Supplemental oxygen therapy is vital for people with chronic respiratory conditions who experience low blood oxygen levels. When a patient’s blood oxygen level falls below what’s considered normal, this is known as hypoxemia, and it’s a potentially serious condition — especially when it prolongs over long periods of time. The longer you experience hypoxemia, the more likely you are to have heart or brain complications along with many other systemic issues.

Unfortunately, many people who are prescribed supplemental oxygen decide not to use it for one reason or another. Some people believe it’s too expensive to maintain while others are turned off by the idea of carrying an oxygen device around wherever they go. If this sounds like you, it’s important to remember that — while oxygen therapy can often feel like it’s more trouble than it’s worth — your doctor prescribed you oxygen because he/she was looking after your long-term health.

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The good news is that you don’t have to simply “settle” for one oxygen device or another. There are hundreds of different oxygen machines on the market and our oxygen specialists at LPT Medical are here to help you find the best one for your needs. In this post, we’re going to take a look at the portable oxygen concentrators with the most intuitive design in 2021. In other words, we’ll help you decide the best POC for ease of use so that you don’t feel the need to fall back on your oxygen treatment plan.

If you have any questions or you would like more information about the concentrators below, please reach out to us by phone or email.

What Does it Mean to Have An “Intuitive Design”?

The term “intuitive design” refers to something that’s easy to pick up and learn how it works without sifting through user manuals or consulting the device manufacturer. A great example of this would be a web page. Rather than presenting you with tons of information that you don’t need, web pages tend to be concise and help you navigate quickly to where you’re trying to get on the website. This is also very similar to the way that portable oxygen concentrators are designed.

As opposed to oxygen tanks which are solely designed to be functional, portable oxygen concentrators are designed with both functionality and usability in mind. What this means is that they not only provide you with the oxygen you need, but they make it easy to use. Portable oxygen concentrators manufactured by reputable companies tend to have easy-to-learn user interfaces with only a few buttons to remember. If you struggled to learn how your smartphone works and you believe POCs will be the same, don’t worry because there are plenty of options out there for you. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the most intuitive concentrators of 2021.

5.) The AirSep FreeStyle 5

AirSep is one of the most recognized names in the oxygen industry. They were founded in the 1980s in Buffalo, New York, and they’ve since been known for their heavy-duty industrial oxygen machines as well as their personal medical oxygen generators. AirSep was recently acquired by Chart Industries Inc. which has expanded their global reach and put them alongside other oxygen brands such as Caire Inc., Inogen, and Respironics.

The FreeStyle 5 is one of the first AirSep concentrators under 8 pounds with a flow rating of 5. It’s also one of the few portable oxygen concentrators out there that has gotten a full redesign to make it more user-friendly and reliable. AirSep made several internal changes to the unit, but most people are more interested in hearing about the changes to the exterior. The biggest change they made was to the battery system. As opposed to using the internal battery system, the new design has an external battery. The benefit of this is that you don’t need to open a compartment in order to replace the batteries.

One thing that’s unique about the FreeStyle 5 is that it doesn’t have a control panel screen like most other portable oxygen concentrators. It just has one button for each of the 5 flow settings and a light above it so that you know which one is activated. This makes it the perfect concentrator for people who are intimidated by all the symbols and icons on other concentrators. With the FreeStyle 5, you won’t have very much to worry about. 

4.) The AirSep Focus

It almost feels like we’re cheating by putting the AirSep Focus on this list, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. The AirSep Focus is the lightest portable oxygen concentrator on the planet and it’s also one of the most intuitive. Since the experts at AirSep wanted to make a concentrator under 2 pounds, they had to pick and choose what features were important to keep in the unit. Due to the limitations, they decided to lock the device at a flow setting of 2, but this also means that there is no screen and no flow adjustment buttons, just a single power button. Press the button once and the device will immediately start putting out oxygen. It’s that simple!

One of the major benefits of having such a lightweight device is that you can carry it any way you want. Put it in a backpack, carry it over your shoulder, or you can even attach it to a belt buckle! This is one of the reasons why the AirSep Focus is such a versatile device. In fact, many people forget they’re even wearing it as they go about their day.

Despite how small and lightweight the AirSep Focus is, its battery life is nothing to joke about either. The micro battery that comes with the device can last up to 1.5 hours on one charge and the 8-cell battery sold separately offers up to 3.5 hours on one charge. In other words, you’ll just need to carry one or two extra batteries with you to make it through a full day whether you’re at work, going to visit a friend, or just going out for a walk.

3.) The Respironics SimplyGo

The Respironics SimplyGo is the only continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on this list. What this means is that it puts out a constant stream of oxygen rather than only putting out oxygen when the user inhales. We tend to not recommend these types of units for most oxygen patients because they’re much heavier and bulkier than their pulse dose counterparts. However, the Respironics SimplyGo is an exception to that. While this oxygen machine is certainly bigger and heavier than the other concentrators on this list, it’s not heavy enough that you’ll need to wheel it around using a rolling cart. 

The first thing that you’ll likely notice about the SimplyGo is that it has a big carrying handle on the top of the unit. This is pretty unusual for an oxygen concentrator but it’s hard to deny the benefits that it offers. If you have to set your concentrator on the ground for one reason or another you can simply use the handle to pick it up again rather than straining your back to pick it up from the bottom.

Another intuitive feature of the Respironics SimplyGo is its battery port. Instead of being located on the bottom of the unit like with most concentrators, the Respironics SimplyGo batteries are located on the top. This makes it incredibly easy to switch out your batteries on the fly because you don’t have to flip the device over in order to do it. Simply pull up on the handle and slide in the other battery.

2.) The Inogen One G5

The Inogen One G5 is the latest device in Inogen’s pulse dose line of concentrators. Within the past several decades, Inogen has become well-established as one of the top innovators in mobile oxygen devices. The Inogen One G3 was championed for its outstanding battery life, the Inogen One G4 was one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators ever produced and the Inogen One G5 has been an all-around great concentrator since it was released in 2019. Despite the age of the G3 and G4, they’re still in use by thousands of people all around the world. This is a testament to the careful design choices that Inogen makes when putting out a new concentrator.

Inogen oxygen concentrators have never been difficult to use, but the G5 is likely their most streamlined unit thus far. The oxygen outlet port is located on the top of the device meaning it’s easy to access and it won’t get in your way as you’re walking. The user interface is also pretty simple with only five buttons: one to turn the power on and off, two for the flow settings, one to change the alarm settings, and one to adjust the volume. The screen displays your battery life, flow setting, and brightness settings.  

One of the best things about buying an Inogen oxygen machine is that you know there will be plenty of accessories to help you customize your experience — the G5 is no exception to that rule. Since the G5 is such a compact portable oxygen concentrator, this has opened the door for many sleek and comfortable carrying cases. The custom carrying case for example fits snugly over your oxygen device and doesn’t provide any unnecessary bells and whistles. Attached to it is a comfortable adjustable carrying strap and it has a mesh exterior that helps the device take in air properly. 

Another carrying accessory for the Inogen One G5 is the G5 backpack. This is like any other backpack but it has an extra pouch in the back to store your G5. Similar to the custom carrying case, the backpack was intuitively designed with a mesh material that helps your concentrator function properly. What’s more, it has an opening on the top where the oxygen nozzle is located so that you use your concentrator as you walk. The G5 backpack has plenty of extra space that you can use to store your personal belongings, so this carrying case is perfect for people who are on the move a lot.

1.) The Caire FreeStyle Comfort

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is one of the newest portable oxygen concentrators on the market, and to many people, it’s the best. No other oxygen company has been able to match the reliability and convenience of the FreeStyle Comfort, and it’s all because the experts at Caire Inc. took the time and resources to ensure that their device is able to accommodate the lifestyles of oxygen patients around the world.

One of the intuitive design features of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is its ergonomic curve. Unlike most portable oxygen concentrators that move around at a patient’s side due to their box-like shape, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort has a subtle curve built into it that reduces movement at your side as you’re walking. Another benefit of this design is that you’ll always know which way you should be wearing the device. You’ll never have to worry about taking the device off of your shoulder and readjusting it so you can read what’s on the screen.

Another intuitive aspect of the FreeStyle Comfort is its user interface. This device keeps it as simple as possible in this regard with only three buttons: one to turn the device on and off and two to adjust the flow settings. The screen is also extremely streamlined and doesn’t provide you with tons of information that you don’t want or need. When you look at the screen you’ll simply see the battery life, battery life percentage, and flow rate — that’s it!

Replacing the batteries on your Caire FreeStyle Comfort is extremely easy and intuitive. On the front of the device, you’ll see a blue tab. Simply press the tab and pull downwards. What’s more, the particle filters are also on the front of the device and can easily be removed for weekly cleaning or whenever they get dirty. Generally speaking, many people prefer the design of the FreeStyle Comfort over other concentrators on the market because it looks sleek and only takes a few minutes to figure out how it works.

Conclusion

The way an electronic device works is incredibly important. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and the Inogen One G5 are not only powerful and reliable but they’re designed to be easy to learn and easy to operate without the user having to constantly consult the user manual. While they both have some additional features like CAIREView and Inogen Connect, these applications are separate from the basic functions of the concentrator and you don’t need to use them in order for your device to work properly.

In this post, we highlighted just a few of the intuitive design choices made by some of the most trusted oxygen manufacturers in the industry. There’s a clear trend towards making portable oxygen concentrators more seamless in the day-to-day lives of oxygen patients, and it’s likely that many oxygen patients will begin to feel less stigma towards oxygen devices in the future as a result. If you’d like to learn more about the concentrators listed above, click the links to visit their respective pages. Otherwise, feel free to call us or email us to get connected with an oxygen specialist. 

Summer is the season that most people associate with sunny days, bathing suits, and a plethora of outdoor sports and activities. But if you have COPD, summer can also be a difficult time marked by struggles with respiratory irritants and difficulty breathing.

Part of living with COPD is having to be extra careful about protecting your body, and especially your lungs, from harm. That means doing everything you can to avoid illnesses, exacerbations, and any environmental conditions that could weaken your lungs or make your symptoms worse.

Unfortunately, with every new season COPD patients have to adjust to new hazards and challenges that come with the change in weather. And with the summer on its way, it's important to know what to expect and how you can prepare yourself for the shift.

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The summer weather, in particular, is especially hard for many people with COPD, bringing with it a variety of atmospheric conditions that can be dangerous for your lungs. The extra humidity, smog, and the plethora of new allergens that come in the summer can worsen your symptoms and make it much more difficult to breathe.

The summer weather can also sap your energy and interfere with your ability to exercise and do other activities during the day. The poor air quality and high temperatures can wreak havoc on your lungs, forcing you to be extra cautious about spending time or exercising outdoors.

It's important to keep your lungs working as efficiently as possible when the air is hot and damp, which means protecting yourself from harsh temperatures and pollution in the air. You have to know when to stay indoors, how to keep your home comfortable, and how to keep your symptoms under control.

In this article, we're going to help you get ready for the summer by alerting you to all the unique summer hazards you should be prepared for. We'll show you how to reduce your risk of flare-ups, better manage your symptoms, and even prepare for summer storms.

With some knowledge and preparation, you can make it through the summer without exposing your lungs to toxic irritants or making your COPD worse. By taking some basic, practical precautions, you can keep your symptoms under control, rock the season, and enjoy this summer to the fullest.

Prepare for Poor Air Quality

Heat, air pollution, and humidity all spike during the summer months, and all of these conditions can make it more difficult to breathe. For patients with lung diseases, these hazards can make respiratory symptoms significantly worse, and often make it both difficult and dangerous to spend time outdoors.

For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, high levels of particle pollution, which includes smoke and smog, increases the number of hospitalizations among people with heart and respiratory conditions. It also causes a variety of serious symptoms in people with COPD, including coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

However, living with COPD doesn't mean you have to forego the outdoors and all the fun activities you can do in the summer. You can still enjoy swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities as long as you know your limits and plan them right.

In this section, we're going to help you learn how to spend time outside while minimizing your symptoms when you're outdoors. We'll show you how to monitor your local weather and air quality so you can make safe and healthy decisions about when to go out and when it's best to stay indoors.

Enjoy the Outdoors During Cooler Times of Day

Spending too much time out under the hot, summer sun can worsen COPD symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, and fatigue. This happens because, as your body overheats, your lungs have to work extra hard to help your body cool down.

The warm environment alone can make breathing a challenge, especially when you suffer from a respiratory condition like COPD. Hot air can irritate your lungs and cause them to spasm, constricting your airways and blocking oxygen from flowing through. This can cause bouts of coughing and wheezing and make it much more difficult to breathe.

When you have COPD, it's important to avoid the heat so you can keep your body and your lungs running at maximum possible efficiency. Otherwise, symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath may get the better of you and lead to flare-ups or even serious exacerbations.

In the summer, this means staying indoors and limiting your physical activity when the weather outside is too hot. However, that doesn't mean you have to trap yourself indoors all day during the summer.

The trick is to avoid going out during the hottest time of day and during especially bad heat spells. Instead, plan outdoor activities and exercise during the early mornings and early evenings, instead of in the middle of the day.

To plan ahead, you can check your local weather archives and find patterns in how the temperature changes throughout the day. Using records of past year's weather and paying attention to hourly temperature forecasts, you can pin-point the best and coolest times of day to go outside at different points during the season.

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Find a Good Source for Weather and Air Quality Forecasts

Besides paying attention to the temperature, you should also watch out for days with high humidity or air pollution. Summer is usually the most humid time of the year, and it's also the prime season for pollen, mold, and smog.

Your local air quality can vary significantly from day to day, depending on the temperature, wind patterns, and other environmental factors. Even allergens vary in severity throughout the season and can spike unexpectedly depending on the weather.

Luckily, you can always monitor your local air quality conditions by watching your local weather channel or by checking the forecast daily online. There are a variety of websites that provide detailed reports, including levels of pollution, humidity, and allergens, to help people like you avoid hazardous conditions.

To prepare for this summer, you can even take a look at past weather and air quality archives to get a better idea of what the summer will be like where you live. You will likely notice patterns in how humidity, allergens, and pollution levels vary throughout the season that you can use to plan your summer activities.

Here are some online resources you can use to check the daily air quality and humidity in your area:

• Visit airnow.gov to check your local air quality index. This website is run by the EPA and uses an intuitive scale (from “good” to “hazardous”) to help you quickly understand the risk.
  
  
• Visit pollen.com for local allergy and pollen forecasts. There, you can get a general allergen rating (from low to high allergen risk) and even a list of the top allergens (e.g. oak, ragweed, etc.) in your area.
  
  
• You can check the weather and temperature history for your zip code by using this tool from Weather Underground. It can give you detailed information about temperatures and weather from past years, and even includes graphs showing you hour-by-hour temperatures from past dates. You can use this information to figure out the coolest times of day for different parts of the summer and get a better idea of what kind of weather to expect.

Set Up Weather and Air Quality Alerts

There are a variety of Android and iPhone apps you can use to track weather and air quality on your phone. These apps give you a convenient way to monitor outdoor conditions on the go or from your home.

Having the weather and air quality on a mobile app can help you remember to check and plan around poor conditions. Some apps will even push alarms to your phone to warn you of air and weather hazards in real time.

There are dozens of apps on both the Google and iTunes app store dedicated to weather, pollen, and air quality forecasts. Here are a few examples of apps that can be particularly useful for people with COPD.

Plume Air Report

Plume Air Report is an app available for both Android and iPhone mobile devices that gives you real-time data on air pollution for any city in the world. It also tells gives you basic information on the local temperature, wind, and humidity levels.

Plume is simple, straightforward, and easy to use and navigate. It's a great all-in-one app for weather and air quality to help you determine whether it's safe to spend time or exercise outdoors.

WebMD Allergy App

The WebMD Allergy App tells you everything you need to know about pollen and other allergens in your area. It is available for both iPhone and Android and provides up-to-date data on weather and allergen levels.

This app is great for people with seasonal allergies and even people with allergies to dust and mold. It even separates allergens by category, showing you the concentrations of different types, including allergens associated with grass, trees, weeds, dust, dander, and mold.

The WebMD Allergy App also lets you record your allergy symptoms every day to help you monitor your health. This is a great way to track the severity of your symptoms, learn what you're most sensitive to, and get a better idea of how your allergies affect your COPD.

BreezoMeter Air Quality Index

The BreezoMeter app gives you detailed air quality reports you can use to plan outdoor activities and minimize your exposure to airborne pollutants. It includes current air quality data, future air quality forecasts, and detailed air quality maps that can show you the air conditions down to the street level.

The BreezoMeter map even provides personalized, practical health tips based on your local air quality to help you avoid hazards and plan your day. It can also send you alerts when the air quality changes and allows you to monitor the air in multiple locations at once.

Avoid Hazardous Temperatures, Weather, and Pollution

Depending on where you live, the temperature and air quality might vary vastly from day to day or even between morning and evening. But once you've found some good sources for air quality, allergens, and weather alerts, you can begin to work your days and summer plans around the hazards.

Air pollution and extreme heat or humidity can have a significant effect on your COPD, worsening your symptoms and even leading to serious exacerbations. In fact, even if you don't notice its effects in the short term, polluted air alone can make you more prone to getting respiratory infections, raise your risk of heart attack, and increase your chances of needing to be hospitalized.

The dangers of heat, humidity, and poor air quality go up depending on three main factors: the severity of the weather or pollution, the length of time you spend outside, and how much physical exertion you do. For example, taking a short walk or sitting outside on a hot or humid day isn't nearly as dangerous as doing vigorous exercise or spending an extended amount of time in the heat.

Use local forecasts to help you plan outdoor exercise, sports, and activities for times when the temperatures are expected to be mild, humidity is low, and the air quality is good. That might mean limiting outdoor activities in the afternoons and going out during cooler times of the day.

You can use the trends from past years to help you plan things further out, such as sporting leagues, exercise schedules, and vacations. For shorter-term plans, you can use week-long weather and air quality forecasts to figure out what days and times you should avoid spending time outdoors.

Here are some tips for planning your activities around hazardous weather and air conditions:

• Check your air quality forecast every week and note any days that are supposed to be particularly bad. As you plan activities and outings, avoid planning anything on hazardous days that involves physical activity outdoors or requires you to spend too much time outside.
  
  
• Protect yourself from the heat by figuring out what parts of the day are the coolest and planning any outdoor exercise, work, or other activities during these times.
  
  
• Take care when doing lengthy outdoor activities or heavy exercise, in particular. Make an effort to plan them on days with the most favorable conditions.
  
  
• Save lengthy walks, gardening, lawn work, outdoor sporting events, and other activities that keep you outdoors for extended periods of time for cooler days. They are too risky to do in hot, humid, or polluted air.
  
  
• Always check the allergen and pollution levels in your area before opening up windows and doors in your house. Airing out your home is a great way to let in cool, fresh air, but if the air quality is poor, you'll just end up filling your home with pollen and airborne irritants.
  
  
• During heat spells or very hot days, make sure you have an air-conditioned, indoor place to spend time in. If you don't have air conditioning or it stops working during the heat, leave the house and go somewhere public that has A/C (such as the library, mall, movie theater, a restaurant, or a coffee shop).
  
  
• If you like to exercise outdoors, shorten the length of time you spend outside in the heat and take more frequent breaks. You may need to break up your exercise into smaller chunks and spread them out during different times of the day.
  
  
• On days with high pollution or allergens, exercise indoors instead. For example, you could go the gym, do aerobics in your living room, or find a large, indoor place to take a walk.

Talk to Your Doctor About Preparing for Summer Hazards

As you prepare for the summer weather and the various respiratory hazards it brings, you should talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. For instance, if you are worried about allergies, flare-ups, or how much exercise you should do in the heat, your doctor is the best source of advice.

To help you get physical activity, your doctor can help you work out a feasible exercise schedule for the summer that takes the weather and heat into account. Your doctor can also help you find activities that are safe and healthy for you to do based on your personal medical history and physical condition.

You can also ask your doctor to help you prepare for allergies and flare-ups so you can minimize your symptoms when the summer respiratory irritants come. He may also be able to give you a prescription allergy medication or an emergency inhaler if you are prone to serious flare-ups.

By working with your doctor, you can make sure you have everything you need to keep your symptoms under control when it gets hot, humid, or the smog rolls in. If your doctor prescribes you s rescue inhaler, keep it and any other quick-relief medications with you at all times in case you encounter poor air conditions or experience a surprise flare-up.

Prepare for High Temperatures and Humidity

Exposure to extreme temperatures can be hard on your body, especially when you suffer from a chronic disease. That's why people with COPD should avoid going outside when the weather is especially hot and humid.

Regulating your body temperature is taxing on your body and puts extra strain on your respiratory system in particular. To keep your lungs working as efficiently as possible, you have to be extra careful to protect yourself out in the heat.

There are many ways to do this while still enjoying the warm summer sun and and your favorite outdoor activities. The following tips will help you keep breathlessness and fatigue at bay without having to shutter yourself in the whole summer.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

The symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be subtle and easy to miss, especially if you have COPD. Symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath can be mistaken for normal COPD symptoms instead of a dangerous sign of heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke can strike suddenly, which is why it's so important to know the signs and symptoms and pay close attention to your body whenever you're out in the heat. Be on the look out for symptoms in yourself and others and take care not to exert yourself too much.

Heat exhaustion is not as severe as heat stroke, and the symptoms can be mild or severe. However, experiencing heat exhaustion when you have COPD puts you at a higher risk for serious complications.

Luckily, avoiding heat exhaustion is a simple matter of monitoring your body and taking care of yourself in the heat. Drinking plenty of water, replenishing your electrolytes regularly (with salty food or sports drinks), and taking frequent breaks in the shade can all significantly reduce your chances of heat stroke.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Pale or flushed face
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Heavy sweating with cold, clammy skin

Wear Appropriate Clothing

How you dress can significantly affect your temperature and how you feel outside in the heat. Clothes that are tight or heavy will make you overheat more quickly, while light, loose clothes will help you stay cool.

When you go outside on hot days, make sure to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that give you space to move and room to breathe. Clothes that cinch or are too tight will be very hot under the sun and make it more difficult for you to move freely and breathe comfortably.

To prepare for the summer, fill your wardrobe with light, airy fabrics and pale colors that reflect light rather than absorb it. It may also be a good time to go through your old clothes and get rid of items that don't fit or restrict your breathing.

A hat is another great clothing accessory to have when you're out in the summer heat. A wide-brimmed hat gives you the most protection from the sun, but a visor or baseball cap can help you stay cool as well.

Stay Hydrated

When you're outside in the heat, it's easy to get dehydrated without even realizing it. If you don't make a special effort to drink plenty of water, you could end up with worsened shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.

Dehydration strains both your body and your lungs, and also dries out the mucus in your airways. This worsens airway obstruction and makes it even more difficult to breathe, which makes physical exertion dangerous in the heat.

It's important to take dehydration seriously when you suffer from COPD, because it can severely exacerbate existing breathing troubles. Make it a goal to drink extra water during the summer and bring a water bottle with you anytime you leave the house.

Take Breaks

When you're outside in not-ideal weather, such as excessive humidity or heat, it pays to be extra cautious. You may need to limit your physical exertion or take more frequent breaks to keep your COPD symptoms under control.

As soon as you feel too fatigued or feel like you are having trouble catching your breath, stop whatever activity you are doing and retreat to a sheltered place where you can rest. Use any rescue medication you have if needed and don't exert yourself again until your respiratory ailments have passed.

If you feel overheated, find a shaded or air conditioned spot immediately, and drink some cold water to cool down. Don't go outside again until you are well-hydrated, rested, and your body temperature feels normal again.

It's important to stay in tune with your body and be able to recognize the signs of a flare-up. If you catch your symptoms worsening early and take appropriate action, you are much less likely to experience serious symptoms or have to be hospitalized for an exacerbation.

Keep Your House Cooled

Depending on where you live and how your house is designed, it can be a challenge to cool your house during the worst of the summer heat. Sometimes, the A/C just can't keep up with the sweltering heat and the hot sun beating down on your house.

If you have COPD, it's very important for your lungs to keep your house at a cool, comfortable temperature when you're at home. Fortunately, there are a variety of simple techniques you can use to keep the heat out and take give your A/C unit a break.

Short-Term Strategies

First of all, when the sun is beating down, make sure you keep your window blinds and shutters closed. This will prevent the sunlight from shining through and warming up the air inside your home.

You can also cool down and air out your house at night by opening up the windows after the sun goes down. However, you have to be strategic about which windows you open and close to make this method effective.

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No matter what stage of life you are in, it’s always a good idea to find new ways to save money. If you’re someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a similar lung disease, one of the best ways you can cut costs is by looking for ways to save money on medication, medical equipment, and other medical expenses. This study found that the average annual healthcare cost per COPD patient is around $4,147 and that increased disease severity is associated with higher healthcare costs.

Unfortunately, many people find that it’s not as easy as they thought it would be to save money on medical expenses. While there are many ways to save on medications, things like doctor’s visits, hospital visits, and pulmonary rehabilitation are pretty set in stone. And trying to avoid these things all together to save money could put your long-term health at risk. Be sure to visit a medical specialist whenever you need to, and find other ways to save such as on your medical oxygen equipment. 

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If you’re just getting started with oxygen therapy, it might not be immediately evident how many options you have available to you and that just a few considerations could save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars when it comes to purchasing and maintaining your oxygen device. In this post, we are going to highlight some tips for getting the best deal on an oxygen concentrator and avoiding some of the common pitfalls many people experience as a first-time oxygen buyer. If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comments or reach out to us by phone or email.

Find the Right Retailer to Buy From

By far the most important thing to remember if you’re looking for a good deal on an oxygen concentrator is to find a reputable retailer to buy from. The internet has made it easier than ever before to find the exact product you’re looking for and have it delivered on your porch within a matter of days. However, the internet has also opened the door for scammers and dishonest companies to get your money. This is why it’s so important to be prudent when it comes to the company that you work with.

Possibly the biggest scam you should be aware of when buying oxygen is companies that don’t ask to see your supplemental oxygen prescription. In the United States, oxygen is a “controlled substance” meaning it can’t simply be bought and sold freely without proof of medical necessity. If a company sells you oxygen without having you provide a prescription from your doctor, they are either doing so illegally, or they’re selling you low grade oxygen that will not meet your medical needs. Either way, these are deceptive business practices and they could be deceiving you in other ways as well.

Another thing to watch out for is something called “recreational oxygen.” This is not necessarily a scam or deceptive but it can lead to confusion when you’re trying to buy an oxygen concentrator to treat your COPD. Essentially, recreational oxygen is a type of low-grade oxygen used by hikers, climbers, or people traveling to higher altitudes than they’re used to. Allegedly, using these cylinders periodically can help you prevent breathlessness and altitude sickness, but there is little evidence to suggest this is the case. The important thing to remember is that “recreational” oxygen does not equate to “medical” oxygen. 

Ultimately, the reason you should focus on finding a reputable oxygen retailer to work with is because purchasing the wrong device will set you back even further financially. Many people are ecstatic to find an oxygen device for a couple hundred dollars only to find out that it’s not going to meet their medical needs and that the company they bought it from doesn’t accept returns. Aside from breaking the bank, buying an oxygen device from a shady company can compromise your health and leave you without oxygen when you need it the most.   

Decide Between New, Used, and Refurbished

Another way to get a great deal on an oxygen concentrator is to consider different buying options like new, used, and refurbished units. We wrote a post discussing all of the different buying options for portable oxygen concentrators in a different post, so be sure to check it out for more information. However, we’ll summarize the main points here for your convenience.

A “new” oxygen concentrator is one that has never been opened, turned on, or used in any way since it was manufactured. The obvious benefit to having a new concentrator is that the unit has no wear and tear and that you can expect it to last many years without needing repairs. What’s more, most new concentrators come with a manufacturer warranty which will cover you for several years if anything is wrong with the unit. Although rare, manufacturing defects are a possibility, so having the warranty will guarantee you repairs or a full replacement if your unit doesn’t work.

A “used” oxygen concentrator is one that has been owned by another oxygen patient in the past. The great news though is that “used” doesn’t mean that the unit is old and worn out. Some oxygen patients never use a unit or it is only lightly used before returning it. What this means is that you’ll be paying a discounted price on an item that is in “near mint” condition. When you purchase a concentrator from LPT Medical, you can rest assured that it’s been tested beforehand to ensure full functionality.

A “refurbished” portable oxygen concentrator differs slightly from a used unit in that repairs or replacements have been done to it. One of the common part replacements you’ll see in a refurbished oxygen concentrator are the sieve beds. These are specialized filters that remove unwanted gas from the air, allowing you to receive medical-grade oxygen. Over time, sieve beds can become worn out and need to be replaced.

One final option for you to get your hands on an oxygen concentrator is through renting one. This is not always the most practical option, but if you know you will only be needing one for a few days or weeks, it may be your most cost-effective option. Renting an oxygen concentrator is ideal for people who typically use an oxygen tank or stationary concentrator at home, but want to be able to go on a trip without having to hassle with lugging their tank around or finding a place to refill it.

Overall, there are benefits to each of the buying options, it’s just a matter of your individual situation. Be sure to ask our oxygen concentrator specialists here at LPT Medical if you have any questions or concerns.  

Take Advantage of Package Deals

Package deals are one of the best ways to save money on an oxygen concentrator. A package deal is when you buy accessories alongside your oxygen concentrator unit and get a discount on your final price. This means you’ll be able to save a lot of money if you buy everything up front rather than buying each accessory separately. Package deals are not always going on, so be sure to talk with your oxygen concentrator specialist who can let you know what’s available.

One package deal many people enjoy is one that offers a carrying case, battery, and DC charging cable. This way, you will have the ultimate freedom to move around the minute you receive your oxygen concentrator instead of having to order additional accessories later on down the road. Most oxygen concentrators come with the standard size battery but if you think you will need a battery that lasts longer, you can always upgrade it and maybe even get some additional savings that way.

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Another reason to take advantage of package deals is that it could help you save money on shipping. With very few exceptions, it’s almost always cheaper to ship everything in one box rather than individually. While it may not seem like that much extra to ship a couple of accessories, the costs can really start to add up.

Two package deals we highly recommend are the Caire FreeStyle Comfort package and the Inogen One G5 package. These are some of the top-performing concentrators currently on the market, and when you consider everything that comes with them, you’ll see why they’re so popular. Just the base packages include an 8-cell battery, AC and DC charging cables so that you can charge your device anywhere, a carrying case, oxygen tubing, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Speak with one of our oxygen concentrator experts to see which one of these would be best for you.

Take Advantage of Sales

Sales are another thing you should keep an eye out for when you’re shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator. We offer a lot of oxygen concentrator sales here at LPT Medical because we want to get these devices to as many COPD patients as possible, even people who are on a tight budget. Currently, we are running a deal where you can get a free online pulmonary workshop course with the purchase of a new portable oxygen concentrator.

This program is called Thrive eLearning and it provides access to one-on-one counseling, support groups, and online courses that help you slow the progression of COPD. One of the important things you’ll learn during this course is breathing exercises which are a powerful tool for alleviating symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue, and chest pain which are commonly associated with COPD. You’ll also be able to connect one-on-one with doctors, caretakers, and other healthcare professionals, saving you time and money.

Sales are pretty common in the oxygen industry because the market is always changing. For example, we might offer a sale on one concentrator because a newer concentrator has hit the market. This is the perfect opportunity to get a great deal on a slightly older unit that still meets your needs perfectly. One of the best ways to keep up with these sales is to join our mailing list by filling out the form at the side of the page. You’ll be notified immediately whenever we have a new promotion going on!

Consider Your Financing Options

“Financing” an oxygen concentrator means splitting the payments up into more manageable monthly payments. While financing typically doesn’t save you money in the long run, it does lead to more financial security, because you won’t see the full cost of the concentrator come out of your bank account all at once. If at any time, you decide you want to pay off the rest of the concentrator all at once, you can do so without incurring any additional fees. Before committing to the financing terms, however, you should make sure that the company doesn’t charge a bunch of interest on top of the original price. Make sure you know what the exact amount of interest is and not just the monthly payments.

Conclusion

Oxygen concentrators are the ideal oxygen therapy device for most COPD patients. They’re very lightweight, compact, versatile, and most importantly, they provide you with medical-grade oxygen that you need to stay healthy. But if you want to get the best deal on an oxygen concentrator, you need to make several considerations first. Most importantly, you need to work with an oxygen concentrator retailer that you can rely on.

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Here at LPT Medical, we take your oxygen needs seriously, and as such, we will take the time and diligence to understand both your medical and financial needs, then use our knowledge of the industry to align you with the perfect concentrator for you. It’s our goal to get an oxygen concentrator in the hands of any and all COPD patients who need them, so we will work with you to provide you with the best deal and we’ll even work with your healthcare provider to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork to buy an oxygen concentrator legally.

To get started, simply give us a call or shoot us an email.

Whether you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, or any other type of respiratory ailment, your doctor may prescribe you with a device called a nebulizer. Nebulizers are one of many different types of inhaled therapy devices and can provide you with considerable relief from respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

While nebulizers are an effective treatment option, they aren’t for everyone. A nebulizer should only be used if and when your doctor prescribes it and should only be used for its intended purposes. Since nebulizers use medication, incorrect usage of the device could pose a serious risk to your health, especially if you’re using it too frequently.

In the following sections, we’re going to provide you with all the information you need to get started with nebulizer therapy like how to use a nebulizer, how to clean it, and other things you should consider before getting started. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section or speak with your doctor.

How Do Nebulizers Work?

A nebulizer is a form of inhalation therapy, meaning you’re inhaling medication instead of taking it orally or intravenously. For someone with a respiratory condition, inhalation therapy is considerably more effective than the alternatives because the medication reaches the affected area almost instantaneously. This is especially important for someone experiencing a COPD exacerbation or asthma attack because expedited treatment could have life-saving results.

When you use a nebulizer, liquid medication is transformed into a fine mist called aerosol. The aerosol lingers in the mouthpiece or face mask so you can simply breathe normally to receive the treatment. If someone has severe COPD or asthma, other inhaled therapy like metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) may be ineffective because they require a deep and coordinated inhalation for the medication to reach the lungs. With a nebulizer, however, even shallow breathing will help.

In aerosol therapy, there’s something called the Bernoulli Principle. This principle says that when a pressurized flow of air is directed through a small outlet, its velocity increases creating a jet stream. When this jet stream is created, it makes a sub-atmospheric pressure zone, also known as a vacuum. This vacuum is used to pull the medicine up a capillary tube and into the jet stream which then creates the aerosol that you inhale. This is the same principle that’s used to create jet engines.

Components of a Nebulizer

Unlike inhalers, nebulizers are electronic devices, so they’ll need a source of power in order to operate. Home nebulizers will have a power cord that you can plug into the wall outlet and portable nebulizers will have either replaceable or rechargeable batteries for you to use. While home nebulizers are still rather small and can be transported easily, you may need a portable one if you want to perform inhalation therapy on the go. 

Another component of a nebulizer is the mask or mouthpiece which may be a part of the nebulizer device or attached to it via a tube. You will also have a medication cup and measuring device that’s used to administer the correct dosage of medicine and a filter will be attached that removes contaminants from the air before it’s put through the device. These filters should be replaced every once in a while to ensure the compressor stays clean and that you are inhaling fresh, clean air.   

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Types of Nebulizers

Nebulizers are generally divided into two different categories: jet nebulizers and ultrasonic nebulizers. Each of these units comes with their own pros and cons and each can be purchased in either a home (tabletop) or portable version. While each type of nebulizer is effective, you’ll want to speak with your doctor to decide which one will be best for you. Let’s take a look at each one to see how they work.

Jet Nebulizers

Also known as an atomizer or compressor nebulizer, these are the most common type and are considered the “traditional” nebulizers because they’ve been in use longer. This device uses compressed air at a high velocity in order to turn medicine into an aerosol. While jet nebulizers can be noisy, they’re often used in hospitals for patients with serious cases of respiratory disease.

Pros:

• Wide range of particle sizes
• No restrictions on medication
• Durable and reliable
• Tabletop or portable options available
• Low operational cost

Cons:

• Tend to be very loud
• Tabletop versions are bulky and difficult to move

Ultrasonic Nebulizers

Ultrasonic nebulizers use high-frequency sound waves to turn liquid medicine into an aerosol. In order to create the sound waves, they use a vibrating metal plate at ultrasonic frequencies. Because these sounds are undetectable by the human ear, ultrasonic nebulizers are much quieter and also tend to be easier to move around.

Another technology contributing to the development of ultrasonic nebulizers is called the Vibrating Mesh Technology (VMT). These types of nebulizers have thousands of laser-drilled holes that vibrate in order to produce the mist, which is much more efficient than other ultrasonic nebulizers, however, it tends to produce more heat and liquid waste.

Pros:

• Most technologically advanced nebulizers
• Much quieter than jet nebulizers
• Light and compact

Cons:

• More expensive than other nebulizers

What Medication Do Nebulizers Administer?

Nebulizer medications are divided into two different categories: long-term control medications and quick relief. Long-term medications are used to treat the symptoms of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory ailments, while quick-relief medications are used for emergencies like an asthma attack or COPD exacerbation. Not everyone with a chronic lung condition will be prescribed inhaled medication, but if you are, your doctor may decide that a metered-dose or dry powder inhaler will work better for you.

Depending on the severity of your disease, your age, and the type of condition that you have, your doctor will determine the amount of medication that’s needed. You may also be instructed to mix two different types of medication or to only use it in certain situations. Ensure you follow his/her instructions exactly in order to experience the most relief from your symptoms. Below are just a few of the medications you may be prescribed for nebulizer therapy.

Ipratropium Bromide

This is a type of bronchodilator that can help alleviate acute respiratory symptoms by preventing muscle constriction in the airways. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), severe asthma attacks can often be treated with ipratropium in combination with other short-acting drugs like levalbuterol and albuterol, but your doctor may be able to provide you with a premixed combination of these drugs. Potential negative side-effects of ipratropium include an upset stomach, dizziness, and dry mouth. 

Cromolyn Sodium

While not as effective as budesonide, cromolyn sodium has some use as a long-term asthma control medication. Cromolyn sodium is used to prevent the chemical release and activation of inflammatory cells in the airways and lungs. This drug is also commonly used to treat seasonal allergies because it stabilizes mast cells, the cells that release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. Potential side-effects of this drug include throat irritation and coughing.

Albuterol and Levalbuterol

Both levalbuterol (Xopenex) and albuterol (AccuNeb) are used as a quick-relief drug for asthma. They are labeled as such because they are bronchodilators meaning they open the airways making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack of COPD exacerbation. While there are a number of potential side effects to combining these two drugs, the benefits may outweigh them. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.  

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Budesonide

Budesonide (pulmicort respules) is an inhaled steroid that reduces the number of inflammation-inducing cells in the lungs. It is the only corticosteroid administered through inhalation therapy and has proven extremely useful in reducing asthma symptoms. According to the 2015 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, budesonide is one of the most effective drugs for long-term asthma control. Potential side-effects of budesonide include oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth, and a hoarse throat.  

Acetylcysteine

Mucus is a substance secreted by mucous membranes. It plays an important role in the body by trapping particles like airborne allergens and viruses and keeps them from entering the lungs. Unfortunately, many respiratory diseases lead to an overproduction of mucus which can have negative effects like airway obstruction. Acetylcysteine is a drug that breaks up mucus and makes it less viscous allowing it to be cleared more easily.  

Diseases Treated With Nebulizers

While browsing the web or watching television, you may have noticed that nebulizers are usually advertised towards kids with asthma. While they’re certainly most commonly used by children, many adults and seniors use them as well. What’s more, nebulizers can be used to treat many different respiratory conditions, not just asthma. Children may benefit from nebulizers if they don’t know how to use an inhaler and those with severe lung disease may not be physically capable of inhaling deeply enough to make inhalers an effective option.

Asthma

Asthma is a lifelong lung condition that leads to inflamed and narrowed airways. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and happen frequently or in rare instances. Medication administered through inhalation therapy can help to reduce this inflammation, open up the airways, and help the patient breathe more easily and cough less.   

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is an umbrella term that includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is similar to asthma in that it’s characterized by inflamed airways, more specifically in the bronchial tubes that lead to the lungs. However, bronchitis is caused by environmental factors like pollution, cigarette smoke, or a virus, whereas asthma is an increased responsiveness of the airways to irritants. This is a subtle difference, but it could mean having an entirely different treatment plan. 

Emphysema, on the other hand, results in inflammation of the alveoli or tiny air sacs that are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Emphysema results in coughing, wheezing, increased mucus production, and an increased risk for acute respiratory illness, all of which can be treated with nebulizer therapy.

Cystic Fibrosis

This is a lung disease that causes mucus to be thicker and more viscous than normal. According to Medical News Today, 75 percent of cystic fibrosis cases are diagnosed before the age of 2 making it a significant concern among children. Acetylcysteine is one drug that will help to thin the mucus and make it easier for someone with CF to breathe.

Pneumonia

Nebulizers aren’t just effective in treating chronic lung conditions, they can be helpful for acute illnesses like pneumonia as well. In this disease, the tiny air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid resulting in an infection, chills, and difficulty breathing. In bacterial pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics that can be used through your nebulizer.

How To Properly Use a Nebulizer

The good thing about nebulizers is that they’re very easy to use. While all nebulizers will work slightly differently, they all have the same components and if you have any questions you can easily just consult the user’s manual or speak with your doctor.

1. Clean your hands thoroughly — dirt or dust can damage the nebulizer.
2. Attach the hose to either an air compressor or an oxygen supply
3. Adjust the mouthpiece or mask on your face so that it fits snuggly
4. Breathe normally through your mouth until all the medication has been administered. Usually, this takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Once you’re done, turn off the device, wash the mouthpiece and medicine cup, then leave it to dry.
   
   

How To Clean a Nebulizer

It’s very important that you take the time to clean your nebulizer regularly. If the components aren’t cleaned thoroughly or often enough you may spread bacteria which can lead to sickness. If you have COPD, getting sick could mean experiencing more frequent and severe exacerbations. 

1. Always use your nebulizer in a dust-free and smoke-free area
2. Wash the hose and face mask or mouthpiece after each use and leave it to air dry.
3. Remove the medication cup and rinse it thoroughly
4. After several uses, take a bowl and put in it one part vinegar and three parts water. Soak the mouthpiece in it for 20 minutes then rinse and dry.
5. When storing your nebulizer, always keep it in a bag, case, or covered in a towel to keep it clean.
6. Keep extra filters on hand and check it at least once a month.
   
   

Nebulizers vs Inhalers

The most immediate and obvious difference you’ll notice between an inhaler and a nebulizer is that nebulizers are much bulkier. Even the portable nebulizers are bigger and heavier than inhalers because they have the electrical components, battery, and compressor, whereas inhalers are just the medicine container and a plastic cover to protect it. Some inhalers have something called a spacer that’s attached to the mouthpiece. This makes it a little easier for children or people with impaired lung capacity to inhale the medicine deeply and allow it to enter the lower lungs.

Nebulizer Therapy vs Oxygen Therapy

It’s important to understand the difference between nebulizer therapy and oxygen therapy. Whereas nebulizer therapy is used to administer medication to the lungs, oxygen therapy simply delivers pure oxygen to the lungs. Oxygen therapy is prescribed to patients who have impaired lung function and aren’t able to take in enough air or process oxygen as efficiently as a healthy person’s lungs. If you’re undergoing nebulizer (inhaled) therapy, you won’t necessarily be prescribed medical oxygen and vice versa.

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Oxygen-Driven vs Air-Driven Nebulization

Normally, your nebulizer will be attached to an air compressor. However, depending on the doctor’s specifications, you may need to use a compressed oxygen tank instead. This is usually only beneficial if the patient is already oxygen dependent. For example, they may carry around an oxygen tank or oxygen concentrator to ensure their blood oxygen levels remain normal.. In these instances, doctors typically titrate the oxygen amount, meaning they adjust the amount of oxygen that’s administered through the nebulizer for the best results. However, too much oxygen could be dangerous.

According to a study published by BMC Pulmonary Medicine, high administration of oxygen may lead to hypercapnia (carbon dioxide retention) or increased mortality in patients experiencing an acute COPD exacerbation. Supplemental oxygen is usually adjusted to achieve an oxygen saturation of 88 to 92 percent. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide provided you with some helpful information that you can use to get started with nebulizer therapy. While nebulizers are extremely effective at administering medication for asthma, COPD, and other respiratory patients, it’s important that you also keep up with every other aspect of your treatment plan. 

While respiratory disease is one of the most common afflictions on the planet, each case is unique. Be sure to maintain open lines of communication with your doctor and that you understand exactly when and how you should use your nebulizer in order to have the best results.   

It’s been just over two months since we first heard reports of the coronavirus (COVID-19) entering the United States. During this time, we’ve learned an astonishing amount of information about where the virus came from, what it does to the body, and most importantly, how to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

While there’s still no cure in sight and it will likely be some time before medical specialists fully understand COVID-19, we have been given five clear and strict rules by the World Health Organization (WHO) that each and every person should follow. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when possible, especially if you’re sick
• Cover your cough with your shoulder or a kleenex
• Practice social distancing

Unfortunately, the above list does not take into account age, medical conditions, or susceptibility; these are simply guidelines that everyone should follow in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. So, if you’re someone who’s suffering from a chronic illness that makes you more vulnerable to the effects of the virus, you’ll need to take extra precautions.

In this post, we’ll take a look at seven facts you should know about the coronavirus if you or a loved one is coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is an illness that affects around 15.7 million Americans, so it’s imperative that these people are fully aware of how the COVID-19 pandemic affects them. If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comment sections or fill out the contact form so we can reach out to you.

What is the Coronavirus?

SARS-CoV-2 is a type of coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019, also called COVID-19 for short. This new type of coronavirus was first discovered in Wuhan, China, a large city in the province of Hubei last December. Since then, it has gone on to infect more than 1,000,000 people worldwide and is responsible for over 70,000 deaths. Since COVID-19 has spread across the whole world at this point, it has earned the title “pandemic.”

In the past, coronaviruses have only been known to infect animals. However, a few have been known to pass onto humans and these are referred to as “alpha” and “beta” coronaviruses. The term “SARS” in SARS-CoV-2 stands for “severe respiratory distress syndrome” which is the primary symptom of most coronaviruses.

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It’s a “Novel” Disease

One of the most important things to know about COVID-19 is that it is considered “novel.” What this means is that it’s a new type of coronavirus that has never been seen before. In other words, we don’t have the decades of experience dealing with it like we do with influenza and other common diseases.

Another problem with it being a new disease is that we don’t have an immunity built up for it. Your body has two types of immunity that it uses to protect your body from harm; these include natural or “innate” immunity and “adaptive” immunity. Innate immunity is something that you’re born with. An example of this is mucus, a sticky substance that lines your sinuses, throat, and lungs which protects your body from infection.

Adaptive immunity, on the other hand, is immunity that your body develops over the course of your life. At a young age, you’re very vulnerable to infections like strep throat and ear infections, but as you age, your body develops a natural immunity to these things. Unfortunately, since COVID-19 is new to everyone, nobody has had the chance to build up an immunity to it. 

Typically, when there is an outbreak of any type of disease in a particular region, there is enough scientific data from previous outbreaks in order to direct resources and efforts effectively. However, in the case of a new type of disease like COVID-19, it becomes very difficult for medical professionals to make decisions about where and when to divert their resources. We can see this in the United States through the shortage of ventilators and medical face masks which could help to prevent the spread of the virus.

Lastly, the fact that COVID-19 is a new virus means that it’s difficult to accurately depict its severity. While we now know that there are over 370,000 cases and over 12,000 deaths in the United States, back in January when it first entered the country, it would have been impossible to predict just how bad it would get. With that being said, it’s difficult for us to predict how much damage COVID-19 will cause in the near and distant future, so it’s best to be prepared for the worst.

COPD Patients are at a Higher Risk

Since COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, it goes without saying that people who already suffer from a chronic respiratory disease will experience more severe symptoms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is primarily caused by smoking and it’s characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and wheezing. Millions of Americans already have COPD but experts estimate that as many as 81% of cases worldwide may be undiagnosed.

One of the primary ways COPD affects a patient’s ability to cope with the novel coronavirus is through lung inflammation and a weakened immune system. Most COPD patients develop a condition called immune dysfunction which puts them at a higher risk for exacerbations and compromises their ability to fight off common lung infections. When it comes to a virus that has never been introduced to the general population like COVID-19, the risk of contracting it is even more pronounced.

COPD News Today advises that patients with chronic lung illnesses take the following precautions in addition to the preventive measures listed by the World Health Organization:

• If you are using any type of medication like corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or methylxanthines, you’ll ideally want to stock up on these as much as possible. The more you can limit leaving the house to refill a prescription, the better. Doctors aren’t always able to prescribe a large quantity of a particular drug, but due to the circumstances, they might make an exception. Prescription deliveries are also becoming more common, so those might be worth considering as well.
• Secondly, COPD News Today advises that all COPD patients avoid unnecessary travel and large crowds. Necessary travel means leaving the house to get food or other essential supplies or to visit a friend or loved one. However, COPD patients should have their groceries delivered if at all possible and practice social distancing when visiting family.
• When it comes to medical treatment, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible and be prepared in case of an emergency. COVID-19 exhibits some of the same symptoms as COPD, so if you notice an unusual flare up or you shouldn’t wait to receive medical attention. Keep a list of emergency contacts on hand at all times.
• Last but certainly not least, you should take care to disinfect your home regularly. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, SARS-CoV-2 can live on surfaces for several days depending on the surface and the climate. This study found that it can survive 3 hours in the air, 4 hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard, 48 hours on stainless steel, and 72 hours on plastic. You should take time to disinfect surfaces like door handles, computer keyboards, your cellphone, and tables or counters at least once a day. Also, be sure to use organic cleaners rather than ones filled with chemicals that can exacerbate COPD symptoms.

It’s worth noting that anyone with a chronic health condition is more prone to severe coronavirus disease, not just COPD patients. While there is still limited information on the risk factors of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that people with moderate to severe asthma are more likely to experience an asthma attack, pneumonia, or acute respiratory disease.

The CDC lists several other conditions that could lead to a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19. They include the following:

• People with serious heart conditions
• People with diabetes
• People with liver or kidney disease
• People with an immunosuppressive condition (many conditions can lead to a compromised immune system)
• People with a body mass index of 40 or higher 

Older Adults Experience More Severe Symptoms

Another risk factor we’ve been told to watch out for is age. According to CDC reports, fatality is highest among people 85 years of age and older, from 10% to 27%. People between the ages of 65 to 85 had between a 1% and 5% fatality rate and people under the age of 65 have under 1% fatality rates.

You’ve likely heard about fatality rates being unusually high in places like Italy, and this is largely due to the fact that the general population is much older than in other parts of the world. Stat News, a health and medicine news website, notes that the median age in Italy is 47 which is the highest in Europe. What’s more, 23% of the population is over the age of 65 and Italy has reported that 7.2% of people who contracted COVID-19 have died. This is significantly higher than the 1.8% to 3.4% fatality rate reported in the United States.

In many instances, fatality among the older population has less to do with their age and more to do with the fact that older people are more likely to have a chronic illness. According to the National Council on Aging, about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease and 77% of older adults have at least two chronic diseases. What’s more, four illnesses cause two-thirds of all deaths in any given year — diabetes, stroke, cancer, and heart disease. When you look at these numbers, it’s not hard to see why COVID-19 is such a significant threat to older generations.

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Safety Compliance is Important Regardless of Age

Despite the fact that COVID-19 is more severe in older adults with chronic illnesses, that doesn’t change the fact that slowing the progression of the virus is the responsibility of everyone. While you may have heard individual cases of younger people contracting the virus and not experiencing any symptoms, these people are definitely the minority, so people of all ages and health conditions should take it seriously.

In addition to COVID-19 being a threat to younger generations, contracting the virus could mean passing it on to older generations, because the majority of cases are passed from person-to-person rather than from objects to people. Hospitals and nursing homes are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks so if younger people want to visit their parents or grandparents, it’s best to do so through video conference programs like Skype or Facetime.

Your COPD Treatment Plan is Still Important

We understand that times like these can be stressful and filled with uncertainty. And even when we don’t have a pandemic to deal with, it can be challenging to keep up with everything in your COPD treatment plan including pulmonary rehabilitation, an improved diet, and oxygen therapy. However, if history has taught us anything, it’s that we can achieve better outcomes if we focus on a healthy daily routine.

If your pulmonologist has already set you up with a COPD treatment plan, it’s best to stick with it unless he/she tells you to make adjustments. The reason it’s so important to do this is because it gives you the best odds of coping with COVID-19 if you were to contract it. It’s important to note, however, that simply following your COPD treatment plan won’t prevent the virus; you’ll still need to follow all the safety precautions listed above to prevent getting sick.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is the backbone of any good COPD treatment plan. Most often, your pulmonologist will set you up with a one-on-one exercise training course with a physical therapist. However, due to the current circumstances, it’s unlikely that you will be set up with an in-person pulmonary rehab program. Instead, you will likely be offered some type of online pulmonary rehab like Thrive eLearning where you’ll have access to important information for managing your disease. You’ll also be able to speak with respiratory therapists wherever and whenever you need.

Another aspect of your COPD treatment plan, your diet, can be very difficult to maintain with the spread of COVID-19. Grocery stores are a bad place to be right now because they are full of people and it’s difficult to maintain good social distancing practices. What’s more, grocery stores are on low supply of a lot of foods, so it can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for. Sites like Fresh Direct are great options for anyone with a chronic health condition like COPD because you can have groceries delivered directly to your door. If online grocery shopping is not an option, you may want to get a friend or loved one to go shopping for you.

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Last but certainly not least, you’re going to want to continue with your oxygen therapy treatment program as advised by your pulmonologist. Oxygen therapy helps to keep your respiratory condition stable, reduce feelings of breathlessness, and most importantly, helps prevent exacerbations and hospitalization due to COPD symptoms. There are many types of oxygen generator on the market, but most doctors recommend portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5, because they’re lightweight, easy to use, and provide a high oxygen output.

Pay Attention to the News

Whenever there’s a pandemic or any other type of national emergency, you often get two different types of people: the ones who have the news on 24/7 and the ones who try to avoid the news as much as possible in order to avoid anxiety. While we certainly don’t want anyone to sit at their TV all day and stress about the current circumstances, it is important to keep up with what’s going on and understand what the recommended safety guidelines are for dealing with COVID-19.

If you don’t want to tune into the news everyday, that’s understandable. However, be sure to bookmark these pages by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Check these sites regularly and they will provide you with up-to-date information about COVID-19 prevention, travel guidance, as well as correcting some misinformation that’s out there in the public.

Conclusion

For many people, these are difficult times. The novel coronavirus has taken a pretty large toll not just on the health of the public but on the economy as well. It’s imperative that everyone — young or old, healthy or not — does their part to limit its spread. This means practicing good hygiene, keeping at least 6 feet of space between you and the nearest person, and staying home as much as possible.

As a COPD patient, you’ll need to take some additional precautions like stocking up on medical supplies, disinfecting your home regularly, and avoiding any form of unnecessary travel. You should continue to follow your COPD treatment plan unless otherwise advised by your pulmonologist. 

A portable oxygen concentrator is a medical oxygen device used to treat respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). Unlike other oxygen machines like oxygen tanks or stationary oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be lightweight, efficient, and provide the patient with as much freedom as possible while still ensuring their oxygen needs are met. If you’ve never purchased an oxygen machine before or you’re looking for an upgrade to your current device, you’re probably trying to find a good starting point.

Oxygen concentrators are fairly complex and as such, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration including oxygen output, battery life, weight, size, and design. While all of this information is out there on the web, you may find it challenging to consolidate your findings and make an educated decision about your oxygen needs. In the past, we’ve provided oxygen patients with a number of helpful resources such as this guide which covers the highest performing concentrators of 2021 or this post where we discuss the lightest portable oxygen concentrators of the year.

To provide you with even more resources for choosing a portable oxygen concentrator in 2021, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that covers the process of choosing a POC from start to finish. After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for in your new oxygen machine and after it arrives at your door, you’ll feel much more confident about the decision you’ve made. Keep reading to get started, and if you have any questions for us, be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page. A respiratory specialist will reach out to you shortly to answer any questions you may have.

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Why Use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

The first question you’re likely wondering about portable oxygen concentrators is, “why should I use one?” This is a valid question because there are many oxygen machines on the market such as oxygen tanks, portable oxygen cylinders, home oxygen concentrators, and more. Each of these has its pros and cons, but in general, portable oxygen concentrators will provide you with the greatest value and serve you best in the long term.

Several decades ago, you weren’t likely to find many options when it came to medical oxygen. Before the 1970s, oxygen patients had to rely on bulky, heavy, and dangerous oxygen tanks, some of which could weigh in excess of 100 lbs. At the turn of the century, home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators became the dominant source of oxygen for many patients. Liquid oxygen cylinders also became popular because they could hold more oxygen than a compressed oxygen tank and they could be carried in most places.

Fast forward 20 years and you’ll find that POCs are the preferred choice for most oxygen patients. As they’ve become more powerful, lighter, and their battery life has increased, there are fewer and fewer reasons to purchase or rent an oxygen tank. Stationary oxygen concentrators still work great, but they usually cost as much as portable units meaning they’re almost entirely obsolete unless you can find a great deal on a used or refurbished one.

Pulse Flow vs. Continuous Flow

Now that you’ve established you need a portable oxygen concentrator in favor of other medical oxygen machines, it’s time to decide between pulse flow and continuous flow. A continuous flow oxygen concentrator is one that puts out a steady stream of oxygen like a water fountain. All oxygen tanks are continuous flow unless they have something called an oxygen conserver which attaches to the top of the unit. A pulse flow oxygen concentrator, on the other hand, has additional technology in it that detects your breathing and only puts out oxygen when you inhale.

Since pulse flow units don’t need to put out as much oxygen, manufacturers are able to make them much smaller and lighter. An average pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator will weigh around 5 to 6 pounds whereas the average continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator will weigh 10 pounds or more. Each type of concentrator has comparable oxygen output, but your doctor may advise that you use one in favor of another. It should also be noted that many continuous flow POCs like the Oxlife Independence allow you to switch between continuous flow and pulse flow. 

Ultimately, pulse flow will be the way to go for most oxygen patients. These POCs are light enough to carry on your shoulder, easy to use, and some can even provide up to 16 hours of battery life on one charge!

What Are the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator Brands?

Brand is an incredibly important thing to consider when you first purchase a portable oxygen concentrator. For better or worse, we live in a time where eCommerce is king. What this means for the consumer is that it’s harder to simply walk into a store and test a product before you buy it. As a result, you need to have faith in the brands that you work with.

When it comes to portable oxygen concentrators, companies like Inogen, Respironics, AirSep, Caire Inc., ResMed, GCE, and SeQual Technologies are some of the most reputable oxygen manufacturers in the industry. If you encounter an oxygen retailer who offers products from a brand other than the ones listed above, you should thoroughly research them before buying a portable oxygen concentrator from them. 

It’s illegal to sell a medical oxygen device without first verifying oxygen use, so oxygen concentrators listed on sites like eBay or Amazon either aren’t approved for medical use or the vendor is breaking the law. Always purchase portable oxygen concentrators from verified POC distributors like LPT Medical. When you contact us, you will always be asked for proof of oxygen use, so it helps to have your doctor’s phone number handy so we can take care of this as quickly as possible.

Another important distinction to make is the difference between recreational and medical oxygen. Recreational oxygen is used for things like scuba diving, hiking, or other outdoor activities. Some people would claim that recreational oxygen use improves respiratory performance but others believe it’s a fad. Medical oxygen, on the other hand, usually has between 90% and 96% purity rating, much more than in recreational oxygen.

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Portable Oxygen Concentrator Specifications

No portable oxygen concentrator was created equal when it comes to specifications. Aside from choosing the right brand, you need to examine each spec to ensure that the POC you’re getting fits your needs and your lifestyle. Most oxygen retailers list product specs on their product page, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, try Googling the name of the oxygen concentrator followed by the word “manual.” In the results, you should see a PDF for the unit you’re interested in. Read through this to find information about its oxygen output, battery life, weight, and more. Alternatively, you can contact one of our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical and we’ll answer any questions about your POC of choice.  

Oxygen Output

Hands down the most important aspect of your portable oxygen concentrator is its total (maximum) oxygen output. Unlike oxygen tanks that offer virtually any oxygen setting you want, pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are limited by the size and efficiency of their compressor. There are pulse flow units on the market that range anywhere from 300 ml/min to 1,260 ml/min and they range anywhere from 2 to 6 different pulse flow settings. Most oxygen patients require at least 400 ml/min which is usually a setting of 2 or 3 on most POCs.

Before purchasing any portable oxygen concentrator it’s important to clearly understand your oxygen needs. Next time you go to the doctor or pulmonologist, ask him/her the following questions:

• How long do I need to use oxygen each day?
• Should I use my oxygen concentrator while sleeping?
• Should I use pulse flow or continuous flow oxygen?
• What are my oxygen needs? (milliliters per minute and liters per minute)

As you ask your doctor these questions, be sure to write them down along with your doctor’s personal phone number or the number of the doctor’s office. When you go to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator, you can simply provide your respiratory specialist with the number so they can verify your oxygen use.

Another thing to note about maximum oxygen output is that you want to have room to move up. COPD is a progressive disease meaning it gets worse as time goes on. So, for example, if your doctor says you need 400 ml/min of oxygen, it would be wise to invest in a concentrator that’s capable of putting out 600 or 700 ml/min of oxygen — the same applies to continuous flow concentrators.

Battery Life

For the majority of oxygen patients, battery life is the second most important aspect of a portable oxygen concentrator. After all, a POC that can only run for an hour without needing to be charged doesn’t really offer much portability at all, and at the end of the day, you may feel that you have less freedom than you did with your oxygen tank.

Most portable oxygen concentrators use what’s called lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries have been used primarily in electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets since the 1990s. The reason they’re so popular is because they’re eco-friendly, lightweight, and most importantly, powerful. Since portable oxygen concentrators have both electrical and mechanical components, it’s important that the batteries are as efficient as possible in order to keep people out and about longer.

Portable oxygen concentrators vary widely in terms of battery life. POCs like the Caire Freestyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 offer upwards of 13 hours of battery life on one charge, however, ultra-lightweight POCs like the AirSep Focus only hold a couple of hours of battery life on one charge. Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators also tend to provide less battery life because they put out more oxygen than pulse flow units do.

If you don’t mind sacrificing some weight for extra battery life, you may want to invest in portable oxygen concentrator accessories like the G5 backpack. Rather than having to carry your extra batteries in your hand or a separate bag, this will enable you to carry everything in one place. Once you’re ready to swap out your batteries, you’ll have everything in the same place, ready to go.

Weight

As we get older, our ability to carry heavy things diminishes. What’s more, many people, young and old suffer from back pain, so carrying around a 10-pound oxygen tank is simply not an option for many people. With that being said, you may be surprised to know that there are portable oxygen concentrators as light as 1.75 pounds! What this means is that even people with scoliosis or other conditions that affect the back and shoulders can still experience the freedom of having oxygen on the go. 

Another reason to invest in a light portable oxygen concentrator is that you’ll be able to carry more personal belongings. Whether you simply want to get out and go for a walk or you’re planning a trip or vacation, it’s always nice to be able to carry personal items like your cell phone, wallet, keys, or a camera. Unfortunately, anything over 6 pounds or so will likely cause you some struggle. What’s more, continuous flow POCs are typically over 10 pounds and need to be rolled behind you using a cart, so these will be off-limits to you if you do a lot of traveling.

Size

In this day and age, most people expect their electronic devices to be small and easy to carry. As computers get smaller, we’re able to have more power in the palm of our hands than ever before — this is no different when it comes to portable oxygen concentrators.

Before the 1970s compressed oxygen tanks were the only means of oxygen delivery. These tanks were not only bulky and oversized, but they had an awkward shape to them that made them difficult or impossible to transport. As the need for portable oxygen arose, people began to realize that a different type of oxygen delivery would be needed. Oxygen concentrators became popular around this time because they have an infinite source of oxygen as long as there’s a battery for it to run on. As batteries improved, oxygen concentrators improved with them.

The two smallest portable oxygen concentrators currently on the market are the Inogen One G4 and the AirSep Focus, both of which are small enough to fit in a purse! While we don’t recommend purchasing a POC solely based on its size, the benefits of small portable oxygen concentrators are undeniable. You’ll be able to hold the device at your side more easily, store it in tight areas, and take it into crowded areas such as public transportation without bumping into people. 

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Sound Level

Typically, one of the first questions people have when transitioning from oxygen tanks is “do portable oxygen concentrators make noise?” The answer to that question is “yes.” However, chances are, they make a lot less noise than you think they do. In general, oxygen concentrators range in noise emission from around 37 decibels (dBA) to around 50 dBA, but most pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are around 40 dBA or below. To put this into perspective, this is about the noise level of a quiet conversation or whisper even.

In the grand scheme of things, using a portable oxygen concentrator will afford you the same freedom as an oxygen tank. You’ll still be able to go to church, a quiet library, or see a movie without disturbing anyone. However, it’s important to note that many POCs have something called audible alerts. These are beeps and other sound effects that notify you when your oxygen machine is low on battery or it’s in need of some other type of maintenance. It’s a good idea to turn these notifications off before you go anywhere in order to avoid any disturbances. If you don’t know how to do this, be sure to consult your user manual or speak with a respiratory specialist.

Warranty

A warranty is a written agreement that the oxygen manufacturer will repair or replace an oxygen unit within a given amount of time. Many electronic devices have warranties available for them and they’re a great way to protect your purchase in the event that you drop it or something malfunctions unexpectedly. Due to the reliability of modern portable oxygen concentrators, most reputable brands like Inogen, AirSep, Caire, and GCE will offer a free 3-year warranty that comes with the purchase of the device. Most of them will allow you to extend to a 4- or 5-year warranty for a set charge.

It’s not common for manufacturers to give out free warranties on their devices, especially one as long as 3 years. If they ever have to replace the machine entirely, they may be doing it at a loss, so the fact that they give such a great warranty is a sign that the oxygen device is extremely reliable and the manufacturers themselves have a lot of confidence in it. However, no matter if your POC malfunctions on its own or you dropped it, you’ll rest easy knowing you have that safety blanket.

FAA Approval

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees all safety regulations pertaining to in-flight oxygen use. In the past, there was no such thing as an “FAA Approved oxygen device” because oxygen tanks were too bulky and dangerous to use on a plane. However, since the early 2000s, the majority of portable oxygen concentrators have been approved for in-flight use. What’s more, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) ruled that on flights of more than 19 seats, air carriers must allow those with disabilities to use FAA approved portable oxygen concentrators.

When it comes to flying comfortably and with ease, pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are the way to go. As opposed to continuous flow units that can weigh upwards of 20 pounds, pulse flow devices can easily be moved around or stored under the seat for takeoff and landing. If you need to get up during the flight to go to the bathroom, you’ll be able to walk down the aisle without bumping into anyone. Although most continuous flow POCs are FAA approved, you’ll have a much harder time trying to travel with one especially when it comes to flying.

Additional Features

At this point, you’re probably wondering “what else could portable oxygen concentrators possibly offer?” Fortunately, several oxygen manufacturers have gone above and beyond when it comes to providing you with the best device for managing your condition. The Inogen One G5 is one example with its new Inogen Connect application. When you download it onto your smartphone or tablet, you can connect it to your Inogen One G5 via Bluetooth and see up-to-date information about its battery life, column status, and much more.

Another example is the CAIREView™ Telehealth Technology which comes equipped with each Freestyle Comfort POC device. Telehealth technology is defined as a device that enables patients to receive health-related services through a digital medium. CAIREView keeps track of important information on your machine like oxygen usage, flow setting, as well as device integrity and relays this information to the oxygen manufacturer so they can ensure you’re using the machine properly. What’s more, they can even troubleshoot minor issues remotely so you don’t have to send it in to have it repaired. 

Conclusion 

Choosing a portable oxygen concentrator isn’t always easy especially if you’ve never bought one before. Above all else, you need to make sure that your POC meets your oxygen needs, is light enough to carry, and provides you with a long battery life. Pulse flow POCs tend to meet these standards more easily because they are more technologically advanced than their continuous flow counterparts.

Secondly, you should take other factors into consideration such as sound level, warranty, FAA approval, and additional features. This will allow you to pinpoint a POC that matches your lifestyle that you will enjoy for years to come. If you have any questions about anything you read here, you can feel free to reach out to one of our respiratory specialists who will ensure you get the POC you want and need. Fill out the contact form at the side of the page to get started.