COPD is serious, chronic, and life-threatening disease, but it doesn't always look that way. Many people with COPD don't appear to be as sick as they are, and the worst aspects of the disease are not always visible on the outside.

This makes COPD a “hidden” or “invisible” illness in many situations, which makes it hard for those who don't have the disease to understand those who do. Because of this, many people with COPD have their struggles dismissed or misunderstood, or even downright negative responses from others who doubt or shame their illness.

These reactions can make it difficult for people with COPD to ask for help, especially for those who already struggle with coming to terms with their limitations. When they do ask for support, others around them might still resist understanding or fail to grasp the seriousness of the disease.

Unfortunately, many people with COPD rely on accommodations in the workplace and support from family and friends at home. In order to get that support, however, they first have to get past the obstacle of convincing others to accept the reality of their hidden, chronic disease.

That's why we created this guide explaining how COPD can act as an invisible illness, and how to cope with the challenges that brings. Inside, we'll discuss how to cope with the social stigma surrounding hidden illness and show you a variety of practical tools and strategies for getting support, countering common misconceptions, and communicating with others about your condition and your needs.

What is An Invisible Illness?

An “invisible illness” (also known as “hidden illness” or “invisible disability”) is any kind of long-term health problem that is difficult to see. People with invisible illnesses do not look sick or disabled to people looking in from the outside, as opposed to people with more visible health conditions, such as people who use a wheelchair or show more obvious symptoms.

Essentially, people with invisible illnesses tend to have the following things in common:

• Their condition is not obvious or visible on the outside
• Their health condition is chronic and needs long-term management (it is not an illness that can simply be “cured.”)
• They experience symptoms or other challenges related to their condition on a frequent or daily basis
• Others often have trouble recognizing or understanding their condition, symptoms, or general struggles related to their condition

The term invisible illness includes a wide spectrum of physical and mental conditions, including physical disabilities, mental health disorders, and diseases like cancer and COPD. There are so many invisible diseases, disabilities, and other hidden health conditions that it would be impossible to come up with an exhaustive list.

However, here are a few examples of invisible illnesses to put the term in context:

• Chronic Pain
• Chronic Fatigue
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDs
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• COPD
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Learning Disabilities
• ADHD

Many invisible illnesses are conditions that don't cause obvious, outward symptoms that other people can see. Because they don't fit many other people's pre-conceived notions of what a sick person should look or act like, they often have trouble getting others to recognize or understand their illness.

In fact, people with invisible illnesses are sometimes treated with overt suspicion or disbelief by those who doubt that their ailments are real or as serious as they say. However, it's usually a more subtle prejudice that people with invisible illnesses have to deal with the most.

This can cause a great deal of stress anytime someone with a hidden illness needs to discus their condition with others, and make it difficult for them to ask others for the help and support they need.

Unintentional, subconscious biases cause others to treat people with hidden illness differently than those who fit the stereotype of someone suffering from a chronic disease. Because the condition isn't visible, outsiders are much more likely to act insensitively, downplay their suffering, or make false assumptions about their behavior.

For example, someone with an invisible illness might be perceived as lazy or attention-seeking if they ask for special accommodations or need extra time off to rest. On the other hand, when you have an illness that others can actually see, others are more likely to realize that certain behaviors and limitations are caused by a real health condition rather than poor work ethic or a lack of good character.

Many people with invisible illnesses are used to getting insensitive comments like, “but you don't look sick” or “maybe it's all in your head,” or “shouldn't you feel better by now?” This can be extremely frustrating and discouraging for people struggling with chronic diseases who have no way to “prove” their illness or make others truly understand.

How is COPD an Invisible Illness?

Even though COPD is a serious chronic disease, many people who have COPD don't actually look sick. After all, COPD symptoms vary widely from person to person, and even more serious symptoms might not be obvious to someone looking in from the outside.

Despite the toll that COPD takes on their body, many people are able to manage their COPD symptoms well much of the time and live active, fulfilling lives that make them appear just as healthy as anyone else. Under the surface, however, they could be fighting every day against lung function decline while also dealing with all the pain, stress, and other difficulties that come with managing a chronic lung disease.

What's more, COPD symptoms are not always stable or predictable, and it's common for them to fluctuate from day to day. Symptom flare-ups and exacerbations can come out of nowhere, causing even the most well-functioning COPD patient to decline into debilitating breathlessness and fatigue.

Because of this, someone who normally only has mild COPD symptoms can suddenly get worse, or even need to be hospitalized for an extended period of time. Even minor flare-ups can take a huge toll on everyday life, turning normally-simple activities into extremely difficult tasks.

Even when close friends and family members know about the illness, it can be difficult for them to understand what the person with COPD is going through. They might appear to have their symptoms and daily life well-managed, but in reality they could be struggling with any number of less-visible symptoms, psychological stressors, and other medical challenges.

On top of being an invisible illness itself, COPD can cause other chronic conditions that are often considered invisible, including several that we listed in the previous section. Hidden ailments like chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and mental illness, for example, are all common complications of COPD.

For all these reasons and more, some people with COPD struggle with their illness much more than it appears to those on the outside. That's why it's important for others around them to understand how COPD works, and why someone with the disease might need more help and support at some times than others.

Sometimes COPD is More Hidden than Others

There are certain circumstances in which COPD is particularly unnoticeable, or especially difficult for people on the outside to understand. For example, many people find it difficult to comprehend that someone who is young or who “seems healthy” could still be struggling with a serious, chronic disease.

Misconceptions about what COPD looks like can also make others less likely to believe or sympathize with someone who doesn't show the symptoms that others' expect someone with COPD to have. Because of this, people who don't fit the classic COPD stereotype are more likely to be dismissed or misunderstood.

Let's take a closer look at some of these circumstances to better understand why they happen and how they affect people with COPD. Then, in the following sections, we'll discuss some effective strategies for overcoming these obstacles and helping others' better understand the aspects of the COPD that are not so easily seen.

The Invisible Early Stages of COPD

COPD symptoms tend to start out mild in the beginning and gradually get worse over time. These symptoms are often subtle in the early stages of the disease, but they can still have a major effect on how you feel and how you live.

For example, someone with mild COPD might have to ration their energy and take special care to avoid respiratory irritants that make them feel sick. They may also have to make major changes to their lifestyle, schedule, and living environment to accommodate their medical needs.

Still, many people with mild COPD don't look sick on the outside, even as they face the physical and emotional challenges of adjusting to life with a chronic disease. This can make it difficult for others to understand the seriousness of the disease and the huge toll it can take on your life.

When Exacerbations Suddenly Occur

If you have COPD, you know some days are worse than others, and that your symptoms can flare up without much warning. These variations are normal, but people who aren't familiar with COPD might not realize this, and wonder how you can seem fine one day but then feel very sick the next.

Unfortunately, this can cause others to be skeptical of someone with COPD who experience these ups and downs. They might think you are exaggerating or lying when you say you're not feeling well, or simply not take your pain as seriously as they would if you had a more “visible” disease.

People may also not believe that it can take weeks to recover from exacerbations, and shame someone with COPD for needing to take so much time off to rest. This causes unnecessary guilt and stress, and pressures patients who are still recovering to return to work and normal activity sooner than they should.

All of this ignorance can lead to a great deal of conflict and resentment among less-understanding colleagues, family, and friends, and colleagues. It often causes people with COPD to feel isolated and misunderstood, and can take a major toll on their social lives and careers.

Early-Onset COPD in People Who Seem “Too Young”

While most people don't get diagnosed with COPD until after the age of 40, some people develop it much earlier. In fact, it's somewhat common for the first symptoms to start between ages 30 and 40, at a time when many people would assume you are too young to get a degenerative lung disease.

In rare cases people develop COPD even earlier than that, in their twenties or even teenage years. COPD this young is usually caused by a major lung injury (e.g. severe toxic chemical exposure), or a serious genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis or AAT (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency).

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Unfortunately, people who develop COPD early are often met with surprise or even doubt when they tell others about their condition. Even when others don't express any suspicion outright, they might be less likely to understand the severity of the disease, or be less sympathetic of their struggles.

After all, there is an expectation in most societies that younger people should be thriving, energetic, and free from serious health problems, a standard that usually isn't applied to older adults. People who don't fit that bill are often misunderstood, and may find it more difficult to get support from others.

For example, a person who appears elderly might seem more in need of help, and more likely to get assistance from others when they need it. In fact, proper etiquette often dictates that people offer help and accommodations to older adults without even being asked.

On the other hand, most people would assume that someone who is young is also healthy and doesn't need any help with physical tasks. This makes it easier to ignore or overlook a young person who is visibly struggling, and might make a young person with COPD less likely to receive assistance if they ask.

How to Make Your Disease More Visible and Get the Support You Need

In many cases, overcoming biases regarding invisible diseases comes down to communication. Because of this, it's important to learn how to discuss your disease with others effectively and get your message across in a clear and compelling way.

It's also important to have backup when you need it, in the form of educational materials, an advocate, or even the force of the law. In the following sections, we'll show you how utilize all of these tools and strategies and more to get the support, accommodations, and visibility you deserve.

Communicate With Others More Effectively

Explain What You're Going Through

When you tell someone that you have COPD, there is a good chance that they will not know exactly what it is. And unless you explain it to them, there's no way for them to know how the disease affects your life.

That's why taking the time to explain your situation directly can be so valuable. It helps others better understand you and what you're going through, and helps correct any misconceptions or false assumptions they might have.

This can go a long way toward strengthening relationships and helping you feel less alone or misunderstood. It can also help avoid tensions or misunderstandings that are based on a lack of knowledge or empathy for your disease.

Of course, you shouldn't have to explain yourself to everyone; you can live your life and ask for help without justifying your illness to everyone you meet. However, in many situations, explaining your condition and what it's like for you is necessary, and it can help you build stronger, healthier, and more understanding relationships.

Here are some tips for dispelling misconceptions and helping others understand your invisible chronic disease:

• Think about what you would like people to know and understand about your health condition. When you have to explain it to someone, stick to the most important things and keep it as clear and simple as possible.
• Try to explain your symptoms in terms that others can relate to or understand. (e.g. “I feel so fatigued in the morning. It's kind of like that feeling you get after a really long, stressful day of work, only it's the beginning of the day.)
• Be specific; instead of saying something vague like “walking too much makes me breathless” you could explain more precisely how the symptom affects you. For example, you could say, “Because of my COPD, I can only walk short distances without having trouble breathing. I have to stop and take breaks often just to catch my breath.”
• You might want to take the time to directly address any misconceptions they might have or any specific aspects of your disease that people tend to misunderstand. For example, you might explain the concept of flare-ups and exacerbations so those around you won't be surprised when one comes up,
• Explain (when relevant) what your physical limitations are, and what you are able and unable to do. This lets others know what to expect from you, makes it easier for them to accommodate you, and may even help others be more patient with any inconveniences caused by your disease.

Be Explicit About Your Needs

As the common advice says: if you want something, you're not likely to get it unless you ask. That counts doubly for seeking help or support with an invisible illness like COPD.

That's why the best way to get help when you have a hidden illness is to ask explicitly for the support and assistance you need. Whether you need physical assistance, emotional support, or specific accommodations, let those around you know exactly what they can do to help.

Remember that other people can't read your mind, and they might not know you need something even if it seems obvious to you. Even if you've told them before, people forget and make mistakes, and might overlook your needs without any bad intentions.

Still, it might seem frustrating when others don't seem sensitive to your needs; for example, if someone invites you to an activity that requires more walking than you can do. But instead of getting hurt or defensive, you could try to remedy the situation with better communication.

In the present example, you could politely explain to the planner or attendees why you cannot come along, and offer to help them find a more accommodating activity for future plans. By speaking up and being pro-active, you give others the opportunity to be more inclusive and considerate of your needs.

When you ask others for help, try to make your requests as simple and clear as possible; this will make it easier and more convenient for others to oblige. You're likely to find that most people are willing to help you out when they know exactly what they can do.

Here are some extra tips for successfully asking for help:

• Take some time to make a list of specific things you need help with (e.g. small tasks around the house like cooking, cleaning, or laundry), that way you'll have an answer ready whenever someone asks you what they can do to help.
• Don't be too general or vague (e.g. “I need help around the house”); instead, give people clear, specific tasks to do (e.g. “Could you come over to help me clean up the house once every couple of weeks?)
• Try to give others flexibility to do tasks according to their availability, and try to match them with tasks that fit their abilities and schedule.
• When others are making plans or decisions that affect you, tell them if there's anything specific they can to do (or any constraints they need to consider) in order to better accommodate your needs.

Learn How to Say No

COPD can make it difficult to keep up with social activities and engagements, especially when your symptoms can flare up at any time without warning. Some days you might just not have much energy, or feel too sick to go out, which can be stressful if you have plans or commitments to keep.

It can also be difficult for friends and family to understand why you can't always participate in activities and events. However, you shouldn't let anyone else pressure you to commit to anything that you don't feel well enough to do.

That's why it's important to learn how to say no to plans and requests when necessary, even when it's difficult to do. Managing your disease, your health, and your own well-being should be your first priority, even if others find it frustrating or disappointing when you have to decline or cancel plans.

It helps to give others advance warning about your condition and explain ahead of time that you might need to cancel plans if you feel ill. That way, if you do have to cancel, it won't be a surprise, and it will be easier for others to accept and understand.

Let Someone Else Do the Talking

Refer Others to Informational Materials about COPD and Invisible Illnesses

As hard as you might try to help someone understand COPD and what you're going through, sometimes it just doesn't resonate or sink in. It can be difficult for some people to understand a disease that they've never experienced, and even harder to fathom what it would be like to live with that disease.

What's more, it can be tiring explaining your condition over and over and answering the same types of questions time and time again. Fortunately, there are all kinds of great informational resources out there that can inform others so you don't have to.

You can find books, blog posts, video lectures, and more that explain anything that you or anyone else would need to know about COPD, chronic diseases, and living with invisible illnesses. Then, whenever you need to explain your disease or your struggles to friends, family, coworkers, or anyone else, you can give them supplementary reading or viewing materials to help them learn more.

These materials can be more than just educational, however; they can make a deeper impression that goes beyond learning new information. Talented writers, speakers, and video-producers can deliver powerful, poignant messages that help others better understand and empathize with what it is like to live with a chronic disease.

Here are some examples of online resources about COPD and chronic diseases to get you started:

• The video COPD Patients and Everyday Activities demonstrates the hardships of living with COPD by contrasting how a healthy person and a person with COPD completes normal, daily activities. This video does a great job of both explaining and demonstrating what everyday life is like for many people with COPD.
• The British Lung Foundation's Youtube channel features several interviews with COPD patients who talk about their experiences and how COPD affects their lives, including this interview with Jim and this interview with Chris.
• The animated video What is COPD? explains the basics of COPD—including symptoms, disease progression, and COPD exacerbations—in a simple and easy-to-follow way, using hand-drawn cartoon figures and diagrams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fFNGH4U6mI
• The 20-page document Life is Calling: Insights into living with COPD (PDF link) provides tons of in-depth information about COPD and what it's like to have the disease. It includes many case studies, testimonials, and direct quotes from patients living with COPD.
• The article What's It Like to Live with COPD? Offers compassionate insight into what day-to-day life with COPD is like, featuring interviews with a variety of different people with COPD.
• The article 'You Don't Look Sick': What to Say (and Not to Say) to Someone With a Chronic Illness discusses some of the most common insensitive comments people with invisible illnesses hear. It also offers practical tips for how to avoid saying insensitive things and use more kind and understanding words instead.
• The articles 15 Things People Want You to Know About Living With an Invisible Illness and How to Be There for Someone With an Invisible Illnesses both contain lists of more

Mask-wearing is uncomfortable for just about everyone, but people with COPD and other breathing disorders have more reason than most to complain. Having a serious respiratory disease can legitimately make breathing through a face mask more difficult, even though face coverings are not actually dangerous for people with COPD (as most doctors agree).

Unfortunately, masks have become an unavoidable feature of daily life in many places, as they are a central part of the public health efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. This has left many people with COPD wondering how to cope with the discomfort of mask-wearing and, in some cases, even looking for exceptions or alternative solutions to wearing a mask.

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That's why we created this guide to address the logistics of masking for people with COPD. In it, you'll find a variety of practical strategies you can use to not only make wearing a mask more tolerable so you can enjoy outings and other activities without feeling breathless and fatigued.

Throughout this guide you'll find tips for coping with a variety of situations, including those that tend to be especially challenging for people with COPD (e.g. hot weather, prolonged masked outings, and using supplemental oxygen while wearing a mask). We'll also dissect the pros and cons of different kinds of masks, and how to choose one that is both effective and easy to breathe in with COPD.

Face Masks & COPD: What Every COPD Patient Should Know

We know that many people with respiratory diseases like COPD have questions and concerns about how wearing a mask affects their health and their breathing. Here are a few of the most common ones that you might have heard before or worried about yourself:

• Is it safe for people with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD to wear a mask?
• Can wearing a mask impair your breathing or reduce how much oxygen you get when you breathe?
• Can people with COPD and other serious respiratory disease get exempted from having to wear a mask?

So before we jump right into the “survival strategies” portion of this guide, we'd like to take a moment to address these and other common questions that people have about masking & COPD. If you'd like to skip ahead, you can click the following links to go straight to the sections on Choosing a Mask for COPD or Tips & Tricks for Making a Mask More Bearable.

Is it Safe to Wear a Mask if You Have COPD?

Despite the fact that wearing a mask can cause a great deal of discomfort, it's important to know that they're not actually dangerous for your health. In fact, some of the largest COPD & lung disease organizations in the US have gone out of their way to reassure patients that wearing a face covering is not only safe, but also important for people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases.

Organizations endorsing the safety of masking for COPD patients include:

• The COPD Foundation
• The American Lung Association
• The American Thoracic Society
• The American College of Chest Physician

It's important to note that the list above is far from comprehensive; a large number of healthcare networks and medical organizations across the country have endorsed masking as a means to reduce virus transmission.

Can Wearing a Mask Impair Breathing?

Since the advent of mask mandates, many people—especially people with respiratory diseases—have been concerned that wearing a face mask might impair their ability to breathe. Some have even claimed that wearing a mask can reduce blood oxygen levels or cause too much carbon dioxide to get absorbed into the blood.

The good news is that these concerns are unfounded; studies consistently show that face masks don't impair breathing—and that holds true for healthy adults, older adults, and people with chronic lung diseases (including COPD).

That's because both oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass through masks very easily; the molecules are many times smaller than the respiratory droplets that masks are meant to block. This means that breathing in a mask won't cause carbon dioxide to get trapped inside it, nor will it block oxygen from getting in.

This is confirmed by multiple studies that measured healthy participants' blood oxygen and carbon dioxide saturation while wearing a mask. These studies find that wearing a mask affects blood levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen minimally, if at all (even during exercise), and report a near-zero risk of any significant breathing impairment for the general population.

Studies on people with COPD, including those with severe lung impairment, show similar results. One study, for instance, found that COPD patients wearing masks experienced no significant decrease in oxygen levels (and no significant increase in carbon dioxide levels) both at rest and during physical activity.

One exception to this is N95 masks. Though they are very effective at preventing virus transmission, N95 masks create a lot more airflow resistance than a typical cloth or surgical mask.

Of course, this isn't a concern for the vast majority of people since N96 masks are meant for healthcare workers and are not recommended for general public use. As we discussed above, a regular cloth or surgical mask will not impair your breathing even if you have COPD or another serious respiratory disease.

If you'd like to learn more about research on mask safety and efficacy, check out this comprehensive analysis from the Scientific Advisory Group (PDF link).

Why is Wearing a Mask So Uncomfortable for People with COPD?

As we discussed in the section above, many studies have confirmed that masks do not actually impair your breathing. But that doesn't explain why wearing a mask can make you feel like it's harder to breathe.

To understand why that is, you have to know a few things about the mechanics of breathing; namely, that breathlessness is a sensation that can be triggered by a variety of different factors, some of which have nothing to do with how much oxygen you're getting or how well you can breathe.

One of these factors is airflow resistance, which affects how much effort it takes to pull air into your lungs when you breathe. Slight changes in airflow resistance (e.g. from breathing through a mask) can trigger feelings of anxiety and breathlessness even if nothing is actually impairing your ability to breathe.

This is a normal physiological reaction to airflow resistance that—in and of itself—isn't a cause for serious concern. It's essentially your body's way of alerting you in case you're actually suffocating; it just tends to be very sensitive, which can lead to false alarms.

So while it's important to pay close attention to your symptoms when you have COPD, it's also important to remember that shortness of breath is just a feeling and that it can have a totally benign cause. So even if the airflow resistance from wearing a mask might make you feel uncomfortable and breathless, you can confidently reassure yourself that it doesn't pose an actual risk to your health.

Can You Be Exempted from Mask Requirements if you Have COPD?

The short answer to this is a conditional yes; the CDC has acknowledged that people with disabilities that make it difficult to breathe in a mask (which could include some people who are disabled because of their COPD) may be exempted from wearing a mask. However, this isn't a blanket excuse for all COPD patients to forego mask-wearing; it just means that some COPD patients in some situations should get exemptions—not that all people with COPD should choose to not wear masks.

In fact, doctors strongly urge all COPD patients to wear a mask if they are able to, since people with COPD are more vulnerable than most to severe complications and death from COVID-19. As researchers wrote in an article published in the European Respiratory Journal, “Relieving respiratory patients from the obligation to wear masks could be highly deleterious for them, since by definition those patients with respiratory conditions who cannot tolerate face masks are at higher risk of severe COVID-19.”

Other medical professionals agree that everyone should wear a mask, regardless of medical condition, since masks have “no effect on respiratory mechanics.” As one doctor put it, “I believe that most people need education on proper use rather than exemption,” including fragile respiratory patients.

If you have COPD, you should be taking every reasonable precaution you can manage to avoid getting sick, including wearing a mask in situations where you're at risk of being exposed to other people's germs. This is especially important if not yet been fully vaccinated, or if you belong to a group for which the vaccine is known to be less effective (e.g. if you are an immunocompromised person or over the age of 65).

You should also keep an eye on your local and national health recommendations, which provide up-to-date guidance on masking and other COVID-prevention measures for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals.

Unless your doctor advises against it or you absolutely cannot tolerate it because of your respiratory symptoms, the benefits of masking are likely to far outweigh any discomfort you might feel. However, that's not to say that the discomfort of wearing a mask is trivial; we don't want to downplay how absolutely miserable it can be.

That's why we're going to spend the rest of this post exploring a variety of different strategies you can use to minimize that discomfort and be able to wear a mask without feeling breathless or fatigued.

Choosing the Right Mask for COPD

The most important factor in mask-wearing comfort is the face covering itself. While this might seem like a no-brainer, finding a mask that fits right, works right, and doesn't create too much resistance when you breathe can be a difficult task.

Unfortunately, a lot of people wear uncomfortable masks that they don't like because they don't realize there are better options out there. But if you take some time to research (and even try out) different types of face coverings, you might be surprised at how much more comfortable the “right” mask can be.

Here are some of the main criteria you should consider when choosing a mask:

Mask Layers

Most face coverings are made up of multiple layers of fabric sewn together, a characteristic often referred to as the material's “ply.” A “three-ply” mask, for example, has three layers of fabric, while a “one-ply” mask has only one.

The number of layers your mask has will effect not only how well it filters out germs but also how comfortable it is to breathe in. The CDC recommends wearing a mask made of at least 2-ply fabric, which is a good middle ground between masks that are less effective (1-ply) and masks that create a lot of resistance when you breathe (e.g. 3-ply and up).

Mask Fit

How a mask fits on your face affects not only how comfortable it is to wear, but also how well it works at protecting you from germs. Unfortunately, many people wear masks incorrectly, increasing their risk of being exposed to other people's germs.

A well-fitting mask is one that fits snugly—but not too tightly—with all the edges sitting flat against your face. A mask that's too loose won't filter air correctly, while a mask that's too tight can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Ideally, your mask should also have nose wire to help the mask fit around the curve of your nose without leaving gaps. The goal is to make sure you don't leave any space between the mask and your face that will allow unfiltered air to slip through.

You can help a loose-fitting surgical mask fit better by wearing a cloth mask over the top to hold it snug against your face. However, this method creates extra airflow resistance that might make it too uncomfortable for people with COPD and other respiratory diseases.

If you have a mask that fits too loose, you can always tie a knot in the ear loops to shorten them in a pinch. You can also get masks that that tie around the back of your head, which not only makes them conveniently size-adjustable but also reduces ear soreness (a common complaint about masks that cling to your ears).

Material & Mask Type

The material your mask is made of helps determine not only how effective it is, but also how comfortable it is to wear and breathe in. There are many different types of mask materials, but the types of masks recommended by the CDC for public use generally fall into one of two main types: cloth masks and surgical masks.

Reusable Cloth masks

Cloth masks are face coverings made from one or more pieces of woven fabric sewn together. The type of fabric varies, though most are made from cotton, polyester, and other fabrics commonly used in clothing.

Studies show that different types of cloth masks vary in how well they filter out germs (or, to be more precise, respiratory droplets that carry germs). However, this has less to do with what kind of fabric the mask is made of than how tightly woven that fabric is.

Fabric that's too light (e.g. mesh or see-through) doesn't make a very good filter, while fabric that is too dense can create too much resistance when you breathe. Unfortunately, finding a cloth mask that's both comfortable and effective is always balancing act: you want a mask that's dense enough to block as many droplets as possible while still being light enough to allow air to pass easily through.

Here are additional recommendations from the CDC regarding cloth mask materials:

• The mask should be made from a washable material (so it's easy to clean between uses)
• The mask should not be see-through (if you hold it up to a bright light source, the fabric should be woven tightly enough to block the light from shining through)
• The mask should not have holes, gaps, valves, or any other opening in the fabric that would allow air to go in or out without being filtered through the mask material first

Another important characteristic to consider when choosing a cloth mask is the “feel” of the mask material against your face. You want a mask made from a flexible, soft, high-thread-count fabric that doesn't cause any itching or irritation on your skin.

You might need to try out a few different types of masks before you find a design and material that works for you. You can also look for recommendations online by searching for “breathable” masks and reading reviews written by other people with respiratory diseases.

Disposable Surgical Masks

Surgical masks are made up of a special type non-woven fabric made from plastic (often polypropylene). This type of fabric makes a good face covering because it is acts as a decent filter while still letting air through relatively easily when you breathe.

Because of this, many people find surgical masks easier to breathe in compared to the relatively-heavy fabric required for cloth masks to be effective. Surgical masks also tend to be somewhat moisture-resistant, which helps them not get damp as quickly from the moisture in your breath.

There are several different types of surgical masks rated for different medical purposes as well as generic, non-medical “surgical masks” you can find at many stores. For the general purpose of protecting yourself when you're around other people and out in public, minimum protection surgical masks & most generic versions should work just fine.

You should, however, make sure that whatever surgical mask you choose is made from at least 2-ply fabric and has a nose wire at the top. Like all masks, your surgical mask should fit snug and comfortably on your face without leaving any gaps for unfiltered air to get through.

Cloth Masks vs Surgical Masks: Which One Should You Use?

Cloth masks and surgical masks are both approved by the CDC, so which type you choose to use is ultimately up to you. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, and some might be better suited to certain people or situations.

One of the biggest benefits of cloth masks is that they are re-usable, which makes them very cost effective over time. However, washing cloth masks can be very inconvenient, especially when you need a fresh one every day.

Surgical masks, on the other hand, are single-use, which is very convenient; they're very low-maintenance and all you have to do is thrown them away after use. However, this also means that you have to keep buying new ones, which can get expensive and create a lot of extra waste.

It's also worth mentioning that some studies indicate that cloth masks don't work quite as well as surgical masks at filtering out the respiratory droplets that carry germs. However, even if they are somewhat less effective, experts agree that multi-layer cloth masks still offer a worthwhile amount of protection and remain an important tool in combating the spread of disease.

Many people use a combination of cloth and surgical masks, both separately and/or at the same time. For example, you might want to wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask for extra protection, or keep a box of surgical masks around just in case there's a time that you can't find a clean cloth mask to wear.

Tips & Tricks to Make Wearing a Mask More Bearable if You Have COPD

Now that we've covered the basics of how to choose a breathable mask, we'd like to share some additional tips that can make wearing that mask even more comfortable if you have COPD. In the following sections, you'll find more than a dozen practical strategies that can help take the edge off mask-wearing and help you avoid feeling anxious or breathless when you have to wear a mask.

Take Time to Rest

It's not fun to feel tired and short of breath when you go out to do something fun, which is why avoiding over-exertion is a common concern for many people with COPD. Unfortunately, for those who struggle with mask-wearing, it can be even harder to manage breathlessness and other COPD symptoms while wearing a mask.

Pay close attention to how you feel when you're out and about so you can catch the breathlessness early and take the time you need to rest. If you're out with other people, don't be afraid to excuse yourself for a few minutes or let them know when you need to slow down or take a break.

Take Mask Breaks

Many people with COPD and other respiratory diseases struggle wi

Home oxygen therapy is a normal part of daily life for many people with COPD. But if you're new to oxygen therapy, or about to begin using it soon, having to make that change can seem daunting or even downright scary.

After all, home oxygen therapy is a big responsibility and having to use it can feel like a major intrusion into your life. There's a lot to learn and a lot to adjust to—but the good news is you don't have to do it completely on your own.

In this guide, you'll find all kinds of helpful tips and information that everyone using home oxygen therapy should know, including how to use oxygen safely, how to prepare for emergencies, and what kinds of side-effects you can expect. You'll also find lots of helpful advice for easing the transition to long-term oxygen therapy, including how to make your home more oxygen therapy-friendly, and how to make your oxygen equipment more comfortable to wear.

With all this information at your disposal, you'll be able to get a jump-start on learning the ropes and hopefully feel more confident about having to use supplemental oxygen. Our goal is to give you a good idea what to expect and how to prepare for oxygen therapy so it won't feel quite so difficult or overwhelming to do.

Throughout this guide, you'll find links to a variety of helpful online resources, including guides to related topics that we've published in the past. To see these and many of the other practical guides we've posted on oxygen therapy and COPD, check out our Respiratory Resource Center.

Using Oxygen Can Create a Serious Fire Risk

One of the first things you should know about oxygen therapy is that concentrated oxygen can be very dangerous if you don't handle it properly. The percentage of oxygen you get during oxygen therapy is much higher (up to 100 percent) than the oxygen in ambient air (about 21 percent), and at such high concentrations, it is a major fire risk.

Contrary to popular belief, oxygen itself isn't actually flammable; however, concentrated oxygen makes other substances that it comes into contact more flammable in a couple of different ways. First, it makes substances that are already somewhat flammable much easier to ignite; second, it causes fires to burn bigger and hotter, and can even cause explosions.

For example, petroleum jelly is not generally very flammable in normal situations, but, in the presence of concentrated oxygen, it can catch fire if exposed to an errant spark or flame. That's why doctors advise patients not to use petroleum-based products on their lips while using supplemental oxygen and to use water-based products (e.g. KY jelly) instead.

Because of this risk for fire, you need to be extremely careful about keeping your supplemental oxygen at least 10 feet away from flames, high heat, and other fire hazards. This applies to your oxygen tanks when they're in storage or in use, and to the concentrated oxygen that flows through the tubing and into your mouth or nose.

Even a small flame or spark can cause an accidental fire if it happens near the stream of oxygen coming from your oxygen supply. Even cooking over the stove while using oxygen is risky, as is using electronic devices that have the potential to produce sparks (this is why you should never use an electric shaving razor while using supplemental oxygen).

This is also why it's important to never, ever smoke (PDF link) while you're using oxygen; it could ignite the concentrated oxygen as it flows from your nasal cannula or mask and cause severe burns. Additionally, you should never allow anyone else to smoke near you while you're using oxygen nor anywhere inside your home.

You should be cautious about potential oxygen leaks, which can cause oxygen to build up in high enough concentrations in the air to pose a serious fire risk throughout your home. Leaks can come from oxygen tanks in storage or from your oxygen delivery system; that's why you should always assemble your oxygen delivery equipment carefully and never leave your oxygen running when it's not in use.

Experts also advise anyone who uses supplemental oxygen—or has an oxygen supply in their home—to put up warning signs in, around, and even outside their house. This helps remind household members and visitors to be cautious, but also to warn emergency personnel about the hazard in the case they need to enter your home during a fire or other emergency.

You also need to be careful about how any oxygen tanks you are using or keeping in storage are positioned and secured. You should always store oxygen tanks in a well-ventilated space (never in an enclosed area like a closet) where they will not be in danger of shifting, falling, or getting damaged in any way.

These are some of the most basic safety considerations, but there is much more you should know. Luckily, you can find much more detailed oxygen safety instructions and advice in our comprehensive oxygen safety guide.

You can also find many more resources online, including this one (PDF link) from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control and this guide on oxygen cylinder safety (PDF link) from Intermountain Healthcare.

Whatever you do, make sure to learn everything you can about how to use your oxygen safely, ideally before you begin oxygen therapy at home. Make sure you understand their hazards and take the time to familiarize yourself with all the best practices for preventing accidents, leaks, fires, and burns.

Not Using Your Oxygen as Prescribed Can Be Detrimental to Your Health

If your doctor puts you on long-term oxygen therapy, it's because you actually need it. This might seem extremely obvious, but it's important to keep in mind anytime you're tempted to skip out on your oxygen therapy because it's difficult or inconvenient to do.

It's important to always do your best to use your supplemental oxygen exactly as your doctor prescribes, even if you don't want to and even if you don't feel like you need it that day. Home oxygen therapy isn't just about helping you breathe; it's also about protecting all the organs in your body from becoming oxygen deprived.

Unfortunately, research shows that only about 60% of COPD patients using supplemental oxygen actually use it for as many hours a day as their doctor prescribed. Most of the remaining 40% don't use their supplemental oxygen enough, and by doing so put their health at risk.

When someone with COPD has to use long-term oxygen therapy, it's because their lungs are too damaged to take in enough oxygen on their own. This results in hypoxemia, which happens when the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream falls below what's considered to be a healthy level (which can include blood oxygen saturation levels below 95 percent).

Usually, people with COPD don't need to begin long-term oxygen therapy until their blood oxygen saturation falls below about 90%. Having blood oxygen levels that low, especially over a long period of time, can cause a variety of serious health problems, including cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary hypertension.

Severe hypoxemia also puts you at risk for tissue hypoxia, a serious condition that occurs when there's so little oxygen available in your blood that some parts of your body can't get the minimum amount of oxygen they need to function normally. In severe cases, tissue hypoxia can cause extensive, permanent organ damage and even death if it's left untreated for too long.

However, using supplemental oxygen helps reverse hypoxemia and return blood oxygen saturation to healthier levels, preventing tissue hypoxia and the various other health complications that hypoxemia can cause. And that is why using your supplemental oxygen exactly as you're supposed to is so important and so vital for your health.

Supplemental Oxygen Has Side-Effects and Risks

It's important to remember that supplemental oxygen is a drug that comes with some potentially serious risks. It might seem harmless because it's “just oxygen,” but, in reality, supplemental oxygen is a medicine just like any other and you should always treat it that way.

Supplemental oxygen works because it provides your lungs with air that has much more oxygen in it than the regular, ambient air you normally breathe. This makes it easier for your lungs to absorb oxygen from the air, raising your blood oxygen levels and making it easier to breathe.

However, breathing in highly-concentrated oxygen can, in some cases, cause dangerous respiratory imbalances, including oxygen toxicity, excess carbon dioxide build-up in the blood (a condition known as hypercapnia), and—in rare cases—an increased risk for death. These problems are most likely to happen if an error, such as incorrect dosing, causes you get an excessive amount of oxygen.

This can happen due to patient error (e.g. setting the flow rate on your oxygen tank too high or not following dosage instructions) or from doctor error (e.g. prescribing too high an oxygen concentration or too long a duration for therapy). To reduce this risk, most doctors start COPD patients on lower oxygen doses and increase them gradually as needed, while also carefully monitoring patients for signs of hypercapnea and other adverse effects.

That's why it's important to use your supplemental oxygen correctly and treat it with the same care and diligence that you would treat any other type of medication. That means always making sure you get your oxygen dosage right and follow your doctor's instructions for oxygen use exactly.

Luckily, serious adverse effects from home oxygen therapy are pretty rare, though the risk increases with higher oxygen concentrations and longer duration of use. However, there are some other more common—and much more mild—side-effects that can occur even if you use your oxygen 100 percent correctly.

Here are some of the more common side effects of using supplemental oxygen:

• Skin irritation
• Ear pain
• Nose bleeds
• Dry mouth, nose, and throat
• Dizziness
• Reduced sense of taste
• Reduced sense of smell

Many of these side effects (e.g. dryness and abraision) are essentially discomforts caused by the oxygen equipment itself or how the oxygen is administered to your lungs rather than the oxygen medicine itself.

You Can Make Oxygen Therapy More Comfortable

Unfortunately, many people experience discomfort when using supplemental oxygen, particularly after wearing the equipment for long periods of time (as many oxygen patients must do). This is one of the main reasons why some patients aren't consistent about using their oxygen therapy or simply don't use their oxygen as much as they should.

Some of these ailments are caused by pressure and skin chaffing where equipment (such as over-the-ear straps and tubing, nasal cannulas, or oxygen masks) touches the skin, particularly around the mouth, nose, and ears. Many patients also complain about the longer length of tubing that hangs down from their mask or nasal cannula, which can restrict movement and easily get snagged or pull on the ears.

Another common source of discomfort is the air that comes from the oxygen supply, which tends to flow faster and be less humid than breathing ambient air. Over time, this constant flow of dry air can dry out your lips, mouth, nose and throat, which can lead to nosebleeds and split lips.

While this all might sound very discouraging, there's no need to despair! You don't have to suffer without relief, because there are many different techniques you can use to reduce and mitigate all of these common discomforts and more.

For example, you can modify your oxygen delivery equipment to reduce ear pain and irritation by adding padding under the tubing on your ears. You can reduce skin chaffing by covering problem areas of tubing with fabric wraps or fabric tape.

You can prevent extension tubing snagging and keep it out of the way by clipping it to your back or running it under your clothes. You can also get specialized equipment designed specifically for better comfort, including nasal cannulae made from softer plastic tubing that's gentler on the skin.

To reduce nose and throat dryness, you can use a humidifier bottle to add moisture to the air coming from your oxygen delivery device. You can also use a variety of (non-petroleum) topical ointments, lip balms, and creams to treat dry skin on and around your lips, mouth, and nose.

While these techniques might not eliminate all your discomfort completely, they can make oxygen therapy much more comfortable and much more tolerable to use. These are also just a few of many possible solutions that you could experiment with and adapt to your personal needs.

For even more practical tips and suggestions, check out our comprehensive guide about how to make oxygen therapy more comfortable, which includes more detailed information about specialized oxygen products and comfort-improving techniques.

It Can Help to Clear Some Extra Space at Home

Home oxygen therapy requires a lot of equipment, and that equipment takes up space—and a lot of it. We're not just talking storage space (even though you'll need that too), but also space for you to move around with your equipment freely.

Using oxygen at home requires a good deal of lugging equipment and tubing around, and you don't want to feel restricted or at risk of getting tangled up everywhere you go. Because of this you might need more wide-open space in your home than you needed before after beginning home oxygen therapy.

To get the extra space you need, you might need to clear out some clutter, re-arrange your furniture, or even re-think the overall setup of your home. Try to do this with consideration for how you personally use and move through the space, looking for ways you can make it easier to navigate your home without running into obstacles that could crowd you, trip you up, or snag on your oxygen tubes.

You should also be thoughtful about where you run your oxygen tubing, especially anywhere it lies across the floor. Do your best to keep your extension tubing from running across main walkways and other places where it could cause you or someone else to trip.

Finding the best arrangement might take some trial and error, but it's worth taking the time to get it right. After all, a living space that's cramped or difficult to navigate is not only frustrating (and affects your quality of life), but it's also a potential safety hazard.

You'll Need to Work With a Medical Supply Company to Get Your Oxygen & Supplies

Getting a prescription for supplemental oxygen is just the first step to starting oxygen therapy; the next step is to actually get the oxygen and the rest of your oxygen delivery equipment. Unfortunately, you can't get what you need simply by visiting a regular pharmacy like you can with most other prescriptions.

The good news is that you can get all your oxygen and equipment delivered straight to your home, but the bad news is that you'll likely need to arrange that delivery yourself. This can be a bit tricky, since it requires working with your insurance company (or medicare provider) to find an eligible medical supply company that offers what you need.

Keep in mind that different medical supply companies often have different prices andd different selections of equipment. Before choosing a supplier, make sure you know exactly what kinds of products they have, including what oxygen supply devices they offer (e.g. home oxygen concentrators or portable oxygen tanks) and other oxygen delivery equipment (e.g. types of plastic tubing, oxygen masks, nasal cannulae, humidifier bottles, etc.).

If you're not sure exactly what you need or what to look for, that's okay; your doctor should help you begin the process and prepare a detailed order (PDF link) for you to give to your insurance company and oxygen supplier. Your doctor can also walk you through the different equipment you will need and why you need them; for example, if you need high-flow or high-concentration oxygen, you might need to use an oxygen mask rather than a nasal cannula.

Most oxygen supply companies rent their oxygen equipment for 36-month (3-year) periods, at which point you can continue renting the equipment (for up to two more years) or switch to another supplier. During that 3-5 years, the company agrees to supply you with an adequate amount of oxygen, along with all other necessary supplies, and perform any required maintenance that your oxygen equipment needs during that period.

It's important to keep track of when your rental agreement starts and when you need to renew your contract (or find a new oxygen supply company), that way you can take care of it before the rental period expires. Being pro-active will help ensure that you don't have any gap or delay in your oxygen supply.

For more information and instructions for how to order your oxygen supplies, check out the following links:

• This article from Verywell Health tells you how to order oxygen through Medicare.
• This guide for choosing and ordering oxygen supplies (PDF link) from The LAM Foundation and COPD Foundation, which includes a helpful breakdown of the benefits and risks of 3-year versus 5-year contracts.
• Information about Medicare coverage for oxygen equipment from medicare.gov.
• This guide from our Respiratory Resource Center explains what you need to know about health insurance and oxygen equipment.

Keeping Your Equipment Clean and Maintained is Key

Unfortunately, your oxygen equipment won't stay in good shape all on its own. You'll need to perform some degree of regular cleaning and maintenance to keep your equipment working, clean, and safe.

First, you'll need to sanitize your oxygen mask, nasal cannula, and connector tubing regularly—at least once per week. You can do this by washing the equipment in warm, soapy water (to get off any mucus or grime), dunking it into a vinegar solution (to kill bacteria), and then setting it out to dry.

You should also clean your equipment (and possibly even replace your mask or nasal cannula) anytime you get sick with any kind of respiratory virus or infection. Failing to do so—or simply not cleaning your equipment often enough—allows dangerous viruses and bacteria to multiply and potentially get you sick.

You will also need to replace your nasal cannula or oxygen mask with a new one on a regular basis, usually about every two weeks. You will also need to replace your extension tubing about every 3-6 months, though you should always follow the instructions for the specific equipment you use.

You may also need to perform other cleaning and maintenance tasks, such as wiping down the outside of your equipment, replacing a home oxygen concentrator's filter, or checking oxygen tanks regularly for damage or leaks. Make sure you know what kind of maintenance you're responsible for and what kind of maintenance your oxygen supplier provides.

For more detailed information and instructions for taking care of your oxygen equipment, check out our how-to guide on Oxygen Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance.

You Need to Be Prepared for Emergencies

When you're dependent on supplemental oxygen to breathe and stay healthy, it's very important to make sure you always have access to your oxygen. That requires planning for emergencies like power outages and other situations that could affect your ability to use oxygen.

First, you should always keep an extra supply of backup oxygen in your home just in case you can't use your primary supply for some reason (e.g. if it's empty or malfunctioning). While you should never run out of oxygen in a normal situation, you should always be prepared for natural disasters and other emergency situations that could delay the delivery of your oxygen supplies.

If you use an oxygen concentrator that relies on power to work, you'll specifically need a backup supply that doesn't need electricity, such as a liquid or compressed-gas oxygen tank. That way, if there's ever a power outage, you'll always have a source of oxygen hold you over until the power comes back on.

You should also notify your electricity utility company once you begin oxygen therapy, especially if you have an oxygen concentrator plugged in at home. This gives you the opportunity to get on a priority service register, which can make you eligible for certain safety benefits like giving your home priority when restoring power after an outage; however, whether or not you can get any extra benefits depends entirely on your particular power company, so make sure to ask your local utility what they offer to be sure.

For a more detailed guide on how to prepare for emergencies when you rely on oxygen therapy, check out the Comprehensive guide to emergency preparedness for people with lung diseases from the American Thoracic Society

You Can Still Go Out & Stay Active on Oxygen

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning to symptoms like fatigue, stiffness, chest pain, or grogginess. However, this is a reality that many Americans face, especially those with pulmonary illnesses like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma.

According to Dispatch Health, fatigue is the second most common symptom of COPD behind dyspnea (shortness of breath). This study found that the amount of COPD patients with clinically significant fatigue is around 50%, in contrast to 10% in elderly people without COPD.

Although there are many factors that contribute to tiredness, fatigue, and grogginess in COPD patients, the most significant cause is decreased lung function. According to WebMD, it can take up to 10 times as much energy for someone with COPD to breathe as it does for their healthy counterparts.

As you can imagine, over time, this can become quite exhausting. Additionally, if labored breathing leads to reduced oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia), this can lead to further fatigue.

While we could sit here and rattle off all of the causes of fatigue in COPD patients, you’re probably a lot more interested in the solutions. That’s why, in this post, we’re going to be discussing some of the proven ways for COPD patients to improve their energy levels.

Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe COPD, these tips will help you take back control and start feeling more motivated in your daily life. As always, if you have any questions for us, please leave them in the comments below or speak with an oxygen concentrator representative.

Quit Smoking Immediately

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung disease in the world. A burning cigarette emits more the 7,000 chemicals, and when they enter the body, they quickly damage the air passages, air sacs (alveoli), and your lungs’ natural immune functions. 

Years of smoking almost inevitably leads to some of the most common lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and more. But lung damage is not the only thing that you have to worry about when you light up a cigarette. The way smoking affects the brain is of equal concern.

One of the most concerning chemicals found in cigarette smoke is nicotine. You probably know this as the chemical that makes cigarettes “addictive”. While this is true, it has far worse effects on the body than this. Like coffee, nicotine is a stimulant. Smoking a cigarette or two will give you a sort of “high” where you feel like you have a lot of energy and alertness. 

However, when the effects of nicotine begin to wear off, you’ll start to experience a crash and eventual withdrawals, causing you to start the whole process over again. Over time, this can mess with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle causing you to lose sleep at night.

Another way that smoking can lead to reduced energy levels in COPD patients is through the development of mood disorders. We talk about mental health a lot here at LPT Medical because, no matter how physically healthy you are, you can’t be happy if your mental health isn’t in check. 

Studies have found that, contrary to popular belief, cigarette smoking leads to increased anxiety, and smokers are more likely to develop depression and other mental illnesses than their non-smoking counterparts. According to Hopkins Medicine, about 75% of people with depression have trouble getting to sleep at night.

Manage Your Diet Carefully

If there’s one thing that everyone should be taught from a young age, it’s the importance of a healthy, well-balanced diet. While you can go through all of the foods you eat and pick out the “unhealthy” from the “healthy”, it makes more sense to think of what your individualized needs are and then tailor your diet to that. 

For example, COPD patients often have trouble maintaining their weight because they have a higher energy expenditure than healthy people due to their reduced lung function. This means that COPD patients oftentimes need to increase their protein intake. Loss of muscle mass (muscle atrophy) not only leads to fatigue but can also lead to osteoporosis and other bone disorders.  

Another thing you should do is replace simple carbohydrates in your diet (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) with complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, and fruits). The problem with simple carbs is that they are broken down and digested very quickly by the body. 

This leads to a quick spike in blood glucose and thus immediate energy. However, consuming simple carbs also means that you will experience a “crash” later on, which will leave you feeling exhausted and unmotivated. According to the Lung Institute, carbohydrates produce the most carbon dioxide in the body in relation to the amount of oxygen that’s used to break it down while fat produces the least. 

So eating too many carbs as a COPD patient can lead to increased breathlessness and fatigue.

One last modification you can do to your diet to have more energy throughout the day is to eat more frequently. While you’ve probably been told before that “snacking” is a bad thing, it can be incredibly beneficial if you do it the correct way. 

Many store-bought snacks like granola bars, candy bars, or yogurt are filled with sugar and other additives but if you create your own snacks, you can be sure that they’re healthy and won’t sap your energy. For example, a piece of fruit, some veggies, and hummus, or unsalted nuts will provide you with lots of energy to make it through the day. 

One of the best benefits of healthy snacking is that you won’t be so hungry once mealtime comes around, meaning you’ll eat less and won’t feel so bloated and exhausted afterward. 

Stay Hydrated

As a whole, the human body is around 60% water, the lungs are about 83% water, and the brain is 73% water. Water plays a pivotal role in some of the most basic functions of the body including circulation, digestion, and temperature regulation. And according to Healthline, being dehydrated can make you feel tired even when you’re fully rested. 

This is likely due to low blood pressure that results from having insufficient water intake. While there are many drinks you could consume to stay hydrated, water is always the best choice. The Lung Institute recommends that COPD patients drink between 64 to 96 ounces par day. 

In addition to drinking enough water, it’s important to avoid things like sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages. Although sugar and caffeine are great for a quick pick-me-up, they are not a good long-term solution to your fatigue and sleepiness. 

Alcohol, on the other hand, is a central nervous system depressant that causes feelings of sleepiness and relaxation. Overconsumption of alcohol has been shown to delay the onset of sleep and many people even experience sleep disruptions or poor quality of sleep. 

Get Tested for Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in the body’s function. They are considered “essential nutrients” because they have hundreds of functions from assisting in bone development to boosting your immune system. Unfortunately, many COPD patients are deficient in vitamin D which is responsible for regulating bone health and energy levels in the body.

Vitamin D assists mitochondria to use oxygen in the healthy function of muscles and various other parts of the body. In other words, when you are vitamin D deficient you’re at a higher risk for osteoporosis and low energy levels.

There are several reasons why COPD patients might be vitamin D deficient. Firstly, our primary source of vitamin D is the sun because our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when we’re exposed to sunlight. 

However, many COPD patients are not as active as they used to be before being diagnosed and may avoid going outside when it’s sunny because of the risk of respiratory exacerbation or heat exhaustion. Another reason COPD patients may be vitamin D deficient is their diet has changed. 

Fatty fish, egg yolks, and vitamin D fortified foods are some of the best sources of vitamin D. 

If you have reason to believe that you are vitamin D deficient, it’s best to consult with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Typically, vitamin deficiencies are diagnosed through a type of blood test called 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D for short. Your vitamin D levels are measured in nanomoles/liter (nmol/L) or nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL):

• Deficient: under 30 nmol/L
• Potentially deficient: 30-50 nmol/L
• Normal: 50-125 nmol/L
• Higher than normal: over 125 nmol/L
  
  

Take Oxygen as It’s Prescribed

Supplemental oxygen is a type of medical therapy designed for people with impaired lung function. In the case of emphysema, the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli become damaged and swollen. Since the alveoli are responsible for transferring oxygen to the blood and carbon dioxide back into the lungs, this disease results in low blood oxygen levels. 

Emphysema patients need to use oxygen as it was prescribed by their doctor in order to maintain the appropriate level of oxygen in their blood.

When someone with emphysema has low blood oxygen levels for an extended period of time, this can result in hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the body’s tissues. This can cause complications like headaches, confusion, fatigue, and even organ failure. 

On the other hand, increasing your oxygen intake to an amount higher than what your doctor prescribed can be equally harmful. Oxygen toxicity is what happens when you ingest too much oxygen. It can result in symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

One of the best ways to ensure that you have access to a reliable supply of oxygen wherever you go is to choose the right oxygen device. While oxygen tanks have been used by COPD patients for decades, they are not the best option for the majority of people. Portable oxygen concentrators tend to be a much better choice because they don’t need to be refilled like oxygen tanks do, and they’re also much lighter and smaller. 

What this means is that you won’t have to stop what you’re doing constantly to find a place to refill your oxygen device. Concentrators run on batteries, so you only have to carry what you need.  

One of the greatest features of newer portable oxygen concentrators like the ARYA Airvito, Inogen One G5 and Caire FreeStyle Comfort is their auto-adjusting flow rates.

If you’re using the device while you’re sleeping, the concentrator will adjust its oxygen output based on your breathing rate and breathing depth ensuring that you always get the optimal amount of oxygen. 

This will prevent you from receiving too little or too much oxygen while you sleep resulting in fewer interruptions and more restful sleep. And finally, if you’re taking oxygen as it was prescribed but you still feel out of breath or fatigued, be sure to consult your doctor before increasing your flow setting.  

Exercise Consistently

Exercise is important for everyone, regardless of their age and health condition. However, a healthy exercise routine looks different for everyone. For example, if you’re in early-stage COPD and your symptoms are very mild, you might want to try a high-intensity exercise routine. Conversely, if you’re in stage three or four COPD, you may need to resort to moderate exercise.

The important thing is that you’re consistent with your exercise routine and you don’t resort to long periods of sedentary behavior. This will keep your body’s circulation in check and ensure that you don’t overexercise.

According to WebMD, studies show that exercise is a great way to improve energy levels, even in people with chronic diseases that are associated with fatigue. By exercising, you’re improving your cardiovascular health and strengthening your lungs and muscles meaning your body, as a whole, will be more efficient and you won’t get exhausted from simple things like carrying the groceries or walking to the mailbox. 

Believe it or not, the stronger your muscles are, the less oxygen they need in order to function properly. If you want to start exercising but don’t know where to begin, ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a course where you will learn the proper way to exercise with your disease.

Another way that consistent exercise boosts your energy is by helping you get restful sleep. If you feel restless and anxious when you go to bed, you’re not alone. According to SleepHealth.org, 70% of Americans report getting insufficient sleep at least once a month, and 11% report feeling this way every night. 

Sleep disorders are a major issue in the United States, especially amongst people with COPD and other chronic diseases. 

Conclusion

Studies have shown that fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of COPD. These patients spend a significant amount of energy just getting a full breath and alterations to their diet can leave them without the nutrients they need to feel alert and full of energy. 

If you or your loved one has COPD and is experiencing fatigue, restlessness, or sleepiness, try some of the tips above or consult your doctor who can help you get to the root cause of the issue. Most people are surprised to find that these symptoms can be treated naturally and without having to drastically change their daily routine.

In the meantime, if you’re in the market for an easy-to-use, reliable, and affordable oxygen generator, look no further than LPT Medical. We have a wide variety of units available including but not limited to stationary oxygen concentrators, continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators, and pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators. 

We also sell a range of different accessories to help you make the most of your new concentrator such as backpacks, extra battery packs, external charges, oxygen tubing, and much more. If you have any questions, just give us a call or email us and ask to speak with an oxygen concentrator specialist.

Supplemental oxygen is a type of medical therapy used to treat chronic lung conditions like cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD. The aim of supplemental oxygen is to maintain a patient’s blood oxygen levels which are vital for systemic health. Every organ in the body requires oxygen in order to function properly, so using supplemental oxygen as it’s advised by your doctor can provide you with immense short- and long-term benefits.

We are offering a new product: the ARYA Portable Oxygen Concentrator. We’re excited to offer this new pulse flow unit because it affords oxygen patients another great option when it comes to customizing their oxygen therapy experience. 

But as you likely know, we try to avoid pushing out older products if there are still people out there who benefit from them. So, even with this new release, you’ll be happy to know that you will still have access to all your favorite oxygen concentrator brands like AirSep, O2 Concepts, Respironics, and more.

However, as usual, we want to provide you with all the resources you need to make an educated decision about your oxygen usage. There are hundreds of oxygen delivery machines out there, but many of them are either obsolete or they don’t provide patients with the benefits they want and need. It would be way too overwhelming to talk about every oxygen concentrator in one post, so we decided to break them up and compare two concentrators side-by-side.

In this post, we’re going to compare the new ARYA and the Inogen One G5. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment with your phone number or email address so we can reach out to you.

ARYA Portable Oxygen Concentrator Overview

ARYA is the top oxygen concentrator manufacturer in the world. 

The ARYA portable Oxygen Concentrator is currently the leading pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator offered by the company. Despite only being on the market for just over a year, the ARYA has already made a name for itself by offering impeccable oxygen output, a lightweight design, and several unique features that aren’t offered by any other portable oxygen concentrator.

Inogen One G5 Overview

Inogen is — without a doubt — one of the most trusted and recognizable names in oxygen therapy. Inogen makes more portable oxygen concentrators than most companies out there, but they never lack when it comes to quality either. In fact, most oxygen patients and oxygen retailers eagerly await the release of new Inogen products, because they know they will break boundaries in terms of battery life, weight, and oxygen output.

The Inogen One G5 was released in the summer of 2019 and it’s the latest POC produced by the company. With outstanding battery life and lightweight design, it’s our pick for one of the best portable oxygen concentrators of 2020. Accompanying the release of the G5 were a whole host of accessories that allow you to customize your experience to your liking. 

Maximum Oxygen Output

Maximum oxygen output is the total amount of oxygen a concentrator can put out in a given period of time. Many people who are new to oxygen therapy are confused by this because not all oxygen concentrators are measured the same. Continuous flow concentrators like the Respironics SimplyGo are measured in liters per minute (LPM) while pulse flow concentrators like the G5 and ARYA are measured in milliliters per minute (ml/min). The higher pulse flow setting you use, the more oxygen it will put out with each “bolus.”

Both the G5 and the ARYA have a high oxygen output for their class. The G5 has a maximum output of 1,260 ml/min with flow settings 1 through 6 and the ARYA has a total output of 1,050 ml/min with flow settings 1 through 5. Compared to other pulse flow concentrators, both these units provide a high oxygen output that’s more than enough oxygen for the majority of oxygen users.

Weight

The main reason for purchasing a pulse flow POC over a continuous flow POC is weight. While continuous flow POCs can be taken pretty much anywhere, they’re typically too heavy to carry on your shoulder or back. Instead, you’ll have to use a carrying cart which can be a huge pain. Pulse flow units, on the other hand, are light enough that you can use a shoulder strap or even carry it in your hands.

There isn’t a huge difference between the weight of the G5 and the weight of the ARYA. With the smaller 8-cell battery, the G5 weighs about 4.7 pounds and the ARYA weighs about 5 pounds. Side-by-side you probably won’t notice a difference between the two, however, if you have back pain the Inogen One G5 may be the way to go. Either way, lightweight portable oxygen concentrators are the standard, so don’t settle for anything less!

Battery Life

When you look back at the past decade of portable oxygen concentrators, it’s pretty amazing to see how far batteries have come. Several years ago, POC batteries would only afford you a couple of hours of freedom before you had to go home and recharge them. In many cases, it was better to use an oxygen tank because, even if they were bulkier, they enabled you to be out of the house for longer.

However, in this day and age, POC batteries have far exceeded our expectations. With the G5 double battery, you can run your device for 13 hours on a setting of 1 and a ARYA with the 16-cell battery can run for an impressive 16 hours without charging. This is more than enough battery life to be able to stay out all-day while living life on your own terms.

For most oxygen users, battery life is a top priority when choosing an oxygen concentrator. If you have a long-lasting battery, you’ll be able to see more and do more. For example, if you want to take a trip around the world, you don’t want to have to constantly stop what you’re doing to go back to your hotel in order to charge your portable oxygen concentrator. Even people with more severe COPD want longer-lasting batteries, which both the G5 and ARYA can offer.

Design

The ARYA and Inogen One G5 are both very well-designed portable oxygen machines. They have a solid outer shell which will help protect the internal components from damage and they’re compact enough that you can hold them at your side comfortably. The G5 was more based on the Inogen One G4’s look while the ARYA has a design similar to the Inogen One G3. Either way, it’s simply a matter of preference as to which one you like more.

One unique feature about the ARYA is its ergonomic shape. The expert oxygen manufacturers at ARYA noticed that there was no POC on the market with a shape that matched the natural curve of your body. So, with the ARYA, they added a slight curve to the device. When you’re walking around enjoying your day, your concentrator won’t be sliding around and causing a disturbance.

Another design feature you can find on both these concentrators is the easy-to-use interface. Rather than having a control panel with tons of buttons, the G5 and ARYA opt for a minimalist design. On the ARYA, there are only three buttons: two for the flow setting controls and one for the power. On the G5, there are five buttons. They control the oxygen flow setting, power, and visual and audio notifications.

Additional Features

Despite being very easy to use, these portable oxygen concentrators are some of the most feature-heavy on the market. The greatest part of all is that you’ll never be forced into using anything that you don’t want to use.

One of the additional features of the Inogen One G5 is a mobile application called the Inogen Connect. This was implemented with the release of the G4 and it was brought back due to popular demand. Essentially, it allows you to connect your POC to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to view up-to-date information about your device like its battery life, column status, and oxygen purity status. You can even view your G5 user manual and troubleshooting information.

An additional feature on the ARYA is the ARYAView™ Telehealth Technology. This is similar to the Inogen Connect in that it shows you critical information about the status of your portable oxygen concentrator, however, it has some additional features that makes the ARAY one of the most advanced POCs ever created.

“Telehealth technology” is a rather new term in the medical field, but it refers to the use of technology to connect patients and clinicians over long distances. ARYAView™ connects to your POC just like the Inogen Connect, but in addition to providing information about your device, it’s securely connected directly to your oxygen supplier allowing them to remotely monitor and troubleshoot your device on command.

While telehealth technology still has a long way to come in terms of accessibility, it shows how far portable oxygen concentrators have come and where they could potentially go in the future. If you’re curious about testing this out, it may be a great reason to choose the ARYA over the Inogen One G5. Just remember that these are additional features, so if you don’t want to fuss with them then you don’t have to!

The Best Candidate for the ARYA Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Although ARYA may not be the most recognizable brand by the average consumer, the impact they’ve had on oxygen therapy and oxygen delivery is undeniable. They proudly provide military-grade oxygen supplies for the armed forces and they gladly offer the same quality products for oxygen patients back home. TheARYA Portable Oxygen Concentrator is just the latest pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator in their line of impeccable oxygen machines.

TheARYA excels in most aspects offering a high oxygen output, lightweight design, and the innovative ARYAView™ telehealth technology which allows you to get real-time troubleshooting assistance on the fly. The ARYA is recommended to anyone who needs 1,050 ml/min or less of oxygen and anyone who wants to live life on their own terms without being held back by a bulky oxygen device.  

The Best Candidate for the Inogen One G5

Ever since its inception in the early 2000s, Inogen has been dead set on making oxygen more accessible and easy to use for oxygen patients all around the world. With each product release, they’ve accomplished this with flying colors. In fact, Inogen concentrators are so advanced that oxygen patients continue to use older generations of their concentrators many years after their release.

Since its release last summer, the Inogen One G5 has often been labeled “the best oxygen concentrator” due to having the highest oxygen output of any pulse flow concentrator, in addition to maintaining many of the other features patients love in their POC such as a lightweight design and long-lasting battery life. We recommend the Inogen One G5 to anyone who requires 1,260 ml/min of oxygen or less (flow setting of 6 or less).

Conclusion

There are many great portable oxygen concentrators for sale, but the ARYA and Inogen One G5 are just two of the latest and greatest. Whether you’ve just started your search for a POC or you’ve already narrowed down your choices, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our respiratory specialists to seal the deal. We’ll make sure you’re getting the oxygen machine that you want and need and we can answer any questions that you may have.