People reach out to us everyday and ask about how they can make their life, living with supplemental oxygen, easier. They call us wondering if there is an alternative for their oxygen tanks and how they can afford it.

When you call us, and your doctor's prescriptions states that you need to be administered oxygen via pulse dose, one of the first units we think of is the Caire Freestyle Comfort, and for a number of reasons. In this article we talk about everything this device can do for you, and how it will contribute to making your life easier and more comfortable.

For the sake of this article, we will say that it the Caire Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is the best choice for you, so we are going to talk about everything this device can do for you, and how it will contribute to making your life easier and more comfortable.

Buying a Caire Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator

There is the argument that oxygen tanks are notably less expensive than portable oxygen concentrators, however this is not exactly the case. While a portable oxygen concentrator costs more upfront, if you have tanks you will constantly have to pay to get them refilled. Not only is this a waste of money but it also takes up a lot of time. Delivering oxygen is not a perfect science, and it may require you to cancel your plans because you have to be home all day waiting for an oxygen delivery to switch out your tanks.

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Despite the issues associated with oxygen tanks they are a very popular method for oxygen therapy because they are accessible and have low upfront costs. However, some people do not realize that these costs add up very quickly because you will always have to refill them. Not to mention they’re also really heavy, bulky, and flammable, and they are ultimately an outdated source of long-term oxygen therapy.

Investing in a long-term oxygen therapy solution like a portable oxygen concentrator means you will never have to pay or waste time refilling oxygen tanks. These machines draw in ambient air and output medical-grade oxygen. With a POC, all you need is access to a power outlet in order to charge the batteries. Additionally, the Freestyle Comfort is extremely lightweight and easy to carry making it perfect for traveling and getting out of the house. This does not go without saying that some people cannot afford even the cheapest portable oxygen concentrator.

This is why LPT Medical offers a number of ways for you to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator. We have financing options, so you can pay it off over a series of months, and you also have the option to buy a refurbished unit that will cost you much less than a new unit.

When it comes to how much you will spend on a portable oxygen concentrator, do not shy away from the prices listed online. Most of the time, the manufacturers require the sellers to post their advertising prices, but a simple phone call can adjust the price you pay for a unit, just by speaking to a respiratory specialist. You can reach us at 1-800-946-1201 or find us on Facebook, @LPTMedical.

Caire Freestyle Comfort stats

Here are some quick stats about the Freestyle Comfort.

• 5 pounds
• Pulse Flow Settings 1-5
• 10” H x 7.3” L x 3.1” W
• Up to 16 hours of Battery Life
• 3 Year Warranty

For reference 5 pounds is about the same weight as a two-liter bottle of water, and it can easily fit into a purse, or you can use one of the carrying cases, either an adjustable backpack or side satchel to wear on your hip.

The small compact size makes the Freestyle very easy to carry with you wherever you go, but it was also designed to be ergonomic, and fit into the curve of your body so it doesn’t swing around while you walk or exercise. All of the buttons to adjust your oxygen levels and the power switch are conveniently located on the top of the unit. It is easy to replace the batteries, simply by pulling them out of the bottom of the unit.

Oxygen tanks are an older form of oxygen therapy, and that is why they are not very user friendly. On the other end of the spectrum, the Caire Freestyle Comfort is the newest pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator by CAIRE Inc. which is one of the global leaders in oxygen supply manufacturing. For 50 years, they’ve worked to refine and improve oxygen delivery equipment which helps respiratory patients live more active and productive lives.

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort does just that. Helps you to live a more active and productive life, and to do so this unit offers one of the longest lasting batteries available.

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Battery Life

So, unlike oxygen tanks, POCs run off of batteries, and the better the battery the longer the POC can administer oxygen to the user. With the Freestyle Comfort you will be able to move around on your own terms without boundaries, because this machine offers very long battery life and you can go longer without having to worry about recharging your device.

The flow settings of the Freestyle Comfort go from 1-5, and on the lowest flow setting of 1 which comes out to 210 ml/min, is 16 hours. This is even more than top-of-its-class portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5.

Similarly to with Inogen oxygen concentrators, you’ll be able to charge your Freestyle Comfort using an AC or a DC outlet, so in the cigarette lighter in your car or at home with a standard outlet.

You have the option to go with the 8-cell battery or the 16-cell. The 16-cell will be slightly more expensive, and it has a recharge time of about 6 hours. The 8-cell battery will take about 3.5 hours to charge. Both batteries will keep the unit under 6 pounds, but the 8-cell battery is just slightly lighter than the 16-cell. If you do a lot of traveling or if you need a higher oxygen output and don’t want to recharge often, the 16-cell battery is right for you. But if you like to relax at home after a trip to the grocery store, the 8-cell is perfect.

This information is similar to how our respiratory specialist will go through the buying process with you so that you feel confident about the choice you are making purchasing the Ciare Freestyle Comfort.

Here is a table the explains the Freestyle Comfort battery life depending on the battery and settings:

Flow settings

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is not just small, it is very powerful. Administering a pulse dose setting from 1 to 5, so 210 ml/min to 1050 ml/min. Because we are a licensed distributor, we can only sell you our POCs with a prescription from your doctor. We also pride ourselves on being able to offer a wide variety of units that will meet almost anyone’s oxygen requirements.

Because the Freestyle comfort does not offer continuous flow, like the Respironics SimplyGo which offers both, this unit is best for someone who needs a flow setting of around 1-3 with the option to increase their oxygen intake over time, if need be, without having to get a new unit.

It is prudent to have room to grow into your portable oxygen concentrator should your oxygen prescription change, during an exacerbation, or should you need more oxygen during exercise.

Here is a table that explains the oxygen output at each setting:

As you can see there is a lot of wiggle room for a person who only needs 420 ml/min of oxygen, and these machines are built to last. We also offer a 3 year long warranty on this unit, so if something should malfunction you will be covered.

Should you ever need to go beyond these oxygen outputs, and the Ciare Freestyle Comfort no longer fits into your daily routine, we have a buyback program in place to make the transition into a new POC smooth and financially responsible.

UltraSense Breath Detection Technology

So what else makes The Caire Freestyle Comfort one of the most efficient and effective on the market? It has an ultra-sensitive breath detection feature so rather than providing you with a constant stream of oxygen, the Freestyle Comfort delivers oxygen only when a breath is detected. This is also known as a “bolus” of oxygen, and it is perfectly synced with your breathing to ensure no oxygen is wasted.

Overview

As we mentioned in the section above, The Freestyle Comfort offers you 5 oxygen flow settings with a maximum oxygen output of 1050 ml/min which is enough oxygen for the vast majority of oxygen patients. Depending on your oxygen needs, it may provide plenty of room to move up if your symptoms progress.

Over-all The Caire Freestyle Comfort is one of the top-tier pulse flow oxygen concentrators when it comes to total oxygen output. We are so proud to sell these units in particular because it can be life changing for our patients. We are here to give oxygen patients a new outlook, and hopefully remind them that oxygen therapy can be a very good thing, with the right machinery, you will be able to travel, stay active, stay healthy, and live a longer happier life.

Imagine going from lugging around a bulky oxygen tank to simply inserting you Caire Freestyle Comfort into its carrying case, your purse, or backpack and going out for a walk, to run errands, or golfing! These small freedoms add up, and over time you independence from care-takers and loved ones will blossom.

When is comes to modern oxygen delivery and technology the Caire Freestyle Comfort is at the top of the list, alongside the renowned Inogen One G5, and One G3. This unit has hardly any drawbacks, and as long as you prescription matches the oxygen output, you could go for years and year with this trusty companion. With the Caire Freestyle Comfort, the world is your oyster, and this machine is your ticket to anywhere!

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases in the world. It’s estimated that about 16.4 million people in the United States alone have COPD and millions more are either undiagnosed or at high risk of contracting it. Despite this fact, many people are woefully unaware of what causes this disease and how it should best be managed.

In short, COPD is an umbrella term that denotes two conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. While the symptoms and pathogenesis of these two diseases are slightly different, they are both primarily caused by cigarette smoking. However, in rare instances, someone who has never smoked can contract COPD through something called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency).

One of the symptoms of COPD that’s particularly vicious is something called an exacerbation. This is similar to an asthma attack in that it causes respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, and sputum production to suddenly become worse, oftentimes requiring you to seek immediate medical attention. In this post, we will help you better understand COPD flare-ups and exacerbations, as well as how to avoid being hospitalized as a result. 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave them in the comment section so we can address them.

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What’s the Difference Between a Flare-Up and an Exacerbation?

Generally speaking, the terms “COPD flare-up” and “COPD exacerbation” are used interchangeably. They both refer to respiratory symptoms becoming worse due to environmental causes, infections, or any number of other things. However, when it comes to discussing these symptoms, it’s important to be precise not only about what’s causing them but how severe they are as well.

A mild COPD exacerbation is one that could lead to increased discomfort but is unlikely to cause any serious long-term consequences. These can typically be treated with short-acting bronchodilators (SABD) or “rescue inhalers” which work to quickly open up the airways allowing you to breathe better. Moderate COPD exacerbations should be supplemented with oral corticosteroids which suppress inflammation and antibiotics which can help fight inflammation.

The final type of exacerbation is a severe exacerbation, sometimes called an “acute” exacerbation. This type of exacerbation requires immediate medical attention and can even be life-threatening if it’s not treated appropriately. Ideally, the best way to prepare for this type of exacerbation is to have an action plan and ensure you always have someone on hand to either take you to the hospital or call an ambulance. 

Why it’s so Important to Avoid Hospitalization With COPD

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, COPD is responsible for $72 billion a year in direct healthcare expenditures. The majority of these costs come from hospital visits which range from 4.5 to 8.8 days on average. Around two-thirds of all COPD hospitalizations are due to COPD exacerbations, and the majority of COPD exacerbations are caused by infections — specifically viral infections. 

The primary reason it’s important to avoid hospitalization for COPD is because of the risks for your health. According to another study by the aforementioned medical journal, after testing over 2 million patients, the 1-year readmission rate was 64.2% and the 1-year mortality rate was 26.2% both of which were significantly higher than rates among the general COPD population. Readmission and mortality rates are also much higher among patients who were hospitalized with severe exacerbation of COPD.

The second most important reason to avoid hospitalization due to COPD is cost. Frequent or long-term admissions can pose a significant financial burden on people with COPD which can also lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. In our last post, we highlighted some key ways that you can avoid unnecessary financial costs due to COPD so check it out if you’re interested in learning more.

Have a Plan to Deal With Exacerbations

First and foremost, if you want to avoid hospitalization due to COPD exacerbation, you need to have a plan of action before an emergency occurs. An action plan is a sort of written outline that you will follow in order to accomplish a certain goal. This way, if you notice your COPD symptoms starting to worsen, you can refer to your sheet instead of worrying about making difficult decisions at the moment.

In order to prepare your COPD action plan, you should first consult your doctor. He/she will likely already have a template that you can fill out to make this process a little easier. On this action plan, you will need to create an “action” for every symptom you experience. For example, if the symptom is a gradual decrease in your blood oxygen levels, you might make a note to increase your oxygen flow setting or contact your doctor. If you experience sudden shortness of breath, you might make a note to use your rescue inhaler.

Another important thing to know about your COPD action plan is that it should not be private information. You should make it a priority to go over your plan with friends and family, especially if they spend a lot of time with you. This way, if you are in a situation where you are unable to act out your action plan, they will be able to help. In this post, we discuss how you can prepare for medical emergencies and hospital visits with COPD, so check it out if you want to know more. 

Change Up Your Diet

Diet can be a very difficult topic to discuss in this day and age. Most people have access to more types of food than ever before and there is a near endless list of diets that people swear by. As a result, it can feel like an insurmountable task trying to find something that keeps you happy and healthy. The good news, however, is that many years of research have been dedicated to COPD diets, so you shouldn’t have to do much scrambling to make sense of it all.

Generally speaking, COPD patients should maintain a diet that’s high in protein, fiber, and fat, but low in carbohydrates. The reason for this is that the metabolism of carbs produces the highest amount of carbon dioxide in the body while the metabolism of fat produces the least. Adequate protein ensures your respiratory muscles stay strong and efficient, and fiber helps to control blood glucose levels and reduce cholesterol in the blood.

Another reason to keep your diet healthy, natural foods rather than processed ones is because weight management is vital to COPD management. Most often, people tend to become underweight after contracting COPD due to a loss of appetite or other factors. Sometimes, people experience a loss of appetite because consuming food is more physically exerting than it was previously, and bloating can contribute to breathing difficulties. COPD patients who are underweight may find that they lack the energy or endurance to make it through the day.

On the other hand, being overweight with COPD can contribute to breathing problems as well. While it is less common for a COPD patient to become overweight than underweight, the problems associated with it can be just as severe. Simply put, having a higher body mass index (BMI) can be obstructive to your breathing by putting more strain on your lungs when you inhale. However, some studies have found mixed results when it comes to being overweight/obese with COPD.  

Be Consistent With Your Exercise Routine

Consistency is unbelievably important when it comes to treating COPD and preventing exacerbations. For example, your diet is much more likely to benefit you if you keep up with your goals week in and week out. But if you do well one week then cheat the next, you’re going to put yourself at a much higher risk of COPD complications like exacerbations. This works pretty much the same way when it comes to your exercise routine.

Oftentimes, exercise specialists will talk about getting into a “routine.” In other words, you do the same exercise each day for an allotted period of time. By doing so, it will be much easier to track your progress and catch yourself when you fall back on your plan. This works well for most people who want to commit to an exercise routine, but it’s especially useful for COPD patients who benefit more from consistent moderate exercise rather than high-intensity exercise.

Avoid Getting Sick

Lung infection is both the number one cause of severe COPD exacerbation and the number one cause of hospitalization due to COPD. With that being said, staying healthy and avoiding infection (especially lung infections) is vital. One of the best things you can do right now to avoid getting sick is to quit smoking or avoid second-hand smoke if you live around smokers.

It’s been known for quite some time that smoking reduces the immune response in the body and also makes the smoker more likely to have exaggerated responses to viral infections. During influenza outbreaks and with the current situation we face involving COVID-19, smokers have a much lower survival rate when compared to the general population. Not to mention that smoking and second-hand smoke can trigger COPD exacerbations even if an infection isn’t present.

Another thing you can do to avoid getting sick is to be more conscious of your daily habits. For example, do you wash your hands frequently throughout the day? Do you take care to avoid places that are unclean or unsanitary? Do you stay away from people who exhibit symptoms of the cold or the flu? Do you clean surfaces in your home like door handles, coffee pot handles, or faucet handles? Are you following all the precautions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to prevent contracting the novel coronavirus? 

Last but certainly not least, you should be getting the doctor-recommended eight hours of sleep each night in order to avoid getting sick. According to WebMD, sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system and puts you at a higher risk of contracting colds, the flu, and other ailments. This is an especially difficult topic for many COPD patients because respiratory symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. In this post, we take a look at some actionable tips to improve your sleep if you have COPD.

Avoid Environmental Triggers

It can be a scary world out there for anyone who values their lung health. From wildfire smoke to car exhaust and pollen, it’s easy to feel like no place is safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even reports that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Fortunately, it’s not all grim news for COPD patients who want to avoid exacerbation triggers. Just by following a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding the most common triggers.

Despite summer ending last week, we are still in the midst of wildfire season. As a result, COPD patients need to be aware of when they go outside, especially when it concerns exercising outdoors. Air quality index (AQI) is the measurement we use to determine how safe outdoor air is to breathe. Each day before you go outside, be sure to check AirNow.gov for the AQI in your area. If the AQI is above 100, this is a sign that the air quality is too poor for people with lung diseases like COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis.

Another thing you should be wary of is seasonal allergies. Contrary to popular belief, allergies are a reality during all times of the year as opposed to only being active during certain seasons. In September and October, allergens like ragweed are typically at their peak. According to WebMD, if you get allergies in the spring, you are about 75% likely to have reactions to ragweed. So, if you’re outside this trying to enjoy the fall colors and cool weather this year, just be aware that allergies are still a reality.

The final airborne COPD exacerbation triggers we’d like to talk about are the ones found in your home. Like we mentioned earlier, indoor air can potentially be more dangerous than outdoor air. This is because the air in your home is extremely concentrated, so if you track things in like dust, allergens, or smoke, it will likely start to build up in one area of your home unless you take the time to clean regularly. While it may not seem that important, taking the time to vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces every day can go a long way to preventing COPD exacerbations. What’s more, it will help you get your daily exercise.     

Use a Reliable Portable Oxygen Machine

Last but certainly not least, having a reliable portable oxygen device that you can take anywhere will put you in the best position to avoid COPD exacerbations and hospitalization. For the vast majority of COPD patients, supplemental oxygen therapy is a medical necessity. Not only does it stabilize your lung condition, but it also ensures your blood oxygen levels are normal, which in turn saturates every organ in your body with the oxygen it needs to function properly.

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For the foreseeable future, portable oxygen concentrators are your best bet for reliable portable oxygen. Unlike oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks, portable oxygen concentrators are electronic devices. So, instead of having to go out of your way constantly to have your tanks refilled by an oxygen specialist, you simply need to carry batteries with you. Fortunately, these batteries are lightweight and don’t take up very much space in your backpack or handbag.

Currently, the best portable oxygen concentrator on the market is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. It weighs in at only 5 pounds and it offers 5 different flow settings that you can adjust on the fly as needed. One of the unique features of the FreeStyle Comfort is its ergonomic design which keeps the device comfortably at your side rather than jostling around as some other concentrators do. 

Another portable oxygen concentrator we’d like to recommend is the Inogen One G5. While this POC came out last year, it’s still very relevant and a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable 24/7 medical oxygen supply. The Inogen One G5 has one more pulse flow setting than the FreeStyle Comfort and it weighs slightly less at just 4.7 pounds. Inogen is one of the top brands in the medical oxygen industry and they take pride in customer satisfaction.

In rare instances, your doctor may require you to use a continuous flow concentrator. If this is the case, we recommend the Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator. This unit is twice as heavy as the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, but since it puts out a continuous flow of oxygen, it can be used with your CPAP or BiPAP machine if you have sleep apnea or another related sleeping disorder. If you’re looking for affordable portable oxygen concentrators, don’t hesitate to visit our online oxygen store.

Conclusion  

Unfortunately, exacerbations and flare-ups are a reality for COPD patients. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take steps to reduce your risk of experiencing hospitalization due to an exacerbation. Above all, following your treatment plan as closely as possible and preventing sickness like the cold or flu will be your best bet if you want to avoid hospital visits. 

If you would like to learn more about managing chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, stay tuned to our blog. We aim to equip our readers with the knowledge they need to combat breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue in their daily lives, as well as learning how to cope with the mental aspects of chronic disease like anxiety and depression. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or concerns.

There are three main types of respiratory disease: airway diseases, lung tissue diseases, and circulatory diseases. The first type, airway diseases, affect the tubes called bronchioles, usually causing them to narrow, swell, or become filled with a slimy substance called mucus. Airway diseases include asthma, a specific type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) called chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis, a condition that results from recurrent lung infections.

The second type of respiratory disease, lung tissue disease, specifically affects the tissue within the lungs. Oftentimes, these diseases cause the lungs to become inflamed and lose their elasticity which is why they’re usually categorized as “restrictive” lung diseases because they prevent the lungs from expanding fully. Pulmonary fibrosis is one common type of lung tissue disease and it results from the formation of irreversible scar tissue in the lungs.

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The final type of respiratory disease is lung circulation disease. This type is a little more complicated in that it affects the complex interactions between your lungs and the rest of your circulatory system. These diseases prevent the lungs from processing oxygen from the air you breathe and releasing carbon dioxide, resulting in an imbalance of gases in the body. As you can imagine, these diseases are closely linked with cardiovascular issues.    

Believe it or not, COPD has elements of all three of these categories, so it’s more complicated than most people think. In the following sections, we’ll take a look at 7 interesting facts that you may not know about COPD. After reading this, we hope that you are more aware of the global burden of COPD and that you’ll feel inclined to share this information with friends and family members who may be at risk of contracting COPD.

It’s One of the Most Preventable Chronic Illnesses

When we say a disease is “preventable,” we mean that personal lifestyle choices most often cause the disease to take hold. For example, acute illnesses like the flu or the common cold can be prevented with vaccinations and proper hygiene. But when it comes to COPD, this is not quite so simple. According to lung.org, 85 to 90 percent of all COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking, but there are also other risk factors at play such as environmental pollution and genetics which makes COPD a difficult disease to prevent.

When you compare COPD to some of the other leading preventable illnesses in the world, it’s not hard to see why COPD is so difficult to prevent. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are some of the most discussed diseases and more often than not, this results in a high level of funding while other prominent diseases like COPD are left behind. According to a survey published in ScienceDaily, 38 percent of people with COPD were unaware of the disease before being diagnosed. This often leads to people referring to COPD as a “silent disease,” because it can feel like patients don’t have much of a voice in the community at large.   

Perhaps, one of the reasons that COPD has such a lack of awareness is because of how slowly the disease develops. Typically, COPD takes many decades to progress from its early stages to its later stages. This is in stark contrast to diseases like lung cancer which tend to come on more quickly. Unfortunately, this leads to people underestimating the risk of COPD and not taking it as seriously as it should be. Another thing that can overshadow COPD is the fact that lung cancer shares the same awareness month, November. Since lung cancer has more funding in the first place, many people overlook COPD funding and support.

COPD Cannot Be Reversed

COPD is what’s known as a “progressive disease.” What this means is that symptoms related to this respiratory condition get worse over time. While symptoms may subside after a flare-up or exacerbation, these events usually result in a permanent drop in lung function. This is in contrast to conditions like asthma which exhibits similar symptoms, but after experiencing an asthma attack, most people fully recover and don’t maintain any permanent damage to their lungs.

As a result, the most important thing you can do to prevent your disease from progressing, or at the very least, slow its progression is to avoid common COPD triggers. We discuss in detail in this post how you can avoid COPD exacerbations, but we’ll summarize the points here for your convenience. First and foremost, infections are the cause of around 51% of all COPD exacerbations, so preventing them should be your top priority.

When you were young and didn’t have any chronic conditions, you probably weren’t too concerned about the flu or the common cold. These are infections that our body has adapted immunity towards allowing us to fight them off quickly, with or without the use of medications. However, the older we get older, these seemingly harmless things become a lot more serious, especially for people with chronic respiratory illness. It’s estimated that bacterial infections are the cause of 40 to 50 percent of all COPD exacerbations and a significant portion of hospitalizations as well.

Another major cause of COPD flare-ups and exacerbation is air pollution. No matter where you are and what the time of year is, there is air pollution. And if you want to slow the progression of COPD, you should be careful to check the quality of air wherever you go. AirNow.gov is a great resource for anyone who wants an accurate and up-to-date description of the air quality in their area. It’s recommended that COPD patients avoid going outside if the AQI (air quality index) is over 100.

Smoking Cessation is Still Important

There’s a strong belief among many people who have been diagnosed with COPD that “the damage has been done” and that “smoking cessation won’t help.” However, this could not be farther from the truth. While there is no cure for COPD, smoking will most certainly make your symptoms worse. In fact, cigarettes are an immunosuppressant drug meaning they inhibit the body’s innate and adaptive immune system. This puts you at a higher risk of infection and hampers your body’s ability to heal.

According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 38 percent of Americans who have COPD are current smokers. This is pretty astonishing considering that smoking is entirely counterproductive to a COPD treatment plan. Unfortunately, everyone is different so there’s no set smoking cessation plan you should follow. Your best bet will be to speak with your doctor who can help you find something that will work for you.

Another thing that will help is being away from a household where people have smoked or currently smoke. Secondhand smoke can be equally as dangerous as smoking yourself and experts estimate that the harmful chemicals in cigarettes can linger in a room for as long as five hours. In other words, if you smell cigarettes, you’re probably inhaling harmful chemicals that could lead to a COPD exacerbation. If you live with someone who smokes, try asking them to do it outside.

Every Case of COPD is Different

While around 16 million Americans have COPD, every case is unique. COPD is an umbrella term that’s used to denote two different chronic illnesses: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. And while these conditions might exhibit similar symptoms such as a chronic cough, breathlessness, and fatigue, they’re very different in terms of their causes, risk factors, and prognosis. These conditions can also occur in different parts of the respiratory system and work in tandem with co-morbidities which further complicates treatment and outlook.

Emphysema is what many people think of as the “smoker’s disease.” It’s a condition that affects the alveoli, the tiny air sacs that scatter the lungs. These air sacs are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the bloodstream, so they play a key role in our systemic health. In someone with emphysema, the alveoli begin to lose their shape and fill with fluid meaning the transfer of gases is less efficient. 

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In many cases, doctors will prescribe supplemental oxygen therapy which can help reduce the burden on the lungs. But it’s important to understand exactly how much you should be receiving because too much oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity. This can result in symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases even death. Make sure you’re clear on when to use oxygen and how much to use and don’t assume that increasing your oxygen intake will help you feel better.

The treatment options for emphysema also vary based on where the emphysema is located. For example, if the emphysema is located in one specific area of the lung, you may be a candidate for lung volume reduction surgery. This is a procedure that involves removing the damaged tissue in the lungs which prevents air from getting trapped and causing difficulty breathing. While it may sound counterintuitive to remove part of your lungs in order to help you breathe better, sometimes the benefits outweigh the negatives.

In other cases, emphysema patients may be a candidate for something called endobronchial valves. This is a less intrusive alternative to lung volume reduction surgery and involves inserting one-way valves into certain airways. The end result is that air won’t get trapped in areas of the lungs with emphysema and you’ll be able to breathe easier.

Lastly, COPD can be complicated when co-morbidities such as sleep apnea are involved. Sleep apnea is a condition where the airways close up as you sleep resulting in disruptions in your sleep and more serious long-term effects such as an increased risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart attack. When COPD and sleep apnea occur together it is referred to as overlap syndrome, and studies have found that this phenomenon is common, especially as COPD progresses.

There is a Genetic Component to COPD

There is a small group of COPD patients that are often excluded from larger discussions about COPD and its causes. These are people who contracted COPD without ever picking up a cigarette or spending time around smokers. While alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) is rare, it is the number one cause of COPD in non-smokers and people who live otherwise healthy lives.

A1AD occurs when the liver does not produce the correct amount of the alpha-1 protein. This protein is responsible for protecting the lungs from damage due to inflammation and it also prevents damage due to scar tissue in the liver. In these people, even something as simple as exposure to poor air quality or higher than normal levels of air pollution can lead to permanent lung damage and even COPD. 

While there is no cure for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, there are treatment options available. It’s also very important to recognize it at an early age so awareness is key. One possible treatment option is called augmentation therapy (replacement therapy). This is where the patient receives replacement alpha-1 from a donor once a week through an IV treatment. While this is not a cure-all, it can play an important role in delaying damage to the lungs. This is another reason it’s important to start as soon as possible.   

COPD is More Common in Women

For many decades, COPD was primarily a disease that affected men. This is largely due to the fact that women did not smoke very frequently before the 1950s. However, since then, the gap between men who smoke and women who smoke has narrowed significantly. With that being said, the number of smokers, in general, has decreased from 40 percent in the 1970s to around 14 percent in 2017.

Another reason COPD is more common among women is that women are proven to have a faster rate of decline in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) than men despite smoking less heavily. Studies have also shown that women have higher hospitalization rates and deaths due to respiratory failure or comorbidities.  

COPD Patients Can Live a Long and Healthy Life

It’s so easy to fall into a line of thinking where being diagnosed with a chronic condition means it’s the end, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. While receiving a COPD diagnosis should act as a wake-up call for heavy smokers, it is far from “the end.” Many COPD patients are able to live long, happy lives as long as they make a serious effort to change their lifestyle for the better.

According to Medicinenet.com, the five-year life expectancy for newly diagnosed COPD patients is 40% to 70%. This is despite the fact that as many as 38% of people diagnosed with COPD continue to smoke and many don’t follow through with the treatment plan that their doctor set forth for them. On the other hand, people who immediately quit smoking and implement healthy choices like supplemental oxygen therapy, a healthy diet, and a consistent exercise routine see much better results. Some people with COPD have lived well into their 70s and 80s.

Conclusion

COPD is a leading cause of death in the United States and it’s also one of the most preventable illnesses in the world. Despite this fact, many people are woefully unaware of what exactly it is and how it affects the body. In comparison to other chronic illnesses like lung cancer or heart disease, COPD receives a lack of funding. This has led to many people referring to it as an “invisible illness.” — many people are affected, yet many suffer in silence.

The good news is that everyone can play a role in the treatment and prevention of COPD. if you have COPD, you can take part in clinical trials which helps to pave the way for researchers and doctors. If you have a friend or loved one with COPD, you can take time out of your day to help them manage their disease. And if you don’t have any connection to COPD, you can still get involved by donating or volunteering with organizations like the American Lung Association or the COPD Foundation.

If this is your first time looking for a portable oxygen concentrator, you probably have a lot of questions that you need answers to. Maybe you’re wondering if your new concentrator will meet your oxygen needs, how long the battery will last, or how reliable it will be. It’s important to learn about these things before purchasing an oxygen machine so that there aren’t any surprises once it arrives at your door.

Quite possibly the most common question we get here at LPT Medical is, “what is the quietest portable oxygen concentrator?” This is a perfectly valid question considering the fact that other oxygen therapy devices like compressed oxygen and liquid oxygen are virtually silent. Since oxygen concentrators work entirely differently than these two devices, many people don’t know what to expect when they purchase one for the first time.  

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In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the portable oxygen concentrators with the lowest sound output in 2021. Keep in mind that these are not necessarily the “best” portable oxygen concentrators and they may not be adequate for your specific oxygen needs. Be sure to call us at 1-(800) 946-1201 to speak with a respiratory specialist who can help you out.

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

Portable oxygen concentrators work by taking in ambient air, removing gases like argon and nitrogen, then putting out medical grade oxygen. Because POCs don’t simply hold and release oxygen like oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks, they have a lot more components, and thus, a higher potential to create noise. Below are just a few of the reasons you might want a quiet portable oxygen concentrator:

Reduced Anxiety

Noise anxiety is a very real thing for many people. Whether it’s a dog barking next door or a noisy construction project on your street, being exposed to persistent loud sounds can be a major distraction. The type of noise can also make a difference. For example, high pitched noises tend to cause more anxiety than low pitched noises. 

More Restful Sleep

If you have COPD, you will likely be prescribed 24/7 long-term oxygen therapy. In other words, you will need to use your portable oxygen concentrator all day and all night, even when you’re sleeping. If you’re a light sleeper, a noisy machine can make it really difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep. And, according to the Sleep Foundation, even if a noise doesn’t wake you up, it can still contribute to sleep restlessness and result in feelings of sleepiness and mood changes once you wake up.

Go More Places

Last but certainly not least, you’ll be able to go more places and do more things with a quiet portable oxygen concentrator. A noisy concentrator could easily cause a disturbance in a library or during a church service, and you may feel self-conscious about bringing a noisy concentrator to spend time with friends. Either way, a concentrator with a low sound output will allow you to have more freedom in how you go about your daily activities. 

1.) The Inogen One G5 (37 decibels)

Inogen, Inc. is a medical oxygen company that’s been around since 2001. They are one of the most respected and trusted brands in the industry and they are primarily known for producing powerful, lightweight pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators. What many people don’t realize, however, is that their latest POC, the Inogen One G5, is also the quietest portable oxygen concentrator ever produced. 

The Inogen One G5 was released in 2019, and still to this day, it offers the highest oxygen output of any pulse flow oxygen concentrator and it’s also one of the lightest, weighing in at only 4.7 pounds. Whether you’re someone who has a need for a high flow of oxygen or you just use oxygen intermittently throughout the day, the Inogen One G5 is a great choice for many oxygen patients. 

On a flow setting of 2, the Inogen One G5 is only 37 dBA (decibels). This is comparable to a quiet conversation or a gentle stream meaning it won’t be hugely disruptive in your daily life. You’ll be able to go out to a movie, church service, or library without worrying about people getting annoyed by the sound, and if your treatment plan allows it, you can even drop down to a flow setting of 1 if you want it to be extra quiet. 

Inogen One G5 Specs

Inogen One G5 Battery Life

Inogen One G5 Oxygen Output

2.) The GCE Zen-O Lite (37 decibels)

GCE is a world-leader in medical oxygen device manufacturing. They have production facilities in China, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and more. GCE Medical is a subsidiary of Gas Control Equipment Ltd, Europe’s leading gas equipment company. GCE is mainly known for its Zen-O continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator and its Zen-O Lite pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator, but they also offer two stationary oxygen concentrators: the M50 and OC-E80.

Much like the Inogen One G5, the GCE Zen-O Lite is perfect for those who want to live life without limits. Weighing in at only 5.5 pounds, you’ll be able to sling it over your shoulder without it causing pain or soreness. While this unit offers significantly less battery life than the G5, you’ll still have up to 8 hours of freedom on one battery charge if you’re on a setting of 2.

The sound output of the GCE Zen-O Lite is the same as the G5 at 37 dBA, so you will have no problems going to public areas and enjoying your day without worrying about the sound of your portable oxygen concentrator. The Zen-O Lite is also a great nighttime concentrator. If you need oxygen while you sleep, you can keep this concentrator next to your bed without disturbing your sleep. 

GCE Zen-O Lite Specs

GCE Zen-O Lite Oxygen Output

GCE Zen-O Lite Battery Life

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3.) The Inogen One G3 (39 decibels)

Despite being released in 2012, the Inogen One G3 is still a popular choice for oxygen patients who want a lightweight, reliable, and quiet portable oxygen concentrator. While the G3 is 2 dBA louder than the Inogen One G5 and the GCE Zen-O Lite, this difference is negligible and you likely wouldn’t even notice if you put it side-by-side with the other two devices.

The G3 is not too far behind the G5 as far as other specs are concerned. It weighs in at just 4.8 pounds with flow settings 1 through 5, and it has an expected battery life of 8 hours on a flow setting of 2. Since the G3 is a little bit older than the G5, you might find that it’s a little bit easier to get a good deal on it. 

One of the biggest selling points of the G3 is its accessories. There are a wide range of carrying options for the G3 including the custom carrying case, G3 backpack, G3 rolling backpack, and GO2 Carryall, a stylish handbag that can match with just about any outfit. No matter what way you look at it, the G3 offers a lot more options for customization than other portable oxygen concentrators out there.

Inogen One G3 Specs

Inogen One G3 Battery Life

Supplemental oxygen therapy or long term oxygen therapy (LTOT), is an at home therapy process 1.5 million Americans utilize everyday in order to improve their quantity and quality of living with chronic lung diseases.

Many people despise physical therapy for the discomfort, pain, and slow rehabilitation periods. The same goes for oxygen therapy, it can be uncomfortable and a pain to get used to. With that being said, if you are an oxygen patient, LTOT is now a part of you daily life, so if you want to make it as easy and as comfortable as possible, follow the information laid out in this article.

Supplemental oxygen therapy is a necessary treatment for lung patients in accordance with strict health criteria. Respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, lung cancer, and pneumonia are all possible contributing factors that would require someone to need long term supplemental oxygen therapy (LTOT). 

LTOT is prescribed to patients with low blood oxygen levels and corresponding symptoms, and only when LTOT would work to reduce the number of hospitalizations, increase lung capacity, and improve health-related quality of life. 

Many lung patients do not qualify for long term oxygen therapy, and by taking oxygen therapy without the proper instructions to do so can be very harmful. 

If an individual is using their LTOT at the most optimal dosage, and adheres to their prescription daily, the therapy has the capacity to add years to their life that they would have lost without the therapy.

Getting the Optimal Amount of Oxygen 

It is critical to get a healthy amount of oxygen. A healthy person will have a normal oxygen saturation level between 95% and 100%, and typically, patients with lung disease tend to have a lower than normal oxygen level. Once oxygen saturation levels drop consistently to 88% and below at rest, a patient should be analyzed for supplemental oxygen therapy to help improve their overall oxygen levels and better manage symptoms.. 

So how do you know you are getting enough and not too much oxygen when you are using an oxygen device? Here are 8 ways to make sure your supplemental oxygen therapy is done correctly:

1. Understand the oxygen prescription your doctor gives you
2. Check for hypoxemia at regular intervals using a pulse oximetry monitor
3. Keep a respiratory health diary so you can track the progression of your disease and better treat your condition 
4. Take you medication in accordance with your oxygen therapy 
5. When you travel, be sure you can travel with your oxygen device or you have a oxygen rental set up before you get to your destination 
6. Have a back-up portable oxygen concentrator battery in the case of a power outage, or extra canisters for other emergencies
7.  If you experience a COPD exacerbation, have the knowledge and capabilities to adjust your oxygen device to fit your needs.
8. Buy a portable oxygen concentrator that can increase its oxygen output from your baseline dosage, so that if you ever need to increase your dosage your oxygen needs will be covered  

Chronic lung diseases are progressive, so your condition will change over time, and depending on your lifestyle, deterioration can happen swiftly, or, ideally, it will progress slowly. 

You have to be in tune with your body when you are an oxygen patient. You have to be capable of determining on your own and with the help of a pulse oximeter monitor when you feel low on oxygen, and if you should seek medical attention, or simply take care of the issue on your own. 

This is how a health journal can help you and your doctor explain your symptoms, and it is also a great way to show you what is happening in your body in certain situations. 

One of the most obvious ways to make sure you are getting the most optimal amount of oxygen is knowing how to work your oxygen device. Whether you have a portable oxygen concentrator or liquid or gas oxygen tank, you have to adjust to the device and use it properly. 

This is why the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator comes with a free Thrive eLearning Course, that offers:

• Direct access to a private support group (patients, caretakers, and experts) 
• Years of COPD and respiratory illness knowledge
• Step-by-step disease management regimen
• Best selling e-books and guides
• Step-by-step breathing exercises
• Learn about exacerbations and how to prevent them
• Speak with a nutritionist about refining and improving your diet

So learning about your disease is one thing, but on top of that you must be equipped to work your oxygen device, this will take time, practice, and education, but with the help of resources, like the LPT Medical blog, the thrive eLearning Course, and pulmonary rehabilitation groups, or online support groups, you can learn rather quickly. 

There are a lot of ways to make supplemental oxygen therapy easy, and once you get in the rhythm of using your device, you can start to reap the many benefits of LTOT such as reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, less hospitalizations, and even living longer. 

Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

The first step to making supplemental oxygen therapy easier, is buying yourself a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) if you do not already have one. 

POCs make life easier for oxygen patients everywhere for a few obvious and other less obvious reasons. First of all, they are portable and designed to help oxygen patients get out and experience life the way they want to

Portability  

Finding an oxygen device that helps you move around rather than an oxygen tank that holds you back is an essential quality that can help make LTOT easier. 

Many oxygen patients are still very mobile and eager to travel, exercise, and improve their lives through physical activity, daily chorus, and projects. Having a lightweight oxygen device that you can bring with you to the grocery store, on an airplane, and everywhere in between is a luxury that once you experience having one, you will wonder how you got by without one. 

The Inogen One G5 is a 4.7 pound oxygen concentrator that exerts pulse flow oxygen 1-6, and can last for up to 10 hrs on setting 2 with the One G5 double battery accessory. With this trusted device, an oxygen patient could carry the One G5 out to dinner, to a movie or a play, for a long walk on the beach without having to worry about running low on oxygen or battery life, and it is also easily transported along any adventure. 

Convenience 

LTOT does not have to be an invasive therapy that gets in the way of your daily routine. If you have an oxygen tank, you will be obligated to get your oxygen filled, traveling will be difficult, and maneuvering your device can be challenging for many. 

POCs run on batteries, therefore, you are not tethered to a wall, nor do you have to worry about coordinating your oxygen delivery every week. 

The Caire Freestyle Comfort can last for 8 hours with the double battery on a setting 2, and it only weighs 5 pounds. It is user friendly.

On top of being portable and convenient, POCs are also less expensive than oxygen tanks. 

Portable oxygen concentrator costs

There are two kinds of POCs, pulse flow and continuous flow. Continuous flow oxygen devices require more power and bigger batteries, therefore, they are more expensive than pulse flow oxygen devices. 

If you have an oxygen tank, you will forever be at the will of your oxygen supply company that comes to your home to fill your tanks. Every time this costs time and money. The costs of refilling your tanks over time will outnumber the upfront costs of a POC for a device that never has to be refilled, and is even more reliable and functional. 

Easing Nasal Cannula discomfort 

When your oxygen therapy makes you feel uncomfortable, easing these side effects can help make your LTOT easier and more manageable. Oxygen masks and nasal cannula can cause a lot of discomforts for some oxygen patines. Because you have to wear these oxygen accessories all day long and maybe at night as well, this can cause some irritation.

Here are some of the most common problems that oxygen patients have with nasal cannula and oxygen masks:

• Nasal dryness and nosebleeds
• Ear pressure and pain
• Skin irritation
• Soreness
• Tubing getting snagged, twisted, and pulled
• Excess moisture and condensation

Here is an blog you can read that will help you deal with the discomforts LTOT can impose: How to Make Supplemental Oxygen More Comfortable

Maintenance 

As with anything, oxygen devices require maintenance from time to time. Portable oxygen concentrates extra air from the surrounding area, and filters the air so you breath in to medical-grade oxygen with less impurities and excess particles.

Regular maintenance you will have to perform on your portable oxygen concentrator is cleaning the filter, as you would with any filtration system. 

You should clean your oxygen filter depending on how much you use your POC, normally oxygen users clean or at least inspect their oxygen filter once a week. When you are inspecting the filter make sure there are no holes or tears, and if there is any damage buy a new filter. 

You can clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner attachment, and work to remove dust or debris.

If you vacuum the filter, and there is still some dirt or dust remaining, you can get the filter wet just enough to wash away any remaining dirt and use mild dish soap, just be sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove the soap. Allow it to air dry completely in a dust free environment before you put it back into place. Depending on the model and the supplier’s instructions, you might need to clean the filter more often than once a week.

There are oxygen devices like the Respironics SimplyGo that are designed to be durable and reliable and require very little regular maintenance.

Staying Clean and Organized 

Cleaning your portable oxygen concentrator is an important task in taking care of your oxygen device. The better care you can take of your equipment the longer it will last, and the less maintenance you will have to perform on the device.

Everytime you need maintenance on your device, you have to send the device to your distributor, and wait for it to be repaired and sent back to you, this is obviously a huge inconvenience.

To clean your portable oxygen concentrator follow these simple steps:

1. Always unplug your device before cleaning it 
2. Wipe down the outside with a rag of warm water and a little bit of soap
3. Rinse the device with another damp rag
4. Use a cotton swab to get the dust and dirt out of vents and cracks 
5. Dry completely 

To clean your nasal tubing:

1. Soak the tubs in a pool of soapy warm water 
2. Rinse the nasal cannula with a solution of water 90% and 10% white vinegar 
3. Dry completely 

You can also wipe your device and the nasal tubing with alcohol wipes to remove germs daily. It is a good practice to replace nasal cannulas and tubing every month if you use the device often. Keep your concentrator in an area with less dust, and if you can, try to dust your home often or use an air filter that can extract dust and particles from the surrounding air thereby limiting the amount of dust that is filtered out through your concentrator. 

To clean the filter

First, closely follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing the filter from the device. Then follow these instructions:

1. Dip the filter into a pool of light dish soap mixed with warm water 
2. Use a damp cloth to thoroughly clean off any lingering dirt or dust 
3. Rinse the filter to get off all of the soap
4. Completely dry the filter before putting it back into your concentrator

Organization is key to making life easier while using LTOT. 

Things that you should have organized and capable of finding at all times:

1. The contact of you doctor or physician 
2. The contact of your oxygen equipment sales company 1(800)-946-1201
3.  The maintenance receipts of your oxygen device 
4. Your oxygen prescription written by your doctor
5. A health journal explaining any and all of your experiences with exacerbated symptoms, oxygen equipment issues, and oxygen levels 
6. The location of extra batteries, tubing, and other oxygen accessories 
7. The location of your emergency oxygen supply 

Having all of this information organized can create a sense of peace and comfort in your daily life. Without organization, especially if you have a chronic illness, stress and anxiety can play a huge part in your well-being.

Sleeping and Resting with Oxygen Therapy 

Getting enough sleep and rest is imperative for respiratory patients. If you do not get enough sleep either due to a secondary sleeping disorder or you find it hard to sleep while using oxygen equipment you should focus on a strict bedtime routine, finding time to exercise during the day, and using the best oxygen equipment for sleep. 

If you have sleep apnea, of if you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, like snoring a lot, you should talk to your doctor getting tested. Sleep apnea and COPD often occur together and in this case, treating sleep apnea is the best way for you to get more sleep.

Beyond treating sleep apnea, you can also follow these suggestions:

Get into a strict bedtime routine, this will help you get into a rhythm, so that falling asleep and staying asleep becomes a natural process. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day — even on weekends, this can help sync your body and mind so that sleeping becomes a natural part of your day. 

If your oxygen saturation levels are low while you sleep, talk to your doctor, they may prescribe oxygen for you to use at night. If you do use oxygen at night but it is keeping you up, understand that is can take some time to get used to.

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The Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator is CPAP/BiPAP compatible and it is equipped with both pulse flow and continuous flow oxygen delivery modes to cover you 24/7 so if you need continuous oxygen at night and pulse flow during the day, this device can do it all. 

One amazing feature the SimplyGo offers is the sleep mode technology, this is ideal for oxygen patients that have a hard time falling asleep. All you have to do is turn the "sleep mode" on when you feel yourself dozing off to ensure your oxygen gets delivered while you are sleeping.

When you turn "sleep mode" on your SimplyGo increases its sensitivity to detect your breath, and it softens the pulse flow delivery so it doesn’t wake you up. If you breath is too shallow and your SimplyGo doesn’t detect a breath or if you breathe through your mouth, it will automatically switch back over to continuous flow to ensure you get your required oxygen.

Here are some other ways that can help you fall asleep: 

• Avoid electronics before bed
• Exercise during the day 
• Analyze your medication and check out if any side effects include losing sleep 
• Try to avoid long naps during the day
• No caffeine after 4pm  

Overview

Just like physical therapy, oxygen therapy can be tiring and uncomfortable, but the more that you do it the better you will feel. 

Allow yourself the time to adjust to LTOT is you are just getting started, and if you have been a long time oxygen patient and you are still experience discomfort, we hope that some of the ideas in this article can help you adjust to a more comfortable oxygen therapy regimen. 

Traveling the world is something that just about everyone dreams of doing at one point or another. Whether you’re planning a road trip, cruise, or a flight, there are endless opportunities available to you. However, if you want to turn your dreams into a reality, you need to be smart about how you plan.

If you have a chronic condition like COPD or cystic fibrosis, this can make it really difficult to pack for a long trip. On one hand, you want to pack as light as possible, but on the other, you want to ensure you have the medical equipment you need to stay healthy and avoid exacerbations. This can be a tricky act to balance if you haven’t done it before.

The good news is that we live in a time of innovation and creativity; If you’re having a problem with something, chances are, someone has already found a solution. And when it comes to medical oxygen, companies like Inogen have been refining and improving their products for years to make their portable oxygen concentrators more travel-friendly.

Many companies have already labeled the Inogen One G5 “the best oxygen concentrator for travel” and we have to say, we agree! We’ve already labeled the Inogen One G5 “the best portable oxygen concentrator of 2020,” and we strongly believe it would take our top spot for the best travel oxygen concentrator as well.

 

Flying With the Inogen One G5

Traveling internationally is one of the most exciting things you can experience as a traveler. Not only do you get the opportunity to visit areas of the world that you’ve never been to before, but it can be extremely rewarding working your way through the challenges of international travel.

 

Something that’s far less rewarding, however, is dealing with medical issues while you’re on the opposite side of the world. If you’re a COPD patient yourself, you know how scary it can be going away from home without having a reliable medical oxygen device to work with.

 

 

If you experience an exacerbation while abroad, for example, you may be admitted to a hospital. This can throw a wrench in your plans and put you in a position that you don’t want to be in, especially when it comes to your medical bills.

 

Many insurance companies, Medicare included, won’t help you pay for medical bills while you’re abroad, and even if they do, you’ll most likely have a lot of hoops to jump through to get what you need. This is why it’s best to avoid overseas medical emergencies as much as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of traveling with the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator.

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Approved by the Federal Aviation Administration

Flying can be a huge hassle in this day and age. It seems as if just about everyone out there has a horror story to tell about getting stuck in an airport due to canceled flights or being ripped off by an airline for one reason or another. If you’re planning to fly with oxygen, you need to first understand how airlines deal with medical oxygen devices.

 

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a government organization that oversees and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United States. In their own words, the FAA aims to “provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.” They achieve this by working with pilots, mechanics, airline operators, and even travelers to make air travel one of the safest methods of travel in the country.

 

Below are the major responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration:

 

• Promoting safety in civil aviation
• Developing and advocating for new aviation technology
• Operating air traffic control for military and civil aircraft
• Implementing programs that control the environmental effects of civil aviation
• Operating a system of air traffic control
• Working with pilots, flight attendants, and travelers to improve in-flight safety
• And much more

 

When it comes to medical oxygen machines, the primary concern is safety. Oxygen tanks and portable oxygen tanks are banned by the FAA because they are not safe to use while in the air. However, most portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5, are approved for in-flight use because they’re lighter and contain no pressurized oxygen.

 

How to Prepare for a Flight With the G5

While the Inogen One G5 is FAA approved for all major airlines, it’s important to plan ahead of time in order to make sure the process is quick and painless for both you and the airline. Follow the steps below to get you started:

 

• Get in touch with your pulmonologist several days before your flight. Let him/her know that you are traveling with your supplemental oxygen. If you haven’t already been given one, ask for a doctor’s note or prescription that indicates your need for oxygen.
• Contact the airline that you will be flying with at least a day or two before your flight. Let them know that you will be flying with an oxygen concentrator. They may ask you questions about the model of concentrator you own. You may need to fax a copy of the physician’s note or arrive early to show it to them.
• Before leaving for the airport, pack extra portable oxygen concentrator batteries on your carryon bag. Ensure you have at least 1.5 times the flight duration in batteries. There are many Inogen One G5 accessories available to help you with this.
• Once you arrive at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at the airport, notify an employee that you will need to keep your oxygen on and need an alternate screening process.
• Finally, speak with an employee once you arrive at the gate to ensure your oxygen concentrator has been approved.
  
  

Easy to Carry and Store

Aside from canceled flights and poor customer service, another thing airlines are notorious for is a lack of legroom on their planes. While small children or shorter adults likely won’t have a problem, most people feel that a lack of legroom is the biggest downside to flying. Many people will even pay hundreds of dollars extra to upgrade to first class just for the added space.

 

As an owner of the Inogen One G5, you can take pride knowing that you own one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators as well as the smallest portable oxygen concentrator on the market. When the plane is taking off you’ll be able to store your portable oxygen concentrator securely either under the seat or under your shoulder.

 

 

Another concern many frequent flyers have is that they won’t be able to walk down the aisle easily with their oxygen concentrator. Take continuous flow units for example. These devices often weigh over 15 pounds and are meant to be wheeled around rather than carried on your shoulder. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to fit a continuous flow unit in an airplane bathroom where there’s already limited space.

 

Fortunately, you won’t have this problem with the Inogen G5. This medical oxygen device is just 8.15" H x 7.19" L x 3.26" W and weighs just 4.7 pounds! This is small enough that you won’t have to worry about bumping into people or their seats while walking down the aisle. And if you need to go to the bathroom during your trip, you’ll be able to take it with you.

Simple to Use

Another problem with having a lack of room is that you won’t be able to deal with complicated machinery while in flight. Luckily, the Inogen One G5 is extremely easy to use. One great feature of the G5 is that it has a backlight on the screen. If you ever need to change your flow rate or check your battery life, you can just tap the power button which activates the backlight. This way you won’t disturb people around you by turning on the overhead light.

 

 

Another option for you to make your Inogen One G5 easier to operate while in flight is to install the Inogen Connect application on your iPhone or Android device. This app allows you to view information about your POC without ever having to look at it. As a result, you’ll be able to save some battery life by not lighting up the backlight. This is some of the information you can view through the app:

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

 

The Inogen One G5 was designed with ease-of-use in mind. Since Inogen’s inception in the early 2000’s this company has been set on making their units smaller and easier to use while out and about. As opposed to previous portable oxygen concentrators, doing things like switching the batteries is unbelievably easy with the G5. Simply pop the battery off the bottom of the unit and replace it with a full one.  

 

Taking a Cruise With the Inogen One G5

For those of us fortunate enough to take a cruise at some point in our lives, it’s important to make the most of it. Cruises can last anywhere from a few days to several months, so without being thoroughly prepared beforehand, you might be in for a rough ride. 

 

 

One very important thing to note about taking a cruise with COPD is that there are very limited resources in the way of medical supplies and expertise. While most cruise lines require a doctor to be on call 24/7, they can’t account for every person with every type of medical condition. And if an emergency should occur, they may not be able to accommodate the appropriate procedure for your needs. In other words, it’s important for you to do your due diligence and prevent medical emergencies at all costs.

 

Approved by Most Major Cruise Lines

Just like with airlines, most cruise lines are perfectly fine with you bringing a portable oxygen concentrator aboard. Oxygen concentrators do not pose a threat to passengers like oxygen tanks do and you’ll find that they’re much easier to transport and store as well.

 

One important thing to note before boarding a cruise ship is that cruise lines rarely provide passengers with oxygen tanks or concentrators. The medical facility aboard the ship may provide oxygen tanks for emergency situations, but you’ll need to consult with them ahead of time if you have any concerns.

 

How to Prepare for a Cruise With the G5

If you want to take a cruise with the Inogen One G5, there are several steps you should take to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

 

• Get in touch with your primary care physician or pulmonologist far enough in advance. While you likely won’t have to show your oxygen prescription when you board the cruise, you may need to have one on you if you visit a doctor aboard the ship
• Most cruise ships have a special needs or access department aboard the ship that are responsible for handling medical-related inquiries. Get in touch with them 30 days prior to your trip to let them know the details of your condition.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended when traveling. If your vacation is interrupted by a medical emergency, this will cover most of the fees you’d have to pay.
• Have your oxygen equipment inspected by a professional before your trip. Since cruises can last weeks or months, it’s a lot more likely that something will go wrong than when you’re taking a flight.
• Keep a pulse oximeter handy at all times when you’re aboard the ship. While you’re out and about enjoying your day-to-day activities, you may not realize how far you’re walking, so you should adjust your oxygen output accordingly.
  
  

 

Perfect for Walking and Exploring

Cruises differ from other forms of travel in that it’s not all about the destination — it’s about the journey. When you’re aboard these ships, it’s important that you’re able to enjoy every moment and not just the short amount of time that you’re off the ship.

 

People have been traveling for decades with portable oxygen tanks, but the problem is that they don’t allow you full freedom while on vacation. Portable oxygen tanks can weigh upwards of 15 pounds, so there’s no way you’ll be able to transport one without using a rolling cart or being bound to a wheelchair for the entire trip. 

 

Alternatively, with the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll enjoy free reign wherever you go. Weighing just 4.7 pounds, you’ll be able to carry the device all over the ship with little more hassle than carrying a small handbag. In fact, many people are surprised to find that they forget they’re carrying it as they’re busy enjoying their time.

 

Cruise ships can also be crowded, meaning you’ll want a portable oxygen device that’s small and not so loud that it will disturb other guests. So, you’ll be happy to know that the Inogen One G5 is about the size of a tin lunch box. In other words, it’s small enough for it to not to disrupt your daily activities but big enough that you won’t forget it somewhere.

 

The Inogen G5 is also a very quiet device at about 37 decibels on a flow setting of 2. That’s about the same volume as a whisper. If there are any events on the cruise ship like a movie, play, or concert, you’ll be able to go without worrying that your oxygen concentrator will disturb other guests.

 

 

One of the many things that people enjoy about taking a cruise is the excursions. An excursion is a sort of “pit stop” cruise ships take, allowing you to explore a new destination for a set amount of time before boarding the ship again. For most people, this is a great time to relax on the beach, however, if you have to wheel your oxygen concentrator around, this may not be an option for you. 

 

Fortunately, the Inogen One G5 is light enough that you’ll be able to carry it around the beach without any problems. And with Inogen One G5 accessories such as the G5 backpack, you’ll be able to carry all the personal belongings you need like sunscreen, a water bottle, a camera, and much more!

 

Designed For 24/7 Use

You may be thinking that, because the Inogen One G5 is an electronic device, it can’t be used all day and all night. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the Inogen One G5 was actually designed specifically for people who need oxygen 24/7.

Like most of the newer Inogen oxygen concentrators, the processor inside the Inogen G5 is set to last 20,000 hours. To put that into perspective, that’s about 2.3 years or 833 days of persistent use without needing repairs or replacement parts! However, it’s recommended that you clean and replace your filters regularly as a best practice.

 

Another way the Inogen One G5 is designed for 24/7 use is that it is CPAP and BiPAP compatible. If you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder in addition to COPD or cystic fibrosis, the Inogen One G5 is the perfect mobile oxygen concentrator for you.

 

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a device that increases the air pressure in your throat to prevent your airways from closing while sleeping. Without these machines, people with obstructive sleep apnea may experience poor sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, as well as being at a higher risk of other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

 

If your doctor has prescribed you with both a CPAP or BiPAP machines as well as medical oxygen, you’ll be happy to know that setting up the two devices is a breeze. And doing so will ensure that you get plenty of restful sleep each night that you’re on the cruise so you can enjoy your vacation.

 

Taking a Road Trip With the Inogen One G5

Road trips are one of those things that you either love or you hate. People who love road trips are people who love the journey just as much as the destination. These people don’t mind sitting in the car for hours at a time if it means being able to sight see along the way.

 

But regardless of where you stand in regards to road trips, it’s difficult to find any enjoyment if you’re struggling with your mobile oxygen concentrator the whole time. If your unit is unreliable or difficult to use, you’re going to miss all those little moments that make cross-country trips so special. 

 

 

Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators like the SeQual Eclipse 5 or Respironics SimplyGo can provide you with reliable high-flow oxygen therapy while on the road, but these devices are too bulky for most travelers. Most travelers prefer the Inogen One G5 because it provides them with 6 oxygen flow settings, while still being one of the lightest and smallest oxygen concentrators out there.

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How to Prepare for a Road Trip With the Inogen One G5

• Have a solid plan of where you are going and when. Some people like to just go with the wind on road trips, but if you know where you’re going, you’ll be able to check the weather ahead of time to see whether or not it will be safe to travel.
• Oxygen concentrators are not waterproof, so if you’re going to be out in the rain, ensure that it’s covered up. Humid air should not cause any problems, however, if moisture begins to build up in the cannula, use a water trap and empty it frequently to prevent inhaling water.
• Be aware of any changes in altitude during your trip. Most portable oxygen concentrators (the G5 included) start to falter at an altitude above 10,000 feet. Staying below this elevation will ensure you receive an adequate amount of oxygen.
  
  

 

Charge Your G5 Wherever You Go

One of the greatest parts about road tripping with the Inogen One G5 is that you can charge it wherever you go. The AC adapter accessory can be used to charge your batteries when you’re in a hotel or in any other wall outlet you need to use. The DC power cable can be used to charge your batteries in a car, via the cigarette lighter.

 

If you’re someone who enjoys taking long road trips the G5 is perfect for you because you’ll never have to stop to recharge your unit. You can drive for hours with an infinite supply of oxygen and when you want to stop, you’ll have a full battery to use at your leisure. However, there are several considerations you should take.

 

 

First of all, you should avoid charging your Inogen One G5 while the car is off. When the car is on, the car’s battery is being charged, so having your POC plugged in won’t be a problem. However, if the car is off, you may drain the car battery meaning you won’t be able to start the car when you need to.

 

Second, we recommend fully charging your POC and then running the battery down all the way. While you can leave your concentrator plugged in at all times, your batteries will last longer if they are fully charged and fully depleted.

 

The Safest Way to Travel

Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 are the safest mobile oxygen therapy devices for road trips. As we mentioned earlier, the G5 doesn’t have any compressed oxygen inside it like oxygen tanks do. This is extremely important when driving because compressed oxygen tanks are known to explode or catch fire in certain situations.

 

If you are traveling with a portable oxygen tank you’ll have to take a number of precautions before leaving. Tanks should never be placed in the trunk of the car and any place they could become damaged in case of an accident. You may need to secure them to the back of a seat or under a seat to prevent injury.

 

The Inogen One G5 still needs to be secure when you’re driving but there’s no chance of it exploding or catching fire. Since the G5 is so small, you may be able to set it next to you on the seat and rest your arm on it to keep it secure. Unless you’re in a very small car, you shouldn’t have to take up leg room by putting it on the floor in front of you.

Conclusion

When it comes to traveling with medical oxygen, few devices are more convenient, reliable, and safe than the Inogen One G5. The G5 is a pulse dose unit that’s much smaller and lighter than continuous flow portable concentrators and portable oxygen tanks. But at the same time, it provides you with the highest oxygen output in its class.

 

Another reason to take the G5 with you on vacation is its host of helpful accessories. The custom carrying case and G5 backpack allow you to travel light while the DC power supply helps ensure you have oxygen 24/7, no matter where you are in the world. All things considered, it’s safe to say that the Inogen One G5 earns our pick for the best portable oxygen concentrator for travel.