

• Use an elevated toilet seat, a grabber for objects, and elongated handles on shoe horns, brushes, and dustpans.

By learning how to operate at a mild pace with lots of helpful tools throughout your house, daily life gets easier and easier, and your tank of energy will get you further and further the more you conserve energy.

Overview

Of course, none of these simple everyday changes listed above will make much of a difference if you are lugging around a heavy oxygen tank, or are stressed and worried about getting your next oxygen delivery. 

First step to getting your second chance at a healthy and active life after being prescribed oxygen, is getting an oxygen device that can help you through life, rather than holds you back. 

Talk to your doctor about your oxygen device options and how your prescription will work day to day, and then call us at LPT Medical at 1(800)-946-1201 so we can help you find a device that fits your needs and lifestyle. 

There are a lot of great options when it comes to choosing a portable oxygen concentrator from LPT Medical. We stock only the most reputable and highest quality oxygen devices on the market but we offer our customers the lowest price because we are a local family owned business. We are based in Denver Colorado but we ship our device nationwide overnight! 

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When it comes to supplemental oxygen therapy there are a few things you as an oxygen user have no control over. First, the degree of your condition, or the severity of your illness is what will determine your oxygen flow rate. Your doctor will take you through a variety of test to indicate your oxygen prescription.  

Whether or not you need your oxygen 24/7 your oxygen device must be trustworthy and safe. 

So what makes an oxygen device trustworthy and safe? 

First and foremost, portable oxygen concentrators are the safest oxygen devices you can own because they do not have a reservoir of oxygen gas collected inside of them, instead there is a battery and a filter. 

The battery and filter work together to extract air from the surroundings to compress it into medical grade oxygen that you will use to breathe. 

Unlike tanks and canisters, you are able to travel by plane with your concentrator, and rest assured you will be getting plenty of oxygen on all of your travel endeavors. 

Now, the truth of the matter is that once you have an oxygen prescription, you will be sorted into one of two categories- either a pulse flow oxygen user or a continuous flow oxygen user, and in some cases, people need both.

If you need both, you are technically in the continuous flow user category because your oxygen device will need to operate continuously but pulse flow machines are incapable of this operation while continuous oxygen devices can do both! 

This article is for all of the pulse flow oxygen users out there who are looking to get the biggest bang for their buck, but also want to be sure all of their oxygen needs are met. 

For these people, we created this video below that will go through the differences between two of the best pulse flow portables on the market today, the Inogen One G5 and the GCE Zeno Lite.

Now, after watching his video, and if it is still not abundantly clear which oxygen device you think would work better for you, simply reach out to the experts at LPT Medical. Our respiratory specialists work with customers day and night to ensure all of their oxygen requirements are met with our devices.

Also, these devices are simple to use, however, new technology can always be slightly confusing. If you recently bought a device from us and have any questions about how to operate the device, changes to your oxygen prescription, or anything under the sun, don't hesitate to call us at 1(800)-946-1202. 

The rest of this blog will outline what was talked about in the video of anyone who is hard of hearing and prefers to read!

Similarities of the One G5 and the Zeno Lite

Both of the One G5 and the Zeno List are easy to use pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators. 

They are lightweight and easy to carry over your shoulder! Both are compact and small compared to any oxygen tank, so these devices can go with you anywhere. 

Both come with 3 year warranty on the device and 1 year warranty on accessories. 

Both devices are FAA approved for travel so you can bring either of them on an airplane with you.

It is important now to go through all of the differences between the one G5 and the Zeno Lite so you are able to make an educated decision about which device you want to purchase.

Difference of the One G5 and the Zeno Lite

Weight differences

The Inogen one G5 

The One G5 weighs 4.7 pounds. It is one of the lightest pulse flow devices that is able to maintain a high flow rate for oxygen users that require a certain flow rate. 

The Zeno Lite 

The Zeno lite weighs 5.5 pounds. So while it is slightly heavier than the One G5, is is not heavy, and with the help of the Custom Carrying Case, Padded Shoulder Strap, and the Padded Handle Strap it too is easy to bring with you wherever life takes you.

Dimensions of the unit 

The Inogen One G5

The one G5 stands at 8.15" H x 7.19" L x 3.26" W

The GCE Zeno Lite

The GCE Zeno Lite stands at 9.25” H x 3.8” D x 9.8” W

It is easy to see these dimensions in the video above, and you can compare the size of the devices as they sit next to each other. 

Settings of the units 

The Inogen One G5 

When it comes to portable oxygen concentrators, many of our customer’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!

So as your breathing rate and requirements change depending on if you are laying in bed or exercising, the Inogen One G5 has the ability to satisfy your oxygen demands.

The GCE Zeno Lite 

The Zen-O Lite offers a high oxygen output to accommodate as many oxygen users as possible.

It offers pulse flow settings 1-5 that can be adjusted in 0.5 increments. So whether you’re exercising, feeling sick, or are experiencing an exacerbation you will be able to increase the machine’s oxygen output to get the oxygen you need. 

Just remember to check with your doctor before you increase the flow rate on your machine.

Battery life 

The Inogen One G5 

The Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator is lighter and offers an even longer battery life than the Inogen One G3. Below is the expected battery life of the Inogen One G5:

The GCE Zeno Lite 

Battery life is one of the most important features of a portable oxygen concentrator. More battery life equals more freedom and independence. Well, the GCE Zen-O Lite has you covered!

On a setting of 2, the Zen-O Lite gets up to 4 hours of battery life on a single charge and the standard package comes with two batteries to give you up to 8 hours of battery life! Unlike other manufacturers who offer different battery sizes, GCE wanted to keep the Zen-O Lite as light as possible. With the other manufacturers, the larger battery option adds unwanted weight to the machine.

Sound level 

The Inogen One G5 

The sound level of the One 5 offers a 39 dBA when it is set to a setting of 2. 

The GCE Zeno Lite 

One of the most impressive components of the GCE Zen-O Lite is that it is whisper quiet! It is hands down one of the quietest portable oxygen concentrators we’ve ever heard. The noise of portable oxygen concentrators can sometimes bother certain oxygen users, if this includes you, it is time to give the Zeno Lite a try!

On a setting of 2, the GCE Zen-O Lite only registers at 37 dBA! You will be able to go to the movies, go to church, or have a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant without worrying about your concentrator making much noise all around you.

Bonus features 

The Inogen One G5 

The bonus features of the One G5 start with reaping the benefits of oxygen therapy 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, 

The GCE Zeno Lite 

The big bonus you get from using the Zen-O Lite is the easy to use technology. The control panel makes using the machine extremely simple. The control panel is equipped with a bright, easy-to-read display. And unlike other units on the market, the display is easy to read in direct sunlight, dim lighting, and in the dark!

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Along with the easy-to-read display, the Zen-O Lite is equipped with 5 large push buttons. You probably won’t even need to put your glasses on to see which button you want to press! The control panel is equipped with:

• Power Button
• Battery Life Button
• Alarm Muting Button
• Flow Rate Up Button
• Flow Rate Down Button

One of our favorite features on the control panel is the real-time battery display. On the LCD display screen, your Zen-O Lite will show you the oxygen setting you are using along with a battery life indicator on the right-hand side. However, if you press the battery life button you will get a real-time display showing you exactly how much battery life you have left!

Overview 

As a long-term oxygen user, you are in charge of your oxygen intake. There are not always doctors or nurses around you to tell you how to do it, or how much oxygen you need. This can be a lot of pressure for some people, and if that include you, one way to take the pressure off is to have an oxygen device that does the work for you.

The Inogen One G5 and The GCE Zeno Lite are pulse flow devices that will make your life as a long-term oxygen patient easier. Us here at LPT Medical are also here to help! 

Call us at 1(800)-946-1201 with any questions about these devices and we will be happy to help in anyway that we can!