If you have COPD, then you know that all kinds of unexpected things can affect your symptoms and make them worse. Even minor respiratory irritants, like fragrances, air pollution, and dry air, can make it more difficult to breathe.

That's why, when the seasons shift, it's important to understand how the change might affect your COPD. This is particularly true when moving from the mild fall season into harsh winter conditions.

As the cold weather sets in, you should be aware of all the potential COPD hazards that winter weather brings. Then, you will be better prepared to manage your symptoms and deal with the challenges when they come.

In this guide, we're going to walk you through all of the most common challenges COPD patients face during the winter time. We'll warn you about winter respiratory irritants, weather hazards, and other seasonal conditions that could make your symptoms worse.

We'll also show you what you can do to prepare for these problems and minimize their impact on your lungs. That way, instead of spending the winter months struggling to manage your disease, you can use the tips and tricks in this guide to overcome winter challenges and breathe much better this season.

Things You Should Know and Prepare for This Winter if You Have COPD

Extra Difficulty Breathing Winter Air

You might have noticed on your own that breathing cold, winter air can make it more difficult to breathe. This can happen to healthy adults but it is particularly problematic for people with COPD.

That's because winter air is usually far from the optimum temperature and humidity that your lungs and airways prefer. Cold, dry air is much harsher to breathe than warmer, humid air, and it can irritate your lungs and constrict your airways as you breathe.

When the humidity is very low, the dry air sucks the moisture out of your airways. This thickens your mucus and irritates the tissue that lines your nose and airways, triggering symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.

The cold temperature of the air alone can also be a problem, especially when you first go outside after breathing warm indoor air. When you take a breath and suddenly bring frigid air into your lungs, it can trigger bronchospasms, which constrict your airways and make it harder to breathe.

The best way to avoid these problems is to avoid breathing the cold, dry winter air as much as you can. That means staying indoors when weather conditions are bad and using simple techniques to warm up the air that you breathe.

This is easier to do if you check your local weather forecast regularly and plan ahead for upcoming conditions. Pay special attention to the temperature and humidity, and be prepared to take extra measures to manage your symptoms on particularly harsh days.

When you do have to go out in the cold, you can make the air more breathable by covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or a special cold-weather mask (called a CT mask). This will trap heat and moisture from your breath, helping to warm and humidify the harsh outside air so it is more comfortable to breathe.

Here are some tips to help you breathe better in the frigid winter air:

• Avoid going outside during the coldest parts of the day.
• Stay indoors during inclement weather and when the temperature is very cold.
• Don't try to exercise outdoors when the air is too cold or dry.
• Wrap a scarf or cloth around your mouth to breathe easier in cold air (or wear a CT mask). https://lunginstitute.com/blog/ct-masks-for-copd/
• If you use oxygen therapy, use a humidifier bottle to moisturize the air that comes from your oxygen source.
• Practice pursed-lips breathing when you feel short of breath in cold weather.
• Continue taking your maintenance medications exactly as your doctor advises.
• Always bring your rescue inhaler with you whenever you leave your home during the winter, especially during harsh weather.

Danger During Cold and Flu Season

Along with winter comes cold and flu season, that dreaded time of year when contagious respiratory illnesses reach an all time high. This time of year poses a special danger to people with COPD, who are more prone to getting sick.

While a common cold might not seem like a big threat, a minor illness like a cold can turn into something much more serious if you have COPD. Any kind of respiratory illness can trigger severe COPD symptoms and lead to more serious exacerbations.

COPD exacerbations are difficult to treat and, in the worst cases, can cause life-threatening complications. Even minor COPD exacerbations can make you feel very sick and take a major toll on your life, disrupting your ability to exercise, work, and do other normal activities.

COPD exacerbations can also take a very long time to recover from, and in some cases can result in permanent lung damage that makes your symptoms permanently worse. That's why it is so important to practice good hygiene, keep your immune system healthy, and avoid contagious illnesses if you have COPD.

Unfortunately, studies show that people with COPD are more than twice as likely to experience an exacerbation during the winter months. That means you need to take extra special precautions during this season to avoid getting sick.

That means doing what you can to bolster your immune system and keeping your COPD symptoms under control. It also means coming up with strategies to help you avoid germs and germ-heavy environments, especially during peak cold and flu season.

The best way to do this is to keep up-to-date with your vaccinations and be diligent about your personal hygiene. Especially when you're out in public, be cautious about what you touch and avoid transferring germs from your hands to your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick, and be especially cautious in crowded places. If you use oxygen therapy, you should be extra diligent about keeping your medical equipment (like your nasal cannula) clean during the winter.

Here are some additional tips to help you prepare for cold and flu season:

• Get your yearly influenza vaccination.
• Ask your doctor if you need a pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine.
• Take all of your medications as directed by your doctor and take care not to miss a dose.
• Know the early signs of a COPD exacerbation and what you should do when you notice your symptoms starting to get worse (follow your COPD action plan).
• Practice proper personal hygiene at home and especially in public.
• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face, especially in public places.
• Avoid attending crowded events during cold and flu season.
• Do your best to stay away from anyone who has a contagious illness, including avoiding houses or events where someone there is sick.
• Quit smoking to reduce your risk of respiratory illnesses and infections.

Extra Fatigue and Worse Symptoms in Cold Weather

Even if you protect your lungs from pollution and dry air this winter, the bitter cold can still bring you down. Cold temperatures alone can have a noticeable effect on COPD symptoms, and this effect can even last for several days.

Studies show that breathing cold air can hurt your lungs and reduce their ability to function by a measurable amount. It causes your airways to constrict and can even damage the tissue lining your airways, making it more difficult to breathe.

However, even just being in the cold air—not even breathing it—can reduce lung function and worsen COPD symptoms. Even short periods of exposure to cold weather can trigger breathlessness, fatigue, and a significant increase in the number of COPD patient hospitalizations.

These effects are likely caused, at least in part, by how your body reacts to getting cold. In an effort keep your core temperature from falling, your body has to work harder and burn extra energy to stay warm.

When you're exposed to very cold temperatures, this can drain your energy levels and cause you to feel fatigued. It also requires your lungs to work harder to keep pace, which puts extra strain on your respiratory symptom and makes it more difficult to breathe.

Many studies have linked worsened COPD symptoms with cold outdoor temperatures and even cold temperatures indoors. Some studies show that cold temperatures can double COPD patients' risk for exacerbations and even increase their risk of death.

That's why you should be prepared to experience worsened COPD symptoms when the temperature drops this winter. That means keeping your rescue inhaler handy and making sure you have a warm place to go when extremely cold weather hits.

During the coldest months of the year, keep a diligent eye on your local weather forecast so a cold snap doesn't take you by surprise. When you're expecting extra chilly weather, make preparations to stay warm and avoid spending time outdoors.

When you do go out, don't take any chances and always dress appropriately warm. Even if it adds a few minutes to your usual routine, bundling up is your best defense against the harsh winter temperatures that could worsen your COPD.

Most importantly, make sure you have a reliable heating system that can keep your home at a comfortable temperature all winter. You should also make sure you have somewhere to go if your heater breaks down or your house loses power during a storm.

Here are some tips for combating cold temperatures this winter:

• Avoid exposing yourself to cold weather and spend as little time outside as possible on especially frigid days.
• Always check the weather before you leave the house and wear appropriately warm and comfortable clothes.
• Wear layers so you can stay warm in the cold but also stay comfortable indoors by removing unnecessary layers.
• When you do go out in the cold, cover as much skin as possible; don't skimp on cold weather gear like hats, scarves, mittens, leg warmers, and earmuffs.
• Avoid clothes that are too tight—especially around the chest—because they can restrict your movement and breathing.
• Make sure to keep your house at a warm, comfortable temperature at all times during the winter.
• Consider changing your plans so that you can stay indoors during particularly cold or harsh weather. (e.g. work from home or reschedule other outings and errands)
• Make a special effort to avoid going out in cold weather when you are not feeling well or are experiencing a COPD exacerbation.
• Be prepared to use your rescue inhaler more often and bring it with you anytime you leave your home.
• Keep extra food and supplies at home just in case cold or inclement weather keeps you home-bound for an extended period of time.
• Ask a friend or family member to check up on you during cold spells and winter storms

Fewer Exercise Opportunities

If you have COPD, you shouldn't exercise outdoors when the weather is bad or the air is cold and dry. This means you will need to do the majority of your physical activity indoors during the winter months.

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your heart and lungs healthy, which is why it's vital to keep it up all throughout the year. Even though you might be tempted to hide away and hibernate this winter, you shouldn't let the cold weather get in the way of your exercise goals.

Without outdoor sports and activities to keep you active, you might need to be more creative and deliberate with your workouts. Be prepared to rework your exercise routine and find new ways to get physical activity indoors.

For example, if you are used to walking outdoors for exercise, you could walk on a treadmill or indoor track at the gym instead. You could also take walks in a large public building in your area, such as an indoor mall.

You might also consider joining an exercise class at a local gym or fitness center. Many people find that participating in this kind of scheduled group activity makes it easier to stay motivated and stick with an exercise routine.

If you'd like, you can even work out in your own home without needing any expensive equipment. All you have to do is find a home exercise routine you like, whether it's online, on DVD, or a routine you devise yourself.

Don't ever think that staying inside means that you can't also stay active. Winter exercise opportunities are essentially endless, even though they might be tricky to find.

Here are some tips to help you get more exercise this winter:

• Join a gym where you can walk and do other exercises indoors.
• Clear some floor space in your house to practice simple indoor exercises at home.

If you have COPD, then you know that it can be dangerous when your symptoms suddenly get worse. That's why preventing flare-ups and exacerbations is one of the main goals of treatment for people with COPD.

A COPD exacerbation (also known as an acute exacerbation) happens when you get sick or your lungs get especially inflamed, making your symptoms much worse for an extended period of time. Even though they go away eventually, exacerbations can cause serious health complications and permanent damage to your lungs.

When you have COPD, your quality of life depends greatly on how much you prioritize your health and avoid habits and environments that put your lungs at risk. That means doing everything you can to keep your body strong and prevent acute exacerbations.

In this article we're going to help you do just that by explaining a variety of ways you can reduce your risk of experiencing a COPD exacerbation. We'll help you understand why exacerbations happen, how to recognize the warning signs.

Most importantly, we'll show you a variety of practical methods and techniques you can start using today to avoid flare-ups and exacerbations in the future. So if you're ready to improve your quality of life and take charge of your health today, continue reading for 15 practical ways you can reduce your risk for acute COPD exacerbations.

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What is a COPD Exacerbation?

Most COPD patients are able to keep their symptoms under control most of the time, but flare-ups and exacerbations are always a threat. The frequency of exacerbations varies from patient to patient and depends on a variety of risk factors, including age, disease severity, and physical activity level.

On average, COPD patients experience at least one or two exacerbations every year. This does not include minor flare-ups, which might happen much more frequently in response to mild irritants.

Flare-ups Versus Exacerbations

A COPD flare-up is a temporary increase in symptoms that can happen when you breathe in respiratory irritants like dust, smoke, or dry air. Flare-ups are generally mild, short-lived, and treatable at home.

Exacerbations, on the other hand, last longer and are more serious than mild flare-ups. They usually happen as a result of a respiratory illness or infection that causes inflammation, excess mucus, and reduced lung function.

Exacerbations often require a trip to the doctor, although they can sometimes be treated at home. It's important to talk to your doctor about what you should do in the case of an exacerbation and how long you should wait to call your doctor when your symptoms start to get worse.

In general, it's safest to talk your doctor as early as possible if you think you might be experiencing an exacerbation. That's why it's very important to recognize the early symptoms and warning signs of an oncoming acute exacerbation.

Unlike flare-ups, exacerbations can have extended or even permanent effects. Sometimes, even once an exacerbation passes, the COPD symptoms don't improve all the way. Some patient's conditions don't ever get back to the baseline that they were at before the exacerbation, and they have to cope with a minor, yet permanent, increase in symptoms from that point on.

Exacerbations can be life-threatening at any stage of the disease, but they are particularly dangerous for people with advanced COPD. Flare-ups are common in all COPD patients, although sensitivity to respiratory irritants and the severity of the flare-up can range significantly depending on the patient's physical condition and disease stage.

How to Recognize an Exacerbation

Exacerbations are serious business, and recognizing the early symptoms could save your life. An exacerbation can be debilitating, life-threatening, and is are not something you should ever take lightly. Most researchers agree that preventing exacerbations is one of the most important things you can do to live longer and slow down the progression of COPD.

Some exacerbations are mild, but some are serious and require early and immediate treatment to prevent serious complications. Severe exacerbations can cause you to be hospitalized or even end in death.

That's why it's vital to pay attention to how you feel and be able to recognize the early warning signs of an acute exacerbation. You should always be monitoring your symptoms and looking for signs that indicate they're getting worse. Often, the only early warning sign of an exacerbation is a worsening of the symptoms you already have.

If your worsened symptoms don't start to get better soon, you should talk to your doctor right away and begin any additional medication

or therapies that your doctor recommends. The earlier you begin treating an acute COPD exacerbation, the better your chances of avoiding life-threatening symptoms and hospitalization.

If you ignore worsened symptoms, they're likely to continue getting worse. The longer you wait to seek help, the more you'll be at risk for serious complications and the less likely you'll be to make a full recovery.

Here are some of the early warning signs of a COPD exacerbation:

• Rapid, shallow breathing
• More difficulty catching your breath than usual
• More coughing or wheezing than usual
• A change in mucus color (yellow, green, or blood-tinged in color)
• Increased mucus in your lungs and airways
• Feeling unusually sleepy or fatigued
• Difficulty sleeping because your symptoms keep you up
• Having less energy than usual to do normal daily activities
• Breathlessness and fatigue at rest or after extremely light activities
• Confusion

If you think you're experiencing the early symptoms of an exacerbation, follow your COPD treatment plan and talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If your symptoms get significantly worse or you can't catch your breath, seek emergency medical care immediately.

There are certain symptoms that are a sign of serious oxygen deprivation and require immediate medical care. If you experience confusion, a severe headache, difficulty catching your breath at rest, a bluish tint to your skin, or have a sudden difficulty walking short distances, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

What Happens When You Have an Exacerbation?

When you have an exacerbation you'll experience increased symptoms and increased mucus production that makes it more difficult than usual to breathe. This happens because of inflammation that reduces your lung function and causes inflammation in your lungs and airways.

Mild exacerbations can sometimes be treated at home, although you should always talk to your doctor about when you should call him first. Your doctor might recommend a variety of medications to use in the short term to manage your symptoms until the exacerbation passes.

Here are some common medications used to treat exacerbations at home:

• Bronchodilator Inhalers: Your doctor might recommend that you use your bronchodilator medication more often or prescribe you a different inhaled medication than you usually use. This will help open up your airways and make it easier to breathe.
  
  
• Corticosteroid Medications: Inhaled or oral corticosteroids are common treatments for COPD exacerbations. They help reduce inflammation in your lungs, reduce swelling, and open up narrowed airways.
  
  
• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is the cause behind your exacerbation, your doctor might prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat it.

However, if an exacerbation gets worse, you might need to go see your doctor or be hospitalized if it gets severe. You should seek emergency medical care if you experience unusually severe symptoms, can't catch your breath, or show signs of low blood oxygen (like confusion, a severe headache, a bluish color to your skin, or extreme fatigue).

If admitted to a hospital, you will receive more intensive treatment that may include bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and breathing support. If your lungs aren't working well enough on their own, you may have to use a ventilator or a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device to keep your airways open.

Without prompt medical treatment (and even with it), a serious exacerbation can be life-threatening. That's why preventing exacerbations is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy and live longer with COPD.

What Causes COPD Exacerbations?

There are many different COPD triggers, including dust, pollen, and cold air, that can cause your symptoms to get worse. However, these irritants usually only cause minor flare-ups, not full-blown exacerbations.

 However, exposure to COPD triggers like respiratory irritants can significantly raise The majority of the time, exacerbations are caused by a respiratory illnesses or infection, not respiratory irritation alone.your risk of subsequent exacerbations.

According to research, respiratory illnesses cause 70 to 80 percent of exacerbations experienced by people with COPD. That's why it's so important to do whatever you can to avoid getting sick, including getting vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Here is a list of some of the most common causes of COPD exacerbations:

• Pneumonia
• The flu
• Seasonal allergens
• Smoke
• Air pollution

Unfortunately, in up to one-third of cases doctors are unable to determine the cause of a COPD exacerbation. It's important to make choices that limit your risk of having an exacerbation, but there's no way to reduce that risk to zero.

There are certain risk factors for exacerbations that you have little or no control over, like your age and the severity of your disease. Here are some common factors that put you a greater risk for exacerbations if you have COPD:

• A history of frequent exacerbations
• If you've had an exacerbation within the past year
• If you have more severe COPD symptoms (e.g. a severe daily cough or severe breathlessness every day)
• You have severely reduced lung function
• Low BMI
• Lack of exercise
• Old age

Taking care to avoid exacerbations is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy, stay strong, and maintain your quality of life while living with COPD.. If you are ready to learn what you can do to protect your lungs and maintain your quality of life, continue reading to learn about fifteen different ways to avoid COPD flare-ups and exacerbations.

How to Prevent a COPD Exacerbation

Now that you understand the risk factors for exacerbations, why exacerbations happen, and how to recognize the early warning signs, it's time to learn how to prevent them. Even though you can't always avoid exacerbations, there are many different things you can do in your daily life that reduce your risk.

In these next sections, we're going to show you how you can avoid exacerbations by incorporating simple habits and techniques into your everyday life. We'll go in-depth into a variety of activities, useful techniques, and special precautions you can take to reduce your risk.

Don't put it off any longer; continue reading to learn about a variety of practical steps you can take today to reduce your risk of experiencing a COPD exacerbation.

Avoid Weather and Temperature Extremes

Hospitalizations for COPD-related exacerbations and complications go up significantly in extreme temperatures and weather. That's why you have to be particularly careful to protect yourself during the summer and winter months.

In general, it's a good idea to avoid going outdoors whenever it is extremely hot or cold outside. Both hot and warm air are hard on your lungs, make it difficult to breathe, and can make you more prone to flare-ups and exacerbations.

Avoiding Hot Weather

For some people with COPD, the summer heat brings relief and decreases their symptoms. But for those who are not so lucky, the hot air can make a variety of COPD symptoms worse.

When you spend time in the heat, it raises your body temperature, which makes your body have to work harder to cool you down. This is taxing on your lungs, which already need extra energy to function, and can make it much more difficult to breathe.

You are also more likely to get dehydrated and feel fatigued when you are out in the hot, humid air. Hot weather also tends to correspond with higher ozone pollution levels, which can irritate your lungs and make you even more prone to flare-ups and exacerbations.

Here are some tips for staying healthy and avoiding exacerbations in hot weather:

• Always stay indoors when it is very hot or the air quality is low. Plan exercise and outdoor activities for milder days.
  
  
• Plan activities during the early morning or early evening, when the temperatures are cooler. The hottest temperatures tend to occur between 11 am and 3 pm every day.
  
  
• Drink lots of water during the summer, especially when you exercise or spend time outdoors. Always bring a bottle of water with you when you go out.
  
  
• Keep your home cool and air-conditioned. If you don't have air conditioning, go to a public place that does have AC, like the library or mall, on very hot days.
  
  
• If you feel overheated, try taking a cool bath or shower to cool down.
  
  
• Use a fan in your bedroom at night or any other rooms that tend to get hot and stuffy. You can also get a hand-held, battery-powered fan to bring with you whenever you go outdoors in the heat.
•  
• Drink a sports drink or salty food after sweating or spending time in the heat to replenish lost electrolytes.
  
  
• If you are sensitive to allergens, always check your local pollen and allergen forecast. You can check it online at pollen.com.
  
  
• Bring your inhaler and any quick-relief medications with you whenever you go out in case your symptoms flare up.

Avoiding Cold Weather

Cold weather can also make COPD worse and put you at a much greater risk for exacerbations. In fact, one study showed that cold weather caused a significant increase in hospital admissions, with up to a 20% increase in hospitalizations for people with COPD. The main factors increasing the risk were lower temperatures, windchill, cold weather that lasted for more than a week.

Winter weather causes an increase in symptoms in part because cold air is denser, drier, and more difficult to breathe. Cold, dry air dries out your airways and nasal passages, causing inflammation that worsens symptoms and increases mucus production.

Together, these effects make it more difficult to breathe and increase your risk of getting an illness or infection. The effects are the worst at temperatures below freezing, but COPD hospitalizations increase at temperatures as high as 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

That's why it's so important to stay indoors and take extra precautions during the winter months. Here are some tips for avoiding cold weather and staying healthy during the winter:

• Stay indoors on cold days and when the air quality is low. Don't exercise or do other physical activities outdoors; instead plan them for warmer days or save them for a warmer season.
  
  
• Always dress warm for cold weather and use layers so you can add or remove them if your comfort level changes.
  
  
• Always breathe through your nose, not your mouth. This allows the air to warm up and pick up moisture as it travels through your airways to your lungs.
  
  
• Cover your mouth with a scarf or cold weather mask anytime you have to be out in the cold air. This traps the heat and moisture from your breath in order to warm and humidify the air you breathe.
  
  
• If you use supplemental oxygen, cover your oxygen tank and tubing when you go outdoors. You can string your tubing underneath your jacket or coat to keep it warm.

Humidity

Humidity is yet another weather condition that can have a significant effect on people with COPD. Most people do best when the humidity is around 40 percent, and a humidity range between 30 and 50 percent is recommended for people with respiratory conditions and diseases.

Both too little and too much humidity makes it difficult to breathe and can make your COPD symptoms worse. Dry air is harsh and irritating to your lungs, while extra-humid air is heavy and hard to inhale.

Humidity tends to be highest in warm weather, because warm air is able to hold more moisture. The air tends to be much drier during the winter, and the dense, cold air tends to make air pollution worse as well.

But humidity isn't just about the weather; even if the humidity is ideal outdoors, the humidity inside your house can still get high. Running a shower or bath and using appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine can raise the humidity in your home if you're not careful.

Humidity effects everyone differently, so pay attention to what humidity levels make your symptoms better or worse. To reduce your chances of flare-ups and exacerbations, you should avoid spending time outdoors any time the air is especially humid, especially dry, or polluted.

Here are some general tips for dealing with dry and humid weather:

• Get a humidifier for your home and use it during the dry winter months. You can get one for your bedroom and any other space you tend to spend a lot of time in, or you can get a whole-house humidifier that hooks up to your home's main ventilation system.
  
  
• When the humidity outdoors is very high, keep your windows and doors closed to keep the moist air out of your home.
  
  
• Make sure any appliances that release moisture into the air, including your washing machine, clothes dryer, stove, and dishwasher well-ventilated.
  
  
• Whenever you take a shower or bath be sure to open a window or turn on your bathroom fan to vent extra humidity.
  
  
• Use the vent fan on your stove when cooking steamy or smoky foods.

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Attend Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Getting exercise and living an active life is another one of the best things you can do to keep your body healthy, strengthen your breathing muscles, and reduce your risk of COPD exacerbations. But in order to get enough exercise, you need to know how to manage your symptoms and control your breathing while you work out.

That's why many doctors recommend that COPD patents attend pulmonary rehabilitation, a special class designed specifically to help people with respiratory diseases live healthier, happier lives. Many people begin pulmonary rehabilitation after they have difficulty exercising and managing their disease on their own.

But pulmonary rehab is about more than just exercise; it's about learning how to manage all the different aspects of your life that are affected by COPD. You'll learn how to keep your lungs healthy, how to manage your symptoms, and how to handle the stress and emotional strain of living with a chronic disease.

Classes are usually run by medical specialists or social workers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Classes usually focus on these main areas:

• Exercise training classes
• Learning and practicing breathing techniques
• Diet and nutritional counseling
• Lung health and disease education
• Learning how to conserve energy for what's most important
• Mental health counseling and group support sessions
• Learning how to use oxygen and other medications to manage respiratory symptoms

Research shows that taking a pulmonary rehabilitation class increases exercise capacity and overall health in people with COPD. Multiple studies have also found that pulmonary rehab significantly reduces patients' risk of future exacerbations and hospital admissions, too.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is like a crash course on how to live the best possible life while managing your COPD. It's one of the best things you can do to jump-start your COPD treatment and learn how to integrate positive, healthy habits into your everyday life.

Find a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Class Near You

Pulmonary rehabilitation classes vary depending on where you live and what kind of help you need. Some programs are hosted as group classes at hospitals and clinics, some offer individual instruction, and some can even be done partially or fully at home.

If you have COPD, talk to your doctor about whether or not you could benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation. Your doctor can give you a referral and help you find a class in your local area that works for you.

Here are some resources to help you locate a pulmonary rehabilitation program near you:

Giving your lungs a break is an important daily task you, as a responsible COPD patient, should work towards.

Every time you are able to make your lungs work less, you are bettering your condition and your livelihood. This can be as simple as getting an air purifier in every room of your home and should be as constant as adhering to your oxygen prescription daily. 

In this blog we talk about the easiest way to give give you lungs a break. The best thing you can do is acquire a portable oxygen concentrator that will help you move through the day and your life with ease. In order for that to be a possibility, you need a supplement oxygen device unit this is lightweight, reliable, and affordable! 

As you probably know Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease is a progressive illness that is not curable. Therefore, your treatment and how you manage this disease is essential to ensure your COPD does not progress quickly into a more severe stage of COPD. 

Resting you lungs is, in itself, a treatment for managing COPD. By reading this blog, you can expect to learn the best oxygen units that will help you to manage your disease effectively and subsequently improving your quality of life with COPD. 

Taking your Oxygen Therapy Seriously 

If you are prescribed oxygen therapy, adhering to your prescription as you doctor orders is essential for taking care of your lungs, and overall health and well-being. 

Long-term oxygen therapy is the only known treatment for COPD that is proven to extend the life expectancy of COPD patients. Therefore, using your oxygen equipment correctly can help you live a better quality life longer. 

In this section we will discuss three portable oxygen concentrators all of which are reliable but each device is designed to cater to a different oxygen patient. 

The ARYA P5 portable Oxygen Concentrator 

The ARYA P5 portable oxygen concentrator is already making a name for itself in the oxygen industry as one of the smallest and quietest portable oxygen concentrators on the market. It is one of the newest portable oxygen concentrators available and it's not only small, it's also reliable, gets great battery life, and offers 10 different oxygen settings for more accurate dosing.

Along with being one of the smallest and quietest portable oxygen concentrators on the market, the ARYA P5 portable oxygen concentrator has some amazing features that set it apart from the rest of the units on the market.

The ARYA P5 is going to make getting back to living an active life as easy as possible. It’s lightweight with long-lasting battery life helping you regain your freedom and independence. It gets up to 8 hours of battery life and offers 10 different oxygen settings! There’s no other lightweight portable oxygen concentrator on the market that will give you more accurate oxygen dosing while running for up to 8 hours

There are several reasons why oxygen patients should be excited about the new ARYA P5 portable oxygen concentrator. The first, and most importantly, is that the oxygen delivery service is unmatched.

When looking for a portable oxygen concentrator, the second most important priority should be the weight and size of the oxygen device.

As mentioned above, the ARYA P5 is one of the smallest and lightweight portable oxygen concentrators money can buy! It weighs just 5.5 pounds with the battery installed, and it stands 9.8” W x 3.8” D x 9.25” H.

At 5.5 pounds, the ARYA P5 is going to be a great companion for anyone that is interested in a healthy and active lifestyle. Exercise becomes easier, being more mobile and independent is also an option now. Traveling no longer seems like a chore, but it is something to be excited about!

Not to mention, with the ARYA P5 you will have the oxygen you need without sacrificing other parts of life. Go exercise, grab lunch with your friends, or spend a day golfing without feeling weighed down by your oxygen.

The ARYA P5 is a device that will help first time oxygen users and long time oxygen users by giving everyone who needs supplemental oxygen therapy the freedom and independence they need.

The ARYA P5 offers a high oxygen output to accommodate as many oxygen users as possible. The ARYA P5 has 10 adjustable oxygen settings. It offers pulse flow settings 1-5 and increases by increments of 0.5. This precision oxygen delivery is important for people so they are getting the exact amount of oxygen their bodies require, not too much and not too little!

It offers pulse flow settings 1-5 that can be adjusted in 0.5 increments. So whether you’re exercising, feeling sick, or are experiencing an exacerbation you will be able to increase the machine’s oxygen output to get the oxygen you need. Just remember to check with your doctor before you increase the flow rate on your machine.

The ARYA P5 also comes equipped with RATE RESPONSIVE THERAPY™ (RRT) that delivers oxygen on demand! Everytime the device senses an inhalation, the breadth th triggers the device to respond accordingly. Whether a patient is climbing the stairs or taking a walk, ARYA P5 will automatically respond to the breath rate by adjusting the amount of oxygen needed to ensure the patient remains saturated.

The ARYA Portable Oxygen Concentrator  

The ARYA Portable Oxygen Concentrator is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator (POC) that can cover oxygen patients that need pulse flow oxygen delivery  less than 5 liters per minute. 

One of the best things about the ARYA portable oxygen concentrator aside from it being lightweight (5 pounds) and having a long lasting battery (up to 16 hours) is the comprehensive warranty. It's not often you see a manufacturer give you an extended warranty on the portable oxygen concentrator as well as the sieve beds! 

With the ARYA portable oxygen concentrator you will have added peace of mind knowing you get lifetime warranty on the unit and an industry leading 5 year warranty on the sieve beds!

Most manufacturers offer a 3 year warranty on their unit and a 1 year warranty on the sieve beds. But ARYA truly stands behind their product like no one in the industry.

The Respironics SimplyGo 

The Respironics SimplyGo is both a pulse flow and continuous flow POC. It has the capabilities to support oxygen patients that need pulse flow operation up to 6 liters per minute or 2 liters of continuous flow. 

Weighing in at a mere 10 pounds and standing 10" H x 6" D x 11.5" W, the SimplyGo is one of the smallest and lightest continuous flow portables available! You will be able to bring it with you wherever you go and you will have no problem finding a place to store it.

Your SimplyGo will easily fit underneath the seat in front of you on the airplane, you can store it on the floor of your car or in the passenger seat as you drive, and when you don’t need to use it you will be able to put it in your closet without having to clear space for it.

Although 10 pounds is extremely light for a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, it’s still pretty heavy to carry. But you won’t need to worry about that! Your SimplyGo package will include a custom carrying case and a wheeled travel cart so you have the option to carry it over your shoulder or you can pull it behind you on the travel cart.

The SeQual Eclipse 5 

The SeQual Eclipse 5 POC is a popular continuous flow device that is also reliable and durable. It is rated to last for years and the POC of choice of the U.S. military! 

The pulse flow settings range from 1-9 and the continuous flow settings range from 0.5-3.0 LPM, so it is able to cover most oxygen patient’s needs, and some!

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As mentioned above, the SeQual Eclipse 5 is one of the most, if not the most, popular continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market. That is largely due to its long-standing track record for being durable and reliable. If it’s good enough for the US Military, that should tell you something.

The hard-bodied shell of the Eclipse 5 is extremely protective. It will keep your concentrator protected from everyday wear and tear, accidental bumps and bruises, and if you have pets or grandkids in the house it will be able to withstand their crazy antics.

One of the best things about the Eclipse 5 is that it requires very little maintenance from you to keep it running. All you need to do is wash your filter once every week or two depending on how often you use your Eclipse and you are good to go! 

Oxygen- It's as simple as inhaling and exhaling? Well for people with respiratory disease, not so much.

Oxygen is life, and without a sufficient amount to support life, it could be deadly. People with certain respiratory diseases that restrict airflow struggle everyday just to breathe. Not to mention the other stresses lack of oxygen places on one’s daily life. 

That is why LPT Medical is dedicated to getting oxygen to the people who need it most. If you are looking to buy a supplemental oxygen device your first step is finishing reading this blog to learn about using oxygen as a first time oxygen user. The second step is getting in touch with an experienced oxygen specialist by calling 1+(800)-946-1201. 

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If you are going to be wearing oxygen for the first time, you’ll likely remember the first day that you get your oxygen and supplies. It is normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. 

Also, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. Even if you know about oxygen from spending time in hospitals or nursing homes you'll quickly realize there is a lot more to home oxygen therapy than what meets the eye. 

The best thing you can do for yourself throughout your oxygen journey and your disease management process, is to continue learning more! Read on to learn more about what the oxygen experience can be like! You’ll also notice that oxygen affects everyone’s life differently, and there is no one right answer. 

The more time you spend with your device, the more you will learn about what works for you and your lifestyle. 

Your Oxygen Device Options Overview 

We often write about the oxygen choice you have as an oxygen patient. You can find that information in these blogs listed below: 

Optimizing the Cost and your Lifestyle Based on your Oxygen Device

Is Spending the Extra Cash on a High Quality Supplementary Oxygen Device Really Worth It?

Long Term Oxygen Therapy Devices That Make Life A Breeze 

In these blogs, you will read about portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and oxygen tanks. 

The option between POCs and other oxygen devices will ultimately be determined by your oxygen intake. Your supplemental oxygen intake will be determined through a few respiratory tests that your doctor will conduct. 

Once you have a flow rate prescribed by your doctor, you will either be able to get a POC, or if your oxygen flow rate is too high, you’ll need an oxygen tank. 

If your flow rate is within the range where a POC will manage your oxygen levels, it is important to subsequently consider your lifestyle and travel plans. A POC will make your life objectively easier than if you opted for an oxygen tank. 

There are several reasons POCs are a better option for many oxygen users. Firstly, they are battery powered. The Arya Portable Oxygen Concentrator battery can last for up to 16 hours! When you charge the device you simply plug it to a AC or DC power unit, and continue using it, as you would a cell phone.

The other big one, you can travel on airplanes with your POC! There is a lot you need to know about traveling with oxygen. You'll find that information in a few sections! For now, we will  continue talking about the oxygen device options you have.

POCs are also notably small in stature and light-weight. Therefore, it is easy to go from place to place! The Caire Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator only weighs 5 pounds. 

Confidence Going Out in Public with Oxygen

Spending time out of the house for the first time with you oxygen device and tubing can be intimidating. It can also be hard to deal with your loved ones and old friends seeing you with an oxygen device for the first time. 

The best thing to remember in these situations, is that the oxygen is helping you become healthier. With the help of oxygen therapy you can get back some of your independence. In a way, you are helping them help you!

Independence is a great thing oxygen can give you back if you’ve lost that due to your condition. Oxygen therapy will eventually help you maintain more natural energy levels, and your ability to do things for yourself again! 

You can also remember that, although the exact number is unknown, there are an estimated 1.5 million supplemental oxygen users in the U.S. So you are certainly not alone! 

You can join Facebook groups or online forums to discuss with other oxygen patients about their experiences. This can ease the battle of feeling isolated.

Another helpful piece of advice is that you are using oxygen caused by a respiratory disease, and the oxygen is enabling you to do more. You wouldn’t be ashamed to wear glasses to help you see, or a hearing aid to help you hear, or if you have to wear a brace to help you walk. So don't be ashamed of your oxygen device that helps you breathe. 

Sleeping with Oxygen 

You might be questioning if you can sleep with a portable oxygen concentrator. You can, but it will be up to you and your doctor whether or not you need to. There are several notable benefits for using oxygen at night.

Sleeping with oxygen concentrator offers:

• A significant improvement in sleep
• A mood boost, by reducing anxiety and depression caused by insomnia
• More stamina, energy, and alertness during the day, as a result of a healthy sleep
• A significant decrease in the risk of developing health problems triggered by low oxygen levels

Now, even though wearing oxygen to bed has its benefits, it is not as simple as it sounds. You will have an adjustment period where you will need to learn how to wear oxygen while sleeping. 

The biggest thing you do to make sure your oxygen device is working for you at night, is to breathe through your nose. Easier said than done! Most people breathe through their mouth, especially during sleep. 

You should start by talking to your doctor about using an oxygen mask at night. It is typical that if you are using more than 6 liters per minute (lpm) or more of supplemental oxygen you can wear a closed oxygen mask at night or during the day to improve your breathing.

 The use of an oxygen mask requires a prescription from your doctor. You could also try wearing  a vent or OxyMask when using between 1 to 15 lpm — but again it is very important to check with you doctor first.

Here are some tips to help you adjust to wearing oxygen while you sleep:

1. Make a goal of getting 30 minutes of exercise during the day.

Yes, exercising during the day will not only improve sleep quality but also sleep duration at night. As few as ten minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling or taking a tai chi class, can dramatically improve your sleep quality. This works best when you are exercising on a regular basis.

2. Avoid carbonated beverages late at night.

So the caffeine level in carbonated drinks is an issue for your sleep, carbonation is not helpful either. Carbonated beverages can produce gas that pushes on the diaphragm, making breathing more difficult. For that reason, it’s a good idea for people with respiratory disease and oxygen users to avoid carbonated beverages before bed. 

3. Establish a bedtime routine.

One of the best ways to get better sleep is to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day. Routine is key! When your body has a sleep cycle to rely on, it is the most natural way to achieve healthy sleep, even if you are sleeping with an oxygen concentrator during the night.

4. Designate your sleeping spot.

Another big aspect of routine is doing similar or exactly the same thing every night before falling asleep. There are several helpful activities that can become routine before bedtime. Also it’s important that you designate your bed – and bedroom – for sleep. So avoid doing other things during the day in your bedroom such as watching TV or reading. 

5. Practice airway clearing techniques for airway clearance before bed.

Clearing your airways of mucus is something you can practice throughout the day to help you sleep better at night. These techniques can help you more naturally maintain oxygen levels throughout the day and night.

Traveling with Oxygen 

Traveling is one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome when you first begin on oxygen. 

Just getting in the car is hard, but getting on an airplane is actually impossible if you are using a gas or liquid tank. 

You will need a portable oxygen concentrator that is FAA approved. These device can be found at LPTMedical.com or call 1+(800)-946-1201. 

First of all, the Air Carrier Access Act does not require airlines to provide medical oxygen to any eligible respiratory patients during flights, so do not expect to be given oxygen on your flight. Very rarely will airlines provide supplemental medical oxygen on flights for their passengers, and if they do this oxygen service typically costs a fee.

There are some things you need to know and tasks you must accomplish before you travel by air with your POC. First of all, be aware that the FAA and the airline you are flying on may have different requirements and you must follow both the FAA and the airline’s regulations.

• The FAA regulations do not require that you tell your air carrier about your POC in advance, however almost every airline will have you notify them that you will be flying with oxygen at least 48 hours before your flight. 

• If you are flying on Southwest and JetBlue, these airlines also also ask you to check in for your flight at least one hour before takeoff if you are traveling with oxygen. 

• There are some instances when your airline will require a physician's statement

• There are some airlines that will require you to demonstrate how you respond to your POC's alarms before you board the aircraft.

Your best option is to get ahold of the airline you are flying with to learn about the regulations they are held to when it comes to passengers with oxygen concentrators on board. 

Overview 

We hope that this blog gives you some insight into what life is like with supplemental oxygen therapy. 

As a first time oxygen user, education is key! Read up on your options, reach out to your doctor and health care team to learn more and more. 

If you buy a POC from LPT Medical, you will work with the most experienced and helpful oxygen specialists who are always around to answer questions about your oxygen device. 

If you’ve been searching for a medical oxygen device to treat COPD or another respiratory condition, you’ve likely come across terms like “oxygen tank” or “oxygen concentrator.” These are both popular options for people who need long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), but there are some fundamental differences between the two like how they produce oxygen, how they’re refilled, in addition to the benefits that they offer oxygen patients.

If you want an oxygen device that both meets your medical needs and allows you the freedom to go about your daily life comfortably, you first need to understand the difference between oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators. Read on for a simple oxygen device comparison guide and be sure to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

What is an Oxygen Tank?

An oxygen tank is a cylindrical container that stores compressed oxygen gas. There is a nozzle located at the top of the device that can be adjusted in order to change the flow of oxygen and there is a gauge that will tell you how much oxygen is left in the tank. Oxygen tanks were first used in hospitals around the 1950s and portable versions were introduced around the 1970s.

 Despite being the original medical oxygen device, oxygen tanks have not changed much over the years. Oxygen is a gas and the molecules in gases are much more spread out than with liquids or solids. What this means is that you can’t just keep compressing oxygen without it becoming dangerous. As a result, oxygen tanks are pretty standardized when it comes to their size and the amount of oxygen that they store.

In an attempt to mitigate the issues posed by compressed gas, liquid oxygen tanks were invented. Rather than storing oxygen as a compressed gas, liquid oxygen tanks store oxygen as a compressed liquid. While this allows the user to carry a lot more oxygen, liquid oxygen tanks come with their own set of problems. In order for oxygen to be stored as a liquid, it has to be kept at temperatures of around -297 degrees Fahrenheit (-182 degrees Celsius) which means you need a specially designed tank in order to do this. These tanks tend to be very expensive and complicated.

What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

Although oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks both store oxygen, oxygen concentrators do not follow this trend. Instead, oxygen concentrators are electronic devices that take air from the surrounding environment and remove all gases except for oxygen. It then concentrates this oxygen through a nasal cannula that the oxygen patient will breathe through.

Oxygen concentrators were invented in the 1970s and they were designed to replace oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks. Since oxygen concentrators are electronic, they afford oxygen patients an infinite supply of oxygen as long as they have a source of power such as a wall outlet, car outlet, or a battery. There are many types of concentrators currently available including stationary oxygen concentrators, portable continuous flow oxygen concentrators, and portable pulse dose oxygen concentrators.

How Are Oxygen Concentrators and Oxygen Tanks Similar?

They Provide Medical-Grade Oxygen

Earth’s atmosphere contains about 21 percent oxygen, 78 percent nitrogen, and a mixture of several other gases. This is the perfect amount of oxygen for someone with healthy lungs, but for someone with COPD or other respiratory impairments, it is not enough to maintain the body’s blood oxygen level. Since impaired lungs have trouble processing air and removing the oxygen, you’ll need to increase the amount of oxygen that they receive. The Compression Gas Association (CGA) classifies oxygen into seven different “grades” — each one is given a label “A” through “G” and they’re used across four different industries: welding, research, aviation, and medical.

Medical-grade oxygen is high purity oxygen that is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since oxygen is considered a “drug,” oxygen manufacturers and retailers need to collect a prescription from their patients before selling an oxygen device to them. If no prescription was collected upon selling an oxygen device, the machine either does not output medical oxygen or it is being sold illegally.

While oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators both put out medical grade oxygen, it’s important to make sure you’re buying from a reputable oxygen company. There are many devices sold on popular retail sites that claim to be “oxygen generators,” but if you look at the fine print, they usually say that it’s not intended for medical use. This is designed to protect the retailer from lawsuits. Fortunately, here at LPT Medical, we only sell oxygen concentrators that provide the user with medical-grade oxygen.  

There are two different types of oxygen concentrators: continuous flow and pulse dose. Continuous flow devices usually have both a continuous flow and pulse dose setting whereas pulse dose machines just have a pulse flow setting. One of the best-selling continuous flow concentrators is the Respironics SimplyGo and one of the best-selling pulse dose concentrators is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort.

They Have Continuous Flow and Pulse Dose Options

There are two different ways that oxygen can be administered: continuous flow or pulse dose. Think of continuous flow like a constant stream of oxygen, whereas pulse dose oxygen is only administered when the user is inhaling. In other words, continuous flow tends to waste a lot of oxygen because oxygen is still being administered even when the user is exhaling.

Continuous flow oxygen delivery is what all oxygen tanks provide. If you want to switch to pulse dose, you will need to purchase something called an oxygen conserving device (OCD). OCDs attach to the top of your oxygen tank and they carefully track your breathing. When you inhale, the conserver will deliver a puff (bolus) of oxygen, and when you inhale, the oxygen release valve will be shut off. This allows you to go much farther with one tank of oxygen.

There Are Portable Options

In the past, being prescribed long-term oxygen therapy meant having to give up your freedom to go out of your house. However, portable oxygen tanks and portable oxygen concentrators have allowed oxygen patients to reclaim the freedom they had before being diagnosed with COPD. Oxygen tanks come in a variety of weights and sizes and they’re typically wheeled around using a rolling cart. Portable oxygen concentrators tend to be much lighter and smaller so you can carry them around on your shoulder or back.

How are Oxygen Concentrators and Oxygen Tanks Different?

Size and Weight

Like we mentioned earlier, oxygen tanks are not going to get any smaller or lighter than they already are. Oxygen molecules can only be compressed to about 3,000 pressure per square inch (psi) before they become too dangerous to handle. A portable “E” tank weighs about 8 pounds and it will provide you with about 5 to 6 hours of oxygen on a flow setting of 2 liters per minute (LPM). On top of this, portable oxygen tanks have an oblong shape that makes them difficult to carry on your shoulder or back.

Portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, are electronic devices that operate off powerful and lightweight lithium-ion batteries. As a result, oxygen manufacturers can make them much smaller and more portable. Lithium-ion batteries are the same kind of battery that’s found inside your smartphone, and as you’re likely aware, smartphones have been getting much smaller and lighter over the years. Another benefit of these batteries is that they can be charged many times over without losing their efficiency. 

Convenience

Unfortunately, while portable oxygen tanks allow you to get out of the house they can be extremely inconvenient in certain situations. For example, oxygen tanks are banned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so you won’t be able to go on flights. So your only option when traveling across the country will be to drive or take some other form of transportation. This can also be tricky because you’ll have to find a place to refill your oxygen tanks while you’re traveling.

Another inconvenience of oxygen tanks is that they’re difficult to maneuver. For example, if you need to go up a flight of stairs, you’ll have to either pull your oxygen tank up behind you or pick it up. Another example is if you need to go to a crowded area like public transportation, your oxygen tank will take up a lot of space and people might end up bumping into it if you don’t keep an eye on it.

Portable oxygen concentrators are much more convenient because they can be carried on your shoulder under your arm. This way, when you walk into crowded areas, your oxygen device will always be accounted for and you don’t have to keep looking back to make sure it’s not getting caught on anything. It’s also much easier to walk up a flight of stairs because the weight of the oxygen device is centered over your body.

Cost

While portable oxygen concentrators have a higher upfront cost, in the long term, they are much more affordable than portable oxygen tanks. The reason for this is because oxygen tanks need to be refilled either by an oxygen company or by using a homefill station. If you opt to have full oxygen tanks delivered to your home, this will run you several hundred dollars per month which adds up real fast. On the other hand, if you choose to purchase a homefill station that operates similar to an oxygen concentrator, this will run you several thousand dollars. 

Many people think that portable oxygen concentrators will cost them an arm and a leg, but this simply isn’t the case. Portable oxygen concentrators cost between $1,000 to $2,500 on average and they last between 5 and 7 years on average. This is significantly less costly than spending several hundred dollars per month getting oxygen tanks filled and delivered. What’s more, portable oxygen financing is an option that will allow you to pay for your oxygen device slowly over the course of many months or years. This makes the upfront cost much more manageable.

Portable Oxygen Tank Overview

Portable Oxygen Concentrator Overview

Conclusion

Oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks are two different sides of the same coin. They’re both designed to provide medical-grade oxygen for people with COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other chronic lung diseases, but they each provide different pros and cons. Oxygen tanks are usually sufficient for someone who doesn’t want to leave the house or move around too much, but portable oxygen concentrators are best for those who want to get outside, travel, and visit friends and family. In the long-term, oxygen concentrators are also much cheaper and more reliable than their counterpart.

The first step in choosing an oxygen concentrator is to ensure that it meets your oxygen needs. Once you’ve done that, you can narrow down your options based on your preferences such as weight, size, battery life, and additional features. If you reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical, we will walk you through every step of the process so that you end up with a device that helps you achieve your short- and long-term goals. If you’re looking for a portable oxygen concentrator in Denver, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email today to get started.

Here at LPT Medical, we’ve always taken pride in offering respiratory patients the resources they need to make educated decisions about their condition. With all the misinformation that’s out there on the web, it’s been our top priority to provide detailed, transparent, and factual information about issues that affect you the most such as oxygen therapy, diet, and exercise. 

Rather than discussing untested alternative therapies or drastic lifestyle changes, we focus on practical solutions that are backed by decades of scientific studies. We also like to stress the importance of having open lines of communication with your doctor and pulmonologist, because ultimately, he/she understands the complexities of the disease you face better than anyone.

Given the current circumstances regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we understand if you’re skeptical of any information that you read on the internet. In times like these, people often rush to disseminate information without taking the time to first verify its validity. To counter this, we’re going to stick to a topic that we know and love — portable oxygen concentrators.

If you’re stuck at home due to the coronavirus lockdowns, you may be wondering what use you’d have with a “portable” oxygen concentrator. After all, these oxygen machines were designed for people who want to get out of their house and get moving. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t a great option for people with a sedentary lifestyle as well. Read on to learn more and be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page if you want to speak with a respiratory specialist.

What is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a device that takes ambient air, removes nitrogen, argon, and other impurities, and puts out high-grade medical oxygen. Until recently, all oxygen concentrators were immobile and they had to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to operate. This wasn’t ideal, because many oxygen patients felt restricted in what they could do and accomplish in their day-to-day life.

In the early 2000s, oxygen concentrators began to be replaced by lightweight portable oxygen concentrators. Rather than running off of a wall outlet, these new oxygen machines had batteries that could be charged and replaced, making it easier than ever for oxygen patients to get out of the house with the comfort of having access to high-grade medical oxygen wherever they went. While these new oxygen generators had many benefits over their counterparts, home oxygen concentrators remain popular to this day.

There are two different types of portable oxygen concentrators on the market: continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators and pulse dose (pulse flow) portable oxygen concentrators. A pulse dose unit conserves power by only administering oxygen when the user inhales and a continuous flow unit puts out a constant stream of oxygen. Because they have to filter more air, continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators tend to be a lot larger and bulkier. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons portable oxygen concentrators are often the best option for in-home oxygen therapy.

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1.) You Can Navigate Your Home More Easily

Although portable oxygen concentrators are designed for people who want to get out of the house, people often forget that they’re also a great option for anyone who wants to navigate their home more easily as well. From doing chores to cooking dinner and performing your daily pulmonary exercise routine, it’s imperative that COPD patients stay as active as possible.

First and foremost, portable oxygen concentrators are the lightest oxygen devices on the market. Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators usually weigh under 6 pounds which is light enough to sling over your shoulder and carry with you wherever you go without suffering back pain or fatigue. The Inogen One G5, for example, weighs in at just 4.7 pounds and it still has a higher oxygen output than most POCs on the market. 

On the other hand, people who use an oxygen tank or home oxygen concentrator find that there’s a lot to be desired. When it comes to compressed oxygen, the size of the unit directly correlates to the amount of oxygen you’ll have access to. This is because oxygen can only be compressed to a certain pound-force per square inch (psi) before it becomes too dangerous to use. Home oxygen concentrators will provide you with an infinite supply of oxygen, but they need to be plugged into an electrical outlet at all times, meaning they’re not ideal for someone who wants to navigate their home more easily.  

2.) They’re Safer Than Their Alternatives

Safety should be a top priority when handling oxygen. Although oxygen is an essential gas that we depend on every day for our survival, it also has a lot of risks associated with it when it’s not handled properly. Contrary to popular belief, oxygen is not a flammable gas, but it is what’s called an oxidizer. This means that anything that oxygen is exposed to, it becomes more flammable. In other words, a fire that’s exposed to high levels of oxygen will burn more easily than a fire that is not exposed to high levels of oxygen.

The problem with compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, and home oxygen concentrators is that they all use continuous flow oxygen delivery. If you happen to drop your nasal cannula and leave it there, you could be putting yourself and loved ones in danger. However, the pulse dose technology that’s used in many portable oxygen concentrators cuts off the oxygen supply if no breath is detected. While this is implemented in order to save battery life, it also acts as a safety mechanism.

With everything that’s going on in the world right now, it’s imperative that you feel safe within your own home. You likely already spend a lot of time disinfecting your home and following all other coronavirus prevention protocol, so having a safe oxygen concentrator will give you one less thing to worry about during these uncertain times. 

3.) They’re More Affordable Than Their Alternatives

Unfortunately, many people will invest in a home oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank with the assumption that it’s the cheapest option available to them. But when you take into consideration both upfront and long-term costs, you’ll find that portable oxygen concentrators can be as cost-effective if not more so than their counterparts.

Oxygen tanks are appealing to many oxygen users because of their low upfront cost. You can purchase an oxygen tank for several hundred dollars, but this doesn’t take into account the costs that will be incurred over the next several months and years. If you want to refill your own oxygen tanks, you’ll need to buy what’s called a “home fill station.” These will run you several thousand dollars, not to mention they take up a lot of space. Alternatively, if you choose to have a professional refill your oxygen tanks, you’ll likely incur hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in service costs.

When you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll eliminate the majority of these long-term costs. These machines are designed to be energy efficient and they’re made of durable components that will last for years to come without needing to be replaced. In fact, most POCs on the market are designed to last 5 years or more. In the event that you receive a defective unit, you’ll be happy to know that most POCs come with a 3-year warranty which can often be extended to 5-year or even a lifetime warranty.

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4.) They Offer More Choices for Patients

Life is all about choices, and the more choices we have, the more freedom we have. Unfortunately, home oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks don’t offer much in the way of options. While you will be able to choose between different brands, there isn’t a large degree of difference between the actual units themselves aside from quality and size.

Portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, offer plenty of options you can choose from, allowing you to pick something that matches your lifestyle. For example, you could purchase a POC like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort which provides you with an outstanding 1,050 ml/min of oxygen or if you want your POC to be as light as possible, you can buy the AirSep Focus which weighs in at only 1.75 pounds! 

Another freedom you’ll enjoy with portable oxygen concentrators is the wide range of accessories that’s available for them. Most POCs are released with accessories such as carrying bags, backpacks, rolling carts, battery packs, and external battery charges, all of which enable you to customize and improve your oxygen experience.

5.) Many POCs Offer Telehealth Services

Telehealth is a fairly new concept, but it’s one that’s shaping the future of healthcare. In fact, in the wake of the novel coronavirus, the need for telehealth services has seen a sharp increase due to the fact that more people are staying home, and people with chronic conditions like COPD want to have access to health services without leaving the home. According to a survey by Black Book Market Research, 59 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to use telehealth services given the current circumstances; 33 percent even said they would leave their current physician for one who supports it.

It may surprise you to know that portable oxygen concentrators are paving the way for telehealth technology in many ways. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort, for example, comes equipped with a program called CAIREview™. Essentially, what this does is provides a cost-effective oxygen usage tracking solution for anyone who owns this travel oxygen concentrator. When you want to learn about your oxygen usage, simply download the app on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. You can even have information sent directly to your pulmonologist.

Another example of telehealth services is the Inogen Connect app for the Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrators. This application is similar to the CAIREview™ but it provides some additional functionality. For example, you’ll receive system updates for your G4 and G5 that can fix glitches in the system. You can also receive special discounts and coupons directly from Inogen. The best part of all is that it’s 100 percent free to download and use.

Last but certainly not least, we offer a free Thrive ePulmonary Advanced workshop FREE with the purchase of any portable oxygen concentrator. This is one of the most reputable and trusted online learning programs and you can experience its full benefits without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. The program includes the following:

• Step-by-step breathing exercises
• Online e-books and respiratory guides
• Access to private support groups
• Access to medical professionals including pulmonologists and respiratory therapists
• Learn skills to help slow the progression of your disease
  
  
  
  

There’s no understating the importance of telehealth services during uncertain times like these. By investing in a portable oxygen concentrator rather than another type of oxygen therapy, you’ll be more connected than ever before despite not being able to leave your home. As a COPD patient, you’ll be able to closely track your oxygen usage and have that information sent directly for your pulmonologist to interpret it.

6.) They’re Great for 24/7 Use

In certain situations, patients may be required to use supplemental oxygen while they sleep. This is more common in people with severe COPD or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the airways are blocked off during sleep. When this happens, you will need a reliable source of medical oxygen that’s designed for 24/7 use. Most portable oxygen concentrators support nighttime use and POCs like the Inogen One G5 even have a special Sleep Mode Technology that will help deliver precise oxygen boluses while you sleep.

One thing to note about sleeping with oxygen is that pulse dose concentrators are NOT compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines. The reason for this is because pulse dose concentrators need to be able to detect your breathing to a tee in order to deliver oxygen at the right time. Unfortunately, CPAP and BiPAP machines interfere with this process so you’ll need to use a continuous flow oxygen machine. Home oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks will work well with your CPAP machine, but continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators will be the ideal choice.

7.) They’re the Best Long-Term Option 

Truthfully, the coronavirus lockdown isn’t something we’re going to have to deal with forever. In fact, many states are already talking about ways to reopen their economies and allow people to safely reintegrate into public areas. While it will likely be some time before COPD patients will want to get back out into the world, it’s in your best interest to be prepared for when it does happen.

One thing you’ll probably want to do once the time comes is to start traveling again and in which case, you’re going to want to have a portable oxygen concentrator rather than a bulky oxygen tank. POCs are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use both inside and outside of the United States. They’re also approved by most cruise lines along with other types of transportation.

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Conclusion

The last couple of months have been very challenging for many people, especially those with chronic conditions that put them at a higher risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Many COPD patients, in particular, are concerned about how they will continue to receive the medical help they need despite not being able to visit their doctor. Fortunately, things like telehealth services are available that can make this a little easier. 

When it comes to choosing a medical oxygen device, there are plenty of great options, but we strongly believe portable oxygen concentrators offer the greatest short- and long-term benefits without breaking the bank. If you’d like to learn more about the POCs we have to offer, please fill out the contact form at the side of the page and one of our respiratory specialists will reach out to you as soon as possible.