The past several months have been challenging for many people across the world. With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), most of us are filled with uncertainty about our health and financial well-being. While many people have lost their jobs, older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions like COPD or diabetes, have had to drastically adjust their lifestyle to avoid getting sick.

Last week, we told you seven things that COPD patients need to know about COVID-19. This guide is a great place to start if you want to know the best way to deal with the coronavirus as a COPD patient. In it, you’ll find information about what exactly the new virus is and why it’s so important for respiratory patients to take extra precautions when it comes to social distancing, sanitation, and sheltering in place.

One important point we discussed in this article was staying active. Despite most of us being in our homes all day and night, exercise remains a key part of treating respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need to get out of your house in order to exercise effectively. 

In this post, we’ll take a look at six tips you should know before exercising at home. While these can act as guidelines to get you started, it’s strongly recommended that you first speak with your doctor or pulmonologist to learn what exercise routines are best for you. In the meantime, if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section at the bottom of the page or fill out the contact form at the side of the page.

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Practice Good Posture

Good posture is paramount not only for exercising, but for managing COPD symptoms in general. Posture simply means the way that you hold and carry your body throughout the day. Someone with bad posture may experience back pain, fatigue, or other adverse symptoms, while someone with good posture will avoid any unnecessary and excessive strain on their body.

As we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a good posture. When we become weaker, we begin to reinforce bad habits that we’ve developed over the course of our life, so late adulthood is a great time to reevaluate the way we sit, stand, and even walk. According to this Harvard report, poor posture can lead to muscle weakness, spasms, and put stress on your neck and lower back. Over time, it can even impair your ability to exercise which is the very goal you’re trying to accomplish in the first place.

Fixing a bad posture is something that you’ll have to actively work at and it’s not something you can necessarily fix overnight. However, by taking things one step at a time, you’ll be able to reverse bad habits that you’ve developed over the course of your life.

Forward Neck 

The first sign of incorrect posture is a forward neck. This happens when someone pushes their head and neck forward away from their center of gravity and usually develops in people who use their computer frequently. This also occurs more commonly in people who are hard of hearing because they find themselves leaning forward to hear a sound more acutely.

The key to fixing a forward neck posture is to strengthen your upper thoracic extensors. These are the muscles that help keep your head aligned with your shoulders. One way to do this is with chin tucks. Each morning you wake up, roll your shoulders back and drop them. Then press your chin gently backwards. Repeat this several times a day and you’ll notice your neck muscles getting stronger.

Another way to fix this posture is to change the way you sit at a desk. If you use a computer or laptop frequently, try raising it up so that it’s at eye level. If it’s below eye level, you may be tempted to bend over to view the screen. You can also try using a standing desk or using a chair that has support all the way up your back. 

Postural Kyphosis

Also known as a “hunched” back, postural kyphosis is a leading cause of back pain, stress, and most relevant to COPD patients, breathing difficulties. While so many people struggle with a hunched back, it's very unnatural for our bodies to be in this position. It causes an enormous amount of stress in the spine, pinches nerves in the back, and compresses the lungs preventing us from getting a full breath.

One simple way to fix this is to stand with your back against the wall. Ensure that your heels are as close to the wall as possible and hold your head up straight looking forward. Drop your shoulders and let them roll backward. You should feel your spine center and start to rest in a more natural position. If you notice your back starting to slouch throughout the day, practice this exercise to reset your posture.

Standing and Walking Posture

Unfortunately, the aforementioned tips won’t do you much good if you don’t apply them to the way you stand and walk as well. As we age, standing and walking can become difficult enough as it is due to conditions like osteoporosis or muscle weakness, so a poor posture will only make this more difficult. In general, the same rules apply as when you’re sitting like a straight back and your head being aligned over your shoulders, however, there are some additional points to take note of.

First and foremost, you should be using decent shoes that have good arch support and shock absorption. Tennis shoes are typically the best option but other types of shoes are an option if they follow these guidelines. Another way to ensure you have a great posture while walking is to act like there are balloons attached to your head and chest while your shoulders are able to drop backwards freely. This may feel awkward at first, but eventually you’ll develop a natural way of doing it.

Another way people develop poor posture while walking is if they carry heavy objects like backpacks, purses, or oxygen concentrators. While it’s recommended that older adults avoid carrying heavy objects, if you need to, make sure you’re doing it properly. If you use a backpack, make sure the straps are pulled tight enough that the majority of the weight is held as closely to your back as possible. Doing so will ensure that you don’t experience any unnecessary back strain.

If you’re a COPD patient who needs to carry oxygen with you while you’re out and about, it’s best to find a carrying method that won’t hurt your back. Portable oxygen tanks can weigh over 8 pounds and continuous flow oxygen concentrators can weigh over 15 pounds, so generally you’ll need to use a rolling cart or carry them in a specially designed backpack. Pulse dose oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, are much lighter (under 5 pounds) and can be carried on one shoulder without ruining your posture. Check out this great guide for finding the best portable oxygen concentrator for seniors or fill out the contact form at the side of the page and we’ll get back with you.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Once you’ve fixed your posture, practicing breathing exercises is a great next step towards staying active during the pandemic. As a COPD patient, breathing correctly is very important, and not unlike posture, it is possible to develop bad breathing habits throughout your life. We’ve discussed this topic in depth in a previous post, but if you want a condensed version, we’ll cover it here.

One of the biggest problems COPD patients face is something called “shallow” or “chest” breathing. This is a type of breathing that is primarily done through the use of intercostal muscles the muscles found in between your rib cage. This is a problem because it limits your air intake and it can be painful or difficult for someone with a chronic lung disease because it emphasizes the use of chest muscles which are often weak in these patients.

Alternatively, COPD patients should practice what’s called “deep” or “diaphragmatic” breathing. As opposed to using chest muscles, this type of breathing uses the sheet of muscle below the lungs called the diaphragm. Learning to master this type of breathing can be difficult, but it’s well worth it for someone who wants to breath more comfortably and freely.

Pursed Lips Breathing

Pursed lips breathing is a breathing exercise that’s used to make your breaths slower and more intentional. It’s also designed to give you more control which is ideal for people who want to improve their athletic performance or cope more effectively with respiratory ailments like cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

To practice pursed lips breathing, lie on your back or sit with your back straight. Drop your shoulders and try to eliminate tension within the body as much as possible. Inhale through your nose for 2 seconds letting your lungs fill with air. Then, purse your lips and blow out slowly for about 4 seconds. Continue to practice this exercise several times each day.

While this may seem like a rather simple and ineffective breathing exercise, studies have shown that it can significantly improve exercise tolerance, arterial oxygen, and breathing patterns, especially in those with declining lung function. This study even found that pursed lip breathing can reduce dynamic hyperinflation in patients with low peak expiratory flow (PEF). Another reason to practice pursed lips breathing is that it can calm your nerves and make you more relaxed. This can help relieve stress and anxiety which are common among COPD patients. 

Coordinated Breathing

Breathing is part of what’s called the autonomic nervous system. What this means is that it’s a function that your body does without you having to think about it. Your heart rate, blinking, and your breathing rate are all controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Coordinated breathing refers to breathing that you consciously try to control while you’re exercising.

Whenever you lift a heavy object or do some type of strenuous exercise, you may notice that you tend to hold your breath for a second or two or otherwise alter your breathing in some way. While this may be harmless to some people, to someone with COPD, it could cause a significant amount of tension and stress to build up in the chest.

If you’re lifting a dumbbell or some other type of weight, for example, inhale slowly before lifting the weight and start exhaling as you lift the weight. Once you start lowering the weight back down, you can inhale again. This is not only done to help you get a rhythm going and prevent tension in the chest, but it can also improve the strength you gain from the training exercise. Once you master this technique, you’ll also notice that it allows you to recover more quickly from a workout so that you can get back to it the next day.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

The diaphragm is a very important muscle in the body. Unfortunately, many people develop bad habits throughout their life that prevent them from using this muscle effectively. If this happens, it’s imperative that you retrain your body to breathe in the most efficient and healthy way possible. This is even more imperative for COPD patients who frequently suffer from muscle atrophy (muscle wasting). Try the following to practice diaphragmatic breathing:

• Lie down on your back on the floor or on a bed. Relax your shoulders and put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
• Inhale for 2 seconds through your nose. If you’re doing the exercise correctly, you should feel your stomach moving more than your chest.
• Slowly exhale with pursed lips and feel your stomach move back downward. Repeat this each day to improve the strength and coordination of your diaphragm.

Practice Endurance Improving Exercises

Lung function is a huge factor in determining your overall endurance. Many COPD patients are unable to run or walk long distances because of problems like low forced expiratory volume (FEV) and total lung capacity. However, by taking the time to create a plan for improving your overall endurance, you’ll be able to do more without adding to symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Typically, pulmonary lung function tests are done in your doctor or pulmonologists office. During this appointment, he/she will perform a number of tests including spirometry, plethysmography, or diffusion capacity tests and gather data about your lung function. Once this is done, your doctor will help you interpret the results and set you up with an exercise plan that best fits your needs. What’s more, you may even be able to track your progress at home using a lung function testing device provided by your doctor. In this case, you’ll be able to track your progress more easily and without having to leave your home.

Aerobic exercise or “cardio” exercise is what you will need to do in order to improve your endurance and lung function as a COPD patient. This includes things like walking, running, hiking, or any other type of activity that gets you moving. Don’t worry though, you won’t have to perform high-intensity exercises to experience the benefits. In fact, many patients are advised not to exercise too much if it will increase your likelihood of experiencing an exacerbation.

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Walking

Walking is one of the most basic forms of aerobic exercise. And although it likely won’t raise your heart rate too much, it will do enough for you to see noticeable improvement if you stay consistent. When the weather is nice, it’s best to do some walking outside in a park or open space with clean air. However, due to current circumstances with COVID-19, it’s important to follow all your local regulations and wear a face mask. Use this guide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to wear a face covering correctly.

If you feel unsafe walking outdoors either due to the virus or the weather, there are plenty of options for walking indoors as well. Some COPD patients enjoy walking up and down the stairs for added exercise but you can also use a treadmill which makes it very easy to track how far you’re walking. If you want, you can even purchase a device like a Fitbit which will track exactly how many steps you’re taking in a day and help you set long-term goals that are more achievable. 

Stationary Bike

Stationary bikes are another great option for at-home endurance training. They’re especially great for COPD patients because they allow you to do something a little more interesting than simply walking and it also works different muscle groups like the hamstrings, quadriceps, and the soleus and gastrocnemius in the calves. You also don’t have to deal with things like balance or the threat of falling over and getting hurt while on a stationary bike.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a long-standing Chinese martial arts tradition. While it’s been used for many purposes over the years, it’s commonly used by older adults and seniors as a form of exercise and meditation. We wrote a whole post on Tai Chi and it’s benefits, so check it out if you’re interested in learning more.

One of the main benefits of Tai Chi for people with lung conditions is that it allows you to tone your muscles, practice good posture and breathing, improve your endurance, and put your mind at ease all with one exercise. Tai Chi doesn’t involve fast-paced movements like other types of martial arts and it’s easy for beginners to jump into and start learning right away. According to COPD News Today, Tai Chi is an accessible, low-cost alternative to pulmonary rehabilitation.

Learn Strength Training Exercises

As aforementioned, muscle atrophy is a common occurrence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic lung conditions. According to this official publication, 40 percent of patients experience limited exercise capacity due to skeletal muscle loss in addition to pulmonary issues. This is often amplified by issues like oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, malnutrition, and hypoxemia.

What this means for those with COPD is that it’s extremely important to not only focus on improving your strength and working each muscle group, but you also don’t want to be losing more weight than you’re putting on. On the other hand, you don’t want to be overweight either because this can lead to problems like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and increase dyspnea (shortness of breath).

Much like endurance exercises, the strength training exercises you do don’t need to be high intensity. The consistency of your efforts is what will make the difference at the end of the day. 

Weight Lifting

Resistance exercises are a key part of any COPD exercise program. Many patients may be intimidated by the thought of performing strength training with a chronic lung condition, but they should only be done under controlled conditions advised by your doctor. Since muscle atrophy can occur anywhere in the body, a full-body exercise routine is likely to benefit you most rather than one that targets a specific muscle group.

One concern many people will likely have is finding the right equipment to perform strength training while at home. If you normally have a gym, you probably don’t have weight machines around your home that you can use. In this case, you’ll have to use a mix of free weights, elastic resistance training, and body weight exercises. While not a lot is known about what exercises are most beneficial for COPD patients, Tom Storer, Ph. D. and former member of the Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation (PERF) board of directors, has put together a great guide for COPD patients interested in strength training.

Use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

No matter what type of exercises you’re doing at home, one thing that can make your life a lot easier is the type of oxygen therapy device you’re using. A large portion of COPD patients are on oxygen 24/7 making it ineffective and difficult or near impossible to stay active. Luckily, there are alternatives to heavy and clunky oxygen tanks. Portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 are lightweight, small, and easy to use, even when you’re up and moving around the house.

The G5 weighs in at just 4.7 pounds and it’s the size of a small handbag. This means you’ll be able to practice all the at-home exercise we mentioned previously without feeling restricted or confined to one space. Portable oxygen concentrators run on batteries and the G5 offers up to 13 hours of freedom on one charge. What this means is that you’ll be able to move around the house freely without your device being plugged into the wall or without long oxygen tubing that could be a tripping hazard.

Despite portable oxygen concentrators being easier to use, they are less expensive than alternatives like compressed oxygen and liquid oxygen. And since these are difficult financial times for many Americans, it’s best to have a long-term plan for managing your COPD symptoms. When compared side-by-side with there are far less costs associated with portable oxygen concentrators. While oxygen tanks need to be refilled regularly, POCs, will run for 5 to 7 years without needing any additional financial investments.

Last but certainly not least, portable oxygen concentrators are much safer than oxygen tanks. While concentrators remove oxygen from ambient air, oxygen tanks store oxygen at high pressures. This makes them significantly more prone to explosions or other safety issues. Portable oxygen concentrators also use pulse dose technology which only delivers oxygen when a breath is detected. If you happen to drop your nasal cannula, the flow of oxygen will stop, reducing the likelihood of a fire.

At Home Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to educate COPD patients about their lungs and train them on proper techniques for exercising safely and effectively. Under normal circumstances, you would visit a specialist who will walk you through everything you need to know, but with the coronavirus being a clear and present danger, most pulmonologists will advise against in-person pulmonary rehab programs — fortunately, there are alternatives. 

Thrive ePulmonary Learning is a fully online disease management course designed to help COPD patients understand their condition and implement proven breathing and exercise techniques that can reduce symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing. By joining, you’ll have access to the following:

• One-on-one instruction from registered respiratory therapists, nutritionists, and counselors
• Exclusive access to your own support

Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are different from continuous-flow concentrators in that they detect when you inhale and deliver a bolus dose of oxygen on-demand. Concentrators with pulse-flow technology are intuitive and responsive by automatically adjusting the amount of oxygen they deliver based on your breathing rate.

Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are small, lightweight, and run on battery power. They tend to weigh less than 8 pounds and come with over-the-shoulder carrying cases to make them comfortable to wear as you go about daily activities.

In this article we will introduce you to the top four portable oxygen concentrators on the market and look at what makes each one unique. We'll help you compare the most important features that you look for in a portable concentrator, including:

• Size and weight
• Battery life
• Oxygen output
• Available accessories
• Comfort features
• And more!

The portable oxygen concentrators reviewed in this article are listed in no particular order. Let's get started by looking at the powerful and long-lasting Inogen One G3.

Inogen One G3

The Inogen One G3 is one of the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, and it certainly has the features to back up it's reputation. It is a preferred choice because of its compact size, its uniquely responsive pulse flow technology, and its powerful battery.

Features Included in the Inogen One G3

Compared to previous models, the Inogen One G3 has a longer battery life and is lighter than ever. Its compact size makes it ideal to carry for easier breathing and comfort wherever you go.

The G3's sleek, lightweight design paired with a comfortable carrying case allows you to feel free to be active at home or away. It's so small and discrete that you won't feel like you're lugging around medical equipment as you go about your day.

Superior Oxygen Output

Oxygen output is always the first thing you should consider when shopping for the best portable oxygen concentrator, and the Inogen One G3 has that feature well covered. This oxygen concentrator offers pulse settings 1-5, which covers a wide range of patient needs.

Having five settings means the Inogen One G3 is extremely versatile. If you end up needing a higher flow rate you can simply adjust your pulse setting instead of having to buy a completely new portable concentrator.

The Inogen One G3 also adapts in real-time to your breaths per minute. During increased activity the G3 stays efficient by reducing the amount of oxygen it delivers with each pulse, and, alternatively, increases the amount of oxygen per pulse when your breathing rate decreases (such as during rest or sleep.)

High-Power Battery Options

With the Inogen One G3, you can choose from two different batteries: the powerful 16-cell battery or the lighter 8-cell battery.

8-Cell Battery:

If you're going for a smaller, lighter option, the 8-cell battery is the way to go, weighing only 4.8 pounds together with the portable concentrator. At pulse setting 2, this smaller battery will last about 4 hours before needing another charge. It takes up to 5 hours to recharge the battery, although some users report it takes even less.

Estimated 8-Cell Battery Life at Each Flow Rate:

• Flow rate 1: Up to 4.5 hours
• Flow rate 2: Up to 4.0 hours
• Flow rate 3: Up to 3.0 hours
• Flow rate 4: Up to 2.0 hours
• Flow rate 5: Up to 1.7 hours

16-Cell Double Battery:

If battery life is more important to you than weight, then you should consider the 16-cell battery. A single full charge will last you about 8.5 hours at pulse setting 2, and the extra battery cells increase the weight by an extra pound, bringing the concentrator's total weight to 5.8 lbs. This battery takes up to 8 hours to recharge.

Estimated 16-Cell Battery Life at Each Flow Rate:

• Flow rate 1: Up to 9.5 hours
• Flow rate 2: Up to 8.5 hours
• Flow rate 3: Up to 6.0 hours
• Flow rate 4: Up to 4.0 hours
• Flow rate 5: Up to 3.3 hours

Innovative Oxygen Delivery Technology

The Inogen One G3's Intelligent Delivery Technology detects your breathing more quickly and seamlessly than most other portable concentrators. It detects inspiration immediately and delivers a pulse of oxygen no later than 400 milliseconds after you begin to inhale.

Effectively, the Intelligent Delivery Technology utilized by the Inogen One G3 allows you to have the immediate oxygen access that continuous flow concentrators give you along with the added benefits of pulse-flow technology.

This means better comfort, because you will get a burst of oxygen right when you breathe in without the delay that some concentrators have. This quick detection makes it even more effective at delivering oxygen to the lungs and makes sure you get your full dose of oxygen with every breath.

The Inogen One G3's oxygen delivery system isn't just fast, but extra sensitive as well. It has no problem detecting even the most shallow breaths when you sleep.

Its smart technology also tracks your breath rate, responding to changes in your breaths-per-minute and adjusting the amount of oxygen it delivers accordingly. That way, when your breath rate decreases at night, the Inogen One G3 automatically adjusts the size of your dose (often referred to as the “bolus”) to make sure you're getting an adequate amount of oxygen.

It can even detect breaths when you inhale through your mouth, making it a perfect choice for around-the-clock use unlike some other pulse flow concentrators.

Simple, Easy Maintenance

The Inogen G3 is a very low-hassle machine. The only maintenance you should have to perform on it regularly is to change or clean out the filters weekly.

Fortunately, cleaning the filters in an Inogen One G3 is easy to do, and shouldn't take you more than a few minutes. It's a simple 3 step process:

• Turn off the machine and remove the two filters, one from each side
• Rinse out each filter with warm water and mild soap
• Leave both filters out to air-dry

Once the filters have dried out completely, your weekly maintenance is done! Just pop them back into your Inogen One G3 concentrator and it's immediately ready to use.

For long-term maintenance, the G3 simply needs its sieve beds replaced once every couple years, or more often if you use it heavily. But, luckily, the Inogen One G3 has made it as convenient as possible with removable and replaceable sieve beds that take minimal time and effort to change out.

Items Included in the Inogen One G3 Package

• Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• 1x 8-Cell Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supplies
• Custom Carrying Case
• Filters
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year warranty

Inogen One G3 Available Accessories

• 8-Cell Battery
• 16-Cell Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• External Battery Charger
• Custom Carrying Case
• Custom Backpack
• Filters

Product Specs for the Inogen One G3

• Weight: 4.8 lbs with 8 cell battery, 5.8 lbs with 16 cell battery
• Dimensions: 8.75 inches high, 7.25 inches long, 3 inches wide
• Flow Rate: Pulse flow settings 1-5
• Battery Life: Up to 4 hours with 8 cell battery, Up to 8 hours with 16 cell battery
• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 11-16 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

Why the Inogen One G3 is One of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators

The Inogen One G3 delivers more oxygen per pound than almost any other oxygen concentrator and comes with a variety of pulse settings and accessories. It's not the newest model in the Inogen One series, but it still remains one of the best options on the market because of its reputation and reliability.

The double battery for the Inogen One G3 has an impressive battery life, with up to 8 hours of use per charge. Maintenance and upkeep takes minimal time and cost, making it one of the easiest and most convenient oxygen concentrators to own.

If you're looking for a powerful yet lightweight pulse-flow oxygen concentrator, you're not going to find anything much better than the Inogen One G3. Its strong track record has earned it a large fan base and a well-deserved space at the top of best selling lists everywhere.

The Inogen One G4

The newest product in the Inogen One series, the Inogen One G4 meets the same standards of convenience and quality as its predecessors. It weighs less than three pounds and offers three pulse flow settings: settings 1-3.

It has a similar feature set to the G3, but in a smaller, lighter package.

Features Included in the Inogen One G4

With its sleek look, small size, and impressive feature set, the Inogen One G4 is quickly becoming one of the most popular oxygen concentrators in its class. Its unique features include its extremely compact design, its high oxygen output, and its great battery life.

Small, Compact, and Portable Design

At only 2.8 pounds, the Inogen One G4 is one the tiniest and most powerful pulse flow oxygen concentrators on the market. It's less than 6 inches long, 7.2 inches high, and small enough to carry just about anywhere.

The G4 is so tiny you could slip it into a small bag or purse and is so lightweight you will hardly know it's there. To make wearing the G4 on the go even more comfortable, you can get a custom carrying case with an extra-padded strap.

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High Oxygen Output in a Small Package

Despite it's compact design, the Inogen One G4 doesn't lack in quality. It uses the same powerful Intelligent Delivery Technology as the G3, which ensures that you always get a full pulse of oxygen within milliseconds of inhaling.

Its three flow settings, settings 1-3, allow it to serve a range of oxygen patients' needs. This feature also gives you the flexibility to adjust your pulse flow during periods of worsened breathlessness if your doctor advises you to do so.

The Inogen One G4's high sensitivity for detecting shallow breathing during sleep makes it even a viable overnight oxygen choice for some patients and it's one of the best high flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

Great Battery Life

Like the G3, the Inogen One G4 has two battery size options: the single and double battery.

Single Battery:

The standard single battery lasts a little more than two hours on a charge, and together with the G4 oxygen concentrator weighs a total of 2.8 pounds. This is the more lightweight option.

Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate Using the Single Battery:

• Flow Rate 1: Up to 2.7 hours
• Flow Rate 2: Up to 2.25 hours
• Flow Rate 3: Up to 1.33 hours

Double Battery:

The double battery lasts about 4.5 hours on a single charge, and remains lightweight, having only an extra .5 pounds compared to the single battery. Together with the G3 concentrator, it weighs a total of 3.3 pounds.

Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate Using the Double Battery:

• Flow Rate 1: Up to 5.0 hours
• Flow Rate 2: Up to 4.5 hours
• Flow Rate 3: Up to 2.5 hours

Compared to other portable oxygen concentrators of such a small size, the G4 has a vastly superior battery life. The only other portable concentrator in it's class, the AirSep Focus, provides only 1.5 hours of battery life on one charge.

Items Included in the Inogen One G4 Package

• Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Single Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• Padded Shoulder Strap
• Filters
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Inogen One G4 Available Accessories

• Single Battery (4-Cell Battery)
• Double Battery (8-Cell Battery)
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• External Battery Charger
• Custom Carrying Case
• Shoulder Strap
• Filters

Product Specs for the Inogen One G4

• Weight: 2.8 lbs with single battery, 3.3 lbs with double battery
• Dimensions: 7.2 inches high, 2.86 inches wide, 5.96 inches long
• Flow Rate: Pulse flow settings 1-3
• Battery Life: up to 2 hours on single battery, up to 4.5 hours on double battery
• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 11-16 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 year warranty

Why the Inogen One G4 is one of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators

The Inogen One G4's best feature is its compact, lightweight design. Unlike some bulkier portable oxygen concentrators, the G4 doesn't feel like a burden, leaving you free to go about your active life without weighing you down.

The next best thing about the G4 is its customizability. With three flow settings and two battery options, the Inogen One G4 is one of the best choices for daily use, in or out of the house.

You can use the G4's standard single battery for light activity and adjust it's flow settings whenever the need arises. When you're away from home for longer, the double battery will allow you to depend on the portable concentrator for twice the amount of time.

Finally, the G4's Intelligent Delivery Technology gives you a reliable, nearly instant pulse of oxygen every time you inhale. It's versatility and sensitive pulse flow technology makes it one of the most powerful and comfortable pulse flow oxygen concentrators you can find.

The LifeChoice Activox 4L

Another great choice for a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator is the LifeChoice Activox 4L. It comes with a long-lasting built-in battery and, at less than 5 lbs in weight, is easy to wear on-the-go.

Patients who use the Activox 4L often choose it for its long battery life and versatile carrying case. With the ability to deliver more than 4 liters of oxygen per minute and adapt each oxygen pulse to your breathing rate, you'll have a hard time finding a more powerful and responsive portable concentrator.

Features Included in the  LifeChoice Activox 4L

The Lifechoice Activox 4L comes packed with 4 pulse flow settings and a battery life that puts most other portable oxygen concentrators to shame. Its small size and weight makes it easy to carry and it comes with a unique carrying case that allows you to adapt it to all kinds of activities and personal preferences.

Impressive Battery Life

Very few small, portable oxygen concentrators can beat the battery power of the  LifeChoice Activox 4L. On just one charge, the Activox 4L lasts up to a whopping 8.25 hours on pulse flow setting 2.

Unlike the Inogen One G3 and G4, the LifeChoice Activox 4L's battery is built in to the device, so you never have to worry about changing it out. But if you really want to supercharge the Actovox 4L's battery life, you can get an optional external battery that packs an extra 3.75 hours of power.

That means the LifeChoice Activox 4L can keep going for a total of up to 12 hours when paired with the external battery. That's an incredibly impressive battery life for such a small portable oxygen concentrator!

Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate:

• Flow Rate 1: up to 10.25 hours on internal battery, up to 15 hours when combined with external battery
• Flow Rate 2: up to 8.25 hours on internal battery, up to 12 hours when combined with external battery
• Flow Rate 3: up to 5 hours on internal battery, up to 7.75 hours when combined with external battery
• Flow Rate 4: up to 4 hours on internal battery, up to 6.25 hours when combined with external battery

Convenient and Versatile Carrying Case

One of the  LifeChoice Activox 4L's most beloved features is its comfortable and unique carrying case. Unlike typical single-strap cases that come with most portable oxygen concentrators, the Activox 4L carrying case has 4 straps that allow you to use the device hands-free or however is most comfortable for you.

The LifeChoice Activox 4L carrying case allows you to wear it in four different ways:

• Over the shoulder (like a traditional carrying case)
• Backpack style
• Strapped around your waist
• Briefcase style

Patients with the LifeChoice Activox 4L find that its carrying case makes all the difference when it comes to convenience in daily activities. No matter where you go, your versatile Activox 4L carrying case can be adjusted to stay comfortable and out of your way.

Perfect for Round-the-Clock Everyday Use

The LifeChoice Activox 4L comes fully equipped with adaptable pulse flow technology that includes a sleep mode for nighttime use. That paired with its unmatched battery life makes it one of the best portable concentrator for any occasion, day or night.

The Activox 4L can deliver up to 4 liters of oxygen per minute, allowing it to serve a much wider range of oxygen needs than the original Activox, which supplied only 1-3 liters per minute. It also has a responsive Auto Mode feature built in that adapts the amount of oxygen it delivers based on your breathing pattern for maximum comfort.

In sleep mode, the Activox 4L keeps you covered by increasing its sensitivity by ten. This feature allows it to detect shallow breathing and even shallow mouth breaths while you rest.

Items Included in the LifeChoice Activox 4L Package

• LifeChoice Activox 4L Portable Concentrator
• Internal Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• 4-Way Strap System
• Accessory Bag
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

LifeChoice Activox 4L Available Accessories

• External Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• 4-Way Strap System
• Accessory Bag

Product Specs for the LifeChoice Activox 4L

• Weight: 4.8 lbs
• Dimensions: 7.8 inches high, 9 inches long, and 4.38 inches wide
• Flow Rate: Pulse Flow Settings 1-4
• Battery Life: Up to 8.25 hours on internal battery, up to 12 hours when combined with external battery
• Power: 100-245 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 11-16 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year limited warranty

Life has a tendency to throw some curveballs from time to time. Whether it be a simple change to our daily routine or something more serious like the coronavirus pandemic that we’re currently dealing with, it’s important to always stay on your feet and be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best.

If you’re a COPD patient, chances are, you spend a lot of time thinking about how you can improve your daily treatment regime and better prepare yourself for unexpected events in life. From an outsider's perspective, this may seem like an easy task, but if you’re someone who’s actually coping with chronic respiratory symptoms, you know it’s anything but that. 

One decision many respiratory patients will likely need to make at one point or another is whether or not to upgrade to a portable oxygen concentrator from some other oxygen device such as an oxygen tank or even a home oxygen concentrator. You’ve likely heard good things about portable oxygen concentrators, but you may be concerned about the cost and ensuring your oxygen needs are met.

In this post, we hope to settle a few of your doubts by providing you with 7 signs it’s time to upgrade your oxygen tank, liquid oxygen tank, or stationary oxygen concentrator to a portable oxygen concentrator. If you have any unanswered questions after reading this post, please fill out the contact form at the side of the page and our respiratory specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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You Feel That Your Freedom is Being Restricted

Potentially the most common reason people feel the need to upgrade to a portable oxygen concentrator is that they feel their freedom is being restricted. Simply put, if you’re relying on outdated technology for your supplemental oxygen therapy, you’re not going to be able to go as many places and do as many things as you would if you had the newest oxygen therapy machines like portable oxygen concentrators.

For starters, portable oxygen concentrators are battery operated devices. What this means is that you won’t have to refill them like you do with oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks, and you won’t have to keep them plugged into a wall outlet like stationary oxygen concentrators. Most modern POCs use lithium-ion batteries which are powerful and can power your device for hours on end without needing to be charged.

Mobile oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5, for example, can run for up to 13 hours on one charge. For most people, this is plenty of time to be out and about all day without ever having to worry about your oxygen supply. However, even patients who have higher oxygen needs can take extra batteries if they feel the need to.

Another way portable oxygen concentrators offer more freedom than other types of supplemental oxygen machines is that they are lighter and more compact. An average pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator weighs under 6 pounds which is light enough to carry on your shoulder or back without having any problems. In terms of size, most POCs are about the size of a lunch box, however, continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators tend to be bigger and bulkier.

Lastly, all portable oxygen concentrators are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in flight use. The FAA is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation that oversees commercial aviation regulations. The FAA has deemed portable oxygen concentrators safe for in-flight use because they are small, lightweight, and contain no pressurized oxygen. This means you’ll be able to fly all over the world without being denied access to a flight.

You Aren’t Achieving Your Full Potential

Everyone, no matter their age or physical ability, has goals and aspirations. Ultimately, in order to achieve these goals, you’ll need to be focused on what you’re trying to accomplish rather than your health and general well-being. Studies have shown that people with COPD and other chronic respiratory ailments tend to spend a significant amount of time thinking about their condition which can lead to depression and other mental health conditions.

One study found that, with COPD-related depression, patients experienced greater fatigue, shortness of breath, and COPD symptoms. Another study found that patients experiencing depression were 77% more likely to be hospitalized and 48% more likely to be sent to the emergency room due to COPD-related symptoms than their nondepressive counterparts.

The most important thing to draw from these studies is that COPD-related depression not only takes your focus away from your goals, but it can manifest itself physically through COPD symptoms. With a portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll have a reliable source of oxygen wherever you go which will keep your pulmonary condition stable and keep your COPD symptoms in check.

You Feel Financially Insecure

These are difficult financial times for many people across the world. Due to mandatory lockdown orders across the country as a result of the coronavirus, many businesses have been forced to shut their doors until further notice. Just in the last week alone, the Department of Labor reported that more than 3.28 million people have filed for unemployment insurance in the last week alone.

While we can’t possibly predict how long these issues will last, it’s safe to assume that it’s best to play it safe and begin working on a long-term financial plan for you and your family. In this plan, you should make sure you have enough money put aside for health-related expenses such as COPD checkups and emergency room visits.

While we by no means want you to immediately go out and buy a portable oxygen concentrator, it is something to consider if you’re concerned about your long-term financial well-being. Think of it this way, if you’re currently using an oxygen tank, you’re likely spending around $5 each time you need to refill it. In a year, this is about $1,825 which is about as much as a portable oxygen concentrator. However, portable oxygen concentrators last, on average 5 to 7 years while offering significantly more freedom than an oxygen tank. 

If you went an alternate route and refilled your own oxygen tanks, you would need to purchase a homefill oxygen station. These cost just as much or more than a portable oxygen concentrator, so when you put things into perspective, a portable oxygen concentrator is a much better option for long-term financial well-being. With that being said, it’s important to ensure you have enough financial stability to buy one in the first place. If not, LPT Medical has a lot of great financing options available to you. Simply get in touch with our respiratory specialists and we can go over the details.

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You Feel Unsafe With Your Oxygen Device

Let’s face it, supplemental oxygen devices are not safe to use by any means. Oxygen tanks have been used for many decades, but you’ve likely heard horror stories of them exploding or causing fires in peoples’ homes. One of the main reasons they’re so dangerous is that they contain pressurized oxygen. As such, they need to be handled very carefully if you don’t want them to be a threat to yourself or anyone around you. Another problem with compressed oxygen are leaks. Oxygen is what’s called an oxidizer. What this means is that anything it’s exposed to becomes more flammable.

All things considered, liquid oxygen tanks are not much better. While they don’t contain pressurized oxygen like normal oxygen tanks do, they do have the potential to expand if the equipment isn’t ventilated properly. What’s more, exposure to the cold temperatures required to keep oxygen in its liquid state can lead to severe burns and like compressed oxygen, there’s still a chance oxygen could be exposed to your surroundings.

Portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, do not have any of these safety concerns. Because POCs draw in ambient air and remove the oxygen, there is no compressed oxygen inside the unit. So, if you happen to drop it or bump it on accident, it won’t blow up or cause a leak. Another reason POCs are safer than oxygen tanks is because they only put out oxygen when they detect a breath. This is called pulse dose technology and all though it’s not intended as a safety mechanism, it can prevent oxygen from being exposed to surfaces unintentionally if you happen to drop your nasal cannula for some reason.

Last but not least, portable oxygen concentrators are safer simply due to their size and weight. Even portable oxygen tanks can weigh well over 8 pounds and they’re made of metal. If one of them happens to fall on you or a loved one it could pose a serious health risk. However, POCs have a very small form factor and they typically weigh under 5 pounds making them much easier to handle. Even if one does happen to fall on someone or bump into them, it likely won’t cause any harm.

You Want to Simplify Your Routine

While we don’t always like to admit it, life can be complicated sometimes. Between work life and home life, it can be difficult to balance things if you don’t have some sort of organized plan. Unfortunately, if you’re chronically ill and suffer from a condition like cancer, COPD, or diabetes you have one more thing to worry about. As a COPD patient, this could mean having to manage a strict diet, exercise routine, and most importantly your oxygen therapy routine.

Although you do need to juggle a lot as a COPD patient, that doesn’t mean each chore needs to be difficult. For example, you may be able to find a company that can deliver pre-cooked meals that contain all the nutrients you need each week. This way, all you need to do is simply heat them up and your meals are taken care of. 

If you want to simplify your oxygen therapy routine, you may choose to invest in a portable oxygen concentrator. Instead of having to refill your oxygen tank each day or carry an extra tank with you, a POC will allow you to go wherever you please knowing that you’ll always have access to high purity medical-grade oxygen. You can make your supplemental oxygen therapy even more convenient by doing your research and buying a POC that matches your needs and lifestyle.

Your Pulmonologist Recommends a Change

Another reason to invest in a portable oxygen machine is if your primary care physician or pulmonologist recommend a change. Due to the fact that portable oxygen concentrators offer the same medical-grade oxygen as tanks, most pulmonologists will no longer see a need for any other type of oxygen delivery device. The one time that you’ll likely need to use an oxygen tank is in the hospital after being admitted for a COPD exacerbation or some other health event. This is referred to as “high-flow short-term oxygen therapy” and it’s only advised under the supervision of a medical specialist.

If your doctor does recommend portable oxygen concentrators, it will likely be for the reasons we’ve discussed previously. Oxygen concentrators are much safer than oxygen tanks, they’re easier to operate especially when you’re out of the house, and they provide a more reliable source of oxygen. If you’re not sure what type of oxygen device your pulmonologist recommends, it may be worth it to reach out to him/her and ask. They may have something specific in mind that will best suit your wants and needs.

You Find a Great Deal

The final sign that it’s time to upgrade to a portable oxygen device is if you find a great deal on one. Unfortunately, when it comes to oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks, the prices are pretty standard and set in stone. This means you’re likely not going to be able to find a great deal on one even if you wait several months to a year.

Alternatively, you could opt for a portable oxygen concentrator which always have great deals running to help you save money. Here at LPT Medical, most of our portable oxygen concentrators come with a carrying case, AC and DC power adapter, a 3-year warranty, and access to Thrive ePulmonary workshop, an official COPD training course that provides you with helpful information for managing your disease as well as full 24/7 support from trusted medical professionals. We’re also happy to offer a lot of great portable oxygen concentrator sales on both new and refurbished units.

Conclusion

With the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial insecurity has become a major concern for many Americans. If you’re considering purchasing a new oxygen therapy device, it may be time for you to upgrade to a portable oxygen concentrator such as the new Inogen One G5, Caire FreeStyle Comfort, or Inogen One G4 which offer the same great benefits of an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank but they’re far lighter, smaller, and easier to use. Not to mention they last longer and are a more financially wise choice for long-term oxygen therapy.

We understand that choosing a portable oxygen concentrator is not easy by any means. There are many units on the market and you may have trouble determining which one fits your needs. That’s why our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical are always here to help. To get all your questions answered, simply fill out the contact form at the side of the page and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. What’s more, you can stay tuned to our blogs for more helpful tips on managing COPD and choosing an oxygen therapy device.

Many Americans have struggled to make decisions about their health and financial well-being, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Those financial decisions and insecurities have only been exaggerated in the past few years since the pandemic. If you are also an oxygen patient, saving money and taking advantage of treatment its crucial for survival AND the your financial well-being.

The COVID Pandemic has Continued to Contibute to Peoples Financial Stressors 

It is known now that the people who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus are older adults with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and COPD. The coronavirus is a “novel” virus meaning its new to the population, and even after a few years, we still haven’t built an immunity to it. What’s more, research has shown that severe cases of COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), both of which contribute to COPD exacerbations.

Despite the circumstances, it’s important to stay positive and follow the prevention guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization (WHO). The guidelines are as follows:

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into your arm or into a tissue rather than your hands
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick

In addition to the general COVID-19 prevention guidelines above, COPD patients should also take the following precautions:

• Continue to follow your COPD treatment plan including oxygen usage, pulmonary rehabilitation, and an improved diet (unless otherwise stated by your pulmonologist)
• Avoid any non-essential travel
• Clean and disinfect your home regularly especially doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, and oxygen equipment (a great guide for cleaning and maintaining oxygen equipment can be found here)

While there is no magic wand we can wave to get rid of the coronavirus. It is clear we will be living with this virus for years to come. As for the respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical, we’ll continue to do what we do best — provide respiratory patients with high-quality, affordable portable oxygen concentrators. 

If you have any doubts about whether or not portable oxygen concentrators are worth the investment during this time, read on as we discuss 5 ways POCs can help you save money. As usual, if you have any questions or you’d like to learn more about our plan to get oxygen concentrators in the hands of as many respiratory patients as possible, don’t hesitate to call us a 1+(800)-946-1201.

They’re Durable and Reliable

For all the talk about how technologically advanced and lightweight portable oxygen concentrators are, very little attention is given to their durability and reliability. Oftentimes, this works against them, because many people are turned off by the idea of paying a high upfront cost for their oxygen machine. As a result, people may turn to alternatives like oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks which only cost a couple hundred dollars upfront.

Unfortunately, as a COPD patient, this is the wrong way to approach this situation. The majority of COPD patients are on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) meaning they’re required to use oxygen every day in order to maintain pulmonary stability and reduce symptoms like breathlessness and chest pain. As such, these patients need oxygen equipment that can match this new lifestyle.

Not only are portable oxygen concentrators lighter and easier to carry wherever you go, but they’re much more durable than oxygen tanks as well. On an oxygen tank, the nozzle and other components are exposed so if they get bumped or knocked around while you’re walking it could lead to a leak or permanent damage to the unit. Many oxygen tanks store oxygen at up to 2,000 psi (pressure per square inch) Which makes them extremely dangerous to carry around as well.

Portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, contain no pressurized oxygen meaning there’s a lot less that can go wrong with them. What’s more, all of the components of a portable oxygen concentrator are contained within a hard outer shell that protects it from wear and tear.

There are also no components like a pressure valve or nozzle that stick out on a POC which could get caught on something and break. Even if you do drop your portable oxygen concentrator, you’re more likely to see damage to the outside of the unit rather than the internal components. 

The bottom line is that portable oxygen concentrators don’t break easily meaning you’re less likely to have to dish out hundreds of dollars for costly repairs or replacement parts. However, it’s still important to make sure you’re only buying from reputable brands like Inogen, Respironics, and AirSep in order to ensure that you’re always using a high-quality product.

They Offer Great Warranties

A warranty is an agreement that the manufacturer will replace or repair a unit within a given amount of time. The great news is that most reputable portable oxygen concentrator manufacturers out there offer — at the very least —  a 3-year warranty on their product and most of the time, you can upgrade it to a 5-year or lifetime warranty if you choose.

Many people worry about purchasing medical oxygen machines because they believe that if something goes wrong, the manufacturer won’t have their best interest in mind. However, the reason reputable oxygen manufacturers offer a 3-year warranty free of charge is because they know how reliable their machines really are and that they have a very low failure rate — otherwise, they would be losing money off the transaction. 

Three years is more than enough time for you to test out the unit fully and ensure that there are no manufacturing flaws or defects that prevent you from receiving the oxygen you need. The warranty will ensure that you’re financially covered in the event that the manufacturer made a mistake or you dropped your unit on accident.

To put this into perspective, if you purchased a portable oxygen concentrator like the Inogen One G5 which is predicted to last between 5 and 7 years, you’d be paying between $1 and  $1.31 per day for your oxygen use.

Compare this to the $5 to $8 a day that you’d spend refilling an oxygen tank and it’s not hard to see why portable oxygen concentrators are the better option. Even if you decide to purchase a home fill oxygen station to fill your own oxygen tanks, these alone cost as much or more than a portable oxygen concentrator.  

All things considered, the warranties that come with portable oxygen concentrators provide you with a safety net that oxygen tanks aren’t able to offer. Even if your concentrator stopped working immediately after your 3-year warranty ended, you would still be paying less than what you paid to use an oxygen tank!

Refurbished Concentrators are Cheaper

While we’ve already established that brand new portable oxygen concentrators are more affordable than other oxygen devices like oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks, if you’re still not convinced, there are always refurbished portable oxygen concentrators. These are similar to used portable oxygen concentrators, but they have been returned to the manufacturer in order to be cleaned and checked for defects.

One of the greatest things about buying a refurbished portable oxygen concentrator is that you may be receiving a unit with just days of use on it for hundreds or even thousands less than you’d pay for a brand new one. In other words, you may be getting a significant discount on a unit that has barely been used and will still last for many years to come.

The one thing to note about refurbished portable oxygen concentrators is that they’re not always available. Their availability is based on whether or not people are sending their concentrator back to the dealer so you may not find the exact concentrator you want. In this case, be sure to speak with a respiratory specialist and have them notify you when your preferred unit is in stock.

While we want you to find the best deal possible on your new portable oxygen concentrator, we strongly advise against jumping into anything that you’re not certain you’ll like. Unfortunately, there are a lot of unverified oxygen dealers out there that will try to offer you low-quality products that won’t meet your oxygen demands and could leave you hundreds of dollars in the hole. Always do your research on the company you’re buying from and the manufacturer of the product before purchasing anything.

They Reduce Medical Costs

One of the most significant benefits of portable oxygen concentrators and oxygen therapy, in general, is its ability to improve the long-term prognosis for COPD patients. While many patients believe that oxygen therapy simply “makes them feel better,” in the grand scheme of things, it does much more than that.

According to the Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy Trial of 1980 which studied 203 patients with hypoxemic chronic lung disease, the mortality of patients who used oxygen continuously was 52 percent of that in patients who only used oxygen at night. Another study done by the British Medical Research Council found that, over a five year period, COPD patients that used oxygen therapy had a 22 percent higher survival rate than those who did not. 

According to another study, one-quarter of all medical costs for COPD ($1.9 billion) went to hospital visits and inpatient physician services. A large portion of these costs was used to treat patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. What this means for you is that, not only will oxygen therapy improve your life expectancy, but it will also make you less likely to be admitted to the hospital for COPD exacerbations and other complications related to your illness.

According to Business Insider, the average in-patient hospital stay is around $10,000 for 5 days. If you take the figures we used above, that works out to about 7,633 days worth of oxygen therapy! In other words, investing in a portable oxygen concentrator now could save you from having to pay significantly higher prices in hospital visits later on. Not to mention the fact that going to the hospital takes you away from your family and your life at home which is something that nobody wants.

They Improve Productivity

Productivity is an important aspect of everyone’s life; young or old; sick or healthy. No matter whether you’re still working or you’ve already retired, it’s important that you’re still able to do things that you need to get done and at the same time, pursue your favorite hobbies and pastimes.    

Ultimately, having a portable oxygen concentrator will be the only way to achieve your full potential as an oxygen patient. Even if you’re just doing work from home, a POC will afford you the mobility you need to get around with ease. The problem with using a bulky oxygen tank or home oxygen concentrator around the house is that if you need to go to another room of the house, you’re going to need oxygen tubing that can reach that far. Not only will this restrict your mobility, but it can also be a tripping hazard for you and anyone else that’s in the home. 

Conclusion

These are difficult times for many people across the country, especially for those with chronic illnesses or those who have lost their job due to the coronavirus. 

With that being said, we still believe that portable oxygen concentrators are the most beneficial and cost-effective oxygen therapy device out there. You won’t have to hassle with refilling a tank constantly which can be time-consuming and costly.

Last but certainly not least, you can rest assured that the respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical will be fully available. Whether you’re looking into buying a portable oxygen concentrator or you just have concerns about using your device, our respiratory specialists are always available to talk.

It’s important to us that anyone and everyone who wants a portable oxygen concentrator has access to one, so we’re offering a lot of great deals to make that happen!

When you depend on supplemental oxygen to keep you well, a reliable portable oxygen concentrator is all but a necessity. Portable concentrators are uniquely useful because they turn regular, ambient air into concentrated medical grade oxygen for you to breathe.

That means there are no heavy, flammable tanks that need to be refilled or replaced. You'll have an unending supply of oxygen as long as long as you have battery power.

Portable concentrators can be life changing; they allow you to leave home, stay active, and go about all your daily tasks with convenience and ease. Many models even offer optional backup batteries so you can go out with confidence and use your portable concentrator even longer without interruption.

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Because your health and comfort depends on it, choosing a portable continuous flow oxygen concentrator that fits your needs and lifestyle is an important decision. That's why, in this article, we've provided you with information about the top four continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

We've included everything you need to know about their unique features, oxygen output, battery life, and more to help you make the best decision possible. Listed in no particular order, here are the top 4 portable continuous flow oxygen concentrators.

SeQual eQuinox

The SeQual eQuinox is one of the most advanced continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators you can find. It's one of the most popular units on the market because of its sophisticated features and extremely compact design.

SeQual eQuinox Features

A step above the Sequal Eclipse 5, the SeQual eQuinox is smaller, lighter and packs a lot of power. It is loved for its high oxygen output, great user interface, and convenient battery options.

At only 14 lbs, it's packed with options and features you won't find in any other continuous flow portable concentrator in its class. Now let's take a closer look at the eQuinox's strengths.

Sophisticated, Multi-Lingual Voice Interface

With the SeQual eQuinox, you'll never have to worry about low battery or malfunctions. The eQuinox has a convenient audible interface that will speak to you and alert you about any problems or changes with the device.

Instead of having to constantly look at the screen to check battery life and flow rate, you can rely on the eQuinox's voice alerts to keep you updated. It even uses a backup 9-volt battery to keep the alarm powered even if the main battery runs out.

However, if you prefer a silent device or need to quiet the device temporarily, you can always mute the alarms at any time.

Here are the different alarm features included in the SeQual eQuinox:

• Warnings about low battery life
• Warnings when oxygen purity is low
• Alerts you to unit malfunctions
• Tells you your flow rate setting when it's changed
• Multiple language options, including English, Spanish, French, and more (8 total!)

Hassle-Free Battery

One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator is how conveniently it will fit into your daily life and activities. Size and weight are some of the most obvious convenience factors, but the battery design plays a big part as well.

If you cannot easily change out new batteries, keeping your device charged will be a a pain. Luckily, the SeQual eQuinox features a front-loading battery to make switching out and recharging batteries as easy as possible.

You can remove the battery from the eQuinox oxygen concentrator while it's still in its cart with the simple push of a button. Then, to replace it, you simply push the new charged battery back into the slot and it will click right into place.

What's more, you can use the SeQual eQuinox's full functionality wherever you go, even while it's charging! Whether you're on battery power, charging through AC wall power, or charging through DC in your car, you can use all 3 continuous flow settings and all 9 pulse flow settings.

However, it does have some charging limitations. The eQuinox will only charge your battery on the DC power supply if you are using a continuous flow setting of 2.0 LPM or lower, or a pulse flow setting of 6 or lower. If you are using anything higher, the eQuinox will run off of your vehicle's battery to preserve your concentrator's battery life.

Superior Oxygen Output

Portable constant flow oxygen concentrators are sometimes inadequate for patients with high oxygen demands. Luckily, the SeQual eQuinox is at the top of its class, producing an impressive 3 liters of oxygen per minute.

The eQuinox's continuous flow settings can be adjusted lower or higher depending on your preferences. It can output anywhere from 0.5 liters per minute at the minimum up to 3 liters maximum, and can be adjusted at 0.5 liter intervals within this range.

For maximum versatility, the eQuinox also has 9 pulse flow settings, and is fully compatible with CPAP and BiPAP devices. The high oxygen output and multiple settings makes the eQuinox uniquely accessible to a wide variety of patients with different oxygen needs.

A Variety of Battery Size Options

When you need your portable oxygen concentrator to last longer on a single charge, the SeQual eQuinox has you covered. Along with the 12-cell battery that the eQuinox comes equipped with, you can also purchase an extra 24-cell battery for extra power.

The 24-cell battery doubles the device's life between charges, making it last nearly six hours (on pulse setting 2) instead of the three that you get with the 12-cell. However, the larger battery adds weight to the device, making it slightly heavier to cart around.

Estimated Battery Life for SeQual eQuinox 12-Cell Battery:

• Continuous Flow Rate 1: up to 2.16 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 2: up to 1.21 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 3: up to 0.80 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: up to 2.82 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: up to 2.78 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: up to 2.38 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: up to 2.32 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: up to 2.22 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: up to 1.70 hours
• Pulse Flow 7: up to 1.56 hours
• Pulse Flow 8: up to 1.28 hours
• Pulse Flow 9: up to 1.0 hours

Estimated Battery Life for SeQual eQuinox 24-Cell Battery:

• Continuous Flow Rate 1: up to 4.84 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 2: up to 2.75 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 3: up to 1.84 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: up to 6.03 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: up to 5.94 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: up to 5.39 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: up to 4.94 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: up to 4.75 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: up to 3.85 hours
• Pulse Flow 7: up to 3.33 hours
• Pulse Flow 8: up to 2.72 hours
• Pulse Flow 9: up to 2.15 hours

SeQual eQuinox Specifications:

• Weight: 14 lbs with 12-cell battery, or 16 lbs with 24-cell battery
• Dimensions: 13.6” height, 10.6” length, 7.4” width
• Flow Rates: 0.5-3.0 LPM continuous flow, pulse flow settings 1-9
• Battery Life: Up to 2.75 hours on continuous flow (at flow level 2), up to 5.94 hours on pulse flow (at flow level 2)
• Power: 85-264 VAC, 47/63 Hz, 12V Nominal
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

What's Included in the SeQual eQuinox Package:

• SeQual eQuinox Portable Oxygen Concentrator device
• AC & DC Power Supply
• 12-Cell Batery
• Filter
• Tubing
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Optional Accessories for the SeQual eQuinox:

• External Battery Charger
• Extra AC/DC Power Supply
• Extra 12-Cell or 24-Cell Battery
• Additional Filters
• Extra Travel Cart
• Extra Accessory Bag

What Makes the SeQual eQuinox One of the Best Continuous Flow Oxygen Concentrators

Offering up to 3.0 liters of continuous-flow oxygen per minute and an intuitive voice interface, the SeQual eQuinox is an extremely powerful and feature-rich portable oxygen concentrator.

The eQuinox makes recharging and replacing batteries easier than ever with its multiple battery options and convenient front-loading design. It also makes charging on-the-go a cinch, maintaining full functionality even when plugged in to your car charger.

At only 14 pounds, the eQuinox is 30% lighter than it's predecessor model, and it sits at the top as one of the most versatile, transportable oxygen concentrators you can buy.

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SeQual Eclipse 5

The SeQual Eclipse 5, the model preceding the eQuinox, remains one of the most well-known and popular portable oxygen concentrators. It's for good reason, too; as the fourth model in the series, it has earned a reliable reputation and has benefited from a multitude of improvements and adjustments over the years.

And since it comes from one of the most experienced and trusted brands in the industry, you know it's a machine you can depend on on.

SeQual Eclipse 5 Features

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is versatile, powerful, and comes with many state-of-the-art features. Its long-lasting battery, user-friendly controls, and great oxygen output makes it an ideal all-purpose oxygen concentrator for any occasion.

Unmatched Oxygen Output

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is ahead of its competitors, outputting more oxygen than most other portable concentrators. It can provide up to 3.0 liters per minute, making it a great choice for patients with high oxygen needs.

Like the eQuinox, the Eclipse 5 has 9 pulse flow settings and continuous flow that can be adjusted to put out between 0.5 and 3.0 liters of oxygen per minute. It is also fully compatible for use with CPAP and BiPAP machines, making it a great choice for both daytime and nighttime use.

Convenient Charging Options

Like the eQuinox, the Eclipse 5 is a trusty device for road trips and travel. You can use all of its features while it charges and every flow setting on the AC power.

Even when it's plugged into your DC car charger you can use it on every oxygen setting! However, it will only recharge your battery if you are using continuous flow settings 0.5-2.0 liters per minute, and pulse flow settings 1-6.

This puts it far ahead of the Eclipse 3 and other portable concentrators that don't work well, or at all, on DC charge. This makes it more reliable, more transportable, and makes long car rides worry-free.

Easy-to-Use Controls

The user-friendly touch screen is another great feature included in the SeQual Eclipse 5. With just a few simple, well-labeled buttons, operating this portable oxygen concentrator is just about as easy as it gets.

The LCD screen is large, clear, and displays both the device's remaining battery life and your current oxygen flow setting. It also has a small LED warning light to alert you to if there is ever a mechanical problem that needs to be addressed.

The controls include a simple power button, two arrows to adjust flow settings up and down, and a separate button to toggle between continuous flow and pulse flow oxygen delivery.

Long-Lasting Battery

When you're looking for a portable oxygen concentrator that you can rely on wherever you go, a long-lasting battery is key. That's why the SeQual Eclipse 5 is a great choice to take on the go.

Compared to other portable concentrators, the Eclipse 5 has an impressive battery life. It lasts up to 5.1 hours on pulse setting 2, and nearly 4 hours on the lowest continuous flow setting.

Estimated Battery Life for SeQual Eclipse 5:

• Continuous Flow Rate 1: up to 3.7 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 2: up to 2.0 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 3: up to 1.3 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: up to 5.4 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: up to 5.1 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: up to 4.9 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: up to 4.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: up to 3.7 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: up to 3.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 7: up to 2.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 8: up to 2.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 9: up to 1.7 hours

SeQual Eclipse 5 Specifications:

• Weight: 18.4 lbs
• Dimensions: 19.3” height, 12.3” length, and 7.1” wide
• Flow Rates: 0.5-3.0 LPM continuous flow, pulse flow settings 1-9
• Battery Life: Up to 2.0 hours continuous flow (at flow rate 2), up to 5.1 hours pulse flow (at flow rate 2)
• Power: 100-200 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 12V Nominal
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

What's Included in the SeQual Eclipse 5 Package:

• SeQual Eclipse 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator device
• AC & DC Power Supply
• One Rechargeable battery
• Filter
• Tubing
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Optional Accessories for the SeQual Eclipse 5:

• External Battery Charger
• Extra AC/DC Power Supply
• Extra Rechargeable Battery
• Extra Travel Cart
• Convenient Wheelchair Pack
• Protective Weather Cover
• Upgraded Deluxe Accessory Bag
• Extra Standard Accessory Bag
• All-in-one Travel Kit Accessory Bundle: includes one battery, one external battery charger, and one upgraded deluxe accessory bag

What Makes the SeQual Eclipse 5 One of the Best Continuous Flow Oxygen Concentrators

As one of the longest-lasting, most trusted models on the market, the SeQual Eclipse 5 is a great all-around choice for portable oxygen.

Its long-lasting battery, ease-of-use, and unmatched oxygen output makes it the perfect device for a variety of needs. And with its multitude of settings and accessories, you'll find that it's comfortable and convenient for both travel and everyday use.

GCE Zen-O

Although it's new to the market, the GCE Zen-O is quickly becoming one of the best-selling top-of-the-line portable oxygen concentrators. It's one of the most convenient continuous flow concentrators yet with a lightweight, durable design that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

GCE Zen-O Features

The GCE Zen-O is popular for its compact design, simple controls, and multiple flow settings. It is small and light enough to wear on your body, but still packs all the features and power you could want from a portable oxygen concentrator.

Lightweight, Travel-Friendly Design

The GCE Zen-O has one of the most compact designs of any constant flow portable oxygen concentrator yet, making it a great choice for trips and physical activities. It also comes with multiple transport options so it's comfortable to bring along no matter how you like to travel.

Like most other portable concentrators, the Zen-O comes with a wheeled travel cart to save you the trouble of carrying the weight. But, for even more flexibility, the Zen-O also comes with a handy, wearable custom carrying case so you can easily tote it on your person.

With the custom case, you can wear it over your shoulder or simply carry it by the handle. The case also helps to protect the portable concentrator from damage and wear while still letting you access all of the device's buttons and controls without having to take it out of the case.

When you are feeling breathless, fatigued, or simply don't want to carry the weight of the 10-pound machine, you don't have to. You can always use the Zen-O with the wheeled travel cart to save yourself energy and effort.

Simple & Easy to Use

Another of the Zen-O's great features is its easy-to-learn controls. It has a basic button interface and a large, clear screen to make operation as simple and easy as possible.

The clearly-labeled control panel lets you control the oxygen flow rate with basic arrow buttons and has an oxygen delivery mode button to quickly switch between pulse and and continuous flow. There are also buttons for muting the alarms, powering the device on and off, and for checking the remaining battery life.

The Zen-O's screen also makes it easy to monitor and control your oxygen delivery. It displays all the important information you need at a glance, including battery life, your oxygen flow rate, and warnings about problems or malfunctions with the device.

Flexibility for Both Pulse and Continuous Flow

The GCE Zen-O packs a lot of oxygen flow options in one tiny, 10-pound package. The ability to vary flow settings and operate while charging the Zen-O makes it perfect for 24-hour use as both a stationary and portable device.

The Zen-O can run pulse settings 1-6, which is great for daytime pulse-dose oxygen needs. It can also provide a continuous oxygen flow at up to two liters per minute, making it a great nighttime oxygen supply.

While plugged in to AC wall power, the Zen-O's continuous flow setting is fully compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines. This makes it versatile enough to meet a variety of patient oxygen needs and to use at any time of day.

Extended Battery Options

Despite its small size, the GCE Zen-O has flexible battery options to allow you to keep it going longer in between charges. It can run on the standard single battery or you can pop in two batteries at a time to make the device last twice as long.

With the single battery, the Zen-O weighs 10 pounds and lasts about 4 hours on pulse setting 2. It's perfect for short errands, outings, or for bringing with you around the house.

Estimated Battery Life for GCE Zen-O with One Battery:

• Continuous Flow 0.5: Up to 3.0 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.0: Up to 1.75 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.5: Up to 1.25 hours
• Continuous Flow 2.0: Up to 0.75 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: Up to 4 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: Up to 4 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: Up to 3 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: Up to 2.25 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: Up to 2.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: Up to 1.75 hours

Using the Zen-O with two batteries adds two extra pounds to the device's total weight, bringing it to 12 pounds total. But with double the battery life, making the Zen-O a bit heavier is certainly not a bad trade-off.

Estimated Battery Life for GCE Zen-O with Two Batteries:

• Continuous Flow 0.5: Up to 6.0 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.0: Up to 3.5 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.5: Up to 2.5 hours
• Continuous Flow 2.0: Up to 1.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: Up to 8 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: Up to 8 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: Up to 6 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: Up to 4.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: Up to 4.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: Up to 3.5 hours

The two battery options make it easy for you to customize your device based on your changing, everyday needs. You can use the single battery for brief activities and put in a second battery for longer journeys.

GCE Zen-O Specifications:

• Weight: 10 lbs with one battery, 12 lbs with two batteries
• Dimensions: 12.3” high, 8.3” long, 6.6” wide
• Flow Rates: 0.5-2.0 liters per minute continuous flow, pulse flow settings 1-6
• Battery Life: Up to 1.5 hours on continuous flow, up to 8.0 hours on pulse flow
• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 24 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

What's Included in the GCE Zen-O Package:

• Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator device
• AC & DC Power Supply
• One 12-cell battery
• Custom Carrying Case
• Tubing
• Padded Handle Strap & Padded Shoulder Strap
• Wheeled Travel Cart
• Manual

There's always so much to look forward to during the summer months: warm weather, lush trees, and all kinds of outdoor activities. It's a beautiful season, and for many of us it provides a much-needed rest from the cold, harsh winter weather.

However, many of the things that make the summer months so pleasant are at odds with COPD. If you don't take the right steps to protect yourself from heat, pollen, and humidity you might find that the summer weather makes your COPD symptoms even worse.

Luckily, many people with COPD have found ways to beat the summer heat and minimize their symptoms during the hottest season of the year. In this guide, we'll help you learn what to look out for and give you plenty of simple, effective solutions for managing your COPD during the summer months.

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Why the Summer is Challenging for People with COPD

Heat

Spending time in the hot, summer sun can be a major energy sapper for anyone. When you have COPD, however, high temperatures can be particularly hard on your body.

Hot weather can quickly make you dehydrated and even cause bronchospasms, which constrict your airways and make it hard to breathe. Hot air alone can make you feel short of breath, and dehydration from the heat can thicken mucus in your airways and make it even more difficult to breathe.

When your body is fighting a disease like COPD, the muscles in your chest and respiratory tract have to work harder to help you breathe, especially when you are physically active. When you're out in the summer sun, the heat puts even more strain on your body and can make you feel exhausted very quickly.

That's because, when you're baking in the sun, your body has to work particularly hard keep your internal temperature at a healthy 98.6 degrees. That means sweating, panting, and using extra energy to help your body cool down fast.

This can make you feel exhausted and fatigued after even short bouts in the heat, and can be dangerous if you don't take steps to protect yourself. In extreme cases, you could get heat stroke or experience an  exacerbation of your COPD symptoms.

One study from John Hopkins University found that people with COPD are more likely to experience reduced lung function, increased symptoms, and exacerbations when exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They were also more likely to require rescue medicine and medical intervention when exposed to extreme heat.

Humidity

Have you ever stepped outside on a hot, humid day, taken a deep breath, and felt like the wet, heavy air was difficult to breathe? Extreme humidity during the summer can have that effect on most healthy people, and it can be an even bigger problem for people who have COPD or other respiratory problems.

Humidity tends to peak during the summer months, and the sweltering heat makes it all that much more of a problem. Breathing hot, humid air just isn't easy or comfortable for most people, and if you have COPD, it can make it very difficult to breathe.

However, humidity affects people, including patients with COPD, in different ways. While studies show that the optimum level of humidity for people with COPD is usually about 40 percent, individual preferences for and reactions to humidity vary widely from person to person.

One of the things that makes humidity problematic for many people with respiratory problems is the fact that it tends to trap smog and other toxic particles that contribute to air pollution. It also allows harmful microbes like mold, fungi, and dust mites to thrive, which can cause significant respiratory irritation.

Because of this, air quality in the summer tends to be poorer than other times of the year, especially on the hottest, most humid days. That's why doctors and other health professionals recommend that people with COPD carefully plan their time outdoors and take extra precautions to avoid making their symptoms worse in the summer.

Humidity and worsened air quality in the summer can take a huge toll on your energy and ability to breathe if you're not careful. Make sure to regularly check your local weather report or airnow.gov for the day's heat, humidity, and air quality so you can plan and prepare your days accordingly.

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Pollen

Along with increased smog and air pollution, the summer air brings with it another major respiratory irritant: pollen. It's one of the most common triggers for allergic reactions that affect the respiratory tract, and at least ten to thirty percent of people worldwide suffer from these types of allergies, known as allergic rhinitis.

If you suffer from allergies and COPD, exposure to pollen can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, wheezing, and increased mucus in the respiratory tract. Allergies can also cause your lungs and airways to become irritated, swollen, and inflamed, which can increase chances of infection and make it even more difficult to breathe.

These allergic reactions stack on top of already existing symptoms and can make your COPD even worse. That's why it's important to do everything you can to reduce allergens in your home and reduce your symptoms when they cannot be avoided.

Techniques for Managing Your COPD This Summer

When you have COPD, it's important to protect yourself from extreme weather and take care when doing any activities in the summer heat. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do to protect yourself and your lungs from the temperature, humidity, and poor air quality during the summer.

In this guide, we're providing you with a huge list of tips and ideas for staying cool, healthy, and active this summer. You'll see that, with a little thought, planning, and prevention, you can find a way to enjoy all your favorite summer activities without letting it take a toll on your breathing.

How to Manage Hot Summer Days with COPD

Managing the extreme heat of the summer when you have a disease like COPD requires a bit of extra planning and preparation. If you spend too much time in the heat without proper protection, it can worsen your symptoms and leave you dehydrated and fatigued.

The following section will give you a variety of tips and ideas for keeping safe and cool during the hottest days of the season. Using these techniques, you can find a way to enjoy all your favorite summer activities without risking your health and wellness.

Schedule Time Outdoors During Cooler Parts of the Day

During the height of the summer, the daytime weather just gets too hot to bear. On these days, going outside anytime near midday, when the temperature peaks, can be risky.

But as long as you keep tabs on the daily weather forecast it's possible to plan around the heat. That way you can always stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and then plan outdoor activities for when the temperature is more mild.

If you limit your time outside to cooler times like the early morning and late afternoon, you will have more energy and less difficulty managing your COPD symptoms. You'll be able to better regulate your body temperature, breathe easier, and have better physical endurance.

Go Indoors When Necessary

When it's bright and sunny and there's fun to be had outside, it can be hard to force yourself to take it easy. But when the temperatures are extreme, it's completely okay and necessary to pace yourself and take breaks from the sun.

When you plan to spend time in the heat for any extended period of time, make sure you have an air-conditioned, indoor, or shaded area to retreat to when needed. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water and take regular, planned breaks so your body doesn't have a chance to get too overheated or fatigued.

Even healthy people often don't realize that they're suffering from heat exhaustion until it's too late, which is why it's so important to be prepared. When you have COPD, the risks of heat exhaustion are even greater, and even spending short times in extreme temperatures can cause your symptoms to get significantly worse.

Dress for the Heat

When you're outside in the summer heat, your first line of protection from the sun is your clothing. Make sure to wear lightweight clothing and choose light colors that won't absorb the sunlight.

Clothes that are thin and loose-fitting are best at keeping you cool because they allow air to flow through and won't stick to your skin when you sweat. Wide-brimmed hats can also be surprisingly effective at keeping your face and neck cool.

Drink More Water than Usual

It can sometimes be difficult to remember to drink enough water on normal days, but on hot, summer days it's absolutely necessary to stay hydrated. Dehydration alone can make your symptoms worse when you have COPD, but combined with high heat and humidity it can be dangerous and make it very difficult to breathe.

The summer heat makes your body lose water more quickly and require extra fluids to stay healthy. You'll have to increase the amount of water you drink from what you're used to in order to compensate for this loss.

Whenever you leave the house or spend time outside, make sure to bring a large bottle of water along so you won't get dehydrated. If you're going to be out in the heat for an extended period of time, make sure you have access to extra water and an air-conditioned space to cool down when necessary.

Don't Over Exert Yourself

Physical activities that are easy under normal circumstances can be difficult or exhausting when the sun is beating down. That's why it's important not to get discouraged if you find yourself having less endurance during the summer.

Even if you find the summer heat makes you unable to do as much as you are usually able to, don't push yourself too far. But don't use the heat as an excuse to give up on your exercise plan or other activities you enjoy, either.

It's important to stay active at all times of the year, and you can always move your plans indoors or make other adjustments when the heat is wearing you down. You might find it helpful to break up your exercise into smaller chunks, take more breaks throughout the day, and give yourself more down time to recover in-between activities.

Spend Plenty of Time in Air-Conditioned Spaces

The John Hopkins study on the effects of heat on people with COPD confirms that cooler air is not only more comfortable, but is also healthier for people with the disease. Spending too much time in the heat can cause worsened symptoms in both the short and long term, and increase the chances of exacerbations and hospitalizations.

Extended time in the heat can also increase your risk of illness and symptoms if you are overweight, elderly, or have another chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease. These illnesses are often associated with COPD, and may make the summer heat even more harmful to your body.

If you have an air conditioner at home, make sure it gets regular service and stays working properly during the summer. If you don't have air conditioning or you have an older, inefficient unit, consider investing in a new one or getting window AC units for the rooms in your home that you use the most.

If you don't have AC, try to go out and spend the hottest times of the day somewhere that does have air conditioning. You might go to a friend or family member's house, the library, or another public indoor space.

Get a Portable Air Conditioner

Image courtesy of Best Digs

Just like many people use a space heaters to warm up small rooms in the winter, you can use a portable air conditioner to cool down in the summer. You can use one in your home to cool a single room and save money on whole-house AC, and you can also take it with you on-the-go.

A portable AC unit is especially handy at work, where you don't have control over the thermostat. Especially if you have a partially enclosed area, like an office cubicle, a portable air conditioner can be very effective at keeping you cool without forcing your coworkers to turn up the office AC.

Use a Buddy System

If your COPD is very severe or you are recovering from an exacerbation, it might be a good idea to recruit a friend or family member to help you stay safe and healthy during the summer. Just having someone call and check up on you a couple times a day can help you avoid heat-related problems and get help when you need it.

When you are exhausted or ill from being in the heat too long, it can make you feel tired and confused to the point that you don't realize you're in danger. Sometimes it takes someone else checking in with you to notice the signs of heat-induced illness and realize that you need to go inside and cool down.

A buddy system is a support system that will allow you to feel more secure and ask for help and supplies when you need them. If your windows get stuck, your AC unit isn't working properly, or any other problems crop up, you can always ask for advice or assistance whenever someone checks in.

How to Manage Summer Humidity with COPD

Keeping out of the heat can be as simple as staying indoors, but avoiding humidity is a bit more tricky. When the weather outside is humid, it can be very difficult to keep it from making the air in your home damp and humid as well.

Most doctors recommend keeping the humidity levels in your home under 60 percent, because anything higher can encourage mold growth. For people with COPD, most doctors recommend an optimum humidity level of 40 percent, although individual preferences may vary.

Luckily, there are steps you can take and devices you can buy to keep your home from becoming a damp, musty swamp during the summer. The following section will give you a variety of ideas and techniques you can use to protect yourself from the humidity.

Vent Home Appliances Outdoors

Some common home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and stoves can significantly increase the humidity levels in your house if you're not careful. But if you make sure to properly vent these appliances, you can keep your home's humidity levels low.

Dishwashers and clothes dryers often already have ducts installed to vent humid air outdoors. However, sometimes these ducts can become clogged with dust and lint and need cleaning.

If you notice that your home gets humid when you run the dishwasher or dryer, you might want to get the air ducts checked to make sure they're clean and working effectively. If your dishwasher and stove don't have outside vents, you can turn on the stove fan or open a nearby window when they're running to help vent the moist air.

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Vent the Room When You Shower

Anyone who's taken a hot shower knows how humid and sticky it can make the air in the room. It's a common source of increased moisture in many people's homes, and it can be particularly problematic for people with COPD.

Without proper ventilation, running a hot shower produces extremely humid air that can encourage mold growth and increase humidity in other rooms in your home. Luckily, most places in the US have strict building codes for bathrooms that require a window or a fan-powered vent to allow you to vent the humid air outside, instead.

Before you shower, make sure to open a window or run the vent fan so the humid air doesn't build up in your house. If you find that the humidity still bothers you or you experience increased breathlessness while showering, using cooler water or installing an extra vent can help.

Get a Dehumidifier for Your Home

Most people are familiar with humidifiers, and many use them during the winter to add moisture to the bothersome, dry air. However, many people are unaware that you can also get dehumidifying devices to pull extra moisture out of the air during the hot, humid seasons.

There are many different types of dehumidifiers to choose from and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What kind you should get depends on how humid the air in your house gets and how large of a space you need it to work for.

There are many small, affordable dehumidifiers that work in smaller rooms and spaces. These are great for bedrooms, offices, and other small areas that you spend a lot of your time in. You can even get a portable dehumidifier if you think you will need to carry your dehumidifier from room to room often.

Although it can get quite expensive, you can also get a whole-house dehumidifier that attaches to your house's main HVAC ventilation system. These large devices filter moisture out of all the air that flows through your air ducts and is the most effective way to make your home less humid.

Run the AC

Even if you don't want to install a whole-house dehumidifier, an efficient AC unit is often enough to do the trick when the humidity is mild. Air conditioners remove a certain amount of moisture from the air as part of their normal air-cooling process, and it can be an effective way to reduce the overall humidity in your home.

However, when the humidity gets very high, a regular air conditioner probably won't be enough to keep you comfortable. AC units can only scrub so much moisture from the air, which is why having a good dehumidifier is important if you want more control over the humidity in your home.

Check Weather Reports and Plan Accordingly

Your local daily weather report should include a variety of information about the temperature and humidity levels. If you keep track of the forecast, you can plan your week around the days that are most humid.

Sometimes the best way to avoid worsened symptoms is to just stay indoors as much as possible on very hot, muggy days. Keeping your doors and windows shut will keep the air in your home as dry as possible and also keep out pollen, mold, and smog.

If you have a dehumidifier, daily weather reports will help you know when to turn it on before your house gets unbearably humid and you notice your symptoms acting up. Running your AC along with your dehumidifier is even more effective, and it's the best way to stay cool and dry during the most uncomfortable parts of the summer.

How to Manage Summer Irritants with COPD

Along with the heat and humidity, summer brings a greater risk of respiratory irritation from pollen, mold, and smog. That's why it's important for people with COPD to monitor and prepare for poor air quality during the summer months.

The following tips and techniques will help you protect your lungs from air pollution and other irritants both outdoors and in your home. By taking these steps, you can reduce your allergy symptoms, prevent respiratory irritation, and make it easier to breathe this summer.

Check Air Quality and Pollen Reports

There are many air quality factors you have to take into account during the summer when you have COPD. Pollen, mold, smog, and other respiratory irritants can worsen your symptoms and make it more difficult to breathe if you don't take steps to avoid them.

Luckily, local news stations and other organizations release air quality reports and allergy forecasts every day to help people like you. You should always check the day's air quality index (AQI) before planning outdoor activities and stay indoors if the outlook is not good.

The AQI rates air quality on a six-point scale from good to hazardous, and you can check it here at airnow.gov. If you have allergies, you should also keep an eye on the daily allergy and pollen report, which you can check at pollen.com.

Get a High Quality HVAC Air Filter for Your Home

Image courtesy of Ivy Dawned on Flickr

Even when you're indoors, you can't totally escape the effects of the dust, pollen, and mold that the summer weather brings. That's why choosing a high-quality HVAC air filter, and replacing it regularly, is important for managing COPD symptoms in the summer.

Air pollution and other irritants come in through your windows and vents and cause you to experience worsened symptoms indoors. Pollen, mold, and dust from outdoors can also hitch a ride on you and your pets, sticking to shoes, clothes, and hair.

When you go inside, all of these irritants get transferred to your carpets and furniture, where they collect and build up. Then they kicked up into the air as you go about daily activities, worsening your indoor air quality, inflaming your lungs and airways, and making it more difficult to breathe.

The best way to combat the pollen, dust, and mold that circulate through your house is to get a high-quality air filter that catches pollen, mold, dust, and other particles that could aggravate your COPD. It's important to choose carefully and look at the filter's specifications before purchasing, because some filters remove many more types of irritants than others.

Clean Carpets, Rugs and Furniture Often

All of the air pollutants, pollen, and dust that come in from the outdoors tend to settle and build up in your carpet, couches, drapes, and other places. That's why it's important to keep your floors, furniture, and other surfaces clean, especially when allergens and air pollution are more prevalent.

Regular vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping is one effective way to remove respiratory irritants that have settled on surfaces in your home. It keeps these particles from building up, inflaming your lungs, and making it hard to breathe.

If you have a choice, hard flooring is much better than carpet when it comes to keeping dust, pollen, and other lung irritants at bay. Getting rid of rugs, drapes, and other fabrics that attract and collect particles can help improve your symptoms and the air quality in your home.

Change Clothes and Shower Often

When you spend time outdoors, mold, pollen, and other lung irritants cling to your clothes and hair. To avoid tracking these harmful particles and allergens int