So we can find the best portable oxygen concentrator for your needs!
The clear and simple answer is that there is currently no cure for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). That being said, there is evidence that shows early diagnosis, combined with disease management programs, can reduce the impact of COPD and slow the disease from progressing into a more severe state.
If you are struggling with accomplishing activities you used to do with ease by becoming short of breath, experiencing chest tightness or low energy, or getting frequent respiratory infections, being diagnosed with COPD can be a blessing in disguise.
In the United States 12.7 million adults are estimated to have COPD, but close to 30 million are living with impaired lung function, suggesting that many more people have COPD but aren’t being diagnosed.
This means that about half of the people with COPD are missing out on valuable treatments that will slow the progression of their disease and improve their over-all quality of life.
This is why it is so important to check with your doctor and get tested if you are experiencing:
- A nagging cough
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent respiratory infections
New research displays that many doctors may miss the early signs of COPD in up to 85 percent of cases.
That being said, there are multiple ways to be tested for COPD, and you might suggest to your doctor that you would like to be tested for COPD just to be sure that you do, or do not have it.
A spirometry test will test your Lung function and measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and will determine whether your lungs deliver enough oxygen to your blood.
A chest X-ray can show whether or not you have emphysema, which is one of the main causes of COPD. An X-ray can also rule out other lung problems or heart failure.
A CT scan of your lungs can help detect emphysema and lung cancer. It is the test administrated to determine if you would benefit from surgery for COPD.
An arterial blood gas analysis measures how well your lungs bring oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide.
Basic steps toward slowing disease progression
After getting one or multiple tests, and once you realize why you are experiencing symptoms, there are multiple ways to improve your quality of life, slow disease progression, reduce mortality and keep you out of hospital.
There are many people just like you, who have been diagnosed with COPD who found that after they knew the reason behind their breathing complications they were able to adjust their lifestyles, and actually changed their lives in a positive way!
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In order to change your COPD diagnosis from a "death sentence" into a blessing to start anew, here are the basic steps you must take in order to slow the progression of your COPD.
One of the most important aspects and the easiest habit it form, is staying healthy in aspects of your life like diet, and weight. You can begin to research the correct food that you need to supplement you breathing issues and lung deterioration. You would be surprised how a healthy gut can influence your mood and your energy levels!
Make sure that all of you vaccinations are up-to-date and that you always get the fly vaccine every year in order to to protect yourself from influenza and pneumonia. These sickness can induce flare-ups, meaning more sever symptoms and extreme trouble breathing, which will inevitably lead to more hospitalization in the future.
It is also important that you understand and are always learning about COPD education. You should know all of the steps you must take in the case of an emergency, you should know how and when to take you medication, and you should know your treatment plan through and through.
Most important steps towards slowing COPD progression
The following steps are more challenging and require more planning and effort, however this section about slowing your COPD disease progression is the most vital.
Quitting smoking is the utmost important action you must take to reduce the rate at which your lungs are deteriorating. If you have COPD and continue to smoke year will be taken off of your life expectancy. However, if you are a life-long smoker, and quit smoking after being diagnosed with COPD, the rate at which your COPD progresses into more severe stages will decline.
For some folks, exercise has never been a high priority. But if you have COPD, it is crucial for your health and longevity, that you start taking steps towards a more active lifestyle.
This does not mean you should start training for a marathon, instead try walking around your house more often, then try climbing the stairs multiple times a day, and before you know it your tolerance for exercising more regularly will begin to grow.
You will be able to walk or hike and get outside (if it is not allergy season), you can begin pulmonary rehabilitation classes, and adding breathing exercise into your daily routine.
This last step is critical for people who need extra oxygen, and need to begin on supplemental oxygen therapy. so that you can breathe easier and you can stay more active. Even if you don’t need oxygen therapy now, you may need it later if your COPD does progress into a more severe stage.
There are a few options you have when it comes to choosing the method in which you receive supplemental oxygen. The overwhelming consensuses is that portable oxygen concentrators (POC) are the most innovative and hassle-free pieces of equipment for oxygen therapy available.
POCs are lightweight ranging from 4-8 pounds depending on the model. They are battery powered, and depending on the flow setting and battery module capacity can last up to 16 hours.
POC are also safe, and do not create an oxygen rich environment like an oxygen tank does, this means you can safely travel by plane, car, boat with ease. The POC brings in surrounding air, purifies and concentrates the air into medical grade oxygen.
COPD is very serious chronic illness and should not be taken lightly
COPD is a very serious respiratory disease, and because it cannot be cured yet, it is crucial to take all of the suggestions within this article and apply it to your lifestyle everyday if you can.
If you are diagnosis with any stage of COPD, you need to set up a strict treatment plan where so that you are able to successfully slow down the disease progression, and minimize lung deterioration.
By following all of theses disease management tesuniqes, you will be able to continue living a rather normal if not more active lifestyle than before your diagnosis.
If you struggle with physical activity, one of the best ways to help you get into the habit of exercising is with the help of a portable oxygen concentrators. An Inogen brand portable oxygen concentrator, Caire Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator, or the Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator will help you to exercise with less shortness of breath, travel freely and independently, and never have to worry about up-keeping costs associated with refilling any oxygen canisters.
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If you are not at the stage where you need supplemental oxygen therapy, be sure to take all of these steps to avoid progressing to that stage of COPD later in life.
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In this day and age, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult for people to pay their medical bills. Whether it’s a simple visit to the doctor’s office or a major medical procedure, most people have no idea where they’ll be financially after everything is said and done. And there’s certainly no exception when it comes to purchasing oxygen therapy devices like home oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, or CPAP and BiPAP machines.
Usually, the first thing people ask when they contact an oxygen concentrator company is, “are portable oxygen concentrators covered by Medicare?” Although you can seek reimbursement for oxygen equipment from Medicare, it’s important to note that they won’t always accept your claims. Unfortunately, as important as oxygen therapy devices are in people’s lives, insurance companies often see them as “luxury items.”
On the other hand, private health insurance company policies vary widely, so you’ll need to get in touch with them to see how it works. However, even when they do cover oxygen therapy devices, you often need to be covered by a specific plan or meet a set of criteria before they will help pay for it.
It’s important to know exactly what your options are when it comes to purchasing an oxygen concentrator or a similar oxygen therapy device so that you can save as much money as possible and don’t end up with the short end of the stick. In the following sections, we’ll outline all you need to know about medicare, private health insurance, and purchasing an oxygen therapy device. Follow the links below to skip to relevant sections of the post.
- Health insurance terms
- Does Medicare cover oxygen equipment?
- Filing a claim for out-of-pocket expenses
- Saving money on oxygen equipment
- Conclusion
Health Insurance Terms You Should Know
Before you get started with purchasing an oxygen therapy device, there are several terms that you need to become acquainted with that will help you out when filing a claim with your health insurance company. Although it’s pretty straightforward for the most part, Medicare and private health insurance companies may use different terms to describe the same concept.
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General Healthcare Terms
Deductible
A deductible is the amount that someone must pay for medical services or products before the insurance company will begin to pay for them. However, depending on your plan, there may be exceptions to this to cover things like preventative care.
Premium
The premium is the amount of money you are paying monthly, quarterly, or yearly in order to maintain your Medicare or private health insurance coverage. Be sure to check with your Medicare provider, private healthcare provider, or employer to learn about any increases in premiums.
Copayments
Copayments are fees that you pay for certain medical supplies or services. These are usually a set cost and can be used to pay for things like doctor’s visits. This should not be confused with coinsurance which is the percentage of a total payment you are required to pay after a deductible is met.
Oxygen Equipment Terms
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Durable medical equipment is the term that most companies use to describe long lasting and reusable medical equipment that allows an individual to function on a day-to-day basis. This includes mobility aids like walkers, wheelchairs, and handrails, as well as electrical items including scooters, ventilators and nebulizers, blood and glucose monitors, oxygen concentrators, and CPAP machines. Terms like home medical equipment (HME) and healthcare equipment are often used interchangeably with DME.
DMEPOS
This is an acronym that’s only used by Medicare and stands for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies. Although this is a broader term that incorporates more medical supplies, it’s effectively the same thing if you’re just in the market for an oxygen concentrator.
Home Medical Supplies
Although “home medical supplies” sounds an awful lot like “home medical equipment,” this term usually refers to single use disposable items such as diabetes test strips and other incontinence supplies.
Assistive Technology (AT)
The term “assistive technology” is commonly used by the independent living community but describes essentially the same thing as durable medical equipment. According to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, assistive technology is:
“any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”
Does Medicare Cover Oxygen Equipment?
Medicare does cover oxygen equipment as long as certain criteria are met. Since oxygen equipment is considered “durable medical equipment,” it’s covered under Part B of medicare. However, even after all criteria are met, you will still be paying for a portion of the device that you’re purchasing or renting.
Like with any type of insurance, Medicare will find any excuse they can to deny you coverage, so it’s important to be meticulous in the way that you approach seeking reimbursement for your medical purchases — simply contacting a Medicare provider and asking them to pay you will never work.
Generally, in order to seek reimbursement for oxygen equipment, you will need a medical report that shows you need supplemental oxygen to treat a condition or to maintain healthy blood oxygen levels. Remember that the more documents you have showing your need for supplemental oxygen, the less likely you are to be turned down for financial reimbursement.
Once you reach your deductible, Medicare will pay for 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount and you will pay the remaining 20 percent out of pocket. The Medicare-approved amount is the sum of money that Medicare agrees to pay a provider for medical items or services.
Medicare will help pay for oxygen equipment and supplies when the following conditions are met:
- Your health will improve with oxygen therapy
- Your arterial blood gas levels are low
- Alternative treatment measures have failed
- Your doctor has confirmed that you have a severe lung disease like COPD, asthma, or pneumonia.
What’s more, your doctor will need to write and sign something called a certificate of medical necessity (CMN) or DME Information Form (DIF). This form helps to document the necessity and coverage criteria for DMEPOS items. Your supplier will need this document before a claim can be submitted for Medicare.
When these criteria are met, Medicare will pay for the following:
- Systems that provide oxygen
- Containers for storing oxygen
-
Oxygen contents and accessories used to deliver oxygen such as tubing and cannulae
Is Every Type of DME Covered Under Part B?
Unfortunately, the catch that many people don’t realize at first is that just because Medicare will help you pay for oxygen supplies doesn’t necessarily mean they will pay you for the one you want. There are a lot of different types of oxygen devices on the market including oxygen tanks, portable liquid oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, and CPAP and BiPAP machines.
Although every health insurance company is different, most tend to only offer reimbursement for the bare minimum. While oxygen therapy has constantly been evolving over the years, providing patients with more effective portable oxygen devices, Medicare and many private companies will likely only pay for oxygen tanks. However, if certain criteria are met, you may be able to receive an oxygen concentrator on an extended rental basis.
Renting Oxygen Equipment
If your doctor determines that you need a more advanced oxygen therapy device like a portable or home oxygen concentrator and provides adequate documentation, Medicare will enter into a contract with your medicare-approved provider. This contract will allow you to rent an oxygen concentrator for 36 months until the contract needs to be renewed with updated medical information.
It’s very unlikely that Medicare will help you pay for a portable oxygen concentrator but if your condition is severe enough, you may be able to get a home oxygen concentrator. Monthly payments made by Medicare will help pay for things like oxygen machine maintenance, servicing, repairs, as well as accessories like cannulae and oxygen contents.
Steps To Filing a Claim For Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In many cases, your medical equipment provider will file a claim on your behalf as long as they have the necessary documentation and information. However, if for some reason they aren’t able to, you will need to know the steps to filing a claim whether it’s through Medicare or a private health insurance company. You should file your claim within a year of the date that you paid for the medical expenses out of pocket to ensure that you’re reimbursed in full.
Download and Fill Out the Patient Request Form
In order to get started filing your claim for out-of-pocket expenses, you need to fill out the Patient Request for Medical Payment form found here. This form is updated regularly, so it’s important to check back with Medicare.gov for the most up-to-date version. If you’re filing a claim with a private health insurance company, be sure to visit their site for the appropriate form.
With the claim, you’ll also need to provide the itemized bill from your healthcare provider, doctor, or supplier, a letter detailing your reason for submitting the claim, and any other supporting documents.
Submit Your Form
Medicare and most insurance companies will allow you to fax your information or send it by mail, but it’s important that you check on the form to ensure you’re sending it to the correct location. If it’s sent to the wrong location it may delay the process or it may never get into the hands that it needs to in order to be processed.
Track Your Claim
If you’d like updates on your claim, most health insurance companies have a way of tracking it through their website. If not, you can contact member services if you have any questions about your documents or reimbursement. Reimbursement time is usually around 30 days but it can vary.
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
HCPCS is the coding system used by all healthcare companies including Medicare. These codes are used to classify every single task, service, or item that you may receive from a healthcare practitioner or supplier. These are updated regularly so be sure to check online and make sure the correct codes correspond with the ones on your invoice and your claim.
How To Save Money On Oxygen Equipment
If for some reason Medicare or your private health insurance doesn’t help you pay for your new oxygen therapy device, there are many other options available to you. Unfortunately, many insurance companies will exhaust all their available options to prevent your from getting the products or services you need for an affordable price. And nobody should have to feel like they’re putting a strain on their financial well-being, especially with something that concerns your physical health.
Take Advantage of Financing Options
Exploring your financing options is one great way to reduce the financial burden when paying for a home oxygen concentrator, portable oxygen concentrator, or CPAP machine. If you know which oxygen machine you want but aren’t able to pay for it upfront, you can split your payments into smaller and more manageable monthly payments.
Please note, however, that if you choose to finance your oxygen device, you will need to have your credit approved beforehand. If your credit is declined, you can always finance through a family member or friend who has good credit.
Buy from the Right Company
Although it may be tempting to go on Amazon or eBay and purchase the first oxygen concentrator you find, this is never ideal and can put you in a bad situation financially if the device malfunctions and you have no warranty or no one to speak to about getting it fixed.
On the other hand, buying directly from the manufacturer may mean paying higher prices for the oxygen concentrator that you want. Fortunately, distributors like LPT Medical offer such low prices that the manufacturers won’t allow us to advertise our best prices. Speak with a respiratory specialist to learn more about our pricing.
Consider Second Hand Oxygen Concentrators
Buying a used oxygen concentrator can save you a significant amount of money and can be an effective means of getting the exact device that you set out to buy without breaking the bank. Lightly used or second hand oxygen concentrators, especially those from reputable brands like Inogen and Philips Respironics are known to last a long time. The good news is that when newer oxygen concentrator models release, there’s often an influx of used machines in stock that you can choose from.
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Conclusion
Medicare and private health insurance companies often make it difficult or impossible to get the funds you need to pay for an oxygen concentrator. Although they’ll typically pay for the bare minimum such as an oxygen tank or portable oxygen tank, this may not be what you want or need.
Portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, afford you the mobility and assurance you need to live life to the fullest without anything holding you back. It’s our primary goal to help you achieve this by offering you plenty of options to make paying for a portable oxygen concentrator more affordable, convenient, and reasonable.
Give us a call at 1-800-946-1201 or reach us by email at info@lptmedical.com if you have any questions about Medicare, financing options, or pricing.
Portable oxygen concentrators can be judged on a number of aspects: weight, design, durability, and oxygen output. But the aspect that seems to get the most attention these days is battery life. Battery life is defined as the length of time that a mobile oxygen device can run on a full battery until it’s fully depleted.
In general, a portable oxygen concentrator with a long battery life will afford more freedom and independence to the user whereas ones with less battery life are more likely to keep you homebound.
It’s easy to take for granted having a travel oxygen concentrator that can last for many hours without needing to replace or charge the battery, but it wasn’t always like this.
In fact, several decades ago, portable oxygen concentrators didn’t exist and the few oxygen devices that were available needed to be plugged into a wall in order to run. If they were ever unplugged, they would turn off.
Due to the rapid advancement of battery technology, however, oxygen patients are able to experience a lot more liberty in the way they live and go about their days.
Instead of being restricted by the length of their wall outlet, they can go out of the house and explore for hours, and sometimes even days on end without having to stop to charge or replace their battery.
Since battery life is such an important subject in this day and age, we felt that many oxygen users would benefit from an “oxygen concentrator battery life comparison post.” Today, we’ll take a look at the best POCs for battery life in 2022.
While it’s important to take battery life into consideration before purchasing a POC, you also need to consider other aspects like oxygen output and weight. Be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page so we can discuss these aspects with you.
Why Do Most Portable Oxygen Concentrators Use Lithium-Ion Batteries?
There are many different types of batteries in use today, including but not limited to lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium, and alkaline. However, chances are, you’ve heard the term “lithium-ion batteries” a lot more frequently. This is because lithium-ion batteries are eco-friendly, compact and lightweight, and they have a high energy density, meaning they put out a lot of energy for their size.
This makes lithium-ion batteries the ideal battery for electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, and yes, even your portable oxygen concentrator. What’s more, lithium-ion batteries have progressed very quickly since their invention in the 1990s, so we’re likely to see oxygen concentrator battery life increase even more in the near future.
Why is Pulse Flow Better for Battery Life?
One obstacle you’ll come across when deciding on a concentrator is understanding the difference between pulse flow and continuous flow. While there are many benefits to continuous flow oxygen concentrators, they will almost always provide you with less battery life than a pulse flow oxygen concentrator — this has to do with the way each one works
Portable oxygen concentrators can be judged on a number of aspects: weight, design, durability, and oxygen output. But the aspect that seems to get the most attention these days is battery life. Battery life is defined as the length of time that a mobile oxygen device can run on a full battery until it’s fully depleted.
In general, a portable oxygen concentrator with a long battery life will afford more freedom and independence to the user whereas ones with less battery life are more likely to keep you homebound.
It’s easy to take for granted having a travel oxygen concentrator that can last for many hours without needing to replace or charge the battery, but it wasn’t always like this. In fact, several decades ago, portable oxygen concentrators didn’t exist and the few oxygen devices that were available needed to be plugged into a wall in order to run. If they were ever unplugged, they would turn off.
Due to the rapid advancement of battery technology, however, oxygen patients are able to experience a lot more liberty in the way they live and go about their days. Instead of being restricted by the length of their wall outlet, they can go out of the house and explore for hours, and sometimes even days on end without having to stop to charge or replace their battery.
Since battery life is such an important subject in this day and age, we felt that many oxygen users would benefit from an “oxygen concentrator battery life comparison post.” Today, we’ll take a look at the best POCs for battery life in 2021.
While it’s important to take battery life into consideration before purchasing a POC, you also need to consider other aspects like oxygen output and weight. Be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page so we can discuss these aspects with you.
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Why Do Most Portable Oxygen Concentrators Use Lithium-Ion Batteries?
There are many different types of batteries in use today, including but not limited to lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium, and alkaline. However, chances are, you’ve heard the term “lithium-ion batteries” a lot more frequently.
This is because lithium-ion batteries are eco-friendly, compact and lightweight, and they have a high energy density, meaning they put out a lot of energy for their size. This makes lithium-ion batteries the ideal battery for electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, and yes, even your portable oxygen concentrator.
What’s more, lithium-ion batteries have progressed very quickly since their invention in the 1990s, so we’re likely to see oxygen concentrator battery life increase even more in the near future.
Why is Pulse Flow Better for Battery Life?
One obstacle you’ll come across when deciding on a concentrator is understanding the difference between pulse flow and continuous flow. While there are many benefits to continuous flow oxygen concentrators, they will almost always provide you with less battery life than a pulse flow oxygen concentrator — this has to do with the way each one works.
A continuous flow oxygenator works similar to a compressed oxygen tank. When you turn it on, it will put out a constant stream of oxygen through the nasal cannula. The problem with this method of oxygen delivery is that most of the oxygen that’s being put out is not actually being inhaled meaning your battery will run down quickly and you’ll be using more electricity.
On the other hand, pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators have a built-in technology that allows it to closely track your breathing and only put out oxygen when you inhale. Since the device isn’t working as hard to get you oxygen, the battery will last much longer. You’ll also save a lot of money on energy bills if you like to charge your POC at home. This is why we chose to only put pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators on this list.
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort Battery Life
|
Flow Setting |
8 Cell Battery |
16 Cell Battery |
|
1 |
8 hours |
16 hours |
|
2 |
4 hours |
8 hours |
|
3 |
3 hours |
6 hours |
|
4 |
2.25 hours |
4.5 hours |
|
5 |
2 hours |
4 hours |
In this day and age, the name “Caire Inc.” is practically synonymous with the word “quality.” While they may not be the most popular or recognizable portable oxygen concentrator company out there, they’ve been operating somewhat behind closed doors to bring oxygen patients new technologies and devices that improve their lives and offer them more freedom than ever before.
Over the years, CAIRE has brought us outstanding oxygen machines including the NewLife Elite, NewLife Intensity, and Companion 5 home oxygen concentrators, the Eclipse 5 continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, and their most recent, the FreeStyle Comfort pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator.
These oxygen concentrators offer oxygen patients the liberty to choose how they want to live their lives while ensuring that their oxygen needs are always met.
The Caire FreeStyle Comfort was released last year and has more than held its own against other portable oxygen concentrators currently on the market. With this portable oxygen concentrator, it was clear that Caire wanted to go all out with their battery.
On the lowest flow setting, the FeeStyle Comfort battery lasts up to 16 hours on average! That’s the best battery life of any portable oxygen concentrator on the market.
The greatest thing about the long-lasting battery in the FreeStyle Comfort is that even people with high oxygen needs can experience true freedom. On a setting of 5 (1,050 ml/min of oxygen), you’ll still be able to get up to 4 hours out of one charge.
This is in stark contrast to most other pulse flow POCs which will only give you an hour or two of freedom on the max setting. Below is a table showing the battery life of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort.
CAIREview™ Telehealth Technology
Telehealth is a rather new term used to describe the use of a digital medium to administer health-related services. When it comes to oxygen equipment like the Caire Freestyle Comfort, telehealth often comes in the form of mobile applications that connect to portable oxygen concentrators via Bluetooth or some other wireless technology.
CAIREview™ is one of the most advanced telehealth services offered by an oxygen manufacturer and it can be used for free, exclusively with your Caire Freestyle Comfort. Once it’s set up with your device, it will allow for 24/7 monitoring of your device no matter where you are in the world.
The data that’s sent includes machine function, oxygen usage, and device integrity. No personal data is sent and you can rest assured that you will be connected to a secure network.
While the mobile application is not required in order to use the telehealth aspect of your Caire FreeStyle Comfort, it is recommended if you want to make the most of it. The app will gather information about your oxygen concentrator usage such as flow rate, oxygen delivery, and battery usage. Then, at any time, you can download the information and make adjustments to your oxygen treatment accordingly.
Another outstanding aspect of this feature is that it will allow the oxygen supplier to troubleshoot your medical oxygen machine remotely. If there is a simple fix to a problem that you’re having with your device, you won’t have to waste valuable time and money shipping it to a professional to have it fixed.
You’ll also be notified if components like the columns, filters, or batteries need to be replaced. This way, you’ll always be getting the most out of your portable oxygen concentrator.
Caire FreeStyle Comfort Accessories
One of the greatest things about battery powered oxygen concentrators is that you’re always able to carry a backup battery if you need more time. Since the Caire FreeStyle Comfort comes with two different battery options and two different battery charging options, you’ll be able to customize your oxygen therapy experience to your liking.
The Caire FreeStyle Comfort Comes with the smaller 8-cell lithium-ion battery. This battery offers up to 8 hours of use on a setting of 1. With the battery attached to the device, its dimensions will be 7.3 inches wide x 3.1 inches deep x 10 inches high. And your portable oxygen concentrator will weigh in at only 5 pounds with this battery attached.
The battery that’s sold separately from the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is the 16-cell lithium-ion battery. With this battery, you’ll have up to 16 hours of battery life on a flow setting of 1. The dimensions of your POC will be 7.3 inches wide x 3.1 inches deep x 11 inches high and this extended battery will only add one additional pound to the overall weight of your device.
The Caire FreeStyle Comfort comes with both AC and DC power cables. The AC power cable will allow you to charge your battery operated oxygen concentrator in any wall outlet and the DC power cable will allow you to charge your POC in any car power outlet.
So, whether you’re going to be at home for a bit or you’re going on a road trip, you’ll be able to charge your oxygen machine wherever you go. Just remember that if you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll need to bring a charging adapter because the Caire FreeStyle comfort AC charging cable is meant for U.S. wall outlets only.
With the long battery life of the 8-cell and 16-cell batteries, lightweight design of the unit, charging options, and built-in telehealth technology, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is one of the best portable battery operated oxygen concentrators the market has to offer.
What’s more, Caire Inc. has a long history of success when it comes to customer satisfaction, making it possible for more oxygen patients around the world to experience true freedom and independence.
LifeChoice Activox 4L Battery Life
|
Flow Setting |
Internal Battery |
External Battery |
|
1 |
10.25 hours |
4.75 hours |
|
2 |
8.25 hours |
3.75 hours |
|
3 |
5 hours |
2.75 hours |
|
4 |
4 hours |
2.25 hours |
The LifeChoice Activox 4L is an oxygen concentrator produced by Inova Labs. This company was recently acquired back in 2016 by the world’s leading innovator of sleep-disorder breathing care, ResMed.
ResMed currently has a large lineup of world-leading patient interface products including the AirCurve 10 and Stellar non-invasive ventilators, and the Astral™, an award-winning life support platform. So, the acquisition of Inova Labs was a natural next step for them when it comes to providing patients with high-quality and innovative new products.
One of the unique things about the LifeChoice Activox 4L is that it operates using an internal battery. This battery can be charged just like the battery on the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, but it can’t be removed without sending it into the manufacturer. What’s more, you’ll also have the ability to attach an external battery to it which can extend the battery life by a couple of hours.
The good thing about the internal battery is that it’s very powerful, offering up to 10 hours of battery on a flow setting of 1. However, the downside is that if something malfunctions with it, you’ll need to either send it in for repairs or rely on the external batteries which aren’t as powerful.
Auto Mode and Pulse Wave Delivery
One of the reasons the Activox 4L has such a great battery life is because of the auto mode and the pulse wave technology that are built into it. Auto mode is a system that’s designed to detect changes in your breathing rate.
So for example, if you were to start walking up a hill and your breathing rate increased, the oxygen output will adjust to that. Pulse wave will detect how long you’re inhaling each time and deliver oxygen throughout your entire breath. This way, you’re receiving oxygen with each inspiration and no oxygen is ever wasted.
Inogen One G5 Battery Life
|
Flow Setting |
Single Battery |
Double Battery |
|
1 |
6.5 hours |
13 hours |
|
2 |
5 hours |
10 hours |
|
3 |
3.5 hours |
7 hours |
|
4 |
2.5 hours |
5 hours |
|
5 |
1 hr 51 mins |
3 hr 48 mins |
|
6 |
1 hr 26 mins |
2 hr 58 mins |
Inogen is quite possibly the most recognizable brand when it comes to portable battery operated oxygen concentrators. While they don’t have as long of a history as medical oxygen supply companies like Respironics or AirSep, they’ve made a greater impact due to the level of innovation that each of their battery powered portable oxygen concentrators has brought to the table.
Back in the early 2000s when home oxygen concentrators were the primary medical device of choice for most patients, Inogen set their sights on pulse flow technology. Inogen believed that there was no reason oxygen patients shouldn’t be able to experience the same freedom and independence as everyone else. As a result, they’ve become the primary driving force that drives the oxygen industry forward each year.
Inogen Connect Application
Similar to CAIREview, the Inogen Connect is a mobile phone application that can be connected to your portable oxygen concentrator via Bluetooth. The main difference is that the Inogen Connect does not have the telehealth aspect which allows the oxygen manufacturer to view information about your device from anywhere in the world.
Instead, the Inogen Connect will show real-time information about your device such as battery life, column status, and filter status. You’ll also be able to access a digital version of your Inogen One G5 manual so that you don’t have to keep track of your paper one.
If you’re looking for a portable oxygen concentrator for sale in 2022 you’ve likely put a lot of time and effort into your research. We created this blog for you to make your life easier while shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator that— first and foremost — meets your oxygen demands, but also one that is affordable, lightweight, and easy to use.
This is often easier said than done because many sites offer knockoff or low-quality oxygen therapy devices that don’t live up to their hype. One good way to avoid these scams is to do some research on the brand of oxygen concentrator you’re interested in.
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Brands like Inogen, Respironics, and AirSep are some of the most trusted on the market. There is a lot of information on the internet about these companies, so if you search a brand and can’t find any information on them, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Luckily, here at LPT Medical, we only sell portable oxygen concentrators from the most trusted brands in the world
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the lightest pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators available to you in the year 2022. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave them in the comment section below, or call 1 +(800)-946-1201.
What is a Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrator?
Portable oxygen concentrators are generally divided into two different categories: pulse flow and continuous flow.
Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators are much more technically advanced than their continuous flow counterparts because they offer a system that delivers oxygen in boluses (doses) only when it’s needed by the oxygen patient.
Alternatively, continuous flow units put out a constant stream of oxygen irrespective of the user’s breathing.
It’s important to understand the difference between these two devices because the most “lightweight portable oxygen concentrators” are pulse dose devices. This type of oxygen delivery isn’t advised for all patients.
You maye require continuous oxygen flow to treat your respiratory condition so you should first speak with your doctor or pulmonologist and consider the pros and cons. Read on to learn about some of the lightest pulse flow units on the market.
The AirSep Focus
The AirSep Focus portable oxygen concentrator is one of the lightest weight portable oxygen concentrators. Weighing in at just 1.75 pounds, you’ll be amazed at what AirSep has been able to pull off with this small portable oxygen concentrator.
In fact, it’s so small that it can be worn on your belt or stored in a purse! AirSep was one of the first companies to produce an FAA-approved oxygen concentrator, so it’s no surprise that they were able to accomplish this feat as well.
The dimensions of the AirSep Focus are just 6.4” H x 4.8” W x 2.5” L, so this oxygenator is as small as it is light. Because of its form factor, many oxygen patients and retailers have given it the name the “mini portable oxygen concentrator.”
Owners of the AirSep Focus find that they’re able to do more and achieve more due to the device’s small and lightweight design. Rather than having to lug around a heavy and bulky oxygenator, many people forget they’re even wearing their Focus.
Pretty much the only downside to the AirSep Focus is that it only goes up to a flow setting of 2 with a maximum oxygen output of 330 ml/min. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough oxygen to suit many oxygen patients, so it would not be uncommon if this particular device won;t work for you and your condition.
Regardless of this downside, it’s pretty remarkable what AirSep has been able to accomplish, and it’s innovative design gives us a glimpse into the future of what could become of other concentrators in the future.
The Inogen One G4
The Inogen One G4 is another pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator praised for its extremely lightweight design. At 2.8 pounds, it’s just over a pound heavier than the AirSep Focus — still very light for a modern POC.
It’s also the lightest portable oxygen concentrator to offer pulse flow settings 1 to 3 (630 ml/min of 90% (+6%/-3%) oxygen). So it is slightly more powerful than the mini AirSep device listed above.
One major benefit of the Inogen G4 over the AirSep Focus is that it offers almost twice as much oxygen output and one additional flow setting. While you likely won’t want to wear the G4 on your belt, it will still feel very light compared to the large majority of concentrators on the market.
So, if you experience back pain or another issue but still require a higher oxygen output, the G4 may be a better option for you.
Last but certainly not least, the G4 is backed by the Inogen brand, one of the most trusted and reliable portable oxygen companies in the world.
Since the early 2000s, Imogen has been pushing the industry standard higher and higher by offering some of the most useful and convenient oxygen devices ever made.
As opposed to the bulky and heavy oxygen tanks of the past century, Inogen knew it was time for a change. Each machine they release has unique features and strengths so they’re always worth looking into.
The Inogen One G5
The Inogen One G5 is the latest pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator by Inogen. It was released in the summer of 2019 and is widely considered to be the best portable oxygen concentrator currently on the market.
Aside from offering the highest oxygen output of any pulse flow unit and the longest battery life behind the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort, it is also one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators weighing in at just 4.7 pounds.
When compared to the AirSep Focus, the Inogen One G5 weighs quite a bit more — almost 3 pounds more to be exact. But there’s a reason for this! The G5 has a total oxygen output of 1260 ml/min as opposed to the Focus’ 330 ml/min.
With the basic single battery that comes with the G5, it lasts about 6.5 hours on one charge whereas the Focus battery will only last about 1.5 hours.
So yes, the Inogen One G5 weighs quite a bit more than the Focus, but in terms of efficiency and power, the G5 is miles ahead of the AirSep Focus.
While it may be tempting to choose the lightest portable oxygen concentrator you can find, it’s worth taking all aspects into consideration before making a final decision. Check out this post to learn more about how the G5 has revolutionized oxygen therapy.
Another great aspect of the Inogen One G5 is all of the oxygen accessories you can get to make the most of it. Unlike most oxygen companies, Inogen loves to provide their audience with plenty of options for customizing their oxygen use allowing for more freedom, comfort, and ease-of-use.
Some of our favorites include the Inogen G5 backpack which allows you to carry plenty of personal belongings with your G5; and the external battery charger which enables you to charge two G5 batteries at once — one on the G5 and the other on the external charger.
The Inogen One G3
Yes, you read that right — another Inogen concentrator has made it onto this list! Why? Because the Inogen One G3 only weighs 0.1 pounds more than the Inogen One G5. In the grand scheme of things, this is a pretty negligible amount especially when you have many other factors to consider when choosing a POC.
Despite being released all the way back in 2015, the G3 remains very relevant in the year 2022 which is due, in part, to its lightweight design.
Similar to the Inogen One G5, the G3 is an all-around great oxygen machine. It offers up to 4.5 hours of battery life with the 8-cell battery and it delivers up to 1050 ml/min of 90% oxygen with flow settings 1 through 5. So, despite its lightweight design, the G3 offers plenty of power for COPD patients with higher oxygen demands. It’s also pretty small at just 8.25” H x 8.75” L x 3.0” W.
Believe it or not, the biggest competitor of the G3 is the G5. While Inogen is focused on making each one of their concentrators better than the last, they also want to offer a variety of oxygen generators that meet different needs. What this means is that older portable oxygen concentrators like the G3 will still be relevant many years into the future.
You can also rest easy knowing that Inogene will support these concentrators with repairs, replacement parts, and warranties as long as oxygen patients like you find use in it.
LifeChoice Activox 4L
Last but certainly not least, we have the LifeChoice Activox 4L portable oxygen concentrator. This is one of only two oxygen machines released by ResMed, but it’s arguably the best they have to offer!
At just 4.8 pounds, the LifeChoice Activox 4L weighs the same amount as the Inogen One G3, but it offers some additional features that many oxygen users may find appealing.
Rather than coming with an external battery that attaches to the device, the Activox 4L comes with a powerful internal battery that can last up to 10.25 hours on a flow setting of 1!
In other words, you’ll be getting over twice the battery life of the G3 straight out of the box and you won’t even have to lug around any additional weight. Combined with the external battery, the Activox 4L offers an incredible 15 hours of battery life on a setting of 1!
Conclusion
Out of all the factors to consider when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator, weight is one of the most important. Some patients experience back pain or other health issues that prevent them from carrying a lot of weight so it’s important that these people are able to get the oxygen they need without overburdening themselves.
Other oxygen patients want lightweight portable oxygen concentrators because they’re easier to carry and don’t cause you to become out of breath so quickly.
No matter your reason for wanting a light portable oxygen concentrator, the ones listed above are the best the market has to offer. However, there are plenty of other factors to consider before purchasing a POC, so stay tuned to our blogs if you’d like more comparison articles like this.
As always, if you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comment section below or fill out the form on the side of the page so that one of our respiratory specialists can reach out to you.
Chronic respiratory disease is debilitating to say
the least, the nature of a chronic illness is that it is not curable, and it will progress if gone untreated. Treating a chronic illness is a battle in itself because it involves exercising, eating properly, quitting habits, and creating new healthy ones
Treating Respiratory Disease
Exercise is not easy for respiratory patients, but getting in daily exercise is essential for keeping your lungs working at their capacity and to maintain muscle strength. Unfortunately, even just a walk can feel overwhelming for many patients who struggle to breathe.
Eating properly for a respiratory disease, although, can be difficult, is an essential part of treating respiratory disease. Sugar is highly addictive, and sugary and foods with a lot of carbohydrates are bad for your breathing because it can cause bloating and gas that disrupts the respiratory tract, making a bad situation even worse.
Quitting bad habits most importantly means quitting smoking. Just about 85 to 90 percent of COPD patients have COPD due to their smoking habits or being exposed to second-hand smoke.
If you smoke and you have been diagnosed with a respiratory disease, it is NOT too late to quit, in fact it is more important for your well being than ever before to quit. Oxygen therapy and quitting smoking are the only treatment options that if accomplished correctly will add years to your life.
The other risk factors for respiratory illness include exposure to air pollution, so it could also be helpful to minimize exposure to allergens like pet dander, pollen, ragweed and other common allergens, pollution, and wildfire smoke.
Many chronic illnesses also require patients to take certain medications, some of which have side effects and require delicate attention to detail. For example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients are often prescribed bronchodilators.
Bronchodilators are medications that usually come in inhalers — they relax the muscles around your airways. There are many forms of bronchodilators long-acting and short-acting, some should be taken daily, others only in the case of a COPD exacerbation.
Taking medication correctly can be the difference between treating your disease independently and frequent visits and pesky phone calls to the doctor’s office.
Lastly, and most importantly, oxygen therapy to be used as a treatment for COPD can add years to patients live’s if they suffer from a specific degree of hypoxemia.
This means that at a certain point in a COPD patient's disease, their blood oxygen level will be so low that they will require supplemental oxygen therapy to help them breathe and get their blood oxygen levels back to as normal as possible.
Long term oxygen therapy patients can get their oxygen in one of three ways- either utilizing a liquid or gas oxygen tank or by using a portable oxygen concentrator.
Understanding COPD as a condition that will affect the patient for the rest of their life is critical and this is a lifelong journey, meaning that once someone starts using oxygen therapy they will always need it, and they will not get better to the point where they can stop using it.
That is why experts and mental health professionals always advocate for oxygen patients to take advantage of the best oxygen therapy equipment available, because it is a tool that they will use for the rest of their lives. It will also save years of their lives if they are able to adhere to their prescription and maintain healthy oxygen levels during the day and at night.
Presently, there are two types of devices that oxygen patients benefit from the most, pulse flow and continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators. Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators offer the oxygen patients doses of oxygen when they are inhaling, and continuous flow devices deliver a constant flow of oxygen to the patient.
Depending on the condition of the patient’s lungs and breathing capacity, they will be prescribed oxygen therapy; it is crucial for their device to meet their standards of oxygen output.
In this blog we are talking about the one and only Carie Freestyle Comfort pulse flow portable oxygen device to treat patients that require a pulse flow of oxygen during the day!
If you are a reader that is curious to know more about continuous flow oxygen devices, you can access these other resources by clicking on the links below:
The Ins and Outs of 3 Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Pulse Dose vs. Continuous Flow Oxygen Concentrators: The Ultimate Comparison Guide
Upgrading From an Oxygen Tank to the Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Caire FreeStyle Comfort vs. The Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
10 Major Advantages of The Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Caire Freestyle Comfort
The Caire Freestyle Comfort gives the oxygen patient not only what they need (oxygen) but what they want (freedom).
What You Need - Oxygen
No matter what type of oxygen device you are using, whether it is an oxygen tank or the best portable oxygen concentrator on the market, the device will give you what you need- medical grade oxygen.
There is valuable evidence of the survival benefits long-term oxygen therapy offers patients with COPD and those with severe chronic hypoxemia.
It is well known that it is essential for oxygen therapy patients with COPD to use this therapy diligently for the long term in order to reap all of the benefits of the supplemental oxygen pumping through their bodies.
Benefits of Supplemental Oxygen
For starters, the most obvious benefit the pure medical grade oxygen gives patients is how that additional oxygen can be processed by their bodies and lungs more efficiently, making it easier for the patient to breathe.
Breathing deeper and easier is not the only benefit. With a healthier blood oxygen level the oxygen patient is also rejuvenating their muscles so they are able to be more active and build strength rather than degrade in muscle mass.
Once oxygen levels are back to normal levels, getting a good night’s sleep becomes easier. People’s moods and their attitude are less irritable and more positive because they are getting more oxygen to their brains and bodies are able to function more properly.
Long-term oxygen treatment has obvious benefits and it has improved many patients' quality of life. It can help people to live longer who have severe COPD and low oxygen levels. The most obvious benefits are less shortness of breath and having more energy. However, too much of anything is too much, and it is also important that patients are not over oxygenated.
There are also drawbacks of oxygen therapy, especially when it comes to the equipment and the limitations of the machines.
Long-term oxygen therapy should be used for at least 15 hours a day with limited interruptions, therefore your oxygen equipment should realistically be your companion all day long everyday.
In order to take advantage of oxygen therapy, it should be used 15-24 hours a day. Therefore, having a device that is going to take care of you all day, and for years to come is very important, you also want to have a device that is easy to use and doesn’t hold you back from reaching your potential.
This is when it is important to think about not just what you need- oxygen, but to start thinking about what it is you want.
Do you want to travel? Exercise more? Start a new hobby? Become more independent? And then think about whether or not your oxygen device will allow you to do those things, or if it is holding you back.
If you are thinking that you are not able to accomplish goals because of your oxygen device, it is time to think about buying a Caire Freestyle Comfort, and here is why!
Lightweight Oxygen Devices
The Freestyle comfort is one of the lightest oxygen therapy devices money can buy, and it doesn't sacrifice power! Compared to bulky and cumbersome oxygen tanks, the freestyle comfort is sleek, slim, and dynamic, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Not feeling weighed down by the extra machinery attached to you, you will feel more motivated to go for walks or get into a new exercise regime!
The Caire Freestyle Comfort weighs a mere 5 pounds. For many people 5 pounds is not too much to carry with the Caire custom carrying case around their shoulder, but if that is still too hard to carry for you, purchasing a backpack to keep your portable oxygen concentrator is a great option. The backpack is also an easy way to get in a round of golf without being disrupted but your oxygen device!
Battery Powdered Oxygen Devices
Having a battery powered portable oxygen device is a game changer, but having a battery that also lasts all day long is life changing!!
Talk about freedom and carefree living, with the Caire Freestyle Comfort your battery could last you all day! Having a device that runs off battery allows you to go anywhere and everywhere without having to worry about running low on oxygen and no more depending on flaky and pesky oxygen delivery companies to come to your home and exchange your tanks.
All you have to do is plug in your device while you are at home as you would with your cell phone, or if you are in the car or RV plug your device into the DC charging plug for an hour or two! Charging your device is easy, and with the 16-cell battery option, you could get even more life out of your device before having to plug in.
The Caire small battery lasts 8 hours on the lowest setting of 1, and it lasts 2 hours on the highest setting of 5. With the Caire large battery your device will last twice as long on every setting.
The rechargeable aspect of the device is great for oxygen users who are looking for a solution to dependency on others.
Whether it is finding dependence from relying on an oxygen refill company or finally having independence and relief from relying so heavily on their caregivers, the long lasting battery life allows for the user to get out and accomplish their own errands and daily goals and simply be able to monitor their oxygen on their own.
Because the device is so easy to charge, you won’t have to ask for help carrying your filled oxygen tanks. If your battery is running low, you can always keep an extra battery handy for peace of mind!
If you would like to buy a second battery, call LPT medical and speak to one of our respiratory specialists by calling 1(800)-946-1201.
Best Pulse Flow Oxygen Device on the Market
The Freestyle comfort competes with any Inogen system, even the newest model, the One G5 and it is one of the most efficient and effective machines on the market. The Caire Freestyle Comfort offers an ultra-sensitive breath detection feature.
Rather than providing you with a constant stream of oxygen, the Freestyle Comfort delivers oxygen only when a breath is detected. This “bolus” of oxygen is precisely synced with your breathing ensuring no oxygen is wasted.
The Freestyle Comfort offers you 5 oxygen flow settings with a maximum oxygen output of 1050 ml/min. This is enough oxygen for the vast majority of oxygen patients, and for some, it provides plenty of room to move up if their symptoms progress. The Caire Freestyle Comfort is one of the top-tier pulse flow oxygen concentrators when it comes to total oxygen output.
Overview
Remember that spending money on quality over quantity is good practice for saving money and improving your lifestyle. In the context of oxygen devices, it is wise to spend more money upfront on a device that will give you a higher quality of life rather than waste money monthly on an oxygen tank that will inhibit your ability to live life in the ways you want to.
Oxygen patients should take advantage of the best oxygen therapy equipment available because they will be using oxygen for at least 15 hours a day and more likely 24 hours a day, for the rest of their lives.
If you would like to learn more about the Caire Freestyle Comfort or any other devices that LPT medical carries, please comment on this blog post or call us at 1(800)-946-1201
You can also share this blog with your friends and family if you learned anything useful!
In both developed and undeveloped countries around the world, it is estimated that 9-10% of people are affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Experts have made a prediction that by 2020, it will be the third leading cause of death in the world as the population ages and people continue to smoke. More than 12 million people have been diagnosed with COPD in the United States alone and it is the third leading cause of death claiming more than 120,000 American lives each year.
COPD is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, refractory asthma and some forms of bronchiectasis. It is mainly characterized by shortness of breath. In its initial stages, COPD may show no symptoms or have very mild symptoms but as the disease progresses, the symptoms usually become more severe.
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Physicians have traditionally measured the severity of COPD by the amount of air a person can forcibly exhale in one second (FEV1). The amount of air usually decreases as COPD becomes worse. Just the same, COPD affects other systems and body parts, which helps provide clues about the severity of the disease. A lot of physicians are now using the BODE index to categorize COPD and predict outcome. BODE is short for body-mass index, degree of airflow obstruction, dyspnea (breathlessness), and exercise capacity as measured in a 6-minute walk test.
You are probably familiar with COPD classic symptoms which include;
- Frequent respiratory infections.
- Lack of energy.
- Chronic cough with production of a lot of mucus.
- Experiencing shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.
- Chest tightness.
- Wheezing or hearing a whistling sound when you breathe.
- Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds.
You however may not be aware of the potential common complications associated with COPD and how you can limit them. Below is a list of 6 complications that you may face with COPD.
1. Cor Pulmonale
This refers to a failure of the right side of the heart. It is a condition in which the right side of the heart swells up (lower extremity edema) and cannot pump blood properly. COPD makes the heart work harder, especially on the right side which pumps blood into the lungs. Due to poor gas exchange in COPD, there are reduced amounts of oxygen in the blood causing blood vessels to constrict. Many of the capillaries around the alveoli are destroyed in the disease process making the heart work even harder for blood to be forced through fewer constricted blood vessels. Because of all this effort, the right ventricle swells up, the walls of the heart become thicker, and the chamber over time loses its ability to contract efficiently.
Symptoms of cor pulmonale include fainting spells and discomfort in the front of the chest. To control your symptoms your doctor may recommend a low-salt diet, medication or supplemental oxygen. If you are an active cigarette smoker, you should plan to quit. You should also engage in mild to moderate physical activity to build up heart and lung stamina. Remember to consult your doctor before you start any exercise regimen.
2. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by a bacteria or a virus, and can lead to respiratory failure in patients with COPD. COPD weakens the respiratory system increasing vulnerability to pneumonia. Because people with COPD already have weakened airways and a worse immune system, the likelihood of them to die from pneumonia is higher than that of patients without COPD.
Symptoms of pneumonia usually include coughing, a fever, and having a difficult time breathing. Pneumonia is more common in COPD patients that take steroids for their symptoms. You should consider talking to your doctor about getting a pneumonia vaccine if you have not already gotten one.
One dose is usually enough for most people, a second dose may be suggested for some, including those that have been using steroids for a long time. Antibiotics can also be used to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in patients with COPD. To reduce the risk of getting infected, you should;
- Drink plenty of fluids especially water, to maintain healthy bronchioles while thinning out mucus and secretions.
- Quit smoking.
- Wash hands consistently.
- Avoid contact with people you know are ill.
- Discourage sick family members and friends from coming to visit your home.
Overall good health is key to preventing infections.
3. Depression
Shortness of breath that limits your activities can have you feeling down in the dumps and lead to loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Having this feeling every once in a while is okay but when you feel this way frequently then you may be undergoing depression. One study estimated that 40 percent of people with COPD suffer from depression.
Depression can lead to the worsening of your physical symptoms because you may not fell like exercising and feeling low all the time might make it hard for you to follow your treatment plan.
You may even turn to alcohol, cigarette smoking or any other unhealthy habits to help you cope with depression which can lead to more harm to your body. Do not ignore how you are feeling and talk to your doctor about this so that they can get you the help that you need. Signs to look out for include;
- Feeling guilty or worthless.
- Being overly sensitive to criticism.
- Feeling hopeless or suicidal.
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Having trouble making decisions and concentrating.
- Lethargy and lack of motivation.
Your doctor may recommend antidepressant medication or talk therapy. You may also decide to join a support group with other COPD patients or a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help you fight depression.
4. Osteoporosis
This is a complication that sometimes occurs with COPD causing the weakening of the bones. Bones are made with living tissue and as older bone tissue breaks down, new bone tissue is created. When the nutrients in the body are not enough to create new bone tissue, the bones may become weak and fragile, and when this occurs, the risk of getting fractures is greatly increased. Although no exact reason can be given by researchers on the coexistence of COPD and osteoporosis, some theories for what the cause may be include;
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Cigarette smoking – some researchers believe that some chemicals in cigarette smoke cause changes in the body, and these changes include genetic changes that may cause bones to become weak and slow to heal.
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Corticosteroids – these are commonly used by COPD patients to control COPD flare-ups and to reduce airway inflammation, and a common side effect of corticosteroids is osteoporosis.
- Low vitamin D levels – people with COPD may opt to stay indoors and lack of exposure to the sun, causing low levels of vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to poor bone growth and skeletal mass, which may contribute to osteoporosis.
Your doctor can check your bone health with a bone density scan. You may need prescription medicine along with calcium and vitamin D supplements to keep your bones strong. You may also want to exercise as research has shown that progressively harder weight-bearing exercise, such as strength training can boost bone health. Consult your doctor before you start any exercise regimen.
5. Trouble sleeping
It is very common for people diagnosed with COPD to have trouble sleeping. In fact around 50 percent of COPD patients face this problem. This is a problem because getting enough sleep is vital for all body functions to work properly.
Sleeping problems linked with COPD include; low levels of oxygen during sleep, sleep apnea, depression, medication used to treat COPD symptoms and some of the COPD symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
You should let your doctor know if you are experiencing trouble sleeping so that he can figure out what is causing it and then treat it. A few things you can do to help with this problem include:
- Keep the room that you sleep in cozy, dark, cool and quiet.
- Practice airway clearance techniques throughout the day and right before you sleep to remove secretions in your airways.
- Ask your doctor if night-time use of supplemental oxygen is an option for you.
- Review the medicine that you are using with your doctor to see if it has any side effects. You may require an adjustment.
- Talk to your doctor about non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) such as CPAP if you suffer from sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders.
- Try not to drink caffeinated beverages late in the day or avoid them altogether.
- Do not sleep lying flat. Elevate your upper body with pillows to help facilitate breathing.
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6. Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax, which is also referred to as a collapsed lung, occurs when a hole develops in the lung, allowing air to escape into the space around the lung causing the lung to partially or completely collapse.
People diagnosed with COPD are at higher risk of getting pneumothorax because the structure of their lungs is weak and vulnerable to the development of these types of holes. It can be caused by an injury to the lung, rib fracture, certain medical procedures and in some cases air pressure changes for example high altitude.
Signs to look out for include sudden sharp chest pains that worsen when you take a deep breath, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and cyanosis caused by lack of oxygen.
Pneumothorax can be treated by inserting a chest tube between the ribs into the space between the lung and the chest wall to help remove the air and re-inflate the lung. The chest tube stays in place for a number of days as the patient recovers in hospital. In some rare cases, surgery is required to prevent future occurrences.
