We are writing this article to answer the million dollar question: Are portable oxygen concentrators worth the upfront costs? 

To clarify, we are a medical equipment company in Denver Colorado, and our specialty is in portable oxygen concentrators (POC). We work closely with these devices everyday along with the folks and families that need them. It is our number one priority to educate, execute, ensure. This means educating everyone that calls, messages, emails, or comments with inquiries about our oxygen devices. Executing the sales process effectively and efficiently, so our customers can get their oxygen device as soon as possible. And lastly ensuring that all of our customers are happy, satisfied, and taking full advantage of their oxygen device.

Whether this is your first time in the market for an oxygen machine or you’re looking to upgrade your old, outdated oxygen tank, there’s never been a better time to look into oxygen concentrators. Unlike oxygen tanks which offer very little in the way of options, you may find yourself slightly overwhelmed by everything that concentrators have to offer. 

Usually, the best place to start is to simply understand what you want out of an oxygen device. For example, you may want a unit that you can take on a plane with you or on a road trip across the county. Or you might be looking for an oxygen concentrator that’s quiet enough to take to the library or a church service.

Regardless of your preferences, however,  there are certain qualities that everyone should look for in an oxygen concentrator. In this post, we’ll discuss the most important things to look for and why. If you have any questions, be sure to address them in the comments section or fill out the contact form at the side of the screen so that one of our respiratory specialists can reach out to you.

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Backed by a Reputable Brand

Easily one of the most important things to look for in an oxygen concentrator is that it’s backed by a reputable brand. In this day and age, it’s possible for anyone to get online and start selling things. While this may be beneficial if you’re wanting to start a business, it makes it much more difficult for buyers to gauge which sellers are reputable and which ones are not.

When it comes to oxygen concentrators, this issue is amplified. Respiratory patients want to find reliable medical equipment that will meet their oxygen needs, but at the same time, they’re unacquainted with the industry and how it works. This can lead to people investing in untrusted or inexperienced oxygen brands.

Fortunately, there’s a great way to avoid this problem: take the time to research reputable oxygen companies before looking at specific oxygen concentrators. The most respected brands tend to be companies with 5 or more years of experience producing medical equipment like CPAP or BiPAP machines, oxygen equipment, and oxygen accessories. They also tend to have positive reviews from customers on their social media pages and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

If you don’t want to take the time to research each company, you can reach out to an authorized oxygen reseller like LPT Medical. We have an A+ rating with the BBB and we’re committed to only selling oxygen equipment from the most reputable brands in the industry. In fact, our most popular brand, Inogen Inc. is widely considered to be the best portable oxygen concentrator manufacturing company in the industry.

There are many other great oxygen concentrator companies out there such as AirSep, which is known for creating the lightest portable oxygen concentrator in the world. Respironics, inc. is another well-known oxygen concentrator company that got its start in the 1970s selling CPAP and BiPAP machines.  

Oxygen Output

The second most important thing to look for in an oxygen concentrator is its total oxygen output. Unlike oxygen tanks which can be adjusted to any oxygen output that you need, oxygen concentrators are slightly more limited. So, when you’re buying an oxygen concentrator, you need to first make sure that the device is able to maintain your oxygen saturation. The good news is that there is an oxygen concentrator for just about everyone out there, no matter how severely their lungs are impaired.

First and foremost, you should ask your doctor or pulmonologist how many liters or milliliters of oxygen you will need per minute. Also, be sure to ask him/her whether continuous flow or pulse flow would be best. A continuous flow oxygen concentrator works similar to an oxygen tank where oxygen is put out in a constant stream, whereas pulse dose concentrators only put out oxygen when you inhale.    

Once this is done, you can start to weed out oxygen concentrators based on whether they meet your needs or not. This can be a difficult process, so it’s best to simply call one of our respiratory specialists who will be able to sort it all out for you and provide you with a list of options that will work best for you.

Portability

Portability refers to how easily a device can be moved around and carried. Oxygen concentrators vary widely in terms of portability because they’re all built differently. Home oxygen concentrators, for example, weigh anywhere from 18 to 50 pounds making them impractical for taking with you outside. They also need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to be used. However, they do have wheels on the bottom of them so that you can transport them from one place to another.

Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators are much more manageable, weighing in around 10 to 20 pounds. This makes them much more practical for taking out of the home with you, and since they don’t need to be plugged into the wall at all times, they will provide you with much more freedom and independence.

Finally, pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators are the lightest and most portable oxygen devices on the planet. Due to additional technology inside these devices, oxygen manufacturers can make them much smaller, lighter, and more manageable all around. The average pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator weighs under 6 pounds making them perfect for carrying on your shoulder or in a backpack.

Battery Life

Battery life is another major factor to consider when you’re purchasing an oxygen concentrator. As you can imagine, battery life varies widely based on the size of the concentrator, delivery type, and the oxygen setting that you’re using. Generally speaking, continuous flow oxygen concentrators have a shorter battery life than pulse flow oxygen concentrators because they put out more oxygen. Also, the higher the oxygen setting you’re using, the less battery life you will have.

 Everyone will have different needs when it comes to battery life. For example, someone who just wants to be able to go to the grocery store or visit a friend may only need a few hours of battery life. Whereas someone who wants to be able to take long flights across the country will need much more battery life.

Your oxygen needs are also an important factor. The double battery for the Inogen One G5, for example, can last up to 13 hours on a flow setting of 1. However, if you need to use a setting of 6, it will last only about 3 hours. If you want to, you can even carry extra fully charged batteries with you wherever you go and simply replace them when they get low. 

Ease of Use

One problem that many oxygen patients report about oxygen tanks is that they’re difficult to use. Components can often be fragile or fidgety making it difficult for patients to know whether they’re getting the oxygen they need. What’s more, if something goes wrong with it, it may be difficult or impossible to fix problems on the fly without the help of an expert.

Fortunately, oxygen concentrators are usually not like this. Depending on the oxygen company that you buy from, you can expect your oxygen device to last anywhere between 5 to 7 years with very little maintenance. Most oxygen concentrators have at the very least a 3-year warranty meaning if there are any defects within that time period, you can send it back for free repairs or a full replacement.

Since oxygen concentrators are electronic devices, you’re going to want to find one that has a simple and easy-to-use interface. The Inogen One G5, for example, only has five buttons on it; two to control the oxygen flow; one to turn the device on or off; one to control the volume; and one to change the alarm settings. This is ideal for people who are always on the go because you never have to hassle with checking the manual constantly to figure out how to operate the device.

Another thing to look out for when it comes to ease-of-use is the battery. Oxygen generators like the Inogen One G3 and Inogen One G4 have very accessible batteries that can easily be replaced when you’re on the go. However, other concentrators have built-in batteries that can be much more difficult to replace. 

Cost

Cost is never an easy subject to discuss when it comes to choosing an oxygen concentrator. On one hand, you want to get a high-quality oxygen device that will last you for years to come, but on the other, you don’t want to break the bank and spend more money than your budget allows. Oxygen concentrators differ from oxygen tanks in that they’re a lot more costly to produce, but in the long run, they can save you a substantial amount of money.

Think about it this way: a standard oxygen tank will only run you a couple of hundred dollars, but you’ll need to pay to have the tank refilled several times a week. This can easily run you hundreds or thousands of dollars a year depending on how much oxygen you use. Alternatively, if you choose to fill your own oxygen tanks, you’ll need a home fill station. These can easily run you $2,000 or more depending on where you buy from.

While oxygen concentrators have higher upfront costs, they more than make up for the cost over years of use. Unlike oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators don’t need to be refilled. Simply recharge the battery and you’ll have access to oxygen wherever you need it. There isn’t much in the way of short- or long-term maintenance for most oxygen concentrators because they’re built to be durable and hassle-free. It is recommended, however, that you clean the air filters regularly because this will ensure the device is free of dirt and grime that could reduce its lifespan.

When you decide that oxygen concentrators are the best choice for you, you’ll have several different ways of saving money. First and foremost, you can purchase a used or refurbished oxygen concentrator. Refurbished machines are typically sent back to the manufacturer or a specialized retailer who can check the machine for damage and make repairs. 

Another way to save money on an oxygen concentrator is to wait for a sale. This can be a great way to save a couple of hundred dollars on a new or used machine, but it’s important to remember to keep your health top of mind. It’s not worth waiting months or years for the right sale if it means putting your health at risk.

Lastly, some retailers will give you the option to pay for your oxygen concentrator through financing. This is the perfect way to pay for your oxygen device in a more manageable way through monthly installments. The one catch to using financing is that it usually requires a credit check, so if you have bad credit, you’ll need to find a friend or family member who does. 

Additional Features

If you’ve taken the time to narrow down your search to several concentrators, it’s time to look into the additional features that the oxygen concentrator offers. By “additional features” we’re referring to things that aren’t necessary but may offer additional convenience or comfort. For example, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator with something called CAIREview™.

CAIREview™ is a telehealth service that allows oxygen patients to stay connected wherever they are in the world. Powered by SynsorMed, this is a cost-effective oxygen tracking method that can be accessed by you, your doctor and your oxygen provider and provides detailed information about your oxygen usage including:

• Tracking the location of your CAIRE oxygen device
• Monitoring oxygen flow rates
• Troubleshoot alerts and email alerts
• Ensure proper equipment utilization  

The great thing about CAIREview is that it’s one of the first telehealth options for patients who rely on oxygen throughout their day-to-day lives. In the past, doctors would provide patients with instructions for how much oxygen to use and when, but there was no effective way to ensure this was being done properly. CAIREview allows doctors to have 24/7 up-to-date information about their patient’s usage over a secure network. To get started, simply install the app on your smartphone and follow the instructions to connect to your Caire FreeStyle Comfort.

Another additional feature you may be interested in is the Inogen Connect. Like CAIREview, this is a mobile phone application that you install and connect to your concentrator via Bluetooth technology. Once it’s connected to your Inogen One G4 or Inogen One G5 device, you’ll be able to track realtime information about your oxygen concentrator including battery life and flow setting. You’ll even be able to access your device’s user manual and view troubleshooting information which can be very convenient if you’re away from home. Unlike CAIREview, however, Inogen Connect does not send information directly to your doctor or oxygen provider.

In the grand scheme of things, telehealth is a pretty new concept. However, oxygen companies like Inogen Inc. and Caire Inc. are taking steps to make these services more widely available to oxygen users all over the world. Telehealth services have proven especially useful in ensuring that everyone’s health is accounted for even given the current circumstances. If you’d like to learn more about telehealth services and how they’re improving the lives of COPD patients, check out this blog post.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right oxygen concentrator is not always easy. Everyone has different wants and needs, so it’s impossible to provide a one size fits all solution and call it a day. If you’re just beginning your search, it’s imperative that you speak with your doctor or pulmonologist to see exactly how much oxygen you need and how often you need to use it.

Once this is done, you can start researching oxygen companies and retailers to determine which one is the most dependable. Be aware that you need to have a prescription from your doctor in order to purchase any type of oxygen device, so if you’re offered a “cheap” oxygen concentrator without providing proof of oxygen use, it’s likely a scam.

If you’re still having trouble finding the right oxygen concentrator, don’t be afraid to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. We’ll walk you through all of your options ensuring that both your medical needs and your personal preferences are taken into account. To get started, simply fill out the contact form at the side of the page and we’ll reach out to you.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to define two different types of lung disease: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The former is a condition that impairs the bronchioles, the airway tubes that lead into the lungs. The latter affects the tiny air sacs in the lungs called the alveoli. These are responsible for the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the bloodstream. Both chronic bronchitis and emphysema are called “obstructive” diseases because they make it more difficult for the patient to expel air from the lungs, thus leading to a buildup of CO2 in the blood.

When a patient is diagnosed with COPD, they’re typically prescribed a standardized treatment plan including but not limited to supplemental oxygen therapy, a specialized diet, pulmonary rehabilitation, and breathing exercises. These are all clinically proven techniques that will help to prevent breathlessness, chest pain, and improve long-term prognosis. While most COPD patients adhere to these well-researched practices, some people look for additional “home remedies” to treat their disease. These are usually referred to as “alternative therapies.”

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Here at LPT Medical, we don’t advise using any type of alternative therapy unless it’s explicitly approved by your doctor or pulmonologist. Some alternative therapies and medications are touted as “cure-alls” or “cheap alternatives” to standardized medications, but more often than not, they don’t live up to their hype and they can even result in further damage to your lungs. In this post, we’re going to tell you all about the alternative therapy called halotherapy, or more commonly known as salt therapy. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

What is Halotherapy and How is it Used?

The term “halotherapy” comes from the Greek word “halos” meaning “salt.” In other words, it’s the use of salt as a therapy for a variety of different ailments. The idea of using salt as a type of therapy is believed to have originated in Europe several hundred years ago. Miners, who are known to contract deadly lung diseases (pneumoconiosis) like black lung and silicosis due to their exposure to mineral dust, did not experience the same effects when they worked in salt mines. Rather, salt mine workers appeared to thrive and experience great lung and skin health.

It wasn’t until 1826 that the first salt therapy facility was opened by a Polish physician named Feliks Boczkowski. At this treatment facility, he offered salt baths from naturally occurring underground brine. After World War II, Dr. K.H. Spannahel created a systemic approach to the climatological conditions of salt caves and attempted to confirm their medical effectiveness. Together, these two physicians helped to lay the foundation of modern speleotherapy (salt cave therapy).

Nowadays, there are many different types of salt therapy used to treat a variety of different conditions. Below are just a few:

Wet Salt Therapy

This therapy got its name because it involves the use of salt combined with water vapor. Wet salt therapy is one of the most common types of salt therapy and it’s also one of the easiest and most accessible for most people. It includes things like salt scrubs, salt baths, salt nebulizers, and saline solutions. 

Dry Salt Therapy

This is a type of salt therapy that is completely void of moisture or humidity. This is considered the most “traditional” type of salt therapy and it includes salt caves, salt grottos, salt rooms, and salt chambers. Dry salt therapy is said to have many benefits for the body including improved breathing and softer skin.

Speleotherapy

“Speleo” is derived from the Greek word spḗlaion meaning caves. Speleotherapy is a type of salt therapy that involves going into naturally occurring caves below the earth’s surface. It’s believed that the natural climate and environment of these caves is great for treating respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Active Salt Rooms

This type of salt room uses a halogenerator. This is a device that crushes pure sodium chloride into a fine powder that can be dispersed as an aerosol into the room. This is done in a confined room where the amount of salt in the air can be closely monitored by a specialist. The climate and humidity of these rooms are also closely monitored. 

Passive Salt Rooms

This is similar to active salt rooms but there is no halogenerator that puts out salt particles in the air. Rather, a passive salt room simply has blocks of various types of salt including Himalayan, Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Rock salt, and they’re designed to mimic the effects of being in an actual naturally occurring salt cave. Many people claim that having large quantities of salt like this in a confined space creates positive energy frequencies and a clean-air environment. This is also a major selling point for products like salt lamps which are very popular nowadays.

Can COPD Patients Benefit from Salt Therapy?

Now that you know a little bit about what salt therapy is, you’re probably wondering if there are any proven benefits for COPD patients. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” answer to this. Despite being around for hundreds of years, there isn’t a significant amount of research done on the topic, and many health experts have conflicting opinions about how it should be used, or if it should even be used at all.

The reason salt therapy is associated with COPD in the first place is because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Hundreds of years ago, before the invention of refrigerators, salt was used to preserve meat. This worked because salt draws the moisture out and prevents harmful bacteria from forming. Proponents of salt therapy believe this can also benefit the respiratory system of COPD and asthma patients by killing harmful bacteria that could lead to infection. 

Proponents of salt therapy also claim that salt can reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, loosen excess mucus, and reduce immune system oversensitivity, all of which are symptoms of COPD. However, most of these claims have very little evidence backing them up and many studies have even shown that salt therapy can actually exacerbate the issues above rather than help to cure them.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), inhaling concentrated salts (hypertonic saline) or any crystalloid solution containing more than 0.9% saline is proven to make asthma and COPD worse by irritating the airways, increasing mucus production, and causing a cough. As such, it’s important to understand the concentration of salt in the therapy you’re receiving.  

Another important thing to note is that the popularity of salt therapy does not affirm its efficacy. Just turning on your TV or browsing the internet, you’re likely to see advertisements for salt therapy caves, salt lamps, and salt inhalers, and you likely hear claims that they can cure chronic illness, but this doesn’t make them true. Since salt therapy is not classified as an FDA approved medication, it’s also not regulated the way that your traditional COPD medication is. 

That doesn’t make them completely immune to responsibility, however. With the advent of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), salt therapy companies have been under close watch by the FDA when it comes to the claims they make about their products. Some salt therapy companies have made wild claims about their products curing or treating COVID-19 when there is little or no evidence to suggest this is the case. If you’d like to learn more about how these types of products are regulated, read through our post about dietary supplements.

Last but certainly not least, there’s a problem with a placebo effect concerning salt therapy. A lot of the research on salt therapy has been inconclusive because it’s based on anecdotal evidence. In other words, many patients are reporting that salt therapy is beneficial to their health, but there is little evidence to suggest there was a physical change to their disease. Rather they have an expectation that something will change, so that’s what they believe. This is a great selling point for many salt therapy companies because, generally speaking, people trust the opinion of others.

Should COPD Patients Use Salt Therapy?

The most important thing to remember when it comes to alternative therapies or home remedies is to always consult your doctor first. Your doctor may have additional insight into why you should or should not be using salt therapy and he/she will help you weigh the risks. You should also do research on the specific salt cave that you want to visit. While some of these places are sanitized regularly, others are teeming with bacteria which could increase your risk of respiratory infection.

It’s also important to weigh the risks of different types of salt therapy. For example, salt therapy caves or chambers are designed to have a very high saline concentration, so it’s more likely this type of therapy could exacerbate your symptoms. Conversely, simply having a salt lamp around your home is unlikely to result in a high concentration of salt in the air, so you can assume that they’re safe to use. Just don’t expect there to be any significant benefits for managing your disease.

What Should COPD Patients be Doing Instead of Salt Therapy?

While it may be tempting to join in on a fad like salt therapy, the best way to treat your COPD symptoms is with traditional methods that have been researched for hundreds of years and backed by thousands of different studies. Let’s take a look at each of these treatment options.

An Improved Diet

Your lungs play an extremely important role in a process called cellular respiration. This is a set of metabolic reactions in the cells of your body that convert chemical energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In other words, the oxygen that your lungs take in is directly linked to the breakdown of nutrients in your body and it’s absolutely necessary for your body to produce energy that it can use. One of the most important things to note as a COPD patient is that certain foods create more waste products (carbon dioxide) than others do which can make breathing even more difficult.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Whether you’re young, old, sick, or healthy, exercising improves blood flow, heart strength, and reduces your risk of life-threatening conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a type of exercise that’s specifically designed for people with COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases because it’s focused on strengthening the lungs, reducing breathlessness, managing weight, and preventing exacerbations. Learn more about how pulmonary rehab works in this post.

Supplemental Oxygen Therapy

Another standard treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is supplemental oxygen therapy. Since COPD patients have less efficient lungs than the general population, oxygen therapy is designed to supply them with a higher concentration of oxygen. In turn, this will alleviate difficulty breathing, ensure blood oxygen levels remain stable and help to prevent exacerbations and other complications. Many people are intimidated by oxygen therapy because they believe it will prevent them from getting around and living life on their own terms.

Fortunately, this is not necessarily the case. While older outdated oxygen devices like oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks can be bulky and difficult to maneuver, they’ve since been replaced by lightweight portable oxygen concentrators. Unlike oxygen tanks, concentrators are battery-powered machines that never need to be refilled by an oxygen company. They’re also fully approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), so you’ll never have to worry about being restricted in where you can travel. For more information on portable oxygen concentrators, be sure to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking cessation can be one of the greatest challenges for many COPD patients. Some people have smoked for decades, so being faced with a COPD diagnosis and the task of quitting immediately, it can be somewhat overwhelming. However, it’s also the single most important thing you can do to alleviate your symptoms and ensure the best long-term prognosis of your disease. Several months ago, we wrote a three-part guide on smoking cessation and recovery so be sure to check it out if you’re interested.

Inhaled Therapy

It’s important not to confuse “oxygen therapy” and “inhaled therapy.” Oxygen therapy is meant to increase blood oxygen levels whereas inhaled therapy is meant to administer COPD medication via a mist called “aerosol.” By inhaling medication rather than taking it orally, you’ll experience greater benefits and you’ll experience the effects almost immediately. Inhaled therapy is usually administered through either an inhaler or a nebulizer device.

Conclusion

While salt therapy (halotherapy) is a trendy topic these days, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an effective treatment option for COPD. Although salt therapy has been around for hundreds of years, it’s surprisingly understudied and there is very little empirical evidence to go off of. With that being said, salt therapy has been found to be rather safe as long as you’re not exposed to it in high quantities.

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Regardless of what you’re trying to change with your COPD treatment plan, you should always consult your doctor first. He/she may want to take a look at your medical history before determining if it’s safe for you to use salt therapy, or may completely advise against it if there’s a chance it could make your symptoms even worse. You should also take time to plan your day ensuring that you’re focusing on things that you know will improve your symptoms.

It is 2021, and no matter who you are, your life was most likely impacted by the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus first exposed late in 2019 (COVID-19). This virus is the most dangerous for humans when it infects your respiratory system, so this is obviously frightening for people with COPD and other underlying health conditions and immunodeficiencies.

There is much more that is unknown about the virus than there is any information that is definitive. How fast it spreads, how easily transmittable it is, and so much more will be under scientific scrutiny for months even years to come.

COVID-19 and COPD recommendations  

This means that if you have COPD or any respiratory aliment or immunodeficiency it is recommended by medical professionals all over the world, that you especially need to take care to adhere to guidelines and other health related advice.

This means limiting your travel or vacation plans, maintaining social distancing recommendations of at least 6 feet apart, among other requirements.

You might have had plans this year to visit the grandkids, or they were coming to visit you, maybe you were embarking on an adventure, or a relaxing getaway, or maybe you had no plans at all, but are finding the reality of a global pandemic lifestyle unfulfilling.

No matter how serious your COPD is, there are ways you can maintain a positive livelihood without being exposed to COVID-19. Here are the best ways to enjoy this year safely in the midst of a global pandemic if you are immunocompromised or suffer from a respiratory illness such as COPD.

Simplify your life

There is no better time than now to simplify your life. This is often called minimalism. The benefits of simplifying your life are substantial especially at a time of pandemic when our minds are filled with anxieties and uncertainty. Ironically, making things simpler can sometimes be more complicated than you think.

Minimalism and simple living can offer anyone, especially seniors and people living with COPD, many benefits. For example, minimalism can help seniors have a much easier life physically.

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With all of your things organized, you will decrease the annoyance of misplacing something. And with less things, you won’t have to deal with moving things around as much, or moving around and clean as often. Overall, with less to physical material to deal with, comes less stress and anxiety.

By reducing the clutter in your home, yard, and work space, you subsequently make room in your mind for peace and mindfulness, something that might have gotten lost since the global pandemic has shifted reality.

It can be difficult to get rid of older things that have sentimental value to you, so start by cleaning out a shed or garage where the items have less emotional attachments.

You will find a powerful feeling of control and liberation in this stage and will be able to make more decisions about getting rid of things closer to you.

Hold yourself accountable for getting rid of things that do not serve you, for example: donate clothing you don't wear, donate plates and bowls that are taking over your kitchen cabinets, give away books you’ve read and don't want to read again. The act of giving to others through donations or gifts is very fulfilling in itself, so this is a bonus.

In order to avoid going to donation centers, ask a less vulnerable family member or friends if they would help you by picking up boxes of stuff from your home for them to bring to donation centers for you.

Start a garden or doing daily yard work

While at first thought, this sounds exhausting, gardening and 10 minutes of yard work each day can be very exciting and addicting. Being outside and getting physical activity everyday is one of the best treatment options if you have COPD, and starting a garden is one way of doing that.

Gardening is a physical challenge, relieves stress, and improves dexterity, and aspects that will encourage healthier lung functions.

If you do not have a yard or a nearby community garden to plant anything, you can buy a plant and leave it on the stoop of your house. Visit your plant everyday in the sunshine and watch it grow!

Yard work can take up a lot of time and give you a fulfilling mindset at the end of each day. You don't have to do a lot at first, but once you start picking weeds one day, you’ll begin to enjoy cleaning the yard and finding creative ideas for an outdoor sanctuary right in your backyard.

Find a new hobby you can do online

There are a lot of indoor activities that can keep you occupied and busy this summer and beyond. And there are a lot of activities you probably don’t know that you enjoy yet.

One way to try a lot of different hobbies is to join a club, and because of COVID-19 rather that gathering in a large group for a weekly meeting, you can do this online.

Right now there are a lot of resources where you can join a book club online, or spend time virtually connecting to people with similar interests, either through video chat or social media.

If you have a favorite hobby already, you can try to expand on that by dedicating more time to that specific activity, and find a way to get involved with others who enjoy that hobby virtually.

If it brings you joy, prioritize the time you spend doing those things.

If you feel you are struggling alone with COPD, try joining a FaceBook group or a supportive online forums where individuals share their stories and resources about their COPD.

Go hiking or walking

Walking is a safe and effective form of exercise for people living with COPD, and there are a number of reasons walking and hiking relive COPD symptoms.

Walking and hiking can help improve your COPD:

• Low impact activity that will improve your body's ability to use oxygen
• Build endurance
• Strengthen muscles
• Enhance an overall sense of well-being
• Being more self-sufficient
• Tolerate exercise better

There are even more benefits of walking for a person with COPD than whats listed above.

While you should not travel too far away from home, there might be a great walking or hiking trail near you. Try to avoid walking on busy trails by going during the week day rather than the weekends.

Hiking gets you into the outdoors and under the sun, but it is important that you do so safely. Be sure to continue wearing a mask if people are present on the trails. If the parking lot is extremely crowded, come back another day.

If you are curious how to find the best trails near you, be sure to do some research and learn more about how you could go walking and hiking even with COPD or other complicated health issues can enjoy hiking and walking.

Invest in a oxygen concentrator

Even though we are expected to “stay in place” there is no better time to become more mobile while doing so.

Receiving oxygen treatment for conditions such as COPD doesn't have to mean being tethered to a bulky canister of compressed oxygen, and you should not be subject to limited mobility and lack of independence.

You do not have to subject yourself to the unnecessary risks of carrying around an atmosphere of pure oxygen. There are safer and more transportable alternatives available today.

You do not have to carry a heavy tank around, instead portable oxygen concentrator extracts and concentrates pure oxygen and give you therapeutic doses of purified oxygen from the air around you.

Being at home unable to move around easily due to a rolling oxygen cart can be frustrating and upsetting, especially when you have no outlet to go out and do something, go on vacation, or look forward to family members and friends visiting you.

The uncertainty of these times leaves people hesitate to make larger purchases, such as a portable oxygen concentrator. However, when it comes to the air you breathe and the peace of mind you gain by being more physically active with less shortness of breath is priceless.

These long-term investments lead to long-term savings both monetarily and with regard to your livelihood.

You have a plethora of choices to make when it comes to buying an oxygen concentrator. One thing you need to know is there are two ways that concentrators deliver nearly pure oxygen from the air around you and into your lungs:

1. Pulse flow

Pulse flow or pulse dos oxygen concentrator sensors measure your breathing rate and automatically deliver a short bursts of oxygen as needed. This is a more popular choice for those with higher-functioning lungs like people in stages 1, 2, or sometimes 3 of COPD or those seeking an oxygen boost for exercise or at higher altitudes.

2. Continuous flow

Continuous flow oxygen concentrator maintains a steady supply of oxygen to you while it is being produced. This model will generally be heavier with more power and lower battery life. This option is best for you if you have stage 3 or 4 COPD and very limited lung capacity or higher oxygen saturation requirements for your body.

Be sure that you purchase your oxygen concentrator from an authorized dealer that carries devices from well-established manufacturers. By working with an authorized dealer you can be sure that your machine will be serviced and that the warranty is valid.

Medical and healthcare professionals do not advise purchasing portable oxygen concentrators from questionable sources such as amazon or online auction websites because the warranties and support may be fraudulent and the device may not be exactly what is represented online.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead has been recognized as a key to success, so even under the impending uncertainties brought on by COVID-19, you should plan your goals through hard work and strategic thinking.

This can mean:

• Planning to a regular walking routine for the next week
• Planning to call your loved ones once a day for the next month
• Planning a budget to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator within the next year
• Planning a diet for healthier eating habits over the next week
• Planning goals to quit smoking

COPD can cause a lot productivity challenges, due to shortness of breath and common depressive moods and anxiety. Nevertheless it is these times of isolation, where planning is more important than ever.

You can combat depressive moods and especially anxiety, by planning beneficial goals that will help you to attain a higher quality of life. And there is no excuse not to give this a try while you have so much extra time on your hands.

Foster new and old social connections

Social interaction is vital for everyone, and if you have COPD connecting with others is essential.

If you are not used to being all alone and without other people, and are eager to to reach out to find ways to connect with others, it is important to do so safely.

When exposing yourself to other people you should stay the recommended 6 feet apart and everyone should be wearing a mask. But this does not mean that you can’t have fun.

Take a trip with friends and family to the local beach, river bed, or lake, bringing a large towel or blanket to establish physical boundaries and make sure others are staying a safe distance away from you.

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Try bringing a king sized bed spread and your spot can be right in the middle of it, creating a perfect distance away while still socializing.

You and your neighbors can have small communal cookouts where families bring their grills to their respective front yard to BBQ and eat together.

If you want to be more creative, have a neighborhood talent show where each house takes turns putting on a show, either playing music, dancing, or magic outside for everyone to watch.

In order to have a successful social-distancing get-together you must do your best to be innovative. And if you have COPD and are rightfully concerned about COVID-19 you should become a leader in your community to help people socialize safely amid the ongoing pandemic.

Enjoy

Taking each of these steps in your own personal way will help you to enjoy your summer to the fullest, despite on-going risks associated with COVID-19.

Simplifying your life will give you the space you need to try new things. And by taking pleasure in the simple things, you will appreciate your new found adoration for gardening, or yard work.

You can also start exploring ways to use the computer to start new hobbies, or join an online club that you've always wanted to try but could never find the time or motivation to get out of the house and do so.

If you find yourself stuck inside unwilling or unable to move around without shortness of breath, this is the best time to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator that will give you the freedom and independence you need to get moving around your house and outside safely.

Once you are ready to explore more with a lightweight oxygen concentrator that you can carry around, you can attempt taking a short hike or going for a walk. If this is within the capabilities of your lungs, be sure you go to less busy hiking trails and try to go on weekdays when trails are less busy.

Remain social by getting "together" with you family and neighbors and try putting on a social gathering where everyone stays in their respective yards for a BBQ or talent show.

Do you best to stay motivated by planning ahead and setting goals for yourself in all aspects of you life. By taking all of these measures in 2021, amidst a global pandemic while also managing a chronic lung disease, will lead you to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

If you keep up with our blog here at LPT Medical, you’ll know that last week we crowned the Inogen One G5 with the title “The Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator of 2020.” As you can imagine, we don’t take this title lightly.

With so many medical oxygen machines on the market these days, finding the right one for you may seem like a brain-bending puzzle. Even if you have all the information you need at your disposal, you may not have the experience with POCs to even know what’s important in a machine or what price you should be paying for it — that’s why we’re here to help.

As one of the premier oxygen concentrator distributors in the country, we take your search for the perfect oxygen delivery device seriously. Rather than trying to push the most expensive unit we have to offer, we prefer to start with the patient by asking questions like these:

• Are you someone that likes to get out and about or do you prefer to stay home?
• What level of oxygen delivery has your doctor prescribed for you?
• Are you currently using a CPAP or BiPAP machine at night?
• Have you used a portable oxygen concentrator in the past and what was your experience?

These are just a few of the questions we might ask you in order to better understand your point of view and your needs. Purchasing an oxygen therapy device is no small decision, so we’re here to make it as simple and pain-free as possible.

To add to the list of resources you have to help you pick an oxygen concentrator, we’re going to discuss the Inogen G5 and standard portable oxygen tanks. More specifically, we want to show you just how far portable concentrators have come and why you may need to consider upgrading that old oxygen tank. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to visit our oxygen FAQs page or get in touch with us.

Access to Replacement Parts

The first, and potentially most important reason for choosing an Inogen G5 over an oxygen tank is the reputability of the Inogen brand. Oxygen tank companies have been around for what seems like forever, but in this day and age, they’re being rapidly pushed out by portable oxygen concentrator companies. Why? Because oxygen tanks are an outdated technology.

One of the major concerns that oxygen tank users have is that they have trouble finding a place to buy oxygen accessories from and they have trouble finding someone to send the tank for maintenance or repair. Fortunately, since the Inogen One G5 is the newest and best rated portable oxygen concentrator by Inogen, you won’t have to worry about scouring the internet for parts. 

The Inogen brand was founded in 2001 with the sole purpose of providing COPD patients with an alternative to oxygen tanks. During this time, many people used portable oxygen tanks which may sound fine, but oftentimes, the word “portable” was used loosely. What people got instead was a bulky and heavy tank that couldn’t be transported without a struggle.

While Inogen was one of the first companies to start producing high flow portable oxygen concentrators, it remains one of the top manufacturers 20 years later. They understand the needs of their customers perfectly and they consistently release top-rated portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

There’s nothing like the freedom that you get from working with a reputable brand. Inogen One oxygen closely tracks the amount of units they sell and they know how long each unit lasts meaning they’re able to provide support for older generations of machine and continue producing accessories like batteries, carrying cases, and filters. 

Durability and Safety

One of the first things many people notice about portable oxygen concentrators is how durable and compact they feel — the g5 is no exception! The amount of technology that Inogen has been able to pack into such a small space is nothing short of revolutionary and you can rest easy knowing that it’s protected by a hard outer shell that keeps everything together. 

Oxygen tanks stand in stark contrast to this in that they don’t feel durable whatsoever. If you’ve used a portable oxygen tank before, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Since these tanks are explosive and highly flammable, many patients report feeling insecure around their medical oxygen machines, especially when they take it in public.

While oxygen is an essential gas for humans, it only makes up about 21 percent of the atmosphere. If we lived on a planet with an atmosphere that was 100 percent oxygen, it would be very dangerous, not only because our bodies couldn’t handle it, but because it would be very easy to start a fire and keep it going. The oxygen tank that you wheel around is pure oxygen meaning it’s very dangerous unless it’s used correctly.

The thing that makes portable oxygen concentrators safer is that they don’t have any stored oxygen. They remove ambient air and remove the nitrogen allowing it to output pure oxygen. Even if you do end up bumping your POC or dropping it, you’ll never have to worry about it exploding or catching fire. If you would like more information on oxygen safety tips, check out this blog post.  

Lightweight Design

When you think of freedom, the first thing that should come to mind is a portable oxygen concentrator like the Inogen G5. This medical oxygen machine weighs in at just 4.7 pounds making it the second lightest POC on the market behind the G4 and lighter than any portable oxygen tank out there. With an Inogen One G5, you’ll be able to go where you want and do what you want without worrying about your oxygen therapy device.

Alternatively, if you opt for a portable oxygen tank or portable oxygen cylinder, the lighter the device, the less oxygen you will have available to you. To put this into perspective, a continuous flow portable oxygen tank offers around 400 liters of oxygen. At a rate of 2 liters per minute (LPM), this will last you just over 3 hours. What’s more, they weigh about 8.5 pounds, about 4 pounds more than the Inogen One G5.

For most people, the weight of the device is the first thing they look at before making a purchase. The lighter the device is, the more personal belongings you will be able to carry with you comfortably and in the case of the G5, the more batteries you can carry with you. If you need extra time with your oxygen cylinder, you’re going to need to carry another one with you. That’s another 8.5 to carry around on your back or on a cart. Alternatively, with a G5, you can double your battery life by upgrading to a 16-cell battery or an additional 8-cell battery.

Intuitive and Easy to Use

Despite being a more complex and high-tech medical oxygen machine, the Inogen One G5 is far simpler to use than an oxygen tank. Oxygen tanks deliver continuous flow oxygen. What this means is that there is a constant flow of oxygen coming through the nasal cannula. Inogen concentrators like the G5, however, use something called pulse dose technology. This technology detects your breathing rate and only delivers oxygen when you’re inhaling. 

It is possible to turn an oxygen tank into a pulse dose unit, but you need to purchase something called a pulse regulator and have it installed by a professional. Most oxygen tanks don’t come with pulse regulators and other accessories, so if you want them, you’re going to have to go out of your way in order to find them. What’s more, if something goes wrong with them while you’re out and about, you may not be able to remove it without the help of a professional. In other words, you could be left with a full tank and no way to access the oxygen.

The Inogen One G5 was designed to be intuitive from the control panel to the filters, sieve beds, and battery. Their goal with this line of machines was to offer more freedom by allowing patients to make quick changes to their oxygen delivery on the fly with no hassle. The control panel is easy to use, allowing you to change your flow rating up or down, adjust audio alerts, and check your battery level. If you’re in a poorly lit area, you can even tap the power button to activate the backlight on the screen.

Small Form Factor

While we probably could’ve mentioned form factor under the “lightweight” heading, this is important enough to have a category of its own. “Form factor” doesn’t just refer to the size of the unit, but also its shape and practicality. When you take a look at the G5 next to both portable and home oxygen tanks, it’s not hard to see the benefits the G5 offers.

The Inogen One G5 dimensions are 8.15" H x 7.19" L x 3.26" W. This is comparable to the size of a lunch box or a small portable cooler. But more importantly, it doesn’t have any jagged edges that can get caught on clothing or anything in your environment. The only part that protrudes from the device is the piece that you attach your cannula to. However, this is on the front and top of the device where it’s out of the way.

Oxygen tanks are a huge hassle when it comes to their form factor. The tank itself is long rather than compact meaning you’ll have a hard time fitting it into small areas. Since they’re bulky and heavy, they can be dangerous to store in a closet or in your car. And possibly the worst part about the design of oxygen tanks is that the valves protrude from the tank and they have a lot of jagged edges that can get caught on things. If it does get caught on something, there’s a chance of breaking it and causing a leak. What’s more, if you decide to add additional accessories to your oxygen tank like an oxygen conserver, pulse regulator, or humidifier, it will only add more bulk to it.

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A Variety of Accessories

If you’ve owned an Inogen unit before, you know you can expect high-quality accessories with the release of a new concentrator — the G5 was no exception. Alongside the release of the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator, we got the custom carrying case, G5 backpack, single and double cell batteries, and the external battery charger.

The great thing about all of these Inogen One accessories is that you know they’re going to be of high quality. Every product Inogen puts out gets their quality seal of approval and if you have any problems with it, you can contact their support and get the issue fixed quickly and typically, with no extra cost to you. 

Custom Carrying Case

The G5 custom carrying case is the best way to carry the Inogen One G5. This accessory is simple but offers some extra protection for your device and allows you to carry it on your shoulder without it getting in the way. The leather exterior will protect your POC from scratches, dents, and chips and has mesh material to prevent the device from overheating. If you need to go to the store or visit a friend, this may be the best carrying accessory for you.

G5 Backpack

The G5 backpack is for people who need a little extra space to carry personal belongings and even other G5 accessories. The G5 Backpack is great for anyone who’s going on vacation or taking an extended trip where they’ll need to carry extra batteries and the G5 AC adapter and DC adapter.

External Battery Charger

The external battery charger is another G5 accessory that offers you more freedom wherever you go. Normally, you can only charge your G5 batteries when they’re attached to the concentrator. However, thee external battery charger allows you to charge either the single or double cell battery separately. If you have two batteries, this means you’ll be able to charge them twice as fast! 

No Recurring Costs

One of the biggest concerns people have about portable oxygen concentrators is their high upfront cost. While we certainly can’t blame anyone for feeling that way, you’ll be happy to know that there are no recurring costs like there are for portable oxygen tanks. With an oxygen tank, you have to pay every time that you want to refill the unit. This means that you’re going to need to have several backup tanks if you don’t want to go to a refill station every day.

Since a portable oxygen concentrator draws ambient air instead of storing it, you’ll never have to pay to refill it. You may have to replace the sieve bed which removes nitrogen from the air, however, these can last as long as the system itself as long as you take good care of it and wash the filter regularly. Over time, the cost of an oxygen tank will outweigh the initial upfront cost of a portable oxygen concentrator and the high quality and reliability of concentrators is unmatched as well.

Approved For In-Flight Use

As we age, it’s important to make sure we’re able to do all the things we once did. Many people with COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases believe that they need to give up flying if they want to use oxygen therapy. While you cannot, under any circumstances, take an oxygen tank on a plan, most portable oxygen concentrators are approved by the FFA for in-flight use including the Inogen One G5.

The reason oxygen concentrators are safe on a plane and other portable medical oxygen devices aren’t is that they don’t have compressed air. At high altitude, a compressed air tank could explode, injuring anyone near it. What’s more, the Inogen One G5 is small and light enough that it can be stored under the seat during takeoff and landing. The one stipulation is that most airlines require you to have at least 1.5 times the duration of the flight in battery life. This is to account for potential delays in the flight.

Mobile Connectivity

The idea of “connectivity” is a fairly new concept, not just when it comes to concentrators but in general. Essentially what this means is being able to connect your electronic devices such as your laptop, cell phone, or tablet so that they can work together.

Inogen One Oxygen was the first company to apply this concept to oxygen therapy via the Inogen Connect App. This is an easy-to-use app that you can get on any smartphone or tablet device. It allows you to track crucial information about your portable oxygen concentrator without even looking at it. The best part of all? It’s 100% FREE to use! 

These are a few of the things you can track through the app:

• Battery status
• Software updates
• cannula and filter maintenance updates
• Column life
• Troubleshooting tips, FAQS, and the user manual
• Oxygen purity status

If you’re someone who’s on the go a lot, there’s no understating the convenience of this app. Instead of having to constantly stop and mess with your concentrator, you can just take a peek at your phone and view this important information. This is especially useful for people with the G5 backpack because the unit will be stowed away out of reach.

Unfortunately, oxygen tanks don’t provide the same connectivity that portable oxygen concentrators do. Since there are no electrical components on these tanks, there’s no way to relay any information to your smartphone or another device. And if there’s something wrong with the tank or the regulator, you won’t know until a professional can inspect it.

Easy Shipping

Another one of the major problems associated with oxygen tanks is how notoriously difficult they are to ship. We already mentioned that they’re not approved for in-flight use, so if you’re planning on going on vacation, you either need to get a portable oxygen concentrator or find an O2 tank at your destination. However, what about when you’re purchasing the unit?

With the G5, you can purchase a unit anywhere in the country and have it shipped to you, no problem. Since it’s such a small and light device, you won’t be paying a hefty fee to have it shipped. On the other hand, many oxygen tank distributors don’t ship their product because of how hazardous it can be. This means you’ll have to drive someplace to purchase an oxygen tank from a local distributor.

Most couriers don’t allow people to ship a full oxygen tank, so if you choose to go that route, you’ll have to go out of your way to get the tank filled up when it arrives. What’s more, since oxygen tanks are so heavy and have such an unusual shape, you may be paying a pretty penny to get it to where you need it to be.

High Oxygen Output

Some oxygen tank owners are anxious when it comes to upgrading to a portable oxygen concentrator because they believe it won’t provide them with the high oxygen output that they’re used to. This is not the case as the Inogen One G5 can go up to a flow setting of 6. That’s the highest flow rate of any POC on the market, and the large majority of COPD patients don’t need that much oxygen. 

Since oxygen tanks are measured in liters per minute (LPM) and pulse dose concentrators are measured in flow settings, it’s difficult to compare the two. Ultimately, it will be up to you and your doctor which one will be best for you, but be aware that if a flow setting of 6 isn’t high enough, there are other POCs on the market that go up to a 9.

Conclusion

Were you surprised by a few of the things you read on this list? We are too! It’s amazing how far portable medical oxygen has come in the past decade, and it can only get better from here! We chose to take a look at the Inogen One G5 for this list because it’s one of the most advanced and best rated portable oxygen concentrators on the market. However, there are plenty of great POCs out there to choose from so be sure to shop around a bit before making a decision.

You may be wary to invest in an older generation of POC like the Inogen One G3 or G4, but these units have plenty to offer as well. The Inogen One G4, for example, is the lightest portable oxygen concentrator ever produced and the G3 is our pick for the best budget POC on the market. If these are qualities that you’re interested in, take a look and see what else is out there!

If you’re more interested in a device that offers you high flexibility above weight and battery life, you may want to consider continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators. Most continuous flow machines like the SeQual Equinox, SeQual Eclipse 5, and the Respironics SimplyGo also offer pulse flow settings in addition to a higher overall oxygen output. If you’re looking for the full Inogen G5 specs, you can find them here. Otherwise, if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to get in touch.   

Nowadays, life is all about choices. We get to choose where we shop, eat, work, and much more. For the most part, this is a positive thing because it allows us the freedom to create a life that’s suited to our wants and needs. Oxygen patients, for example, can benefit from many decades of improvement in oxygen device technology and they have a wider array of options available to them than ever before including oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, stationary oxygen concentrators, and portable oxygen concentrators.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to having so many options as well. The more choices that you have, the more research you will need to do to ensure that you’re choosing the right oxygen device for you. Additionally, the more features that are added to oxygen devices, the easier it is to fall victim to scams and false advertising. This is why it’s recommended that you speak with a respiratory specialist after you’ve taken some time to look around for yourself and see what’s out there.

Here at LPT Medical, we understand the need for oxygen patients to choose the oxygen machine that’s right for them. But we also acknowledge that it can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for in a market that’s full of jargon and other confusing terminology. If you’d like to speak with someone who will help you understand your options but not pressure you into making an immediate choice, get in touch with our respiratory specialists today.

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In the meantime, we’re going to take a look at the benefits of the Inogen One G5, one of our most popular portable oxygen concentrators. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

It’s Incredibly Easy to Use

If you’ve been a cell phone user for the past couple of decades, you’ve likely begun to notice a trend: they get progressively more complicated as time goes on. And while this might be a good thing for some people, if you’re like most people, you just want to be able to make calls or send a text message without using a bunch of unnecessary features. Many people believe that purchasing an oxygen concentrator will be a similar experience, but this is not the case when it comes to the Inogen One G5.

Inogen has been manufacturing portable oxygen concentrators since the early 2000s meaning they were one of the first companies in the business. And despite adding more features each generation, their POCs have actually gotten easier to use instead of more difficult. In other words, you don’t have to worry about bending over backward to learn how to use the G5. It will likely come naturally and you’ll feel comfortable operating it an hour or two after receiving it in the mail.

One of the reasons the G5 is so simple to operate is because it only has five physical buttons that you need to know how to use. One to turn the device on or off, two for adjusting the flow setting up or down, one to adjust the alarm settings, and one to adjust the volume settings. That’s it! There’s no need to spend hours on the phone with customer support trying to figure out how to operate your new device. The G5 also comes with a very thorough user manual that outlines all the symbols that may appear on the user interface display and what they mean. We recommend folding up your user manual and keeping it with you whenever you leave the house so that you can refer to it if you need to.

Another aspect of the Inogen One G5 that’s easy to use is the battery system. Unlike other portable oxygen concentrators which require you to open the device up in order to replace the batteries, the G5 batteries simply pop off the bottom of the unit and can be replaced in a matter of seconds. This is ideal for people who are on the go and don’t have time to tamper with their POC.

One other aspect of the Inogen G5 that makes it easy to use is the Intelligent Delivery Technology®. This built-in technology isn’t mentioned very often but it’s quite possibly the most important feature of the device. Essentially, what this does is automatically adjust your oxygen flow based on your breathing rate. In other words, you’ll be able to do things like walk, exercise, and even sleep without having to constantly change your oxygen flow setting.

It’s One of the Lightest POCs

One way or another, most people tend to lose muscle function as they get older. It’s a natural part of aging, and COPD patients are especially susceptible because of something called muscle atrophy, or “muscle wasting.” While you can combat this by exercising more often and maintaining a well-balanced diet, you might still need to find a lightweight POC like the Inogen One G5.

Although the Inogen One G5 is not the lightest portable oxygen concentrator on the market, it’s light enough for the vast majority of oxygen patients even people with late-stage COPD. The G5 weighs just 4.7 pounds, making it the third lightest POC ever manufactured behind the AirSep Focus and the Inogen One G4. It’s also lighter than its main competitor, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort.

Whether you struggle with mobility issues or not, the Inogen One G5 makes it easier to get around while still having access to medical-grade oxygen. This is something that simply wasn’t possible in the past with heavy and bulky oxygen tanks. The problem with these devices is that the weight of the unit directly correlates to the amount of oxygen that you have access to. In other words, if you wanted enough oxygen to make it through the day, you’d need to carry or wheel around an extremely cumbersome oxygen tank.

Unfortunately, with the turn of the century, things didn’t improve much. While there were portable oxygen concentrators available in the early 2000s, they were still very heavy and didn’t provide a decent enough battery life to justify getting one. We’re living in a revolutionary time for portable oxygen concentrators because lightweight machines like the G5 and the Caire FreeStyle Comfort are breaking barriers for COPD patients.

It Has the Highest Oxygen Output of any Pulse Dose Unit

One of the nicest things about owning a portable oxygen concentrator is how easy it is to adjust your flow settings. If you’re going out for a walk or to a pulmonary rehabilitation course, you might need to go up a flow setting or two in order to keep your blood oxygen levels stable. However, you can’t do this if you own a portable oxygen concentrator that doesn’t go up to a high flow setting.

The Inogen One G5 uses something called pulse dose technology. Unlike older concentrators which use continuous flow, pulse dose closely monitors your breathing rate and delivers oxygen only when you’re inhaling. Overall, this makes the device much more energy-efficient, affording you the freedom to stay out of the house longer. The Inogen One G5 has 6 pulse flow settings which equates to a maximum oxygen output of 1,260 milliliters per minute (ml/min) of oxygen.

The majority of oxygen patients only need to use a flow setting of 2 or 3, so the Inogen One G5 offers plenty of flexibility to move up if you’re exercising or your respiratory disease progresses. Be sure to maintain open lines of communication with your doctor and let him/her know if you’re feeling breathless and want to increase the amount of medical oxygen you’re receiving.

It Uses Powerful Lithium-Ion Batteries

The only thing making it possible to have portable devices like cellphones, laptops, and even portable oxygen concentrators is the advancement of lithium-ion batteries. These are some of the most powerful and reliable types of batteries out there and the experts at Inogen have crafted one that will afford you a significant amount of freedom with the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator.

The single battery which comes with the standard G5 package can run for up to 6.5 hours on a flow setting of one. The double battery which is sold separately can run for an astounding 13 hours on a flow setting of one. While this may sound too good to be true, it’s simply a testament to how much time and money Inogen has put into refining their products and ensuring that they offer the best possible value for your money.

There are countless reasons it’s important to have a portable oxygen concentrator with long-lasting batteries. First and foremost, it allows you to have ample oxygen supply whenever you leave the home. Even if you’re leaving the home for a few hours, it’s nice knowing that you have a safety net in case there is an emergency and you are gone longer than expected. If you are going on a flight, most airlines will require that you have at least 1.5 times the duration of the flight in battery life.

It Has a Low Sound Output

One of the things that people are most worried about when looking for a portable oxygen concentrator is that they will be noisy and cause a distraction for themselves and the people around them. And while this is certainly a valid concern, this will not be a problem if you purchase an Imogen One G5 because it only puts out 37 decibels (dBA) of sound on a setting of 2. This is equivalent to a quiet conversation or a slight background humming noise that won’t disrupt your day or anyone else’s.

The benefit of having a quiet portable oxygen concentrator is that you can take it just about anywhere without feeling anxious or worried. Most people report being able to take their Inogen One G5 to church services, libraries, or other quiet places without causing a disruption. Before you do so, however, be sure to read the user manual to figure out how to turn off the audible alarms. 

It Can Be Used 24 Hours a Day

Believe it or not, many COPD patients need to be on oxygen 24 hours a day. And if this is you, it means that you need an oxygen concentrator that’s capable of running around the clock without failing. Fortunately, the G5 was designed for just this. The intelligent delivery technology in the G5 will adjust your oxygen supply all night long to make sure you aren’t getting too much or too little oxygen.

The one downside to using the G5 while sleeping is that it is not compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a sleep disorder that causes your airways to close up as you sleep causing disruptions and putting you at a higher risk for several serious conditions like heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeats. The PAP machines open the airways as you sleep making it easier to breathe. And in certain cases, this disease can overlap with COPD meaning you’ll need to use supplemental oxygen simultaneously.

Backed by a Reputable Brand

One final benefit of the Inogen One G5 is that it’s backed by a reputable brand. Inogen has been in the oxygen industry since the early 2000s and people tend to wait in anticipation of their next product because they know they will be reliable and powerful devices. The Inogen One G5 is their latest generation of portable oxygen concentrator and it’s also their best. While the G5 has a very low failure rate compared to other POCs on the market, you can still rest easy knowing that you have a 3-year manufacturer warranty with the purchase of a new G5.

Another way Inogen supports the G5 is with a mobile application called the Inogen Connect. This connects to your device via Bluetooth and enables you to check your battery life, monitor column life status, perform column resets, and access your user manual all without ever touching your POC. This is perfect for people who are on the go often and don’t want to keep checking their device. Simply check the app on your phone and you’ll have all the information you need in one convenient place. Inogen will likely implement similar features into future concentrators because it’s been well-received by oxygen users.  

Conclusion

Choosing an oxygen concentrator can seem like an insurmountable challenge at times. Whether you’re in the market for a stationary unit, continuous flow, or pulse dose, you should take some time to understand your options before committing to anything. This post provided you with just a few of the many reasons to invest in an Inogen One G5 over other units on the market. For full details on the specs and benefits of the G5, be sure to visit our product page. 

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If you found this post helpful, feel free to bookmark our blog page. We update our site regularly with informational posts that aim to help COPD patients better manage their disease and live long and fulfilling lives. And whether you’re a current customer of ours or you just want more information on medical oxygen devices, please reach out to us either by phone or email.