The novel coronavirus has completely reshaped the way that we view sanitation. Over the past year, organizations and individuals alike have taken steps to control the spread of disease, and the population as a whole has become more aware of the impact of infectious disease. Another thing that people have become more aware of is the impact of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. Studies have shown us that these people are “high risk” when it comes to infectious disease, so we need to take steps to protect their health.

Unfortunately, simply telling someone to “clean more often” or “clean more thoroughly” is bad advice. These statements fail to acknowledge that cleaning products themselves can actually put our health at risk. Many household cleaning products are filled with toxic chemicals that can irritate the eyes, skin, and throat. And in the worst cases, they can even contribute to COPD symptoms by exacerbating chest pain, difficulty breathing, and chronic coughing.

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In this post, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of steps for cleaning your home as a COPD patient. We’ll give you advice on choosing cleaning products, how often you should clean, and other things you should take into consideration. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. And if you find this information helpful, don’t hesitate to share it to help us get the word out about safe cleaning habits.

How to Choose Cleaning Products With COPD

The first step in cleaning your home is to choose the cleaning products that you will use. While this may sound like the easiest step, it’s actually the hardest. Cleaning products are rife with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are artificial meaning they’re man-made, and they contain chemicals such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), trichloroethylene, oxygenates, and other industrial solvents. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concentrations of VOCs are up to ten times higher indoors than they are outdoors. This is largely due to the fact that VOCs are found in many household cleaning products and many homes are not ventilated well enough to rid them of harmful chemicals. But VOCs aren’t the only harmful ingredients found in home cleaning supplies. Many of them also contain carcinogens, chemicals that are known to cause cancer.

As a COPD patient, your goal should be to eliminate all hazardous cleaning products from your home. However, it’s especially important to avoid cleaning products that can exacerbate your respiratory symptoms. Products like air fresheners are particularly harmful to COPD patients because aerosol droplets can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, meaning they can be inhaled. Generally speaking, “scented” cleaning products should be avoided at all costs. While we may enjoy a fresh smell and equate it with a clean home, most of these products contain harmful chemicals.

Before heading out to the store, create a list of ingredients that you should avoid. The ingredients below are commonly used in cleaning products and should be avoided:

• Perchloroethylene (PERC)
• Formaldehyde
• 2-Butoxyethanol
• Ammonia
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Chlorine

Some common cleaning products you should avoid include:

• Bleach
• Spray cleaners
• Fragrance sprays
• Carpet fresheners
• Fabric softeners
• Varnishes
• Drain cleaners
  

Another thing to note is that you should be wary of anything labeled “green,” “organic,” or “eco-friendly.” Just because something is “organic” does not necessarily mean that it is healthy or safe. However, you may see products labeled as “safer choice.” These cleaning products are actually regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and they’re aimed at reducing, eliminating, or preventing pollution at its source. In many cases, these cleaning products can be a safer alternative for COPD patients but many of them still contain chemicals.

How to Make Safe Cleaning Products at Home

Believe it or not, homemade cleaning products can be extremely effective and they can also be much safer to use than store-bought items. When you make your own cleaners, you’ll know exactly what’s in them and you won’t have to worry about reading through and researching a long list of ingredients.

According to Healthline, some of the safest and most effective ingredients you can use to make homemade cleaning products include white vinegar, lemon juice, methylated spirits (denatured alcohol, and baking soda. Unlike the harsh chemicals found in store-bought products, COPD patients typically don’t have any reactions when exposed to these ingredients.

If you want to clean your floor or countertops, combine boiling water with either lemon juice, white vinegar, or methylated spirits. This will make a great degreaser and prove much more effective than a wet rag. If you want to clean a mirror, vinegar and water is a great combination. For removing stains, soda water is your best bet.

Keep Your Home Well Ventilated

Ventilation is imperative when it comes to keeping your home clean. Simply put, ventilation refers to the healthy exchange of air between the inside of your home and outdoors. This prevents harmful chemicals, moisture, and other allergens from concentrating in your home and posing a serious health risk. One of the best ways to ventilate your home is to simply crack a window when you’re cleaning.

If you’re worried about allergens making it into your home through the window, you can install a screen. While this won’t block out all allergens, it will prevent some of the larger particles from entering your home. Another thing you can do is change up the air filters on your HVAC system. The air filter or “particle filter” is designed to remove allergens from the air as it’s circulated throughout your home. However, over time, these filters can become very dirty. Not only will this start spiking your utility bills, but it won’t filter airborne pollutants correctly.

Choose the Right Tool for the Job

Aside from choosing the right cleaning products, you also need to choose the right tools for cleaning your home. COPD is a debilitating condition so you may need to find creative ways of doing things that won’t add any unnecessary strain on your lungs and the rest of your body. For example, if you need to clean in a hard-to-reach area, be sure to use a cleaning device with an extendable handle. This way, you won’t have to strain yourself or risk falling just to clean your home.

If you’ve been prescribed long-term supplemental oxygen therapy, another thing that can help is a portable oxygen concentrator. If you already use a stationary oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank for your oxygen needs, a portable oxygen concentrator will provide you with much more freedom to navigate your home with ease. Rather than having to be plugged into a wall outlet, POCs operate off of powerful lithium-ion batteries so you won’t be relegated to one room of the house.

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Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 are very lightweight and compact, so you can carry them around all day without feeling exhausted or out of breath. The FreeStyle Comfort even has an ergonomic curve design that will prevent the unit from sliding around at your side while you’re cleaning the house. Once you’re ready for a break from cleaning, simply plug your device into the wall and by the time you’re ready to go again, you’ll have a full battery.

If you’re someone who needs more oxygen to keep you going, the Respironics SimplyGo may be the portable oxygen concentrator for you. This is a continuous flow unit meaning it puts out a constant stream of oxygen rather than “boluses” of oxygen like the FreeStyle Comfort and the Inogen G5. While the Respironics SimplyGo is a bit heavier than these two, it will provide you with more options including the ability to use your POC with your CPAP or BiPAP machine while you sleep.

Don’t Forget to Declutter Your Home

While you’re up and about cleaning your home, it’s also a good idea to spend some time decluttering your home. “Decluttering” simply means reorganizing or getting rid of some of your belongings in order to make your home more comfortable and easy to navigate. This is very important if you’re a COPD patient because having to navigate a messy home can be very challenging and dangerous.

We briefly discussed decluttering in our post about COPD and balance issues, but the basic idea is that you want to create a living space that’s accommodating of your lung condition. First and foremost, you should remove any belongings from the floor that could be a tripping hazard such as clothing, cables, and even furniture. Taking the time to move these things out of the way of where you walk in your home can go a long way toward making your home safer and more accommodating for you and your guests. 

If you want to go the extra mile, you might want to consider installing a medical alert system in your home. This consists of a receiver that’s plugged into the wall and a small button that can be worn around your neck. If you take a fall or experience a COPD exacerbation in your home, simply press the button and medical personnel will immediately be sent to your home. These are a must-have for any COPD patient, especially if you don’t have friends or caretakers who visit your home regularly.

Get Outside When You Can

According to the EPA, indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor air pollution. The reason for this is because indoor air pollutants are concentrated in a small area whereas outdoor air pollution can dissipate. While you can and should take the time to clean your home, you should be going outside as much as possible to get some fresh air.

AirNow.gov has a great air pollution map that will give you a good idea of how clean the air is in your area. Simply visit their site and type in your ZIP code. You’ll be given a number anywhere between 0 and 500 with 0 being the least polluted and 500 being the most polluted. It’s recommended that COPD patients avoid going outside if the air quality index (AQI) is over 100. However, people with severe COPD may only want to go outside when it’s below 50 AQI.

While the AQI is a good indication of the air quality in your area, it’s not 100% accurate. If you live in a very urban area with a lot of traffic, the air quality may be lower than what the website tells you. As such, it’s important to use your best judgment before going outside. Try going out when traffic has settled down and try to stay away from the roads as much as possible.

The temperature is another important factor to consider before going outside. Extreme conditions of any kind can lead to exacerbation of COPD. Low temperatures can be particularly difficult for COPD patients because inhaling cold air can thicken your mucus making it more difficult to breathe. Hot temperatures can cause you to feel exhausted more quickly and also exacerbate respiratory problems.

Schedule a Home Inspection

If you want to take the extra step towards making your home as accommodating as possible for your COPD, you should consider scheduling a home inspection. This is when a professional safety inspector walks through your home and performs a variety of tests designed to determine the safety of your home. While you may think of a home inspector as someone who examines the structural integrity of a home, they also play an important role in determining its cleanliness as well.

One important thing your home inspector will do is evaluate your HVAC system. This includes things like your heater, air conditioner, air ducts, and air filters. He/she will check to ensure that there are no leaks and that your system is circulating clean air throughout your home. The inspector will also look for water damage or plumbing leaks throughout the home that could lead to the growth of mold. Several types of mold, like black mold, can be very hazardous to your health. Black mold poisoning is associated with a chronic cough, fatigue, and irritation in the throat and eyes. 

Home inspectors won’t fix these issues within your home. Rather, they provide you with a list of potential problems in your home and advise you on what to do or who to call to get the issues resolved. However, hiring a home inspector is still a very important step because you may be exposed to harmful airborne irritants unknowingly. Many people live with health issues for years only to find out they had a mold or HVAC problem that they were unaware of.

Recruit Help With Cleaning

There’s no doubt about it, cleaning can be exhausting. If you feel like you have a lot to clean and not a lot of time to do it, you may want to start outsourcing work to friends, family, or even a caretaker. While physical exercise is a must for any COPD patient, too much exercise or overexertion can lead to a flare-up in your symptoms, most notably chest pain, breathlessness, and fatigue.  

There’s no shame in asking for help with cleaning your home, especially when your well-being is at stake. However, if you decide to recruit help from a friend or family member be sure to let them know about your safe cleaning routine. Let them know that you’re concerned about the chemicals in common store-bought cleaning products and show them how to make the homemade cleaning products we discussed earlier in this post. 

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Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy living environment is one of the most important things you can do as a COPD patient. Poor air quality in your home will not only irritate your skin and eyes, but it can damage your lungs and lead to flare-ups in your respiratory symptoms. COPD patients who do not breathe clean air are more likely to experience exacerbations that can lead to hospitalization.

Unfortunately, simply cleaning more often or more thoroughly is not the solution. You need to be careful about what cleaning products you’re using and how they affect the quality of air within your home. You should also take additional steps like ensuring your home is well-ventilated and that you’re keeping dust and mold in check.

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it so you can refer back to it in the future. And if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung conditions in the world. It’s known for developing slowly over the course of many years, leading to increased breathlessness, chest pain, coughing, and wheezing. As this incurable disease progresses, flare-ups and exacerbations become more common, so COPD patients need to pay especially close attention to the treatment plan created by their doctor. Since a core aspect of most treatment plans involves supplemental oxygen therapy, it’s also important for COPD patients to find an oxygen device that serves their long-term goals.

Unfortunately, the medical oxygen industry can be very confusing, especially for someone who’s never had to navigate it before. People who are buying oxygen for the first time often fall victim to false advertising, scams, or they simply end up purchasing an oxygen device that doesn’t meet their needs. As such, we strongly encourage oxygen patients to do their research and understand what oxygen devices there are before buying one. Here at LPT Medical, we take pride in providing oxygen patients with the resources they need in order to make educated decisions about their disease. 

In this post, we’re going to take a look at seven reasons someone who uses a liquid oxygen tank or someone who is considering purchasing a liquid oxygen tank may want to upgrade to a pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator: the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. This is one of many oxygen concentrators on the market, so be sure to speak with our respiratory specialists if you’d like to learn about other options. You can reach us at 1-800-946-1201 or you can email us at info@lptmedical.com.

What is a Liquid Oxygen Tank?

A liquid oxygen tank (also called a LOX unit) is a medical device that stores oxygen in a liquid form. They are often seen as an upgrade to compressed oxygen tanks because they are lighter, safer, and store more oxygen. What’s more, you can also purchase portable versions of these tanks, usually called “portable oxygen cylinders.” These tanks are light enough to carry on your shoulder as you walk and they provide you with many hours of oxygen.

While liquid oxygen tanks provide many benefits over compressed oxygen tanks, they still cause a lot of inconveniences for oxygen patients. One of the most glaring problems with liquid oxygen tanks is that, in order to store oxygen in a liquid form, it needs to be kept at very low temperatures (typically around -183°C or -297°F). While the tanks themselves are designed to maintain these temperatures, it’s inevitable that the tank will heat up causing the water to evaporate over time. In other words, you won’t be able to store a liquid oxygen tank for a significant amount of time without the oxygen dissipating.

What is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort?

An oxygen concentrator performs the same function as a liquid oxygen tank by providing the user with medical-grade oxygen. The difference between the two, however, is that oxygen concentrators are electronic devices that run off of batteries. Rather than storing oxygen inside the machine, concentrators take ambient air, remove unneeded gases like nitrogen and argon, then puts out medical-grade oxygen through the nasal cannula.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is a pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator meaning it carefully monitors your breathing and only puts out oxygen when you need it. In other words, it conserves energy so that you can go more places and do more things on one battery charge. Much like a liquid oxygen cylinder, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is very lightweight and easy to carry on your shoulder.

Another thing to note about this portable oxygen concentrator is that it’s manufactured by one of the most trusted brands in the medical oxygen industry. Caire Inc. advertises its products under the names SeQual, AirSep, and Caire, and the FreeStyle Comfort is one of their most advanced oxygen machines yet. Thee Caire FreeStyle Comfort is widely considered to be one of the best portable oxygen concentrators ever made, but many people also believe the Inogen One G5 is the best. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should upgrade your liquid oxygen cylinder.

Safety

Safety is incredibly important. The reason for using supplemental oxygen therapy in the first place is to maintain oxygen levels in the blood and prevent life-threatening conditions like right-sided heart failure; so, it goes without saying that you don’t want your supplemental oxygen device to add any unnecessary health risks. And despite the fact that liquid oxygen tanks are safer than compressed oxygen tanks, they are still more dangerous to use than a portable oxygen concentrator.

Liquid oxygen tanks are stored at a pressure of around 350 PSIG (pressure per square inch, gauge). While this is significantly less than the 2,000 psi that regular oxygen tanks are stored at, it can still be a safety concern. Liquid oxygen tanks have complex safety mechanisms in place that prevent pressure from building too high, but in reality, there is simply more that can go wrong with these units.

The great thing about portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is that you never have to deal with a high-pressure device in the first place. Since oxygen concentrators take ambient air and immediately put it out of the nasal cannula, you never have to feel insecure about using supplemental oxygen. What’s more, if you happen to drop your nasal cannula the device will stop putting out oxygen until a breath is detected.

Convenience

Another point to note about traditional oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks is that they’re extremely inconvenient to use. Because these tanks can’t be simply recharged like an oxygen concentrator, you have to have some way of refilling them. Whether that means having new tanks delivered by an oxygen company or having to refill them with a liquid oxygen reservoir, you’ll need to find something that works for you.

If you decide to have your tanks delivered or drive to an oxygen company to refill them, this could be a huge time sink for you and you may have trouble working your schedule around them. On the other hand, if you decide to purchase your own oxygen reservoir, you’ll only be able to refill your liquid oxygen tank in your home. On top of this, reservoirs tend to be very bulky, heavy, and difficult to move.

Since the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is charged through either a wall outlet or a car outlet, you’ll be able to take your portable oxygen concentrator just about anywhere with you. You’ll be able to charge your machine at your home, in hotels, airports, and in any vehicle that has a power outlet. And the best part of all is that you can use the machine while it’s charging, as long as it’s on a low flow setting.

Long-Distance Travel

In the past, beginning supplemental oxygen therapy meant giving up your freedom to travel long distances. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees safety regulations for commercial flights in the United States, and both traditional and liquid oxygen tanks are banned. What this means is that if you’re using one of these oxygen devices, you’ll be relegated to other slower forms of transportation. 

However, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort — like most portable oxygen concentrators — is approved by the FAA for in-flight use. All you need to do is call your airline 48 hours ahead of your flight and be prepared to bring at least 1.5 times the duration of your flight in battery life. Once that’s out of the way, you’ll be able to fly anywhere in the country without question. If you’re going out of the country, be sure to check in with the regulations in your destination country before leaving.

Reliability

It’s easy to get caught up in talking about all of the other factors of a portable oxygen machine and forget about one of the most important factors: reliability. Having reliable supplemental oxygen means being able to be out and about at the store, visiting a friend, or on vacation, without ever having to worry about receiving the oxygen you need to maintain your blood oxygen levels. You’ll be able to spend more time focusing on enjoying your day and accomplish your goals rather than worrying about whether or not your oxygen needs are being met.

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Like we mentioned earlier, liquid oxygen needs to be kept at very low temperatures in order to prevent it from turning into a gas. While liquid oxygen tanks are designed like a thermos to keep the internal temperature low, it’s inevitable that it will heat up over time, especially if you’re out in the hot sun. Over time, you will begin to lose oxygen from your liquid oxygen device even if you aren’t using it.

Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, on the other hand, are known for their reliability. In fact, back in August, we featured the FreeStyle Comfort as “the most reliable portable oxygen concentrator” ever produced. This is because it has the lowest failure rate of any POC on the market, meaning that, out of the box, it is less likely to have a defect than any other device like the Inogen One G5 or Respironics SimplyGo.

Another wonderful thing about the Caire FreeStyle Comfort — and portable oxygen concentrators in general — is that the vast majority of issues they have can be fixed on the fly. If you experience a glitch or the device isn’t working properly, a hard reset will typically fix the issue right away. We discuss how to perform a hard reset in this post, but if you have any problems either consult the user manual or reach out to our portable oxygen concentrator specialists at 1-(800) 946-1201.

Liquid oxygen tanks are very different from this. Since they aren’t electronic devices like POCs, you can’t simply restart them if they aren’t working properly. Liquid oxygen tanks are a very complex piece of equipment, and if you tamper with them you risk injuring yourself or further damaging the unit. In order to fix your problem, you’ll need to send it to an oxygen specialist and it could take days or weeks to get it back.

Cost

Liquid oxygen is considered to be the most expensive form of oxygen therapy. Some of the more popular portable liquid oxygen units like the HELiOS Plus will run you over a thousand dollars. And remember, you’ll also need to either have a home fill reservoir to fill your own portable units or you’ll have to go to an oxygen supplier regularly. These costs can add up really quickly and there’s a lot more that could go wrong.

On the other hand, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort requires no additional components aside from the battery. Since these batteries are rechargeable, you won’t have to keep investing in your oxygen therapy over time. Simply plug your device into any wall or car outlet and you can charge the battery all the way up.

Ease-of-Use

Most people are very surprised to find just how easy it is to use the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. All you need to know how to do to get started is how to turn on the device, charge it, and adjust the flow settings. Any additional information about notifications, alarms, or warnings can be found in the user manual. However, with a liquid oxygen tank, not only will you need to know how to operate the portable unit, but you’ll also need to know how to refill it using the reservoir. This can be very time consuming and most people admit that it’s a pretty convoluted process.

Additional Features

The final reason to upgrade from liquid oxygen to the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is because of all the additional features you’ll get with the latter. The FreeStyle Comfort has something called CAIREview which is a free oxygen tracking application made by SynsorMed. By connecting your phone or computer to your POC, you’ll be able to see up-to-date information about your oxygen usage. Liquid oxygen tanks don’t offer any features like this. 

Conclusion

Liquid oxygen tanks are a huge upgrade from traditional oxygen tanks. They’re lighter, smaller, safer, and hold a lot more oxygen. However, they offer few advantages over portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. These oxygen machines enable you to have access to an infinite supply of oxygen no matter where you are in the world and they’re far more convenient and reliable than the alternative.

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Despite what you read here, we here at LPT Medical encourage oxygen patients to take their time when choosing a supplemental oxygen device. Also, it’s important to be open with your doctor and understand exactly what your oxygen requirements are. If you’d like to learn more about portable oxygen concentrators, don’t hesitate to reach out to our respiratory specialists. You can reach us at 1-800-946-1201 or you can email us at info@lptmedical.com. 

If there’s one thing that we stress here at LPT Medical, it’s the importance of portability in your daily life. You have errands that you need to run, people you need to meet, and goals you want to accomplish. But without an oxygen concentrator that matches this lifestyle, you’ll likely be stuck at home twiddling your thumbs instead.

This is why we’ve introduced you to innovative portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G3 and Inogen One G5. These concentrators, among others, have set the bar pretty high for pulse flow units by combining the power and reliability of home oxygen concentrators into a lightweight and durable product.

While the G3 and G5 alone offer plenty of freedom and convenience, we’re constantly looking for new ways to improve upon them. Last week, we took a look at seven essential accessories for the Inogen One G5 where we discussed products such as the G5 custom carrying bag and the G5 backpack. These G5 bags offer two distinct ways of wearing your Inogen One G5 unit; the custom carrying bag is for the minimalist and the G5 backpack is for the traveler.

Now, we’re happy to announce a new type of Inogen One G3 and G5 carrying bag: GO2 Carryall Inogen One G3 Handbags. On the surface, the GO2 Carryalls look like other purses or handbags, but they’re actually uniquely designed to fit the needs of an oxygen patient on the go. They offer ample storage space like the G5 backpack and convenient carrying options like the G5 custom carrying case. Let’s take a look at some of the features you can expect when the GO2 Carryalls release this spring.

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The Inogen One G3 Genuine Leather Deluxe Handbag

The Inogen One G3 was released in 2012 with praise from oxygen patients everywhere. This pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator was so revolutionary that it still holds up today as one of the preferred POCs on the market, despite the release of many other well-qualified contenders.

Now you can carry your G3 around in style with the Inogen One G3 Deluxe handbag. This new carrying bag allows you to carry your G3 easily and live life on your own terms knowing that your medical oxygen is at your side all day long. It’s a versatile accessory that matches well with both formal and casual attire and has plenty of features that set it apart from the G3 carrying case and G3 backpack.

Stylish and Clean Design

Possibly the most unique thing about the G3 deluxe handbags is their look. Unlike oxygen tanks which stick out like a sore thumb as you’re wheeling them around, your G3 will be inconspicuous inside the deluxe leather handbag. When the bag is zipped up, the only thing that will be showing is the oxygen tubing. If it’s too long, you can easily coil it up and store it neatly in the bag so that it’s not in your way.

Some people are self-conscious about carrying a medical oxygen device in public, so we’re happy to provide patients with an option that can match their style while still offering all the benefits of other carrying bags. Each deluxe handbag is made of genuine leather, meaning it will feel smooth to the touch and won’t have that fake plastic look that many handbags do these days. It also has heavy duty brushed brass fixtures and zippers that have a high-quality look and feel to them.

These handbags are versatile enough that they can match virtually any style, casual or formal. Whether you’re simply taking a trip to the grocery store or you’re going to a formal event, you’re sure to get compliments wherever you go. This G3 leather bag comes in two colors: black and brown, so you can choose which one matches your style best.  

Secures Your Device While Walking

Let’s face it, oxygen concentrators are an investment. They’re not typically something you’ll just buy on a whim like a cup of coffee. Inogen portable oxygen concentrators are extremely durable and reliable, but like any electronic device, they’re still susceptible to scratches and dents. So, you can never be too careful when you go out of the house with your G3.

The custom carrying case and backpack do provide some protection for your device, but ultimately, if you want the best protection, you should go for the G3 deluxe handbag. While the custom carrying case aims to be thin and lightweight, the deluxe handbag is made of genuine leather that protects your oxygen machine from anything that could damage it. It slides snugly into the main pocket on the bag so it won’t move around while you’re on the go.

We strongly recommend avoiding water at all costs because the Inogen One G3 is not waterproof. However, by using the deluxe handbag, you’ll have an extra layer of security if you experience unexpected rain or snow. The bag can be zipped up with only the oxygen tubing sticking out the side allowing you to keep your unit dry until you can find shelter. 

Hassle-Free and Ergonomic Design

The G3 deluxe leather handbag was designed for ease-of-use. When you’re on the go, you shouldn’t have to waste any time fiddling with your device, so this bag makes it as easy as possible. In order to change your flow setting or check your battery life, all you’ll need to do is unzip the main compartment on the bag. You’ll also have full access to your cannula stem and charging port while you’re out.

Many people have different preferences when it comes to the way they carry their bags, so the G3 leather bag offers plenty of options. If you want to carry your bag like a purse or handbag, you can attach the hand straps to the brass fixtures on either side of the bag. However, if you’d like to carry it on your shoulder, you can attach the adjustable padded shoulder strap to the fixtures on the front and back of the bag. Give both options a try and see which one is most comfortable for you.

On the front of the bag, you’ll find the Innovative cannula containment pouch which helps keep your oxygen tubing tidy while concealing it from view. There’s a small ring on the side that you can feed your cannula through which will hold it in place and prevent so that it’s not dangling around while you move around.

Another thing oxygen users will be happy to find is plenty of storage space on this handbag. The G3 leather bag has two external zipper pockets, one internal zipper pocket, and a snap pocket that’s perfect for carrying an additional battery or other G3 accessories like the external battery charger. You’ll easily have enough extra space to store personal belongings like your car keys, wallet, or cellphone as well.

Oftentimes, we get concerns from G3 users that their portable oxygen concentrator won’t work correctly when it’s inside a bag. Fortunately, this won’t be a problem with the G3 leather bag because it has ventilation panels on either side of the unit. Your G3 has both air intake vents, which bring in unconcentrated air, and an exhaust vent that expels nitrogen. This bag has a mesh material covering each of them.

The Inogen One G5 Gentlemen’s Collection

While the Inogen One G5 hasn’t been around for nearly as long as the G3, that hasn’t stopped it from taking the industry by storm since its release. Offering up a superb battery life, unmatched oxygen output, and new features like the Inogen Connect, the G5 is the ideal POC for a large portion of respiratory patients.

If you’re in the market a new Inogen One G5 carrying bag, the gentlemen’s G5 bags may be just what you’re looking for. Unlike the deluxe handbag which is made of genuine leather, the gentlemen’s G5 bags are made of a heavy-duty and durable canvas material. They’re also a neutral gray color which works great with just about any wardrobe imaginable — casual or formal. 

The G5 Gentlemen’s Satchel

Much like the leather handbags for the G3, the G5 gentlemen’s satchel will hold your G5 securely while providing you with plenty of room to store personal belongings and G5 accessories like the G5 double battery or the G5 DC charging cable. The front pouch is very precisely sized in order to keep the G5 from sliding around while you’re out and about enjoying your day. 

Secure Foldover Pouch

At first glance, you may think that the G5 Gentlemen’s Satchel is secured using the two buckles on the front of the bag. However, these are just for design. The foldover flap used to contain your Inogen One G5 is actually secured using two clip-in buttons on the front of the bag. In turn, this makes the bag look classic and stylish without the hassle of having to undo the buckle every time you need to access your G5 control panel.

Durable Canvas Material

Canvas is a material that’s commonly used for purses, backpacks, and handbags because it looks great and it’s resistant to tears. Like with the leather bags, we don’t recommend taking the Gentlemen’s Satchel in the rain or snow, but it’s water resistant enough to prevent your G5 from becoming damaged if you’re caught out in the rain. If it does happen to get wet, be sure to leave it in a well-ventilated area to dry out before using it again.

The G5 Gentlemen’s Slimline

The Gentlemen’s Slimline G5 bag is mostly the same as the satchel but doesn’t have a pocket to store personal items and accessories. The G5 slimline bag is perfect for someone who wants to carry the Inogen One G5 by itself. The obvious advantage to this is that your device will take up less space making it easier to carry and store.

Convenient Oxygen Tubing Port

In order to access your oxygen tubing and nasal cannula more easily, the G5 slimline bag has a port on the top. If you need to stop to adjust your tubing, you won’t have to open the bag or hassle with removing the Inogen One G5 from the bag entirely. It also contributes to the inconspicuous design of the bag in case you’re self-conscious about carrying an oxygen device around in public.

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Well-Ventilated

Similar to all of the new Carryall bags, the slimline is well-ventilated to ensure your device is not obstructed while it’s on. The mesh material is found toward the bottom of the bag near the battery and along the side where the intake and exhaust vents are located on the Inogen One G5. 

Conclusion

The Inogen One G3 and Inogen One G5 are two of the most lightweight, reliable, and efficient portable oxygen concentrators on the market. As such, they deserve a high-quality bag to match. The new GO2 Carryalls have the functionality of other Inogen accessories, but they’re more fashionable and they allow you to carry your oxygen device in a more inconspicuous way.

If you like these bags, be sure to purchase one that matches the device you currently own. While you may be able to use them interchangeably, the ventilation panels will not match up, so your oxygen machine may not work properly. Refer to your user manual if you have any questions about where these are located. 

Oxygen therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen therapy, is the administration of medical-grade oxygen in order to treat a variety of medical conditions. While oxygen has been used as early as the 1800s, it wasn’t until the late 1900s that doctors were able to nail down the exact conditions that oxygen could treat, and equally as important, when oxygen therapy should be avoided.

Like we discussed in our last post, there are four commonly used types of oxygen delivery: hyperbaric chambers, oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, and oxygen concentrators. Hyperbaric chambers are a form of oxygen therapy that administers pressurized oxygen in order to treat conditions like decompression sickness and promote healthy blood flow. On the other hand, the other three oxygen delivery methods are usually used to treat chronic lung conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, and more.

In this post, we’re primarily going to be discussing portable oxygen concentrators and their benefits when it comes to long-term oxygen therapy. If you have any questions or concerns about what you read here, be sure to leave a comment or fill out the form at the side of the page so that one of our respiratory specialists can reach out to you.

What is Long-Term Oxygen Therapy?

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is the continuous use of oxygen therapy for patients with low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia). Patients with early-stage lung disease may be required to use oxygen several hours a day, whereas people with more severe lung disease might need to be connected to their oxygen machine 24/7. According to the American Thoracic Society, the following conditions may indicate the need for LTOT in patients who suffer from chronic lung disease:

• A partial pressure of oxygen less than 55 mmHg (7.3kPa)
• An oxygen saturation of 88% or less
• Signs of tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen in tissues)
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
• Pulmonary edema (excess fluid in the lungs)
  
  

Ultimately, oxygen therapy is one of the most effective ways to return blood oxygen levels back to normal in COPD patients. By doing so, they will maintain a much more stable pulmonary state avoiding common symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, and coughing fits. LTOT has also been shown to increase exercise capacity, reduce hospitalizations, and reduce exacerbation rate and severity. 

When is LTOT Not Advised?

Contrary to popular belief, not all COPD patients require long-term supplemental oxygen. In fact, certain respiratory patients may experience something called oxygen-induced hypercapnia where a patient’s breathing is negatively affected by the use of supplemental oxygen.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the byproduct of metabolism. Although it’s expelled from the body as a waste product, it does have one important function in the body: respiratory drive. Essentially, when there are higher levels of CO2 in your blood, it releases chemoreceptors to the brain which increases the rate of respiration. Since COPD patients have chronically high levels of CO2 in the blood, the body may become desensitized to these signals. In other words, supplemental oxygen may suppress respiratory drive and cause a COPD patient to retain more CO2.

While long-term oxygen therapy is effective for most COPD patients, it’s imperative that patients see their pulmonologist regularly. Supplemental oxygen is rarely a “black and white” situation, so it’s important to closely monitor things like CO2 levels, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), oxygen saturation, and COPD symptoms in order for oxygen to be prescribed effectively and safely. If problems arise, he/she may advise a decrease in oxygen flow rate or remove the patient entirely from supplemental oxygen.

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Why Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators Ideal for LTOT?

Now that you know the important role LTOT plays in treating COPD symptoms, you may be wondering why portable oxygen concentrators provide the greatest benefits for someone looking for an oxygen therapy device. While there are several other options like compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, and stationary oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators have stood the test of time as the best option for long-term supplemental oxygen therapy.

Oxygen concentrators largely became popular around the 1970s when patients were looking for better alternatives to big, bulky oxygen tanks which needed to be refilled several times a day. Concentrators were revolutionary at this time because they prevented the need for oxygen patients to get up to go refill their oxygen. Simply by plugging the concentrator into the wall, they’d have an infinite supply of oxygen.

Portable oxygen concentrators didn’t become popular until the early 2000s when lithium-ion battery technology had advanced enough to make them practical. To this day, portable oxygen concentrators remain one of the most popular options for LTOT, especially for patients who are more active or want to limit the amount of work they want to put into their daily COPD treatment routine.

They Can Run 24 Hours a Day Without Interruption

Despite what your COPD treatment regimen says, you’re never truly going to be on oxygen 24/7 while using compressed oxygen or liquid oxygen. Running continuously at 2 liters per minute, an E cylinder will only last about 5 hours. D cylinders which are even smaller only last about 3 hours at the same LPM. What this means is that you will need to have a backup tank on hand or deal with a gap in your oxygen treatment while your tank fills up. Not only is there a chance you could experience an exacerbation during this time, but it will waste a lot of your time.

Fortunately, when you own a portable oxygen concentrator, you won’t have to deal with any of these issues. Every component of modern POCs is designed to be run 24/7 including the compressor, battery, and processor. As long as you take care to follow the instructions in your user manual, you will ensure that your device doesn’t overheat or malfunction. The most important maintenance procedure for most POCs is to change the particle filter. This component will prevent airborne contaminants like dust and dirt from getting inside your device and potentially damaging it. This also helps to ensure that the air you breathe through the nasal cannula is clean and doesn’t trigger a COPD exacerbation. 

Another reason you can run your POC without interruption is because they run entirely off batteries so you’ll never have to refill it or keep an extra one on hand. Once your battery starts getting low, simply plug your oxygen machine into the wall and you can continue using it while the battery charges. If you want to stay out of the house for longer, you can simply carry an extra battery and swap it out with the other one once it starts to get low. 

Lastly, several newer portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 come equipped with something called an “Intelligent Delivery System.” In the G5, proprietary conserver technology ensures oxygen is always delivered within 400 milliseconds of inspiration. This is known as the critical point because it’s the time-frame when you experience the most clinical benefit from inspired oxygen. When you’re sleeping, breathing rates typically slow down significantly. The G5 responds to this by increasing the bolus size and ensuring that you always receive oxygen no matter your rate of breath. What’s more, the G5 can even detect shallow mouth breaths, adjusting oxygen delivery accordingly.

They Afford More Freedom and Independence for Patients

Freedom is a quality that defines everyone. Without freedom and independence, we wouldn’t be able to go where we please, pursue our dreams, or spend time with people that we choose. Unfortunately, many older adults and elderly people suffer debilitating conditions that prevent them from getting out and enjoying their lives — COPD is just one example of these.

Many COPD patients report feeling chest pain or breathlessness just from simply waking up in the morning and getting out of bed. If you’re faced with all of this along with chronic fatigue and the thought of lugging around a heavy oxygen tank, it’s no wonder many COPD patients don’t get out of the house! The good news is that there is a better solution for long-term oxygen therapy that won’t add any burden to your already challenging daily routine.

Portable oxygen concentrators, especially pulse flow ones, are extremely light when compared to other oxygen therapy devices. An average continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator weighs around 10 to 15 pounds while the average pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator weighs around 6 pounds. Pulse flow units are so much lighter because of the technology that’s built into them allowing them to administer oxygen more efficiently. POCs are also more practical in terms of their shape. Whereas oxygen tanks are oblong, POCs are usually box-shaped or rectangular making them much easier to store in small places.

Most continuous flow POCs should be carried with a rolling cart, however, pulse flow POCs are light enough to carry over your shoulder. Amazingly, the lightest portable oxygen concentrator, the AirSep Focus weighs in at just 1.75 pounds which is light enough to clip onto your belt! Other pulse flow POCs like the Inogen One G4 are small enough to fit in a purse or small handbag. However, it’s recommended that you use the official carrying bag that comes with the device to avoid damaging it.

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They Allow Precise Control Over Oxygen Output

As aforementioned, one of the most important things about long-term oxygen therapy is the ability to have precise control over your oxygen delivery. If you aren’t receiving enough oxygen, you may be at a high risk of experiencing a COPD exacerbation or other symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing fits. If you’re receiving too much oxygen, you may experience oxygen toxicity or oxygen-induced hypercapnia.

One of the defining features of portable oxygen concentrators is that they allow for precise control over your oxygen delivery. Each POC has what’s called flow settings. Each one has a different number of flow settings and a different oxygen output for each one. So, for example, the Inogen One G5 has 6 flow settings and a total oxygen output of 1,260 ml/min of oxygen. This means that for each flow setting you go up, you’ll be increasing your oxygen by 210 ml/min. You can adjust your flow setting on the fly by pressing the arrow buttons on the device’s control panel.  

One of the greatest benefits of being able to change your oxygen flow so easily is that you can ensure that you always get the oxygen you need no matter what you’re doing. Some patients like to use their oxygen concentrator while they’re exercising meaning they’ll likely need to increase their flow rate to accommodate for this. On the other hand, you may be sitting down for a long period of time and want to reduce your flow rate in order to save battery life — you can do this too!

They’re More Affordable Than the Alternatives

Oxygen patients are often surprised when they hear someone say that portable oxygen concentrators are the most affordable method of oxygen delivery. One of the reasons for this is because insurance companies often label them as expensive “luxury” items that are not necessary for a COPD patient’s happiness and well-being. While oxygen concentrators do have a higher upfront cost than most other forms of oxygen therapy, they are much more cost-effective when it comes to long-term oxygen therapy. 

Oxygen tanks have very low upfront costs and this is what makes them so appealing to people. A home or portable oxygen cylinder can be bought for a couple hundred dollars. But the problem is that the longer you use it, the more you have to spend on it. If you want to refill your own tank at home, you’re going to need to purchase a homefill oxygen refill system. These machines alone cost as much as a portable oxygen concentrator. If you decide to go the other route and have a professional refill your tanks, you can expect to pay upwards of $10 for each fill. This can add up very quickly if you use oxygen every day.

Alternatively, you can purchase a portable oxygen concentrator. Although they run several thousand dollars upfront, there are little-to-no maintenance costs. Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be run 24/7, all you’ll need to do is clean and replace the particle filters regularly to ensure that it runs smoothly. Additionally, most portable oxygen concentrators come with a 3-year warranty at the very least. So, if anything goes wrong with your device within that time frame, you can get it repaired at no cost to you. 

They Promote a Productive Lifestyle

Productivity is not something that should be restricted by your age or health. Unfortunately, many people with COPD and other debilitating diseases become less motivated to lead a productive lifestyle when they’re dependent on friends and loved ones for support. Oxygen tanks add to this because they keep oxygen patients homebound and in some cases, they even prevent them from moving around the house freely.

On the other hand, portable oxygen concentrators offer more freedom than any other type of oxygen therapy device. With the average pulse flow POC weighing under 6 pounds, you won’t have to dread the thought of walking up a flight of stairs or going into a crowded public area. Ultimately, it will allow you to focus on what you’re trying to accomplish rather than on whether or not your oxygen needs are being met.

Another reason many people don’t like using oxygen tanks is that they can make you feel self-conscious. It’s easy to feel like you’re a burden on other people when you’re wheeling around a bulky and dangerous oxygen tank behind you into public areas. Portable oxygen concentrators don’t have this effect because they’re small enough to fit under your shoulder. They’re also pretty inconspicuous so most people won’t even notice it. And if they do, they likely won’t ask any questions or give you any unwanted attention. 

They’re Much Safer to Use

If you remember the last time you went out and bought a car, what was the first feature you looked at? Chances are, it wasn’t the gas mileage, top speed, or color — it was safety. If you’re going to be investing your money in something, it would be unwise to check whether it’s going to be safe or not. And just like with a car, your portable oxygen concentrator is a long-term investment, so there’s a lot at stake. 

One of the main reasons oxygen tanks are so dangerous is because they contain many liters of compressed oxygen inside them. Oxygen is not flammable or combustible but it is an oxidizer. What this means is that when something is exposed to oxygen it can catch fire more easily. Additionally, oxygen is stored at very high pressures meaning there’s always the risk that it could explode. Liquid oxygen is stored at much lower pressures, so they’re safer in that regard, but you’ll still be carrying around a canister of medical-grade oxygen.

The main reason that portable oxygen concentrators are so much safer is that they contain no compressed oxygen. Ambient air is drawn into the concentrator and gases like nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide are removed. A pulse flow POC will only put out oxygen when you inhale, so if you happen to put down your nasal cannula, oxygen won’t continue to come out of the hose. Instead, it will stop producing oxygen and wait for you to start inhaling again. It’s also much safer that oxygen comes out in boluses rather than continuously.

You’ll be happy to know that the people around you will also feel more secure and safe while they’re around you. Many people are misinformed about the dangers of oxygen, believing that it can catch fire rather than acting as an oxidizer. While you can take the time to explain exactly how it works, it’s best to just use a device like a portable oxygen concentrator that won’t get people on edge.

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Conclusion

Long-term oxygen therapy is a core component of most COPD treatment plans. While some patients won’t need any supplemental oxygen, most will need to use it for 18 to 24 hours a day. Portable oxygen concentrators tend to be the best option for people who need LTOT because they’re safer, more cost-effective, lighter, smaller, and easier to use than most other medical oxygen devices. However, before making any decisions about your oxygen usage, be sure to consult your pulmonologist who will be able to make recommendations based on your health condition.

Life is all about choices — We choose what time we want to get up in the morning, what we do for a living, and what we do in our spare time. 

For better or worse, our choices are what define us; they determine our quality of life and the way others see us.

But when you’re bound by a debilitating medical condition like COPD, choices become few and far between and often end with the disease making decisions about your life rather than the other way around.

COPD is characterized by breathlessness, chest pain, and exacerbations — a sudden flare-up of respiratory symptoms. All of these effects can leave you bed-ridden, hospital-bound, or in too much pain to pursue your goals and aspirations.

Fortunately, there are options for COPD patients who want to regain their freedom and independence. Pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation, and a refined diet can all help to alleviate COPD symptoms and allow you to live life on your own terms.

Another way to regain your freedom is to invest in an innovative pulse dose portable oxygen machine like the Inogen One G5. As opposed to older types of portable oxygen such as continuous flow oxygen concentrators or portable oxygen tanks, the G5 was designed with your independence in mind.

Let’s take a look at 11 ways the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator will help you regain your freedom and independence.

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1.) Maintaining Your Oxygen Saturation Levels

The main purpose of supplemental oxygen is to increase your oxygen saturation level. Oxygen saturation is the amount of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin in the blood in relation to the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Increasing your oxygen saturation level is fundamental to managing COPD because it is the primary underlying cause of COPD symptoms.

The Inogen One G5 puts out an astounding 1260 ml/min of 90% (+6%/-3%) oxygen meaning it’s more than enough for the majority of COPD patients to experience a healthy oxygen saturation level. What’s more, it also uses something called Intelligent Delivery Technology which ensures that you receive an adequate amount of oxygen with each breath, regardless of how shallow or deep it is.

Unlike patients who use other forms of oxygen therapy for seniors, or none at all, you won’t have to constantly stop to check your blood oxygen levels while using the Inogen One G5. As long as you have a charged battery and you’re using the correct flow setting on your medical oxygen machine, you’ll have nothing to worry about. This will afford you the freedom to go about your daily business without ever having to worry about whether you’re getting enough oxygen or not.

One of the most important reasons to use medical oxygen in COPD patients is because it prevents hypoxia. This is a condition where the body’s tissues aren’t receiving enough oxygen. Short-term hypoxia can lead to body aches like headaches or chest pain, but chronic hypoxia can do serious damage to the tissues throughout your body. 

2.) Keeping Your Symptoms in Check

Another way the Inogen One G5 will improve your freedom and independence is by keeping all of your symptoms in check. Unfortunately, COPD is associated with a number of symptoms including breathlessness, chest pain, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and more. It can get really exhausting and time-consuming trying to come up with new ways to alleviate these symptoms, but with the G5, it will become second nature.

Many COPD patients suffer from something called transient nocturnal desaturation. This is a condition that causes a drop in blood oxygen levels at night. And while it doesn’t cause any immediate symptoms, it can lead to heart or brain damage if it’s left untreated. Sleep apnea is also a known comorbidity of COPD which can further exacerbate these issues.

The bottom line is that portable supplemental oxygen machines like the Inogen One G5 will reduce symptoms like these allowing you to get a more restful night’s sleep, and in turn, accomplish much more during the day. Having normal oxygen saturation levels in your body will ensure that you always have the energy to go about your daily life.

3.) Preventing Exacerbations

Exacerbations are technically a symptom of COPD, but they’re important enough that they should be mentioned separately. An exacerbation is a period of time when COPD symptoms suddenly become worse, and at times, can even be life-threatening.

The most common cause of COPD exacerbations is airborne irritants like cigarette smoke, car exhaust, dust, and pollen. They can also be caused by viral infections, primarily acute respiratory infections that lead to increased inflammation in the lungs and increased mucus production in the airways.

One of the most effective treatment options for a COPD exacerbation is an inhaler or nebulizer because they can be used to administer fast-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids. However, if you’re experiencing an exacerbation, it’s also important to have supplemental oxygen with you. Even patients who don’t use medical oxygen are usually prescribed oxygen after experiencing an exacerbation for a short period of time.

The Inogen One G5 is so light that you’ll be able to take it wherever you go in case of an exacerbation. And if you should experience an exacerbation, your Inogen One G5 will provide you with a steady supply of oxygen that can help you recover more quickly and get to a hospital.  

4.) Improving Exercise Tolerance

Exercise is one of the key components of pulmonary rehabilitation, a program used to improve the lung strength and capacity of COPD patients. Unfortunately, many COPD patients become out of breath too quickly to perform any type of strenuous exercise, but with the help of a powerful and lightweight portable oxygen concentrator like the Inogen One G5, respiratory patients can accomplish more during their workouts.

Pulse flow oxygen concentrators like the G5 are far lighter and much smaller than their continuous flow counterparts. To put this into perspective, the Inogen One G5 weighs 4.7 pounds, while the lightest continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator for seniors, the Respironics SimplyGo weighs in at 10 pounds — that’s less than half its weight!

Another great thing about the Inogen One G5 when it comes to exercise is that you don’t need to wheel it behind you on a cart. Instead, you can sling it over your shoulder using the custom carrying case or any other accessory you’d like to use. In fact, it’s so light that many patients forget it’s even there!

5.) Reducing Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be one of the most debilitating aspects of COPD. While you may experience acute symptoms like chest pain and back pain, chronic pain is the kind that lasts for months or years, and can even be permanent. Chronic pain in COPD is usually associated with hyperinflation, dyspnea, depression and reduced physical activity.

In patients with COPD, hypoxemia (low oxygen saturation levels in the arteries) and hypoxia (low oxygen saturation in tissues) are common. Both of these conditions can lead to chronic pain like headaches and much worse in severe situations.

Unfortunately, you can’t just go out and buy any oxygen concentrator and expect it to meet your oxygen demands. A concentrator that provides too little oxygen could lead to you experiencing hypoxemia or hypoxia, while a concentrator that’s delivering too much oxygen will cause something called hyperoxia (too much oxygen in the body).

The Inogen One G5 offers the highest oxygen output of any pulse dose oxygen concentrator on the market. However, if you need to use a lower setting, you can easily do so by using the arrow buttons on the oxygen concentrator control panel. There’s no understating how much freedom and independence this offers you, especially when you’re out and about and don’t want to have to mess with your concentrator. 

6.) Reducing Your Dependence on Loved Ones

Whether you rely on your daughter, son, sister, or brother to help you make it to doctor’s visits or anything else related to COPD, most people would do anything to reduce their dependence on their loved ones. While you can show them as much appreciation as possible, sometimes it’s best to just be able to do things on your own again.

The problem with other types of oxygen therapy devices like continuous flow concentrators and oxygen tanks is that they’re very heavy and difficult to carry. Many people who use these instead of pulse flow units need to use a wheelchair or wheel their medical oxygen behind them on a cart. Oftentimes, this is not feasible for oxygen patients so they need the help of a loved one.

On the other hand, the Inogen One G5 weighs only 4.7 pounds and can be slung over your shoulder with the G5 custom carrying case or worn on your back using the G5 backpack. These Inogen One G5 accessories are specifically designed for your convenience and have adjustable straps to make them more comfortable to carry.

Another way the G5 will reduce your dependence on loved ones is because it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance or cleaning. It’s recommended that you remove the particle filters every week or two in order to wash them and you should wipe down your whole device occasionally to prevent spreading bacteria, however, these things are very easy to do. If you’d like to learn more about cleaning your Inogen One G5, read this post.  

7.) Preventing Hospital Visits

Nobody likes going to the hospital, especially when it means being stuck in a patient recovery room for days or weeks on end. COPD patients are usually admitted to hospitals for exacerbations due to lung infections or airborne irritants, however, it’s not uncommon for someone to find themself in a hospital bed due to hypoxia or hypoxemia either.

The Inogen One G5 will help prevent the need for hospital visits by providing you with a reliable source of oxygen wherever you go. And if you do get admitted to a hospital, you may get released earlier if the doctor knows that you have a reliable source of oxygen that you can use. 

8.) Keeping You Out of the House Longer

One of the main problems that people have with COPD is that it keeps them house-bound and oftentimes, bed-ridden. What this means is that you won’t be able to get outside and do all the things you love to do like visiting family members, taking a walk through the park, or going out for dinner.

Most portable oxygen concentrators on the market don’t offer you the freedom to stay out of the house for extended periods of time because they have very short battery lives. Oxygen tanks don’t offer very much oxygen either and if you ever run out, you’ll need to either have a backup tank or go to visit a refill station before continuing on with your day.

The Inogen One G5, on the other hand, gets an incredible 13.5 hours of battery life with the double battery on the lowest flow setting and up to 6.5 hours with the single battery. That’s more than enough to last you through the day but if you want more, the G5 is light enough that you should have no problems carrying an extra battery or two in your purse or backpack. Swapping the batteries out is as easy as pulling the tab on the side of the device and pushing the new battery on until it clicks into place.

9.) Allowing You to Go More Places

While staying out for longer is certainly important, it doesn’t mean much unless you can actually go to the places that you want to go to. For many years, oxygen therapy machines have been bulky devices that could only be transported with a carrying cart or wheelchair. What this meant is that there were certain places that were off-limits for oxygen patients. 

For example, it was difficult or impossible for oxygen patients to ride the bus or the subway because that would mean having to lift the oxygen tank or bring it into a crowded area where it doesn’t fit. There’s also a chance that the device could become damaged. For example, the regulator on oxygen tanks is fragile and could break or cause injury if you’re not careful.

The great part about the Inogen One G5 is that it has such a small form factor, you won’t have a problem taking it wherever you go. It’s not bulky and it doesn’t have to be wheeled around so you won’t have to worry about having to strain your back to lift it over a curb or into a bus or car.

Another way it allows you to go more places is because it’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use. The FAA is an organization that oversees the safety, efficiency, and affordability of the commercial aviation industry in the United States. Other oxygen therapy devices like oxygen tanks and continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators are not approved by them because they are too bulky to store safely and oxygen tanks are a major fire hazard.

The Inogen One G5 is FAA approved because it is small, light, and doesn’t have any compressed oxygen like an oxygen tank does. You’ll be able to store it under the seat in front of you while the plane is taking off and landing, and if you need to go to the bathroom, you’ll be able to take your oxygen concentrator without disturbing other people on the plane. 

10.) Saving You Money

Money is tight in this day and age so any little bit that you can save will go a long way. Saving money on an oxygen concentrator like the G5 will allow you more freedom to spend money on other things that you want or need like groceries or a new phone. 

Despite being one of the most advanced portable oxygen machines available, it has a pretty low price point compared to most other pulse flow and continuous flow concentrators. Since it’s the newest concentrator by Inogen, it’s fully supported and replacement parts are widely available.

Each Inogen One G5 device comes with a 3-year warranty, so if it ever has any issues, you’ll be able to send it in to the manufacturer and have it repaired at no cost to you. However, it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to do this because Inogen is known for their high-quality devices with extremely low failure rates.

The Inogen One G5 is much cheaper than oxygen tanks because it has an infinite supply of oxygen. Oxygen tanks need to be refilled every day or two which can be very costly. If you don’t want to go to an oxygen supply store, you can purchase your own home concentrator to fill your tanks, but this is just another cost and it can be time-consuming as well.

11.) Improving Your Happiness and Well-being

At the end of the day, your happiness and well-being are the two most important things. When you’re happy and positive about your life, you’re going to feel more free and independent. And when you feel more independent and free, your happiness will in turn increase. It’s a two-way road, and the Inogen One G5 complements this lifestyle perfectly.  

It feels so much better to use an oxygen machine that’s lightweight, small, and easy to use because you know that it’s one of the best products offered in the industry. While you could suffer with a bulky continuous flow unit or oxygen tank just to save a few bucks up front, in the long run, you will actually be losing more money and you’ll have to live with regret knowing that you could’ve bought a better unit.

Conclusion

The Inogen One G5 is a top-rated portable oxygen concentrator. Out of all the great machines on the market like the Respironics SimplyGo, the AirSep Focus, and the SeQual Equinox, the G5 remains one of the best units that money can buy. While the G5 isn’t necessarily the best unit for everyone, it is the best unit for the greatest number of people.

Freedom and independence are two major selling points for Inogen units. When Inogen came into the portable oxygen scene in the early 2000s, there weren’t very many options in the way of lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective machines. Since then, however, they’ve continued to set the standard for portable oxygen concentrators with each unit that they release. If you need more help choosing a POC, read our post titled, “The Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2020.”

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe one of two different respiratory ailments: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The former is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes and the latter is characterized by damaged alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs that are responsible for the transmission of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood.

When COPD is diagnosed, patients aren’t simply given a “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan. Instead, doctors will look at several different variables such as how developed the COPD is, where it’s located, and what caused it. By doing so, he/she will be able to create a treatment plan that is customized to your specific condition.

In this post, we’re going to be looking at the early stages of COPD. This is commonly referred to by medical professionals as “stage 1 COPD” because it’s when the signs of COPD first start to emerge. If you’re diagnosed during this stage, there are several things you should know, so stay tuned to find out, and be sure to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

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Symptoms of Early-Stage COPD

1.) You’re Not Alone

Did you know that about 16.4 million people in the United States have COPD and an estimated 328 million people have COPD worldwide? While it’s easy to feel alone when you’re diagnosed, in reality, it’s one of the most prevalent health conditions in the world ahead of lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and even Alzheimer’s disease. 

Unfortunately, most COPD patients don’t get this impression from watching the news, reading the paper, or simply going about their daily lives. Despite how common COPD is, it sorely under-discussed and underfunded. What’s more, there seems to be a general lack of understanding of what COPD even is.

According to the National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Experience (COPDE) Survey, 60 percent of respondents reported not having an action plan for dealing with exacerbations and 16 percent reported not even knowing what a COPD exacerbation was. Another study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that only about 50 percent of current or previous smokers surveyed knew what COPD was. 

It’s difficult to say why COPD has less awareness in the general population and among smokers than other lung diseases, but there are definitely some likely causes. For starters, cancer often takes the spotlight these days. Cancer is one of the most talked-about chronic illnesses in this day and age. It’s the second-leading cause of death in the country, but only about one-fourth of the total cancer deaths are caused by lung cancer. This could lead to people unknowingly inflating the prevalence of lung cancer.

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Another potential cause of the lack of awareness for COPD is the way it develops. While COPD tends to develop very slowly over the course of many years, lung cancer is often the opposite. Lung cancer is often considered to be one of the fastest-growing cancers and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, in particular, often die after just 5 years. Another problem with lung cancer is its tendency to spread to other parts of the body.

Finally, you need to consider the fact that COPD is often affected by diagnostic error. In other words, someone may have COPD and not know it, or they might visit a doctor for their symptoms and get diagnosed with a condition other than COPD such as asthma or pulmonary fibrosis. Studies suggest that about one-fifth of smokers over the age of 40 show signs of COPD, but millions of them do not receive a diagnosis.   

When you take all of these factors into consideration, along with the fact that lung cancer and COPD share the same awareness month (November), it’s not hard to see how COPD can often be overshadowed. It’s important to not diminish the awareness surrounding lung cancer because it is a very serious disease, however, it’s also important for COPD patients to know how common their illness is. What’s more, errors in spirometry testing can also lead to misdiagnosis of COPD.

2.) There is an Active COPD Support Community

Now that you’re aware of how common COPD is, you’re likely wondering what options you’ll have to get involved in the community. Luckily, there are a whole host of COPD communities out there composed of COPD patients, caretakers, researchers, medical specialists, medical device manufacturers, and more. And with how connected modern technology is, you’ll be surprised to find just how easy it is to get started.

We made a blog post in the past that covers this topic in detail, however, we’ll summarize its points here for your convenience. In simple terms, a COPD community is a place for people with COPD to come together to support each other and raise awareness for the problems they face. COPD communities can either be organized by an individual like a patient or a caretaker, or they can be created by an organization.

For example, the COPD Foundation created an online COPD forum called COPD360 Social. This forum is designed to connect and foster communication between COPD patients, healthcare professionals, caretakers, academic institutions, and researchers in order to aid in COPD prevention and management. Like other forums on the internet, COPD360 Social has a badge system that allows you to upvote a user’s responses. This way, the community decides which users are the most helpful and trusted. In order to make this platform accessible to people all across the world, it’s 100% free to use.

Another COPD organization that offers an online community is the American Lung Association. While the ALA puts a lot of their focus on lung cancer and creating cleaner air for future generations, they also host an online forum similar to the one offered by the COPD Foundation. The forum is accessed through Inspire.com. One of it’s best features is that it has a mobile application meaning you can access it via your phone or tablet from anywhere in the world. 

One final COPD organization you should be aware of if you’ve just been diagnosed with early-stage COPD is COPD.net. This forum is hosted by Health Union, a social media platform designed to leverage technology to create more productive, impactful, and meaningful conversations between people with chronic illnesses. When you subscribe to COPD.net’s Help Center, you’ll receive weekly surveys and research opportunities, an e-newsletter, and you’ll be given access to the Q&A tool online.

Another great way to get involved is through social media sites. Facebook, for example, has a feature called “groups” that can be created or joined by any user. These groups are designed to bring people together to discuss specific topics and there are hundreds of them that discuss respiratory illness, smoking cessation, and other topics relevant to COPD patients. Getting started is easy. Simply go up to the search bar and type in the topic that interests you. Then click on “groups” and it will display a list of results. You can then join any group you want and begin conversing with other likeminded people.

Becoming involved in the community is extremely important for COPD patients, no matter what stage of their lives they’re in. A study published in PubMed, a public access journal, found that — regardless of the severity of COPD — most patients feel a strong desire to feel involved in social gatherings like holidays, one-on-one communication, or social media interactions. In other words, being engaged rather than simply participating gave them more of a sense of purpose in their daily lives. 

3.) COPD Can’t Be Reversed, But it Can be Treated

One thing many people do when they’re first diagnosed with COPD is they immediately start searching for a cure. Unfortunately, COPD is not like an infection that can be cured with antibiotics and it’s not like a headache that will go away with time. COPD is permanent and it’s progressive meaning it can only get worse.

While this may seem like a pretty grim reality, it’s actually not! If you’re careful to implement effective lifestyle changes you’ll be able to drastically slow the progression of your disease, reduce respiratory symptoms, and experience peace of mind. But in order to make these changes, you need to know a little about COPD and what causes it.

COPD is the result of chronic inflammation in the lungs and airways. 85 to 90 percent of COPD cases are the result of cigarette smoking, but there is also a condition called Alpha-1 deficiency that leads to the onset of COPD in non-smokers. Alpha-1 is a protein that regulates immune reactions in the lungs, and when it’s not produced in high enough quantities, it can make your lungs vulnerable to permanent damage.

Over time, this inflammation becomes worse and further impairs your breathing so it’s imperative that you avoid anything that could irritate it such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, or any other type of air pollution. It’s also important to avoid infection because this is the leading cause of COPD exacerbations (when symptoms rapidly get worse).

Supplemental oxygen therapy is one of the best ways to stabilize your condition, reduce respiratory symptoms, and improve your life expectancy. In the past, COPD patients would need to carry around bulky oxygen tanks, but portable oxygen concentrators have since replaced them as a lightweight and more convenient alternative.

Another key component of a COPD treatment plan is pulmonary rehabilitation. This is similar to how you would go through a physical therapy course if you sustained an injury to your legs or back but it focuses on the lungs. Not only will pulmonary rehab show you how to exercise effectively with COPD, but you will learn important lessons about how your lungs function and how to keep them healthy.  

Last but certainly not least is the dietary component of your treatment plan. While it may not seem like your diet would have an immense impact on COPD progression, it actually does. Evidence suggests that antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties that have positive effects on people with COPD and asthma. Similar studies also found that soluble fiber intake has the potential to protect against airways inflammation.

Conversely, foods that lead to weight gain, obesity, and fatigue can all add to your COPD symptoms. Studies have found that obesity can lead to alterations in immune function, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood). However, being underweight with COPD has its problems as well, so a healthy weight should be your goal.

Supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehab, and diet are a few, but not the only methods of treating COPD. Above all, you should be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms so that he/she can create a treatment plan that’s based on your needs.  

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4.) It’s the Best Time to Quit Smoking

If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to quit smoking. As aforementioned, 85 to 90 percent of COPD cases are caused by smoking but it’s also important to remember that the majority of people who smoke are never diagnosed with COPD. Rather, they develop other chronic diseases such as lung cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, smokers have a 70 percent higher risk of dying from coronary artery disease than nonsmokers.

Since smoking causes COPD, it can also make COPD symptoms worse by increasing the rate of inflammation in the lungs and airways. Smoking is known as an immunosuppressant drug meaning it reduces your body’s ability to prevent infection temporarily. Since infection is the leading cause of COPD exacerbation and we’re in the middle of a pandemic, smoking is the last thing you want to do!

5.) It’s the Best Time To Implement Long-Term Goals

Many people go their whole lives without implementing long-term goals. This can be very detrimental if you want to achieve your full potential, especially when it comes to your health. Whether you’ve been a long-term planner before or you’ve always stuck to short-term goals, there’s never been a better time to start.

As we’ve already established, smoking cessation should be your first goal, but ideally, this should be a short-term goal because immediate cessation is will help you better achieve your long-term goals. But aside from this, your first goal should be to create a COPD action plan and implement it successfully. 

A COPD action plan is a personalized plan for managing your symptoms and exacerbations. For example, it could remind you how much you need to exercise each day or what foods you need to avoid in order to prevent respiratory flare-ups. We made a whole blog post about this subject so don’t hesitate to check it out.

6.) It’s Not the End

The last, but probably most important thing you should know about early-stage COPD is that it does not signify “the end” of your life. Not only that, but it is not even the beginning of the end. While being diagnosed with COPD is certainly not a positive experience, it is possible to achieve a positive outlook by changing your mindset and practicing healthy habits.

One positive thing to focus on is that COPD patients enjoy a far greater life expectancy than people with other chronic diseases. On average, a current smoker with stage 1 COPD has a life expectancy of 14 years. Compare this to the 50 percent of heart disease patients who live past 5 years or the 16 to 24-month median survival rate for small-cell lung cancer patients. 

But it’s not just about survival rate, it’s also about quality of life. COPD patients who implement effective and proven treatment strategies like supplemental oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and an improved diet see improved quality of life. 

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Final Thoughts

COPD is a serious debilitating disease, but it is by no means the final straw. Even if you have been diagnosed with early-stage COPD, you have a lot of life to live and it can be enhanced by closely adhering to your doctor’s instructions.

In the meantime, getting involved in the COPD community, taking care of your mental health, and quitting smoking are all important steps to take after you receive a diagnosis. Doing so will ensure that you live a long, happy, and fulfilling life.