Respironics is a company that was founded in 1976 by Gerald E. McGinnis. At first, they primarily focused on sleep apnea products like CPAP machines, but in the early 2000s, they began to branch out and started producing oxygen delivery systems as well. Since their acquisition by Philips in 2008, they’ve been able to expand their oxygen device manufacturing significantly, providing better products and reaching millions of customers around the world.

Some of the most notable Respironics oxygen products include the EverFlo and EverFlo Q stationary oxygen concentrators, the Respironics SImplyGo continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, and the SimplyGo Mini pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator. Respironics products are known for their outstanding build quality, reliability, and ease of use. Watch the video above as we unbox and review a SimplyGo Mini.

In this post, we’re going to be taking an in-depth look at the Respironics SImplyGo Mini and how it sets itself apart from other concentrators on the market. We understand that trying to find the right concentrator for your needs can be time-consuming and even confusing at times, so be sure to reach out to our oxygen concentrator specialists for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through everything from choosing a device, to obtaining your medical paperwork, and receiving financial compensation through Medicare.

A New Generation of Oxygen Devices

Throughout the history of oxygen therapy devices, healthcare professionals have struggled to find an effective way to provide their patients with the oxygen they need while also helping them maintain their freedom. Oxygen tanks have been used for many decades and they’ve proven to be an effective tool for managing chronic respiratory conditions. However, they’re incredibly difficult to use whether you’re inside the home or outside the home. 

In the 1970s, home oxygen concentrators started hitting the market. The major benefit these devices had over oxygen tanks is that they never needed to be refilled with oxygen. As long as you had a reliable source of power, you would have access to medical-grade oxygen. This was also the biggest disadvantage of home concentrators because you would be unable to leave your home while using them.

The Respironics SimplyGo Mini is part of a new generation of oxygen devices that combines the benefits of oxygen tanks and stationary oxygen concentrators. The SimplyGo Mini is a portable oxygen concentrator meaning it uses the same technology as stationary concentrators but instead of having to be plugged into the wall 24/7, it runs off of powerful lithium-ion batteries that you can take anywhere. It also uses something called pulse dose technology which closely monitors your breathing, administering oxygen at the optimal moment. This results in extended battery life so that you can stay out and about longer.

Meeting the Needs of the Modern Oxygen User

In this day and age, we expect more from our electronic devices. Our cellphones and laptops are smaller, lighter, and more powerful than ever before, so why shouldn’t we expect the same from our oxygen device? The good news is that the SimplyGo Mini fully delivers in every way. This machine weighs in at only 5 pounds making it one of the lightest portable oxygen units currently on the market. And the dimensions are just 9.4” H x 3.6” D x 8.3” W making it no bigger than a small handbag or purse.

What this means for you and other oxygen users is that you can do all of the activities you used to do without feeling like you’re being held back by your oxygen device. Whether you simply enjoy going for a stroll through the park or you want to be able to take a flight across the world, the SimplyGo Mini has got you covered. This machine is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) meaning you’ll be able to take it on any commercial flight. Just make sure you contact your airline 48 hours in advance to learn about more specific regulations regarding in-flight oxygen use.

Another way that the SimplyGo Mini excels is in terms of battery life. There’s nothing worse than getting out of the house, looking down at your oxygen concentrator, and realizing that you’re almost out of battery power. What this means is that you’ll need to stop whatever you’re doing and rush back home or to the nearest electrical outlet to charge your device. The SimplyGo Mini, however, offers considerable battery life that will allow you to stay out and about longer. 

On a flow setting of 2, you’ll get up to 4.5 hours out of the 8-cell battery and up to 9 hours with the 16-cell battery. For most people, this is more than enough battery life to get through the day. However, if you still need more, you can always purchase an additional battery and keep it in the accessory pouch then just replace the battery that’s on your unit whenever it runs out.

A Simple Design That’s Easy to Operate

Another thing that people expect nowadays are devices that are easy to operate. Life can be complicated enough, so there’s no need to overcomplicate it with an oxygen device that’s difficult to learn and use. From the video above, you’ll see just how easy it is to pull the SimplyGo Mini out of the box and start using it right away. One of the unique features it offers is a full touch interface meaning you won’t have to hassle with any buttons that are difficult to depress. It also makes it a lot easier to clean the device than it would be otherwise.

In order to prevent downtime in your oxygen delivery, Respironics has also made it very easy to swap out batteries on the fly. When your battery starts to run low, simply press the tab and slide the battery off of the side of the unit. You can then slide on a fully charged battery until it clicks into place. This can all be done in a matter of seconds so you can get back to using your oxygen device as quickly as possible.

A Plethora of Oxygen Accessories to Choose From

One of the greatest things about buying a Respironics product is that you can rest assured you will have many accessories to choose from that help you make the most of your purchase. Whenever you purchase a SimplyGo Mini from us, you’ll receive the following items:

• Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• 8-Cell Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• Padded Shoulder Strap
• Padded Handle Strap
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty
  
  

In addition to all of these items, you can purchase a whole host of accessories that are sold separately like the external battery charger. Normally, you would have to charge your batteries when they’re attached to the concentrator, but this accessory allows you to charge them separately. In other words, you’ll be able to charge two batteries at the same time.

Another accessory sold separately is the battery packs. If you’re someone who’s away from home frequently you can always purchase an additional 8-cell or 16-cell battery in order to effectively double your battery life. The SimplyGo Mini accessory bag and backpack are also great options if you want to be able to carry all of your accessories more easily.

Conclusion

While the SimplyGo Mini is one of our top picks as one of the best portable oxygen concentrators, it’s important to find the oxygen device that’s right for you and your needs. That’s why our oxygen concentrator specialists are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about POCs. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ll guide you through the whole process from choosing a concentrator, to discussing your buying options, and even collecting medical paperwork like your oxygen prescription. Either give us a call at 1-888-416-3855 or reach us by email at info@lptmedical.com to get started.

Respironics SimplyGo Mini Specs:

Oxygen Output

GCE Group is a world leader in healthcare equipment including oxygen concentrators, oxygen regulators, hospital ward equipment, and resuscitation devices. In the video above, we take a look at their flagship portable oxygen concentrator, the GCE Zen-O Lite.

Despite being a lesser-known brand in the United States, GCE’s portable oxygen concentrator holds its own against top-rated oxygen devices like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and the Inogen One G5. The GCE Zen-O Lite has a number of unique benefits to offer which can help oxygen patients regain the freedom and independence they deserve.

Watch the video above to see a full unboxing of the GCE Zen-O Lite and continue reading to learn more about the outstanding benefits of this portable oxygen concentrator.

New Ways to Customize Your Oxygen Delivery

When it comes to total oxygen output, the GCE Zen-O Lite is nothing to joke about. On a maximum flow setting of 5, the Zen-O Lite puts out 1,050 milliliters per minute (ml/min) of oxygen, the same as the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, our top selling portable oxygen concentrator. However, one of the unique benefits of the Zen-O Lite is that it has half settings rather than whole settings like most POCs on the market. In other words, you have twice as many flow rates to choose from.

When you’re out and about, having this freedom can be life-changing. Whether you’re simply going for a walk or doing something more strenuous, you can adjust your oxygen flow on the fly to suit your needs. However, before making any changes to your oxygen flow, be sure to discuss your oxygen needs with your doctor. Inhaling too much or too little oxygen can put you at risk of exacerbation or oxygen toxicity. View the table below to learn about the oxygen output for each flow rate on the Zen-O Lite.

Designed for an Active Lifestyle

Being diagnosed with a chronic lung disease like COPD can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The thought of not being able to get around like you used to can be a significant challenge to overcome. But the truth is, many oxygen patients are using outdated oxygen equipment that’s holding them back from living life on their own terms. 

While oxygen tanks have long been the standard for home oxygen delivery, they simply don’t meet the needs of modern oxygen users. Oxygen tanks are heavy, bulky, and difficult and expensive to refill. While liquid oxygen units solve some of these issues, they’re still incredibly expensive and difficult to use. And above all, neither oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen devices are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so you won’t be able to take a flight while using oxygen.

The GCE Zen-O Lite, on the other hand, weighs in at only 5.5 pounds and it’s very compact at only 9.25” H x 9.8” W x 3.8” D. Using this POC is comparable to carrying an average purse or handbag and it has a sleek and uniform design that doesn’t draw attention like oxygen tanks do. What’s more, every GCE Zen-O Lite comes included with a convenient and comfortable carrying case that will keep your device secure when you’re on the go. You’ll also get an accessory bag to carry things like extra batteries, an external battery charger, and your AC and DC power supplies.

Easy to Set Up and Use

In this day and age, the last thing anyone needs is something that’s going to further complicate their lives. From working to paying the bills, you already have enough to worry about, so it’s understandable if you want an oxygen delivery device that doesn’t add any unnecessary obstacles to overcome throughout your day. Fortunately, the experts over at GCE have specifically designed the Zen-O Lite with these needs in mind.

Straight out of the box, you’ll see just how easy this portable oxygen concentrator is to use. There are only five buttons on the Zen-O Lite in total: one to power the device on and off; one to display your battery life; one to adjust alarm settings; and two to adjust your flow rate up or down. Replacing the battery is as simple as pressing the tab on the bottom of the unit to remove the panel.

While the video above will show you exactly how to unpack and start using the GCE Zen-O Lite, we recommend reading through the user manual at some point. It will provide you with important details about your device such as what the different alarms mean, how to maintain and clean your device, and other useful information.

Reliable and Durable

As you’re probably well aware, your oxygen needs don’t simply go away. When you buy an oxygen device, you need something that will be suitable for you in the long term, not just a couple of days or weeks. Many COPD patients require supplemental oxygen 24/7, so they need an oxygen device that can keep up with these high demands.

Thankfully, the GCE Zen-O Lite is an extremely durable, reliable, and well-built machine that can run around the clock without issue. If you use oxygen while you’re sleeping, you can rest assured that the Zen-O Lite will closely monitor your breathing and ensure that you receive the optimal bolus of oxygen to help you sleep restfully. Since GCE is a global leader in oxygen technology, you can be sure that your concentrator is built with the most high-quality parts.

Give Us a Call Today!

Here at LPT Medical, we’re proud to offer GCE products like the Zen-O continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator and the Zen-O Lite pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator. These oxygen machines have stood the test of time and enabled thousands of people across the country to regain their freedom and independence while still receiving the oxygen they need. It’s important to us that you receive an oxygen device that meets your needs and budget, so be sure to reach out to our oxygen concentrator specialists if you have any questions or concerns.

GCE Zen-O Lite Specs:

Activities of daily living (ADL) is a term that was first coined by Sidney Katz in 1950. Essentially, it refers to the basic functions that an individual must perform on a daily basis in order to be considered self-sufficient. By better understanding the level of independence of patients with debilitating illnesses like COPD, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer’s Disease, medical professionals are able to make better decisions for their patient’s well-being such as recommending medical equipment or an assisted living facility. Activities of daily living are generally divided into five distinct categories:

Personal Hygiene - bathing, grooming, hair care, and oral health

Continence - using the bathroom

Dressing - the ability to select clothing and dress for different occasions

Feeding - the ability to eat and drink

Ambulating - the ability to walk and move around independently

When it comes to managing your daily life with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s very important to consider how your condition affects your ability to live independently. Studies have shown that ADLs can be very challenging for respiratory patients because they can lead to dyspnea (shortness of breath) and oxygen desaturation, meaning the percentage of oxygen in the blood is lower than what it should be.

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In this post, we’ll take a look at the importance of supplemental oxygen for carrying out activities of daily living. We’ll also show you why portable oxygen concentrators are the best device to use for maintaining your freedom and independence. If you have any questions about these units, please feel free to leave a comment or reach out to our respiratory specialists.

What is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

A portable oxygen concentrator is an electronic device used to administer medical-grade oxygen. POCs are the most state-of-the-art oxygen units on the market because they’re extremely lightweight and versatile. Using a POC, you’ll be able to go more places and do more things than if you had a standard compressed oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank. Since they’re electronic devices, you simply need to have access to a source of power in order to recharge your batteries. You’ll never have the need to reach out to an oxygen company ever again to refill or deliver new tanks to your home!  

One of the greatest benefits of owning a portable oxygen concentrator is that they’re approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use. What this means is that you can take your POC with you on any commercial flight within the United States. This is a freedom that COPD patients never had in the past because compressed oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks are not allowed on flights for safety reasons. Upgrading your old outdated oxygen device to a portable oxygen concentrator quite literally opens up a world of possibilities! Without further ado, let’s take a look at why activities of daily living are so much easier when you have a portable oxygen concentrator.

Reduced Shortness of Breath

The human body has a complex system for managing breathing rate and breathing depth. Breathing is part of something called the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary physiologic processes like heart rate and blood pressure. However, you also have the ability to take control of your lungs through voluntary breathing. Exercises like deep breathing or controlled breathing are great for teaching you how to use your lungs more effectively.

One of the primary factors that affect respiratory rate is how much carbon dioxide is in the blood. When you are unable to expel air from the lungs fully — a problem that’s common among COPD patients — CO2 begins to build up in the bloodstream. This change in CO2 levels is detected by chemoreceptors which send a message to the medulla oblongata (the control center for the lungs) to increase respiratory rate. Other factors that affect respiratory rate and depth include atmospheric pressure, intra-alveolar pressure, and body temperature.

If you have COPD, interstitial lung disease, or any number of other respiratory conditions, the best way to reduce feelings of breathlessness is by increasing the concentration of oxygen in the lungs. By doing so, you will stabilize CO2 levels in your blood and the chemoreceptors will never send a message to your brain that you need to breathe quicker or more heavily. What this means when it comes to activities of daily living is that you won’t need to stop to catch your breath so frequently.

Using a portable oxygen concentrator throughout the day will prevent you from becoming breathless and thus reducing your chance of experience a COPD exacerbation. Many people find it difficult to keep up with their friends or loved ones because they need to stop to rest frequently. But with a portable oxygen concentrator, you can easily adjust the amount of oxygen you’re receiving based on how you’re feeling. It’s important to speak with your doctor, however, who will tell you what oxygen levels are acceptable.

Improved Mental Alertness

Your ability to complete daily tasks like eating, bathing, and cooking is equally reliant on your mental ability as it is your physical ability. When the oxygen levels in your blood are low this may result in brain hypoxia, also known as cerebral hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in the brain. Symptoms of brain hypoxia include temporary memory loss, impaired motor functions, confusion, lightheadedness, and more. 

Maintaining a “sharp” mind with age is notoriously difficult and living with a respiratory condition like COPD can make it even more challenging. However, by carrying a portable oxygen concentrator with you wherever you go and keeping your oxygen saturation at a healthy level, you’ll be able to rule out one potential cause of cognitive decline as you go about your daily life. Studies have found that there is a correlation between disease severity and cognitive decline, so the more you can do to slow the progress of COPD, the better off you will be in terms of your mental health as well.

A portable oxygen concentrator will provide you with a convenient and reliable source of oxygen as you go about your day. POCs like the Inogen One G5 and Caire FreeStyle Comfort simply need to be turned on and then you can adjust the flow setting however you need it. Then all you need to do is set it and forget it. Your POC will provide you with a steady supply of oxygen all day allowing you to go about your day with your oxygen needs out of mind. This will afford you the freedom to focus your attention on what you’re trying to accomplish rather than worrying about whether your needs are met.

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Another reason mental alertness is so important is for your safety. People experiencing cognitive decline, more specifically dementia, are at a higher risk of experiencing a fall. Like we discussed in a previous blog post, experiencing a fall, whether it’s inside or outside your home can be dangerous. Studies have also found that dementia patients are at a greater risk for car accidents. Whether you’re driving to the store or just doing chores around the house, maintaining your oxygen levels will keep your mind sharp so that you can navigate safely. 

Improved Exercise Tolerance

As you’re likely already aware, a healthy exercise routine is paramount to any COPD treatment plan. While exercise is important for everyone, it’s especially important for people with chronic lung conditions who need their lungs to perform as optimally as possible. Studies show that exercise increases the strength and function of muscles meaning that they require less oxygen. In other words, any form of exercise will benefit you in the long run. But if you want the best exercise routine, speak with your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a type of exercise routine that focuses on your lungs and respiratory system as a whole.

When you’re exercising, the rate and depth of your breathing increase because your muscles need more oxygen. What’s more, your heart rate and blood flow increase in order to get that oxygen to the parts of the body that are being worked the most. Not only do your muscles need this oxygen in order to provide them with energy, but oxygenated muscles tend to recover and rebuild faster than muscles that do not get oxygen. So your body will feel more prepared to go through a strenuous exercise the next day. 

Without a doubt, portable oxygen concentrators are the best oxygen device for exercising. Most pulse dose concentrators weigh around 5 pounds and are no bigger than a handbag or purse, so taking one with you when you do your exercise routine is hassle-free. Concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort also have a lot of carrying options available for them so you can find one that works best for the type of workout you’re doing. The custom carrying case, for example, is great for walking or hiking, but if you’re doing something more involved like weight lifting, you might want to go for the FreeStyle Comfort backpack.

Improved Mobility

Mobility is oftentimes one of the most discussed issues when it comes to aging, and for good reason. The older we get, the more likely we are to suffer from debilitating conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, impaired strength or balance, or dementia. COPD only makes these conditions worse by adding breathlessness, chest pain, and chronic fatigue to the mix. Sometimes, there isn’t one particular way of dealing with these issues, but instead, COPD patients should work with their doctor and loved ones to find the best solution for them.

While portable oxygen concentrators certainly don’t “solve” mobility issues, they can definitely help. Old outdated oxygen devices like oxygen tanks are extremely heavy and awkwardly shaped making it nearly impossible to navigate your home with ease. But when you upgrade to a POC, you’ll have a machine that you can carry around the house all day while completing chores and never feeling the need to set it down for a rest. If you use a mobility aid like a walker, wheelchair, or electric wheelchair, you can easily set your POC on your mobility for even more convenience and comfort.

Another benefit of having a portable oxygen concentrator is that it’s easier to prevent your oxygen tubing from getting tangled or tripping over it as you walk. Whether you carry your POC on your shoulder or your back, you won’t need to use long oxygen tubing. But since oxygen tanks are so heavy, you’ll need to use a rolling cart, meaning you’ll need to use much longer oxygen tubing. Many people find that their oxygen tubing gets tangled and wrapped around things while using an oxygen tank which is not only frustrating but dangerous as well.       

Conclusion

Activities of daily living are essential tasks that we need to perform each day in order to be independent. If COPD prevents you from doing one or more of these tasks, then you may need to consider hiring a part-time or full-time caretaker. Alternatively, you could invest in a medical oxygen device like a portable oxygen concentrator which allows you to extend your freedom and independence. Many COPD patients feel like they’re taken back in time when they get their first POC because they are able to do things they never thought would be possible after being diagnosed with COPD. 

One important thing to note is that oxygen is a controlled substance in the United States. In other words, you will need to have a prescription for medical oxygen from your doctor in order to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator. Whether you have a prescription or not, your best course of action is to give our respiratory specialists a call here at LPT Medical. If you don’t have the required paperwork to purchase a POC, we can reach out to your doctor for you. We’ll also walk you through the process of choosing a portable oxygen concentrator from start to finish. We’re also happy to announce that we now offer assistance with Medicare and medical financing so you can save as much money as possible on a new, used, or refurbished unit.

Give us a call or email us today for more information!