Oxygen is essential for maintaining human life. Each time you inhale, your lungs begin a chemical process called cellular respiration where oxygen is removed from the air and is used to convert nutrients into energy that our bodies can use. Without oxygen in the atmosphere, our bodies would have no way to process and digest the food we eat.

However, what many people don’t realize is that oxygen is not always beneficial to the body. Earth’s atmosphere is made up of a variety of gases including nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. Only about 21 percent of the atmosphere is oxygen, so it’s not just the presence of oxygen that makes human life possible, but the fact that there’s a perfect balance of oxygen to keep us healthy.

When the partial pressure of O2 that you inhale is above 0.45 ATA (atmospheres absolute) you’ll start to experience symptoms of oxygen toxicity. Extended exposure to this level of oxygen can lead to pulmonary oxygen toxicity which is characterized by chest pain, shortness of breath, and a chronic cough. Short-term exposure to even higher partial pressures of oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity of the brain which causes lightheadedness, nausea, and confusion.

In short, your body is designed to process a certain amount of oxygen at a specific partial pressure. When these needs aren’t met, you may begin to experience adverse side effects. These side-effects can be treated with oxygen therapy. In this post, we’ll take a look at 4 different types of oxygen therapy in use today and how they work.  

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

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

The term “hyperbaric” is used to describe a gas at a higher partial pressure than it’s normally found at. Therefore, “hyperbaric oxygen therapy” is the use of higher partial pressure of oxygen in order to treat a variety of conditions. One of the most common conditions treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy is decompression sickness, commonly experienced by scuba divers and other people who breathe with the help of an oxygen tank.

The ultimate goal of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to get more oxygen in the blood. By inhaling pure oxygen at pressures 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal, it can promote healing in areas of the body that are deprived of oxygen. As such, it can be a useful therapy for treating wounds and infections that are not healing normally. Risks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include oxygen toxicity, ear trauma, and eye damage. 

How Does the Procedure Work?

There are two common types of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): monoplace chambers and multiplace chambers. Monoplace chambers resemble MRI machines and they’re able to hold one person. Once the patient enters the chamber, the doors are sealed and it’s slowly pressurized with 100 percent oxygen. The patient is typically required to lie down in order to use a monoplace hyperbaric chamber.

Multiplace chambers perform the same function as monoplace chambers but they are able to treat multiple patients at one time. Once the patients enter the room, they wear a mask that delivers the oxygen and the room is then pressurized. One of the key benefits of this type of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is that the patients have more space and the room is often climate-controlled which could be helpful to people who get claustrophobic easily.

The important thing to remember about this procedure is that it’s carefully controlled by medical professionals. It’s not something that can be done on a whim because your doctor will first need to carefully consider your health and determine whether or not you will benefit from it. If you’re exposed to highly pressurized oxygen for an extended period of time, you could pose a serious risk to your health.   

Key Benefits of HBOT

Wound healing

Chronic wounds are wounds that take a long time to heal. Oftentimes, the reason for this slow healing is due to poor circulation or hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the tissue). During HBOT treatment, the supply of oxygen to these tissues will increase which will promote a faster and smoother healing process. Diabetes patients commonly use HBOT because they often suffer from neuropathy (nerve damage) which slows or prevents wound healing.

Skin Cell and Collagen Development

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has many different anti-aging effects. Collagen is a component of your skin that’s largely responsible for the healing and recovery of wounds, but it also affects the condition of your skin. Skin with a lot of collagen will look more youthful, elastic, and won’t become damaged or scar as easily. Oxygen therapy can help with the production and management of collagen in the body. 

Strengthening the Immune System

Innate and adaptive immunity are two of the most important functions of your body. When you ingest any type of foreign bacteria your body is at constant war to protect you from these harmful substances. HBOT is known for being able to disable the toxins of certain bacteria, effectively making them less of a threat to the immune system and the body as a whole. What’s more, oxygen therapy helps white blood cells find and destroy foreign invaders. In some cases, neutrophils even use oxygen radicals to kill invading pathogens. 

Preventing Reperfusion Injury

Reperfusion injury is a phenomenon that occurs when oxygen-rich blood returns to a tissue that was previously deprived of oxygen. Reperfusion can result in damage to the tissue, inflammation, and even cause blood vessels to clamp, reducing blood flow to the area. HBOT works to generate scavengers that destroy oxygen radicals which are responsible for tissue damage. 

Curing Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness is a condition commonly contracted by divers who return to the surface too quickly. Due to the rapid change of pressure, bubbles of gas can form in the blood causing symptoms such as dizziness, rashing, fatigue, and chest pain. While decompression sickness is uncommon, it can be serious or even fatal if it isn’t treated swiftly. HBOT is the only effective treatment for decompression sickness because it reduces the size of the gas bubbles, fills the tissues with oxygen, and reduces swelling.   

Disadvantages of HBOT

The only disadvantage of HBOT is overexposure. Patients should not be in a hyperbaric chamber for more than 2 hours at a time and they should not be exposed to pressure that is greater than 3 times that of the atmosphere. People with certain lung conditions, a cold or fever, or those who have recently had ear surgery should not consider HBOT.

{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}

Compressed Oxygen Gas

Compressed oxygen tanks are commonly used in both hospitals and in homes. Despite being thrown in with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, oxygen tanks are used in very different situations. Whereas HBOT is used to repair tissue damage and cure decompression sickness, oxygen tanks are commonly used to treat lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and more. 

Another significant difference between oxygen tanks and HBOT is that oxygen there is no compression aspect. While oxygen is compressed inside the tank, you won’t need to be in a pressurized room or use a special pressurized facemask. Oxygen therapy is commonly administered through the nose via a nasal cannula but face masks can be used as well depending on the situation.

How Do Oxygen Tanks Work?

Oxygen tanks — typically made of aluminum — are filled with medical-grade oxygen. The process that oxygen manufacturers use to fill these tanks maximizes their oxygen concentrator and limits any impurities that could affect the patient’s health. The pressure inside these aluminum tanks reaches about 2,200 pounds per square inch (PSI). To put this into perspective, the average car tire has a PSI of about 32 to 35, so oxygen tanks are considerably more than this. As you can imagine, this makes them pretty dangerous to keep around unless you avoid dropping them or bumping into them.

Compressed oxygen comes in two forms: home oxygen tanks and portable oxygen cylinders. Since oxygen can only be compressed so much, the size of an oxygen tank directly correlates to the amount of oxygen it can hold. Home oxygen tanks are large and bulky but they can hold quite a bit of oxygen. Portable oxygen cylinders like the “E” cylinder, however, weigh around 8 pounds and they can carry up to 6 hours worth of oxygen.  

Key Benefits of Compressed Oxygen

Reduced COPD Symptoms

COPD is characterized by symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic fatigue, chest pain, coughing, and wheezing. All of which are very difficult to live with, especially in later stages of the disease. Using compressed oxygen for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor will ensure that your oxygen levels remain stable and symptoms are kept at a minimum. 

Reduced Hospital Admissions

High hospitalization rates are a major problem for COPD patients. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, there’s always a chance that you could experience a COPD exacerbation that could put you in the hospital for days or even weeks. Not only do hospital admissions cost a fortune, but they’ll take you away from what you’re doing. Studies show that long-term oxygen therapy reduces the risk of hospitalization. 

Disadvantages of Compressed Oxygen

The most notable disadvantage of compressed oxygen is how bulky, heavy, and dangerous it is. Even the smallest and lightest ones on the market are typically too heavy to carry by hand. Most people prefer to either put them in a backpack or use a rolling cart to transport them. What’s more, they aren’t approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so you won’t be able to take them on a flight with you.      

Liquid Oxygen Tanks

Liquid oxygen is used for the same purpose as compressed oxygen: to support healthy oxygen levels in COPD patients. However, since oxygen takes up less space in its liquid form, liquid oxygen is a better choice for people who want to stay out for longer without having to refill their oxygen tank.

In order for oxygen to be stored in a liquid state, it needs to be cooled to around -297 degrees Fahrenheit. So, in general, liquid oxygen tanks are more advanced and require more training to use than a compressed oxygen tank. As such, liquid oxygen is typically not prescribed for short-term use.

Key Benefits of Liquid Oxygen

Carry More Oxygen Than Compressed Tanks

The main reason someone would choose a liquid oxygen tank over compressed oxygen is that it offers significantly more oxygen. If you have high oxygen flow needs, you can rest easy knowing that you can stay out all day without having to refill the tank. You likely won’t need to resort to something like a pulse dose regulator which is designed to conserve oxygen which is a good thing because they can add weight and make the device more complicated to use.

Much Safer to Use

Another reason to go with liquid oxygen over compressed oxygen is that it’s much safer to use. Compressed oxygen is stored at very high pressures making it very dangerous to carry around or keep in your home. Liquid oxygen, on the other hand, is stored at very low temperatures because it doesn’t expand as much when it’s in its liquid form. 

Disadvantages of Liquid Oxygen

The most notable downside to liquid oxygen is the cost. Due to the additional technology needed to keep oxygen at such low temperatures, you should expect to pay significantly more. It’s also a lot harder to find someone who can fill a liquid oxygen tank for a reasonable price. Despite the high costs, many people find that liquid oxygen is worth it due to the amount of freedom it offers.

Oxygen Concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are the newest form of oxygen therapy on the market. They’re used for the same purpose as compressed oxygen and liquid oxygen (treating chronic lung disease) but they’re battery operated. What this means is that as long as you have access to a functional battery, you’ll have an infinite supply of oxygen wherever you go.

Rather than holding oxygen like oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators draw in ambient air and remove non-essential gases like nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. They then put out pure medical-grade oxygen through the nasal cannula. Since there’s more that can go wrong with an oxygen concentrator, it’s important that you purchase one from a reputable brand like Inogen, AirSep, or Caire Inc.

There are three different types of oxygen concentrators on the market: home oxygen concentrators, portable continuous flow concentrators, and portable pulse flow oxygen concentrators. Home oxygen concentrators (stationary oxygen concentrators) need a wall outlet in order to operate whereas portable oxygen concentrators run off a battery.

Continuous flow oxygen concentrators are similar to oxygen tanks in that they put out a constant stream of oxygen. They tend to be bulky, usually weighing in at over 10 pounds. Pulse flow oxygen concentrators have additional technology built into them that only puts out oxygen when the user inhales. As such, they are more efficient, lightweight, and small.

Key Benefits of Oxygen Concentrators

No Refills

The greatest part about oxygen concentrators is that they never need to be “refilled” like oxygen tanks do. Simply charge the batteries and you’re good to go. Many POCs even come with car chargers so you can feel free to take a road trip or drive long-distance without ever running out of oxygen.

Very Small and Lightweight

By using compressed oxygen or liquid oxygen, you’re significantly restricting your freedom. Most oxygen tanks need to be wheeled around using a rolling cart but pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators can easily be carried at your side. Most pulse flow units weigh under 6 pounds and some are even small enough to fit in a purse or on your belt.

Safe to Use

While liquid oxygen tanks are significantly safer than compressed oxygen, they still can’t compare to pulse flow oxygen. Since oxygen concentrators don’t hold onto any oxygen that they use, there is no chance of them exploding or creating a fire. All of the oxygen that’s administered goes directly to the nasal cannula. Because of this, oxygen concentrators are the only oxygen therapy devices approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use.

Disadvantages of Oxygen Concentrators

For the vast majority of oxygen patients, oxygen concentrators are the ideal solution. However, there are some potential downsides depending on your situation. If your pulmonologist wants you to use continuous flow oxygen, you’ll have to either use a home oxygen concentrator or a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator. While you can take these machines just about anywhere, they tend to be bulky and heavy. But most patients would say that they still offer significantly more freedom than oxygen tanks. 

Conclusion

There are several different types of oxygen therapy out there so it’s important that you don’t get them confused. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a form of short-term oxygen therapy. It can be used to treat conditions like decompression sickness or to prevent reperfusion injury. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should only be administered by a medical professional under controlled conditions in order to prevent oxygen toxicity.

Oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, and oxygen concentrators are more commonly used in a long-term setting in order to treat lung conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia. These oxygen devices are often prescribed to be used for several hours a day or even 24/7 if the situation demands. Compressed oxygen has been the industry standard for many decades but it’s becoming much less popular due to the freedom and independence liquid oxygen and portable oxygen concentrators have to offer.

It’s a new year and a new decade which means it’s time to start working on those resolutions you’ve been planning in 2019. For some of us, that means getting to the gym more often or creating a more solidified financial plan. But if you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), treating your condition might be at the core of your resolutions.

While COPD is an incurable disease, the good news is that there are virtually endless ways to treat it and improve your life. By making adjustments to your lifestyle, crafting a flawless COPD action plan, and taking time to reevaluate your goals, you’ll be well on your way to living a more healthy and productive life.

Another thing you should consider doing in 2020 is replacing that old oxygen tank, liquid oxygen tank, or home oxygen concentrator you’ve been using. Medical oxygen technology has come a long way in the past couple of years, so you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options available to you. If you haven’t done so already, we highly recommend upgrading to a portable oxygen concentrator.

Portable oxygen concentrators use something called pulse dose technology. Rather than putting out a constant stream of oxygen like an oxygen tank or continuous flow oxygen concentrator, pulse dose only delivers oxygen when you inhale. Because pulse flow concentrators require less processing power, oxygen device manufacturers are able to make them much smaller and lighter than their counterparts.

To help you pick the best portable oxygen concentrator for you in 2020, we’re going to compare two of the most dependable units on the market: the Inogen One G5 and the Oxlife Freedom.

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

Oxlife Freedom Overview

The Oxlife Freedom is one of two portable oxygen concentrators released by O2 Concepts. This company was founded with the goal of providing oxygen patients with a better solution to their needs that doesn’t involve lugging around a heavy oxygen tank. To accomplish this, they released the Oxlife Freedom and the Oxlife Independence.

The Oxlife Independence is a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator praised for its high oxygen output, lightweight design, and FAA approval. In many ways, the Oxlife Freedom is the pulse flow alternative to the Oxlife Independence offering two distinct ways to experience freedom in your daily life, based on what your oxygen needs are.

One notable feature of both units is something called Dynamic Network Analysis® (DNA). This is a service that links all O2 Concepts oxygen concentrators to one secure, proprietary network. This system automatically manages your oxygen usage, equipment status such as oxygen purity and temperature, as well as important maintenance information.

Inogen One G5 Overview

Much like O2 Concepts, Inogen was founded with the mission to provide oxygen users with reliable portable oxygen that can be transported anywhere with ease. Since the early 2000s, Inogen has released one home oxygen concentrator: the Inogen at Home and five pulse flow oxygen concentrators. The latest pulse flow unit is the Inogen One G5 which was released in the summer of 2019.

Inogen never shies away from producing feature-rich and industry-leading portable oxygen concentrators. In fact, oxygen retailers and oxygen patients across the world eagerly await the release of new Inogen products because they know it will be a reliable device that they can use for years to come. The Inogen One G5 is considered by many to be the best POC on the market with the longest external battery life and the highest oxygen output of any pulse flow unit.

Oxygen Output

Each time we do a portable oxygen concentrator comparison, we always start with oxygen output. This is always the most important aspect of a POC because if your oxygen needs aren’t met, you’re going to need to find a unit that does meet them. One important thing to note is that pulse flow concentrators are not measured the same was as continuous flow ones. Continuous flow POCs are measured in liters per minute (LPM) and pulse flow concentrators are measured in pulse flow settings or maximum oxygen output.

At this point in time, the Inogen One G5 has the highest oxygen output of any pulse flow POC on the market. The G5 is the only pulse flow machine that goes up to a setting of 6 with a total oxygen output of 1260 ml/min of 90% (+6%/-3%) oxygen. This is the equivalent of 210 ml for each pulse flow setting. Although the Oxlife Freedom does not provide as high of an oxygen output as the G5, it puts out a respectable 44 ml per bolus (breath). At a normal breathing rate of 20 breaths per minute (BPM), that’s about 880 ml/min. If your breathing rate increases, the size of each bolus will decrease.

For the large majority of patients, the Inogen One G5 and the Oxlife Freedom will provide enough oxygen for day-to-day use. However, it’s important to note that the G5 provides more wiggle room in case your symptoms worsen. As you’re likely aware, COPD is a progressive disease meaning it slowly gets worse over time. The G5 will ensure that you still have a reliable medical oxygen machine for years to come.

Battery Longevity

Whether you’re going for a quick trip to the store or a vacation out of the country, you need enough battery life to keep you going. For many patients, this is the biggest concern because they don’t want to deal with the anxiety of rushing home to plug in their oxygen concentrator. You’ll be happy to know that both the Oxlife Freedom and Inogen G5 offer ample battery life. However, there are a few things to take note of.

Both the G5 and Oxlife Freedom come with a single-cell battery. The G5 comes with up to 6.5 hours of battery life on a setting of 1 and the Oxlife Freedom comes with a 5-hour battery life on a setting of one. With the double battery, this is increased to 13 hours with the G5 and 10 hours with the Oxlife Freedom. So if you’re looking for as much freedom as possible, the G5 should be your first choice. If you’re not planning on being out of the house for long, then either concentrator will work for you.

Weight

No matter where you go with your portable oxygen generator or how long you’re out, weight is always a factor. A heavy unit can cause back pain and maybe even require you to use a higher flow setting than you’re used to. Fortunately, the G5 and Oxlife Freedom can easily be carried on your shoulder without the need of a carrying cart.

With the single-cell battery attached, the Oxlife Freedom weighs 5 pounds and the G5 weighs 4.7 pounds. While this may sound significant it’s fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of things. However, once again, it will depend on your situation and what you’re expecting out of your portable oxygen concentrator.

If your goal is to travel, the G5 will offer you more flexibility when it comes to the personal belongings you can carry. For example, you could carry an extra battery if you want to stay out longer or maybe you want to carry a water bottle or other personal belongings. You’ll have this option with the Oxlife Freedom too, but note that you’ll have an extra 0.3 pounds weighing you down. 

{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}

Sound Level

When it comes to pulse flow portable oxygenators, sound is usually never an issue. They’re naturally much quieter than continuous flow concentrators, but it’s worth bringing it up since it’s a concern for many people. On a setting of 2, the G5 runs at a quiet 37 decibels which is comparable to a soft whisper. The Oxlife Freedom, on the other hand, is about 46 decibels.

Many oxygen patients describe portable oxygen concentrators like a refrigerator. At first, you’ll notice the noise, but the longer you have it, the less you’ll notice it. They’re quiet enough that they won’t disrupt anyone else either. For example, you’ll be able to sit through a church service or visit the library without feeling like you’re bothering anyone around you.

With that being said, there is a noticeable difference between the sound level of the G5 and the Oxlife Freedom. The Inogen One G5 offers much quieter operating sound levels even on higher flow settings and if you need to sleep with your oxygen concentrator on, it will be much easier to get to sleep while using the G5. So, if this is something that concerns you, the G5 will be your safer option.

Additional Features

One thing that’s very unique about the G5 and the Oxlife Freedom is that they both offer plenty of additional features that make them unique. It’s fine having a POC that meets your basic requirements, but it’s also nice having one that goes that extra step and exceeds all your expectations.

Dynamic Network Analysis® (DNA)

The most notable extra feature of the Oxlife Freedom is its Dynamic Network Analysis® (DNA) which we talked about earlier. This feature is really unique because it makes the Oxlife Freedom and Oxlife Independence the only portable oxygen concentrators to be fully connected to the internet no matter where you are in the world. This has deemed it the name, “the world’s first smart POC.”

The DNA feature has a number of functions. First and foremost, the system is designed to prevent instances of COPD hospital readmittance. Generally, one day spent in the hospital for a COPD exacerbation is costlier than an entire year’s worth of oxygen therapy. With DNA, O2 Concepts is able to track the integrity of the oxygen concentrator, as well as your usage habits to ensure you’re getting the oxygen you need throughout the day.

Another thing that DNA enables you to do is monitor the condition of your device. Even the best POCs out there need maintenance every once in a while, but with this feature, you’ll never have to worry about when that time comes. It also gives you the security you need to travel the world knowing that your device is connected to a secure, proprietary network.

Inogen Connect

The Inogen Connect was first implemented with the Inogen One G4, and due to popular demand, it was implemented with their latest unit, the G5, as well. The Inogen Connect is a smartphone application that connects to your Inogen portable oxygen concentrator via Bluetooth. By simply turning on your phone you’ll see real-time information about your concentrator’s status including column condition, battery life, and much more. You’ll also have access to the Inogen One G5 user manual for quick troubleshooting reference.

The Inogen Connect is incredibly easy to use and takes just seconds to set up. If you like to keep your G5 on your back with the Inogen One G5 backpack, this is the easiest way to get up-to-date information about it without ever having to look at it. Simply pull out your phone and open the application. The best part about all of this is that it’s absolutely free to use!

The Best Candidate for the Oxlife Freedom

With the release of the Oxlife Freedom and Oxlife Independence, O2 Concepts has established itself as one of the leading POC manufacturers. While the Oxlife Freedom is the only pulse flow unit produced by the company, it’s had a significant impact on the industry. In addition to offering a good battery life, lightweight design, and high oxygen output, the Oxlife Freedom aimed to go above and beyond by keeping oxygen patients connected through the DNA network.

If you’re looking for a pulse flow POC that allows you to get outside for several hours each day and you want the security of knowing exactly the condition of your device, the Oxlife Freedom is for you. 

The Best Candidate for the Inogen One G5

Inogen established itself as the industry-leading portable oxygen concentrator manufacturer back in the early 2000s, and they haven’t held up since then. Their latest pulse flow concentrator, the Inogen One G5, is the perfect example of why Inogen’s products stand the test of time. 

Straight out of the box, the G5 offers the highest oxygen output of any pulse flow POC on the market, narrowing the gap between pulse flow users and continuous flow users. With the double battery (sold separately), the G5 has the longest external battery life of any pulse flow unit, allowing oxygen users to stay out longer and do more. And last but certainly not least, the G5 is backed by one of the most reliable and trusted brands in the industry.

Assuming it meets your oxygen requirements, there really isn’t anyone that we wouldn’t recommend the G5 to. It’s the best portable oxygen concentrator for the greatest number of people and it continues to push the boundaries of what oxygen patients can do.

{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146')}}

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with either the Oxlife Freedom or the Inogen One G5. They both offer oxygen patients the freedom and independence they’ve been craving in order to stay active and achieve more. We recommend the G5 for more patients than the Oxlife Freedom because it excels in areas that tend to be most important to people. However, there are also variable conditions to take into consideration like cost which may lead you to choose one over the other. Be sure to stay tuned to our site to see what deals we’re currently offering on pulse flow portable oxygen machines. 

If you have a respiratory impairment like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you’re probably used to carefully planning your day-to-day life. From following your treatment plan to scheduling doctor’s appointments, you need to have an acute understanding of your medical needs and how to address them.

One of the medical needs you may struggle with is supplemental oxygen therapy. Depending on how severe your respiratory illness is, your pulmonologist will ask you to use medical oxygen anywhere from several hours a day to 24 hours a day. Either way, this could mean making sacrifices like staying home from activities to ensure your oxygen needs are met.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to standard oxygen therapy methods like oxygen gas cylinders and liquid oxygen devices. Portable oxygen concentrators were invented in the early 2000s and they offer the same medical-grade oxygen as traditional delivery methods, but they offer it in a much more convenient way that allows you to live life freely and on your own terms.

What’s more, if you live in a state like Colorado, the last thing you want is to be stuck at home when there are so many better things you can be doing. In this post, we’re going to take a look at 7 reasons you should be using a portable oxygen concentrator rather than other medical oxygen devices in Colorado. Remember to always consult your pulmonologist before making any changes to your respiratory treatment plan.

They Work Great at Higher Elevations

Whether you’ve lived in Colorado your whole life or you’re an out-of-stater looking to come here for work or retirement, you likely already know the state’s most defining feature: The Rocky Mountains. People come from all around the country to ski, mountain bike, and simply enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Unfortunately, as an oxygen patient, you know there’s one slight problem with this: the air is much thinner at higher altitudes. What this means is that the higher you go in altitude, the less air pressure there is, and in turn, the less oxygen you have to breathe. This doesn’t just apply to the mountains though; even Denver, the Capital of Colorado is a mile above sea level.

If you have lived at sea level most of your life and don’t travel to higher altitudes very often, you might experience something called acute mountain sickness (AMS). This typically happens when you moved to a higher elevation without giving your body enough time to acclimate to the lower oxygen levels. Anyone can experience acute mountain sickness, but it’s more common and oftentimes more severe in people with COPD or other respiratory illnesses.

Some of the symptoms of AMS include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Nausea
• Headache or lightheadedness

If someone experiencing AMS stays at a high altitude or they continue to climb in altitude, they may experience more severe symptoms including confusion, chest pain, and reduced consciousness. Another condition that can result from AMS is something called high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). This is a neurological syndrome that causes the brain to swell with fluid and can even result in death if it’s left untreated. 

Generally speaking, it’s easier for COPD patients to live at lower altitudes where it’s easier to breathe, but if you want to live at a higher altitude, you should consult your doctor in order to learn how to do it safely. He/she will likely recommend that you start supplemental oxygen therapy or alter your current oxygen therapy plan to adjust for the change of altitude. For example, if you want to travel into the mountains, you may need to use oxygen intermittently in order to maintain your blood oxygen levels while at higher altitudes.

While this is not a commonly known fact, portable oxygen concentrators work great at high altitudes. The Inogen One G5, for example, works at altitudes up to 10,000 feet above sea level meaning you’ll have no problems living in Denver and traveling to the mountains. Be aware, however, that there are several towns in Colorado that are higher than 10,000 feet like Leadville and Alma, so you should only travel to these towns if your doctor specifically advises you to.

Most portable oxygen concentrators manufactured within the last decade or so offer similar results as the G5 in terms of operating altitude. However, you should be sure to speak with an oxygen concentrator expert before making any decisions. 

They’re Great for Road Trips

Taking a road trip is about as American as baseball and apple pie. While not everyone enjoys driving for hours on end or putting thousands of miles on their car, it’s hard to deny its benefits when it comes to seeing more of the country. Colorado is packed with landmarks, but you’re going to need to take a lot of road trips in order to see everything the state has to offer.

Unfortunately, traditional oxygen therapy devices like compressed oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen tanks make road tripping an impossible feat for most oxygen patients. Oxygen tanks only provide several hours of freedom before they need to be refilled or replaced and this simply isn’t feasible for a long road trip. It’s never easy to find a place to refill oxygen tanks while you’re on the road and bringing a bunch of extra oxygen tanks is cumbersome and takes up a lot of room in the car.

Portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, were specifically designed with travelers in mind. These oxygen machines run off of electricity and can be charged from any wall outlet or cigarette outlet in a car via a DC charging cable. So, instead of struggling to find a place to refill your oxygen tank or carrying a bunch of backup units, you’ll have access to an infinite supply of oxygen just by plugging your POC into your car. One thing to note, however, is that most POCs will not run on their maximum flow setting while plugged into the car and you should not charge your POC while the car is off in order to prevent the battery from dying. Refer to your user manual for more information on this.

Another reason portable oxygen concentrators are so much better for road trips is that they’re far safer than traditional oxygen devices. In order to drive with an oxygen tank, you need to take a number of safety precautions because they can explode in certain circumstances. They’re also very bulky and heavy so if they end up getting jostled around in the car, they could injure someone. POCs don’t have these problems because they’re lighter, easier to handle, and don’t have any compressed oxygen.

Hiking is a Breeze

In Colorado, hiking is a popular pastime for people of all ages, and for good reason! Just a short hike every day or two can reduce stress levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and most importantly, allow you to explore a new area that you’ve never been to before. But without an oxygen device that’s manageable, you won’t be able to hike, even if you are physically able.

‘Hiking’ implies that you will be away from pathed paths meaning it won’t be easy to wheel your oxygen device around with a rolling cart. Rocks and other obstacles will make this a lot more trouble than it’s worth and you’ll likely need to take your eyes off where you’re going which can be dangerous. On top of all this, your oxygen tubing will need to run all the way down to the oxygen tank which can be a tripping hazard as well.

While continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators like the Respironics SimplyGo are too heavy to carry on your back or shoulder, pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort are not. Weighing in at just 5 pounds, you’ll be able to hike all day without experiencing back or shoulder pain and with the ergonomic curve of the FreeStyle Comfort, it won’t slide around causing you to lose balance as you walk.

Many pulse dose machines like the Inogen One G3 offer plenty of options in the way of accessories in order to make it more comfortable and easy to carry. For example, there is the G3 backpack which has a compartment to hold the G3 and keep it secure and plenty of other pockets to hold personal belongings like keys, your wallet, or a camera. A similar carrying backpack was also available for the Inogen One G5.

If you’d like to learn more about hiking with a respiratory condition, please refer to one of our latest posts titled “You are Never Too Old for A Walk in the Woods.”

They Could Save You Hundreds of Dollars

There’s no denying that Colorado is a great place to live, especially for seniors and others looking to settle down after retirement. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s the cheapest state to live in. In the grand scheme of things, Colorado is actually pretty average when it comes to the total cost of living, but as we age and stop working, we have to get a little creative with how we spend and save our money.

As an oxygen patient, it may seem counter intuitive to look for ways to save money on your oxygen device. After all, you depend on it every day in order to feel better and improve your life expectancy. However, there are ways to reduce the amount of money you’re spending without increasing your risk of experiencing complications like COPD exacerbations.

While portable oxygen concentrators have a higher upfront cost, they’re actually much more affordable in the long run. For example, the Inogen One G4 retails at $2,295. Given that this machine is set to last 5 to 7 years on average, that’s around $0.90 to $1.20 per day of oxygen use. Compare this to oxygen tanks which cost an average of $5 or more a day to refill and maintain.

Another thing to consider is that most portable oxygen concentrators come with 3-year warranties. This will cover you with a full replacement unit in the event that you received one that is defective. And if you want an extra layer of protection, you can typically upgrade to a 5-year or lifetime warranty for an added cost. This will vary based on the unit that you’re purchasing so be sure to consult with an oxygen concentrator specialist.

Improved Self-Image

COPD and anxiety are two closely linked conditions. Physical symptoms such as chest pain and tightness can lead to natural increases in stress within the body, and people who are naturally predisposed to stress may experience even higher degrees of anxiety. Another thing that can lead to anxiety and even depression in COPD patients is their mindset. For example, someone who has a negative view of their disease and its outcome.

Believe it or not, the oxygen device that you use can also impact how much anxiety you experience. Someone who uses an oxygen tank may feel less capable and thus, experience lower self-esteem. On the other hand, someone who uses a portable oxygen machine may feel more confident because they’re thinking less about their oxygen delivery device and concentrating more on what they’re doing. POC users also report feeling more youthful and active than their oxygen tank counterparts.

If you own an Inogen One G3 we highly recommend accessories like the GO2 Carryalls. This is a stylish carrying bag specifically designed to hold your G3 and other personal belongings. The greatest thing about this bag is that it looks like any ordinary purse or handbag so you don’t have to be self-conscious about carrying around a supplemental oxygen device. It has a sleek leather look and comes in either brown or black so it can match with just about any outfit. It also has a conveniently located zipper so that you have easy access to your oxygen cannula and the G3’s user interface.  

Conclusion

Colorado has a reputation as one of the most “outdoorsy” and “active” states in the country. If you have COPD or another chronic respiratory illness, that doesn’t mean you need to give these things up; it just means you need an oxygen device that can match your lifestyle.

Portable oxygen concentrators offer significantly more freedom and independence than other oxygen devices because they’re lighter, smaller, cheaper, and they allow you to stay out of the house for longer without having to search for a place to refill.

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

Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 or Caire FreeStyle Comfort tend to be the best option for most people because they’re more reliable than their continuous flow counterparts. If you’re ready to learn more about our portable oxygen concentrators for sale, don’t hesitate to fill out the form at the side of the page or give our respiratory specialists a call.  

In the meantime, check out the infographic below to see how pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators stack up against portable oxygen cylinders.

Being diagnosed with a respiratory illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary fibrosis can be life-changing. You’ll have to make adjustments to your daily routine in order to accommodate for doctors visits, pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen therapy, and other lifestyle changes.

One hurdle many respiratory patients struggle to overcome after being diagnosed with COPD or similar conditions is maintaining relationships. Whether you like to visit a friend down the street or you have a long-time friend who lives overseas, a respiratory impairment of any kind can make these relationships difficult or impossible to maintain. 

The good news, however,  is that with enough time and patience, it is possible for respiratory patients to live a normal life. And the more you educate yourself about your condition and the tools at your disposal to help you succeed, the more equipped you will be to deal with problems when they arise.

Possibly the best way for COPD patients to overcome the setbacks of their illness is to invest in a portable oxygen concentrator. Unlike other oxygen delivery devices, portable oxygen concentrators enable patients to regain their freedom and independence while ensuring their oxygen needs are always met. Read on to learn 7 of the most important social benefits of owning a portable oxygen device.

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

Greater Independence

Independence is something that’s easy to take for granted until it’s gone. Independence is what allows us to get out and do the things we want on our own terms rather than being bound to a person or thing. Unfortunately, many COPD patients lack the independence they need to maintain an active social life.

Traditional oxygen devices like compressed oxygen tanks make it very difficult for respiratory patients to maintain their independence. These tanks can often weigh in excess of 100 pounds and they need to be refilled every time they run out of oxygen. There are portable oxygen tanks available, but they typically only hold a couple of hours worth of oxygen.

Refilling an oxygen tank is a long and tedious process no matter how you do it. If you want a professional to refill your oxygen tanks, you’ll likely need to sign up for an oxygen delivery service which is not only expensive, but it can be very time consuming as well. If you opt to refill your own oxygen tanks, you’ll need to purchase an oxygen refill system. These are very bulky devices that will stay in your home and can take several hours just to refill a small oxygen cylinder.

Aside from being dependent on their oxygen tank, oxygen refill station, or an oxygen provider, many COPD patients are dependent on their friends and loved ones. From making it to monthly doctors appointments or pulmonary rehabilitation appointments, it can be impossible to keep up with all of these things on their own. There’s no understating the work that caretakers put into helping their patients, but the truth is, many COPD patients want to take care of themselves.

This is where portable oxygen concentrators come into play. Unlike with oxygen tanks, you can be entirely self-sufficient when using a portable oxygen concentrator. Since they are electronic devices, all you need is access to a wall outlet in order to charge the batteries. And once they’re charged, you can go wherever you please without having to worry about your oxygen supply. 

Ultimately, POCs will give you the independence you need to handle your own life without depending on others. You can make it to doctors appointments, pulmonary rehab, and social gatherings without having to bring a loved one or caretaker along to help out. 

Better Health

The goal of supplemental oxygen therapy is to reduce common symptoms associated with COPD. This includes symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and more. Studies have also shown that supplemental oxygen plays a key role in treating COPD exacerbations by preventing hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen in the tissues).

{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}

Whether you’ve been prescribed oxygen for several hours a day or your doctor wants you on oxygen 24/7, your health depends on your ability to receive the right amount of oxygen at the right time. And at the end of the day, portable oxygen concentrators offer much more flexibility when it comes to how your oxygen is administered.

Portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5, for example, provides patients with up to 1,260 ml/min of medical grade oxygen. The flow rate can easily be adjusted using the arrow buttons on the top of the unit, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of oxygen you receive. If for some reason a breath isn’t detected and no oxygen is put out of the device, you’ll hear an audible alarm notifying you. 

When your health is in check and you’re doing everything you can to prevent COPD exacerbations, you’re likely going to have a much better social life. Whenever you go out with friends or family, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the oxygen you need to stay saturated. Of course, you’ll still want to take precautions such as avoiding polluted or smokey areas that could lead to exacerbations.

Long-Distance Travel is Possible

It’s hard to believe that just several decades ago, it was impossible for oxygen patients to travel long distances safely. Oxygen tanks have never been approved for in-flight use because they’re a fire hazard and they’re highly explosive. However, with the advent of portable oxygen concentrators, oxygen patients can travel freely on most major airlines as instructed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The main reason POCs are safe on airplanes is that they contain pressurized oxygen like oxygen tanks do. They simply take ambient air, remove nitrogen, argon, and other impurities, then put out medical-grade oxygen via the nasal cannula. As aforementioned, it will only work when it detects a breath, so if you happen to drop the cannula, it won’t continue to put out oxygen.

Another form of long-distance travel you’ll have available to you are cruise ships. Taking a cruise is one of the best ways to explore an area of the world that you’ve never been to before and it’s also a great way to catch up with friends and family. While oxygen tanks are often permitted on cruise ships, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a way to refill it. And spending extra time with that means less time that you can spend with your loved ones. 

On the other hand, all you’ll need with a POC is a fully charged battery and you’ll be able to stay out all day enjoying your time. Once you settle in for the night, you can charge up all of your batteries and have them ready to go in the morning. With the Inogen One G5, you can even invest in an external battery charger which will allow you to charge a battery separately from your POC.

If flying or taking a cruise isn’t your style, you might want to take a long road trip. Luckily, this is also a breeze when you have a portable oxygen concentrator. Most POCs either come with a DC charging cable or you can purchase one separately which will allow you to charge your device in your car using the cigarette outlet.

All-in-all, owning a portable oxygen concentrator is the best way for respiratory patients to stay connected with their friends and loved ones over long distances. Rather than fussing with an oxygen device that’s difficult to use and could put your health at serious risk, POCs just work, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones. 

Improved Physical Endurance

Everyone has a friend or two who are constantly on the go. With healthy lungs, this might not be a problem, but if you have a respiratory illness, you may find it difficult to keep up with them. Aside from keeping your COPD symptoms in check, studies have also shown that supplemental oxygen can induce an enhanced physiologic training effect on the muscles which can improve your endurance and strength.  

Another way portable oxygen concentrators help with physical activity is that they’re extremely lightweight and easy to carry. The Caire Freestyle Comfort, for example, weighs in at just 5 pounds and it’s still able to put out an outstanding 1,050 ml/min of medical-grade oxygen. Compare this to oxygen tanks or continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators which are too heavy to carry meaning you’ll have to wheel them behind you using a rolling cart.

Ultimately, owning a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator means you’ll be able to keep up with those active friends in your life. Whether you just want to go for a daily walk in the park or you want to start a new exercise program, you’ll be able to do so without worrying about your ability to keep up. 

Reduced Social Stigma

Social stigma is an unfortunate, but very harsh reality that people face on a daily basis. Essentially, a social stigma is a sort of generalized feeling about a certain person or thing. For example, people may see someone in a wheelchair and believe that they’re less capable than someone who can walk.

Similarly, someone who’s carrying or rolling an oxygen tank around with them may be seen as less capable than someone with a portable oxygen concentrator. One of the reasons for this is because most people don’t even know what portable oxygen concentrators are. They also look a lot more high-tech and advanced than oxygen tanks which affect the way people view them.

At the end of the day, we all know that oxygen patients are equally as capable as anyone else. However, owning a portable oxygen concentrator may prevent people from making generalized assumptions about you and your condition. It can also be a great conversation starter because people will be curious about what your POC does and how it works!

Improved Self-Confidence

One thing that’s more important than the way others feel about you is the way you feel about yourself. Confidence is key to maintaining any relationship and portable oxygen concentrators will inevitably make it easier to feel comfortable and confident being yourself.

When it comes to oxygen tanks, there’s very little in the way of customization or personalization. Most oxygen tanks are a drab silver and green color that’s not very appealing to the eye. This can lead to you feeling self-conscious about your oxygen tank, taking your mind off social interactions as a result.

Due to their size and bulkiness, oxygen tanks can also be embarrassing to maneuver in public. Whether you’re walking down a crowded sidewalk or you’re going up a flight of stairs, it’s difficult to be graceful with an oxygen tank. 

Portable oxygen concentrators are the polar opposite of this. They’re light enough to carry on your shoulder and small enough to tuck under your arm without bumping into people. You also won’t have to dread taking public transportation or going up a flight of stairs with a portable oxygen concentrator.

When it comes to aesthetics, portable oxygen concentrators are much more stylish than oxygen tanks. While oxygen tanks are very oblong, portable oxygen concentrators are compact and sleek looking. You’ll also have access to more accessories like the Inogen One G5 Custom Carrying Case or the GO2 Carryall for the Inogen One G3 which completely conceals the concentrator. 

They’re More Affordable for Long-Term Care

Potentially the most controversial topic surrounding supplemental oxygen is its cost. On one hand, patients need a device that can meet their needs consistently and reliably. On the other hand, they don’t want to break the bank doing it.

{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}

While at first glance, portable oxygen concentrators may seem like they’re the most expensive option, they’re actually far more affordable for long-term oxygen therapy. For example, if you spend $2,000 on an oxygen concentrator that lasts an average of 5 years, that’s just over a dollar a day. What’s more, most POCs come with a 3-year warranty at the very least meaning you’ll have an extra safety net if there happens to be a defect with your unit.

Ultimately, when you invest in a more cost-effective long-term solution for your oxygen needs, you’ll have more money to spend on other things such as a night out with your friends. Since financial struggles are among the top triggers of stress and anxiety, it’s best to always create a long-term financial plan rather than choosing the option that’s the most convenient at the time.  

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with COPD or another chronic respiratory illness should not mean sacrificing time spent with friends and loved ones; if anything, the exact opposite is true. COPD patients should be spending more time on their relationships because they’re proven to reduce stress, boost life expectancy, and improve general well-being.

While there are many things you can do to maintain an active social life with COPD, investing in a portable oxygen concentrator is likely one of the most important. With a portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll have the freedom to go where you want, when you want. And you’ll feel significantly more confident and secure with a high-tech medical-oxygen delivery device at your side.

If you have any questions at all about portable oxygen devices for seniors, don’t hesitate to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. Start by filling out the contact form at the side of the page and we’ll answer any question you may have.

Telehealth is defined as “the use of telecommunications to provide long-distance administration of healthcare services for patients.” if you’re having trouble putting this into perspective, you’ve likely already used some form of telehealth services in the past. Scheduling a doctor’s visit by phone or through the internet is one example because you’re using a digital medium to make healthcare more convenient and accessible.

While telehealth is all around us, it’s still in its infancy when it comes to the technology that makes it possible. For example, services like Doctors On Demand allow you to speak with a board-certified health specialist in a matter of minutes via video chat in the comfort of your own home. However, there’s little more these health specialists can do for you than discuss your symptoms. Without patients in their office, they won’t have the ability to diagnose or treat a patient with an illness.

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any other respiratory condition that requires you to use oxygen, there are some interesting prospects on the horizon in terms of telehealth technology. Oxygen manufacturers like CAIRE Inc. and Inogen are already hard at work on new software and devices that make oxygen therapy more accessible for patients all over the world. Let’s take a look at 7 things oxygen patients can look forward to with emerging telehealth technology.

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

Improved Early Diagnosis of COPD

According to the American Lung Association, millions of people around the world may be suffering from undiagnosed COPD. Despite going to the doctor frequently and maintaining an otherwise healthy lifestyle, many people ignore the symptoms of COPD or they shrug them off as a natural part of aging. This happens with a number of chronic illnesses, but it’s especially prominent with COPD because it’s a disease that progresses slowly.

Another reason for undiagnosed COPD is that patients have a fundamental misunderstanding about what COPD is and what causes it. Many people believe that the only way to contract a lung disease is by smoking cigarettes or being exposed to some other harmful substance for a long period of time. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. According to Medical News Today, around 1 in 6 people with COPD have never touched a cigarette. Many people with undiagnosed COPD have a condition called Alpha-1 deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is an inherited condition. It’s known for contributing to the onset of liver disease and lung disease in otherwise healthy people. Normally, the liver produces the alpha-1 protein and distributes it throughout the blood. It’s responsible for protecting the lungs from inflammation, either resulting from airborne irritants like cigarette smoke or infections. So, even if you’ve never smoked, being in an environment with smoke or getting sick frequently could greatly increase your risk of contracting COPD.

At the end of the day, there is no cure for Alpha-1 deficiency. Your doctor won’t be able to provide you with a medication or procedure that will return your AAT levels back to normal. However, there are many ways to treat the condition including lifestyle changes and augmentation therapy. This procedure is done by infusing AAT into your blood through an IV tube which can be used to help slow the progression of COPD. Since the effects are temporary, you’ll likely need to repeat this procedure weekly for the rest of your life.

Now that you know how difficult it can be to detect COPD early on, you’re probably wondering how telehealth technology will help mitigate this. Since undiagnosed COPD is largely the result of people not being open or honest about their symptoms, it goes without saying that being more digitally connected to your healthcare providers will make people more likely to open up about how they’re feeling. In this day and age, people are often so busy that they neglect scheduling doctor’s visits. This will ensure that people have no reason not to speak about their symptoms. While it’s unlikely doctors will be able to diagnose something like COPD through video chat, simply speaking about your symptoms may be enough for your doctor to know if you should be scheduled for an in-person appointment. At this point, your doctor will be able to test for and diagnose any health conditions normally.

Last but certainly not least, the practice of telepulmonology (telespirometry) may lead to higher rates of COPD diagnosis. These terms refer to a general practitioner (GP) consulting a pulmonologist via telecommunication for advice on interpreting spirometry results. As opposed to the old days where you’d be referred to a respiratory therapist if you had a cough or chest pain, your general practitioner may be able to diagnose you more quickly with a quick and simple video chat. According to a study published in pubmed.gov, telepulmonology reduced physical referrals by 22 percent and 90 percent of general practitioners reported learning from their consultation with a pulmonologist.       

Tracking Disease Progression More Easily

COPD is a progressive disease. This means that, as time goes by, symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, and chest pain tend to get worse. But that doesn’t mean that COPD patients don’t have the ability to live full and rewarding lives. Many patients can even significantly reduce the severity of their symptoms as long as they follow a strict treatment plan including dietary adjustments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy.

Most pulmonologists recommend scheduling 2 or 3 doctor’s visits each year. However, people with later stages of the disease will likely need to schedule even more than that. Over long periods of time, this can really get exhausting for COPD patients, and if they have caretakers, they may find it difficult to take the time to schedule and attend all of these office visits — this is where telehealth technology could come into play.

Although you’ll still have to schedule meetings with your doctor, telehealth technology will enable patients to have more frequent checkups without the need to drive to the doctor’s office and sit in a waiting room. Frequent checkups are more beneficial anyway because it will give your doctor the ability to keep tabs on how your disease is progressing and what adjustments you can make to improve your outcome. 

Ultimately, infrequent doctor’s appointments are ineffective when treating a disease like COPD. One day, respiratory patients may feel energetic, healthy, and alert, whereas other days they may feel sick and unmotivated. If the doctor only sees you three times a year, they’re not getting the full picture and they won’t understand your condition as well as they could. If you’re able to see your doctor once a month, for example, he/she may be able to prevent things like exacerbations.

Tracking Oxygen Usage

One of the most common symptoms of COPD is a below-normal blood oxygen level. Your body needs an arterial oxygen level of about 75 to 100 milliliters of mercury (mm Hg) in order for you to be considered “healthy.” Low blood oxygen level (hypoxemia) has many adverse side-effects including shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and confusion. Since every organ in your body relies on oxygen, long-term hypoxemia can lead to organ damage and even organ failure.

Typically, a COPD patient is prescribed oxygen when they have a blood saturation level below 60 mm Hg. At this point, you should start looking for a medical oxygen device that matches your lifestyle. In the past, oxygen tanks were the only option for people who needed medical-grade oxygen, but they’ve since been replaced with portable oxygen concentrators which are much lighter, smaller, and safer to use. We recently wrote a guide about finding the perfect portable oxygen concentrator which you can find here

Aside from portable oxygen concentrators making oxygen therapy much safer and accessible for COPD patients, they’ve also made some significant breakthroughs when it comes to telehealth technology. CAIRE Inc., an oxygen equipment manufacturer based out of Georgia recently released its most advanced portable oxygen concentrator called the FreeStyle Comfort. This POC has the longest battery life of any machine on the market and also offers an outstanding oxygen output and lightweight design. However, the most interesting thing about this concentrator is the new CAIREView Telehealth Application.

Each Caire FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator has built-in technology that allows it to connect with your mobile device such as a cell phone, tablet, or laptop, and upload important data about your oxygen usage. What’s more, this data can be sent off to the oxygen manufacturer, giving them live updates about your oxygen settings and daily oxygen usage. The best part of all of this is that it’s done on a secure network so you can rest assured that your privacy will always be protected.

While many oxygen patients likely don’t know what CAIREView is, it indicates a significant step forward for both oxygen therapy and telehealth technology. Just twenty years ago, most oxygen patients relied on bulky oxygen tanks and home oxygen concentrators which significantly stunted their freedom and independence. However, in 2020, oxygen patients not only have access to lightweight oxygen devices that they can take everywhere, but they have the comfort of knowing that their doctor or oxygen manufacturer will have live updates about their oxygen use. And this application has just scratched the surface of what’s possible. Since the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is such a popular portable oxygen concentrator, we’re likely to see other manufacturers following suit by creating new and innovative telehealth technologies to accompany their oxygen machines.

Remotely Troubleshooting Oxygen Devices

Purchasing a new electronic device like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop can be a nerve-racking experience. On one hand, you want to always have the latest and greatest model of your favorite device, but you also don’t want to have to deal with any problems that arise if it were to malfunction. Most device manufacturers require you to ship off your device to have it repaired at a warehouse somewhere. This can be costly and it can leave you without a device for weeks or months on end.

But what if the manufacturer had the ability to connect to your device and troubleshoot it remotely without you having to lift a finger? This would save you a lot of time, money, and hassle. Amazingly, this is what CAIRE Inc. has been able to accomplish with their CAIREView application. While you’re out and about enjoying your day, your Ciare FreeStyle Comfort will send periodic updates about your oxygen usage and the integrity of your portable oxygen concentrator. If they detect that you are not receiving oxygen or that it’s not being used as prescribed, they can contact you quickly to fix the issue. If the device malfunctions, they can provide you with the necessary steps to troubleshoot it quickly and easily.

This new telehealth technology could immensely improve the lives of COPD patients all over the world. Since oxygen is a clear and odorless gas, you would normally have no idea if your device stopped putting out oxygen. The only indication you would have is if you started feeling lightheaded, out of breath, or noxious, all of which could be avoided if you had live updates about how the device is functioning. Losing your oxygen supply while you’re out can ruin your day or worse, leading to a severe COPD exacerbation that can put you in the hospital. 

Improved Freedom and Independence

One of the most considerable concerns of COPD patients is their ability to maintain their freedom and independence. The lungs play an important role in our capacity to remain mobile, so naturally, a chronic disease that causes significant inflammation in the lungs and airways may cause people to revert to a sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, many COPD patients rely heavily on friends or loved ones to help them with day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning, or taking a trip to the doctor’s office.

Before portable oxygen concentrators, it was even more difficult for COPD patients to retain their freedom. Oxygen tanks can weigh upwards of 100 pounds and need to be refilled regularly. Stationary oxygen concentrators were lighter but they needed to be connected to a wall outlet in order to run. This meant that oxygen patients could only travel as far as their nasal cannula would permit them to. In the early 2000s, portable oxygen concentrators were introduced and COPD patients were able to experience some of the freedom they had before they contracted the disease.

In 2020, portable oxygen concentrators are more advanced than ever before. POCs like the Inogen One G5 offer over 13 hours of battery life on one charge, a lightweight design, and 1,260 ml/min of oxygen — more than enough for the majority of oxygen patients. Modern POCs are also incredibly easy to use meaning you can start using it straight out of the box without having to memorize a bunch of commands or buttons. Since these devices are so advanced and innovative, you may be wondering how telehealth technology can add to this.

One of the ways telehealth will improve freedom and independence is by making oxygen patients see their therapy device as less of a burden. Rather than having to fear whether their POC will hold up throughout the day, POC patients can relax knowing that their doctor or oxygen manufacturer has an eye on their oxygen machine. Oxygen patients can focus more on the important things in their life like spending time with family or taking a trip to a place they’ve never been before.

Another benefit of telehealth technology is that it will make patients less reliant on caretakers and loved ones. Instead of having someone at your side to troubleshoot your oxygen machine if something goes wrong, most oxygen patients will feel comfortable fixing their own device. What’s more, you won’t have to carry your POC manual around with you because you’ll have access to all of that information on your phone or another mobile device.

Reduced Medical Costs

According to Investopedia.com, healthcare spending in the United States in 2017 was reported at $3.5 trillion and it’s expected to rise to $6 trillion by 2027. Medical costs are a growing problem in the country especially for people who already struggle to pay their bills. While it would be unwise to sit around and wait for reasonable healthcare reform, telehealth technology has already proven to be a major driving force in reducing medical costs.

According to High Point Solutions, the average cost of a telehealth appointment costs $79 whereas an in-person doctor’s office visit costs around $146. First and foremost, telehealth appointments cut costs for patients. Instead of having to drive to the doctor’s office and in some cases, skip a day of work, patients can have access to medical services and education in the comfort of their own homes. On the healthcare provider’s side, telehealth technology can cut costs by reducing the need for clinical workspace and making appointments go quicker and more smoothly. Ultimately, some of these savings will make it back to the patient as well.

Another way telehealth technology cuts medical costs is by reducing hospital admissions. According to studies done by Cardinal Health, telehealth services are able to eliminate nearly 1 in 5 emergency room visits. This is substantial considering the fact that one day in a hospital costs an average of $3,949. When it comes to COPD, periodic appointments via telehealth technology could result in significant health savings for many patients. Since telehealth appointments enable patients to have more frequent checkups, doctors will have a higher chance of catching exacerbation symptoms before they become serious.       

Increased Accessibility

Lastly, the accessibility of medical services is another major issue facing COPD patients. While healthy patients have the means to get themselves to the doctor’s office, many people with COPD are physically incapable of doing so. COPD patients who are immobile or struggle with mobility issues may need to rely on caretakers or loved ones meaning that appropriate healthcare, in general, is less accessible.

Furthermore, people who tend to forget things that they discussed with their doctor will have the added security of being able to record every appointment they have with their doctor. Instead of having to write everything down and take notes on what your doctor says, you can simply use video recording software to keep an archive of all your telehealth appointments. This will also ensure that you follow your doctor’s instructions as closely as possible.

Conclusion

Health specialists and health equipment manufacturers have barely scratched the surface of what’s possible with telehealth technology, however, we’ve already seen many of its benefits come to light. Video conferences are one simple way doctors can offer their patients more accessible, cost-effective, and reliable services and all it requires is a computer and a video camera. For COPD patients, this could mean less frequent admittance to hospitals due to exacerbations.

Oxygen device manufacturers like Caire Inc. and Inogen are also hard at work on telehealth technologies that allow for better communication between oxygen users, oxygen providers, and practitioners. CAIREView is an easy-to-use application that connects to all Caire FreeStyle Comfort devices. It provides the oxygen manufacturer with up-to-date information about the patient’s oxygen usage and allows them to assist with troubleshooting your device anywhere in the world.  

The beauty of the natural world is not something that is limited to a certain age group, and the inclusiveness of the outdoor community knows no limits. No matter where you spent most of your life, whether you are a home-body or a born nomad, there is no better time to get out into nature than in your senior years.

If you are skeptical about how you would enjoy a hiking adventure while managing the obstacles that come with older age, please continue reading.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know as a senior on how to navigate trails safely, how to use technology to find which trails are best for you and your capabilities, tips for gear and clothing, and more.

Consult with your doctors if hiking is right for you

There are certain medical precautions you must take before exposing yourself to new terrain. And if you are looking to expand your horizons when it comes to longer-distance hiking or more challenging trails, you should still discuss with your doctor what may limit your ability to accomplish your goals and if there are ways around those limitations, such as; quitting smoking, investing in a portable oxygen concentrator, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, a new diet plan etc.

If you struggle with common age related health issues you might find valuable resources online that will help you maintain vitality 

Common age related health issues that may affect your ability to hike develop in your bones, heart, and lungs. If you experience any of these complications, it does not mean that this is the end to your hiking endeavors. All this means is that you are going to start your uphill battle before hitting the trail.

Health issues that make it too difficult to hike  

COPD is one of the most common lung aliments and it will progress into a very serious condition if gone untreated.

That being said, we do understand the reality that some people's health conditions does inhibit their ability to hike safely and comfortably. However, walking is one of best things you can do for COPD, and other health complications like osteoporosis, or heart failure. 

Try pushing yourself to walk around your house once a day: walk to get the mail, or go up and down the stairs. From there your lungs, bones, and heart will begin to strengthen and hopefully your energy levels will increase allowing you to go further everyday, and potentially get outside on a trail someday.

{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}

Begin a hiking training program at home

If you are healthy and ready to start mapping out your next adventure, skip to the next section! Otherwise, begin implementing a strict exercise, weight management, and diet plan into your daily routine. Start your training by walking daily for a week and write down in a journal your route, distance, amount of time, and details about how you felt and anything you noticed about your body or experience.

You can try to share your stats and observations with your future hiking buddies or family to reinforce your efforts. Keeping a record can be very self gratifying because hiking can become addictive!

You should also enforce a strict diet plan that is high in nutrients your body craves. Talk to a nutritionist about foods you can start incorporating into your diet, so you are more capable of building strength and endurance for the trail. 

Strengthen your core

To walk for hours at a time, do not be fooled, you’ll need more than just strong legs. Distance walking has been proven to compress your spine, causing backaches. One way to minimize back pain or aches while hiking or long distance walking is to focus on building core strength.

While you are walking, always try lengthening your spine by keeping your shoulders down, abdomen (stomach) contracted into your spine, keep your head held high, and avoid staring straight down at the ground. You can also try swimming, water aerobics, pilates and yoga to help build your core and keep you limber.

It is completely normal to lose muscle mass as you age, but you are able to tone the muscle you do have by incorporating cross training exercise with your hiking and long distance walks such as: Downward dogs and planks from yoga, Cardio from water jogging and aerobics, and crunches and even gardening for extra core work.

Download the AllTrails app on your apple or android smartphone

AllTrails will act as your guide if you do not want to hire a guide or go hiking with a tour group. While the latter options are great, some individuals value independence on the trail and in the wilderness.

This app is simple and easy to use, you can find trailheads near your area and far beyond, and you can use the app while you are hiking as a map so you stay on the trail and don't get lost.

You are able to use GSP and find hikes near you, or input a nearby town or mountain range you are looking to explore. You can filter the results by the “Best Match”, “Most Popular”, or the “Closet”, and you can choose ''Easy”, “Moderate”, to “Difficult” trails.

The app will also only show you the trails that are a specified distance, so if you only want to go 1.5 miles one day, you are capable of finding a trail that's perfect for you.

AllTrails will also inform you of the hiking trails that offer mountain biking, dog, horseback riding, or motorized vehicles, so you will be aware of all the faster moving obstacles you might encounter.

The most useful AllTrails feature for seniors or people with disabilities or health conditions is the option to filter trail results that are wheelchair friendly and paved or partially paved. Also by being able to input elevation gain, you can find flat trails that you can wheel your continuous flow oxygen concentrator or feel confident carrying a portable oxygen concentrator with ease.

Choose the trail that is right for you

Now that you have an essential application (AllTrails) for choosing the right trail, it is time to be honest with yourself, and decide what hike is within your capabilities. It is perfectly normal to start small: Take a short 0.7 mile hike, that is partially paved, and close by your home.

Hiking trails that are good for seniors who do not normally hike are typically flatter and wider. If you are a beginner stick to a trail with a smooth walking surface that is better for balance and try to avoid trails with higher elevation gain.

Hiking uphill can be strenuous for your lungs, while hiking downhill can be rough on your knees.

Once you begin to feel more comfortable on the trails, you can start poking around your comfort zone, but never feel obligated to be uncomfortable, hiking should be a stress reliever, and if you are feeling dread or fear over a hike you planned, it is not the best option for you at that time.

Check the weather in the nearby town or area

If you are about to embark on your adventure in the woods, along the beach, through the plains, or along foothills be sure to check the weather in the nearby town before you go. Be aware that the weather at higher elevation tends to change rapidly and with little to no warning.

Know as much as you can about the weather patterns in the area before you go so that you can pack all of the essentials: rain coat, wind breaker, sunscreen, sun hat, or insulated jacket.

Dress for the weather

The best advice for hiking clothing is to wear or bring multiple layers. Going up hill you may feel warm, and going down hill you might get chilly. Weather will also change through out the day so you are able to de-layer or add layers whenever necessary for your ultimate comfort. Here are some ideas for outerwear options in different weather conditions:

Early morning hike in the middle of July:

• Light/ medium jacket: The morning air may be chilly especially if you are in the mountains or exploring in higher elevations
  
  
• Breathable hiking pants: While it may be chilly in the mornings, towards the middle and end of your hike the sun will kick in and having breathable pants will make a world difference. You will want to avoid wearing shorts to limit bug bites and exposure to harmful UV sun rays
  
  
• Sun hat: Invest in a hat that covers your forehead, ears, and neck. Even by applying sunscreen to these areas, your forehead and neck will likely sweat during the hike and if you forget to reapply sunscreen the sun damage can be irreversible.
  
  

Afternoon hike to see the leaves changing at the beginning of Autumn:

• Base layer: Your base layer should not be cotton fabric. You will likely sweat on the way up the trail, and rather than wicking away perspirant, cotton will trap moisture keeping you cold and wet on the way down.
  
  
• Insulated rain coat: Even if there is no rain in the forecast, an insulated raincoat will keep you warm all the way up and down the trail, and if an unexpected afternoon storm rolls in you’ll be prepared.
  
  
• Hiking pants: Hiking pants that are comfortable yet warm will be perfect for an Autumn hike. If you walk at a steady pace, you don't want to get too hot by wearing an extra base layer.
  
  

A sunny but wintery hike for a chance to get outside before the next storm rolls in

• Base layer: Your base layer should not be cotton fabric. You will likely sweat on the way up the trail, and rather than wicking away perspirant cotton trap moisture, keeping you cold and wet on the way down.
  
  
• Breathable sweater: A mild sweater will keep you warm if you are too warm wearing the puffy coat and you want to de-layer
  
  
• Puffy coat: The best way to stay warm in cold temperatures is to have a down or synthetic down puffy coat. These will also fold down small enough to stuff in your backpack when you start to warm up and need to de-layer.
  
  
• Base layer pants: water wicking pants with some insulation will keep your extremities warm through, snow, wind, and cold temperatures.
  
  
• Hiking pants: Wearing thick hiking pants will protect you against cold winds while still allowing maneuverability
  
  

A hike across the valley to see the annual spring blooms

• Base layer: Your base layer should not be cotton fabric. You will likely sweat on the way up the trail, and rather than wicking away perspirant, cotton trap moisture keeping you cold and wet on the way down.
  
  
• Light rain jacket: A light rain jacket will keep you dry if there are any showers but won’t insulate heat so you won’t get too hot.
  
  
• Hiking pants: Pants are always the best options for protection against rain, wind, and sun.

Use trekking/hiking poles

Hiking poles are a great option for hikers of all ages because they help immensely with balance. Poles can be used to lighten your steps, ease your knees, help propel you forward, help you detect a path’s surface, and test wobbly rocks.

You should train to use your trekking poles before you get on the trail to develop efficiency and to gain arm strength. When you are buying trekking/hiking poles, remember that most hiking poles are adjustable so you are able to shorten the poles for the hike up and lengthen them for the way down.

Drink plenty of water

Having enough water is the key to enjoying physical activities, especially outdoors while hiking. One trick to getting enough water and staying hydrated is to drink plenty of water a couple of days before you plan to go hiking so your body is already fueled and hydrated before your hike.

If you are going on a longer hike, bring a camelback backpack, and a water pump to filter running water in case you run out. This should on be necessary for very experienced hikers going very far distances upwards of 6-10 miles, with high-levels of elevation gain.

A 24 fl oz water bottle should do the trick for a mile long hike, unless it's mid-day, June-August, and hot, you should bring at least two water bottles and place them in the side pockets of your backpack.

If carrying water is too heavy, hydrate a lot the week before you go hiking, drink a full bottle of water on the drive to the hike, carry a smaller light weight water bottle for sipping during the hike, and leave an entire water bottle full in the car for afterwards.

Pack a first aid or emergency kit

Even if you are just going for a short hike, you should always bring a first aid kit especially if you have any health conditions. This can be a makeshift first aid kit, with all of your personal essentials like an inhaler or nebulizer, or if you do not have any health condition, you can find a small first kit at any general store.

If you are embarking on a longer more strenuous journey, pack an emergency kit with an outdoor first aid kit, extra food and water, a way to start a fire (like waterproof matchers or a lighter), and always bring a headlamp or flashlight.

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

Hike with a group

Some people enjoy the isolation of being out in nature alone, but if you have any underlying health conditions, it is important to have people who can help you if something goes astray.

Try finding a buddy or two who enjoy the outdoors, and are willing or able to maintain your hiking pace. It is not always fun leaving your group behind or feeling rushed and overwhelmed being in the back of the group.

There is nothing wrong with finding your pace, and sticking to it, but a healthy group dynamic while hiking keeps morale high.

Enjoy the views

We hope that everyone can find some outdoor adventure that suits their needs, and we hope to give you the tools to navigate the outdoors with ease and confidence going forward.

If you enjoyed this article keep following us for upcoming posts about outdoor recreation for seniors or anyone with a health condition that might feel limited in their ability to do outdoor activities. 

If you would be interested in hearing about hikes near you, please leave a comment below and a note about your capabilities so we can research ideas for your next adventure and write about it in out next blog post.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to hike, as long as you are safe responsible and enjoying your time outdoors!