At this point in time, the vast majority of Americans are under some type of quarantine. Whether you’re young or old, healthy or not, it’s important to follow these guidelines because they will help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition to these measures, it’s important to follow the updated instructions given to us by the World Health Organization (WHO), this includes: 

• Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly throughout the day
• Avoid touching your face
• Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and the closest person
• Cough or sneeze into your arm or a Kleenex
• Always stay home if you’re feeling sick
  
  

While it hasn’t been officially advised by the WHO, we’d also like to add face masks to this list. There’s been a lot of debate about whether or not medical or non-medical face masks are effective in preventing COVID-19, but the general consensus seems to be that using some type of face covering can be effective in preventing the spread of germs. However, people shouldn’t get a false sense of security from wearing a mask, because guidelines like social distancing are still very important. 

If you remember from last week, we gave you a complete guide for dealing with COVID-19 if you’re a COPD patient and a guide for staying active while you’re at home. These are still great resources for anyone who’s stuck at home and wants to educate themselves on staying healthy. However, one issue we haven’t touched on yet is the way that COPD communities have been affected by the virus. Read on as we discuss more important information for COPD to know during these difficult times.

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The Importance of COPD Communities

A COPD community is a place where people with COPD and other respiratory conditions can support each other and raise awareness for their illness. This could be a group that’s put together by a professional organization such as the COPD Foundation or the American Lung Association or it could be an independent event held by COPD advocates.

Fortunately, due to modern technology, it’s easier than ever to maintain COPD communities without actually meeting in person. It’s possible to maintain relationships with other patients entirely over the internet through things like discussion forums, video chat rooms, and more. The following are some of the reasons it’s so important to maintain these relationships even during quarantine.

COPD Advocacy Shouldn’t Stop During a Pandemic

Possibly one of the most important functions of COPD communities is to advocate for people struggling with health conditions. We discussed this topic in detail in a previous post, but we’ll provide you with a condensed version here for convenience. According to the Correlation European Harm Reduction Network, advocacy has four different functions:

• To help someone maintain control over their lives and promote their rights
• Promote inclusion of a wide spectrum of people and ensure that isolated individuals are able to get the help they need
• Empower people with the ability to speak for themselves and their own needs while speaking on behalf of others
• Provide people with an outlet to educate and better themselves and to clarify misunderstandings about their condition

Another important thing to note about advocacy is that it doesn’t just have to be done by people who actually have COPD. In order to have a wider reaching impact, advocacy should be embraced by friends, family, and loved ones in order to make a bigger impact on the community and the world. What’s more, advocacy isn’t something that should halt once a pandemic like COVID-19 starts. In order for advocacy to continue, COPD communities need to remain intact and stay as active as possible despite the circumstances.

Communities Are Often Therapeutic

Another reason COPD communities are important is because they are often therapeutic. Oftentimes, insecurities, anxieties, or otherwise negative thoughts that are brought on by chronic lung disease can be cured with simple human interaction. This is similar to how someone with a drug addiction or mental health condition may join a rehabilitation program in order to speak and interact with likeminded people.

Giving and Receiving Medical Advice   

Managing a complex condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be challenging. Whether you need advice on the treatment plan that you’ve already been prescribed or you’re searching for alternative treatments for COPD, there’s nobody better to talk to than someone who has experienced the same symptoms. When you consult the COPD community for medical advice, you’re sure to receive loads of great advice from people who truly want to help and who understand what you’re going through.

At the end of the day, it’s just as important to give advice as it is to receive it. If you think back on all the experiences you’ve had coping with COPD, you can likely think of one or more pieces of advice you could provide the community with. Just make sure you’re not giving advice about something that you’ve never dealt with or have no experience with. When receiving advice, it’s also important to consult your doctor before making any major changes to your COPD treatment plan.

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Online COPD Support Forums

An internet forum is a place where people can exchange information on a given topic through the internet. One of the great things about internet forums is that they often archive their information, so if you find something useful, you can refer back to it many months or even years after you found it. Simply bookmark it using your web browser and you can return to the page anytime you want.

Another reason to use online COPD support forums is that you can contribute as much or as little as you choose. Rather than having to commit to attending specific events, you can simply read through various forums and respond whenever you have the time. They also tend to be fairly active, so if you ask a question you should get a reply pretty quickly. Read below for a list of internet forums that all COPD patients should know about.

The COPD Foundation

The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit COPD advocacy group founded in 2004. Its mission is to help develop innovations that will improve the lives of COPD patients all across the world. Scientific research, education, and awareness are their primary means of accomplishing this, and they’ve developed their own approach to doing this called COPD360.

COPD360 is designed to enable partnerships between healthcare professionals, patients, caretakers, academic institutions, and researchers. By doing so, everyone will be better equipped to prevent COPD and treat it more effectively. One of the services the COPD Foundation offers specifically for COPD patients is called COPD360 Social. This platform aims to connect patients and educate them about their treatment options. It also provides a supportive environment for caretakers and family members who are looking to share stories, information, and advice.

The best part about signing up for a membership is that it’s entirely free and it will instantly connect you to thousands of other people around the world. All you will have to do is give them some basic information and then you can log in and start posting questions or reading through previous forums. One cool feature of this service is the badge system. The more someone answers questions in a helpful way and are upvoted, their experience will be displayed in their profile. This way, you’ll know if you’re receiving information from a well-respected member of the community or not.

The American Lung Association 

The American Lung Association is one of the oldest and largest lung health advocacy groups. Their number one mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. While they tend to focus on defeating lung cancer, they also champion clean air, and creating a tobacco-free future. Just recently, the American Lung Association announced a $25 million fund that will be used to award research grants for preventative research, vaccines, antivirals, and to help with future outbreak preparedness.

Similar to the COPD Foundation, The American Lung Foundation has a forum where you can ask and answer questions, communicate with other respiratory patients, and much more. Their forum is hosted through Inspire.com, a site designed to connect people with various health conditions across the world to provide support and medical advice. The great part about Inspire is that there’s a mobile application which will allow you to connect to the service no matter where you are in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

COPD.net

Whether you’re a COPD patient or caretaker, COPD.net aims to empower, educate, and equip you with the tools you need to manage COPD symptoms and live a better life. They also offer featured articles written by prominent physicians, advocates, or other health experts. In general, COPD.net is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn about COPD from more than one perspective. Their blogs and articles will help you see your condition in a new light and also give you resources to cope with the mental and psychological effects more easily.

COPD.net’s Help Center is hosted by Health Union, a social media platform that was created to leverage technology in a way that enables people with chronic conditions to have more meaningful, productive, and impactful connections through the internet. You can get started by following the link to the COPD.net Help Center and reading through the instructions. You’ll learn a bit about the history of Health Union and its purpose. You’ll receive a weekly e-newsletter, surveys and research opportunities, and you’ll gain access to the Q&A tool.

Social Media

Aside from organizations which run communities of COPD patients and caregivers, you can also find many different COPD communities through social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. The organizations listed above all have social media pages that you can follow and receive updates from, but you can also join independently run Facebook pages. To find a COPD group on Facebook, simply log in and click “groups” at the top of the page. Then you can search “COPD” and you should see a list of results. Find one that looks interesting then click “join group.” You may be required to answer several questions before being admitted into the group.

One of the best parts about using social media sites like Facebook to stay connected during the pandemic is that you’ll have a lot of free reign when it comes to how you interact with people. Facebook allows you to post photos, videos, and links which may not be allowed in other more heavily moderated forums. You can also join groups that are specific to your needs. So, for example, if you want to learn more about alternative treatments for COPD, you may be able to find a group that covers that specific topic. This way, it’s much easier to meet like minded people.

The downside to staying connected through social media groups is that you’ll have to be extra cautious about verifying the validity of the information you read. While moderates often try to prevent false information or spam from being posted in their groups, it’s unlikely that they will be able to stop everything from getting through. Facebook also has policies that makes it harder for potential spammers to enter groups, but that only goes so far. As a COPD patient or caregiver, it should be your top priority to verify everything you read with your doctor before actually applying it to your treatment program.

Call or Video Call a Friend

Sometimes, a “community” doesn’t necessarily mean a large group of people. In many cases, a small gathering of your closest friends is just enough to keep the conversation going. Fortunately, we’re lucky enough to live in a time when staying connected is easier than ever. Computer applications like Skype and Zoom have connected millions of people across the world during the COVID-19 pandemic and they can do the same for the COPD community. Here are a few helpful tips to get you started with video conferencing.

• Organize a group of people who will all be able to contribute and benefit from conversations about COPD and staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Create a set time to meet each week. While most people are staying home, that doesn’t mean they aren’t busy. This will also help make sure everyone is able to participate.
• Have a set topic that you discuss each week. Although it’s great to freestyle and discuss things on the fly, it’s easier to cover more topics when you think them up beforehand.
• Last but certainly not least, don’t be afraid to add more people to the mix. It never hurts to hear the perspectives of other people like caretakers, health professionals, or researchers if they are able to make themselves available.

We’ve talked a lot in the past about telehealth technology and how it’s shaping the way we approach healthcare. The current situation with COVID-19 has truly revealed how important it is to focus on this concept moving forward. Just ten or twenty years ago, it would’ve been impossible to accomplish what doctors can today through telecommunications and other medical advancements.

Take Part in a Clinical Trial

As you can imagine, this is a very busy time for researchers all across the country. Everyone is wanting to learn more about COVID-19 and when we can expect to see a vaccination. But the truth is, this isn’t possible without many years of testing. Experts say it will take 12 to 18 months at the very least, but the more support researchers have, the smoother the process will go.

As a COPD patient, you have a unique opportunity that many people don’t have. According to The Lancet, a journal that reports on medical findings, well over 500 clinical trials have been registered at both international and national clinical trial registry sites as of April 21, 2020. And we’ll likely see more arise as we learn more about the novel coronavirus. On this site, you’ll find a very helpful updated list of all of the clinical trials currently underway for COVID-19. You can refine your search by “recruiting” and “not yet recruiting” as well as age range and a number of other factors. Simply click on one that interests you to find the details and contact information.

The thing about clinical trials is that they require the participation of people from all different demographics. This includes young people, old people, healthy people, and chronically ill people. While we already know that older people with chronic respiratory illness are more susceptible to COVID-19, ongoing trials will reveal what treatment methods are effective in combating the virus as well as how we can protect those who are most vulnerable. If you want to stay involved in the community in the following months and years, this would be a great way to do so!

Conclusion

With all that’s going on in the world today, especially pertaining to the coronavirus and its effects, it’s important that we stay connected and communicate openly. This is even more important for older adults with chronic conditions like COPD, lung cancer, and diabetes, because these people are at the greatest risk of not only contracting COVID-19, but suffering severe symptoms from it as well.

Maintaining COPD communities during the pandemic has a number of benefits. Advocacy requires a great deal of communication which can be used to make politicians and community leaders aware of COPD patients and their needs. What’s more, by maintaining open lines of communications, COPD patients may be able to limit the stress and anxiety that comes with spending so much time at home.

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

Cystic fibrosis is a rare disease caused by a genetic mutation that can be passed down from parent to child. Although there is no known cure, there are many treatments and medications for cystic fibrosis that can help reduce the effects and symptoms of the disease.

The most prominent symptom of cystic fibrosis is abnormal, thick mucus that builds up in the lungs and other organs. This causes blockages and infections that can cause a variety of serious complications, including lung disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal (GI) problems.

Many people with cystic fibrosis fail to grow and thrive as children and experience frequent infections and organ damage throughout their lives. It is a deadly disease, and the median age of survival for people with cystic fibrosis is around 40 years old.

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Cystic fibrosis is complex and affects many different parts of the body, including the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines, in different ways. People with cystic fibrosis have to take a variety of medications, adhere to special diets, and do daily respiratory exercises to combat serious problems like malnutrition and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis usually show up very early in life, and most people are diagnosed by the time they turn two. The disease requires daily, life-long management to keep uncomfortable symptoms at bay and prevent serious damage to the respiratory tract, digestive system, and other organs.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-altering condition that requires intensive treatment to manage. However, recent advancements in cystic fibrosis treatment have made huge steps toward improving patents' lifespans and quality of life. With proper medication, strict daily treatment regimens, and close monitoring from doctors and specialists, people with cystic fibrosis are now able to live better and longer than ever before.

In this article we will introduce you to the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis and how the disease effects many different parts of the body. You'll learn about cystic fibrosis treatments, potential complications, and how the disease gets passed down through generations.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis can be difficult to understand because it comes with such a wide range of varied symptoms and complications. It doesn't just damage lungs or one type of tissue; it can affect many different parts of the body.

All people with cystic fibrosis have a mutation in a gene that controls a vital protein called the cystic fibrosis trans-membrane regulator (CFTR). This protein is an important part of membranes found all throughout the body, specifically in tissues that secrete mucus like the lungs and intestines.

These tissues are responsible for producing thin, watery mucus to coat the insides of the lungs and other organs. This lubricates and protects the delicate inner membranes, but can be problematic if it gets too dry and thick.

A normal, functioning CFTR protein is necessary for the body to be able to secrete normal mucus as well as thin, flowing fluids that other organs, like the pancreas, produce. Unfortunately, people who have cystic fibrosis don't have enough of this protein working in their bodies.

That is because a genetic defect causes one of two things to happen:

• The body makes an abnormal version of the CFTR protein that doesn't function properly.
  
  
• The body can't make enough of the CFTR protein.

In either case, this results in mucus and other secretions that don't function properly. Instead of producing thin, flowing mucus, people with cystic fibrosis produce dry, thick mucus that sticks to insides of their lungs and other organs.

This thickened mucus can't do its job and instead clogs up organs and provides an ideal spot for bacteria to grow. It also has specific effects on the liver, gut, and pancreas that disrupt their normal function and can lead to serious disease.

How Cystic Fibrosis Affects Your Body

Cystic fibrosis symptoms vary from person to person,and there are multiple types of CFTR gene mutations that can cause the disease. Every case of cystic fibrosis is different, and some are more severe than others.

But one thing all people with cystic fibrosis share is a buildup of excess mucus and phlegm in their bodies, especially in their lungs and digestive tract. This is because the defective CFTR protein cannot properly regulate the water content of the body's secretions, leading to mucus that's extra thick and sticky, instead of thin and free-flowing.

This has a devastating effect on many parts of the body, and we'll go through them here one by one.

Lungs

When you have cystic fibrosis, the thickened mucus in your lungs dries up easily and clogs up your airways. This thick, sticky mucus is difficult to clear out and sits in place, inviting bacteria to build up in the airways and infect the lungs.

The mucus buildup blocks air from flowing through your lungs easily, causing breathlessness, coughing, and reduced lung function. One of the most important parts of cystic fibrosis treatment is clearing mucus out of the airways and keeping the lungs as healthy as possible.

People with cystic fibrosis often suffer from frequent or chronic lung infections that can cause a chronic, phlegmy cough and difficulty breathing. The constant irritation and inflammation damages the lungs over time and can eventually lead to lung disease, heart disease, and death.

Sweat

Besides mucus, the CFTR protein also regulates other substances the body makes, like sweat and digestive fluids. In people with cystic fibrosis, the defective CFTR protein causes their bodies to excrete too much salt in their sweat, which depletes salt levels in the rest of the body.

If you have cystic fibrosis, this can cause serious problems during exercise or when spending time in the heat. Sweating can quickly lower salt levels in the body to dangerous levels, leading to severe dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps, and even heat stroke.

That's why people with cystic fibrosis have to take extra care to stay hydrated, especially during physical activity. Drinking fluids like sports drinks that contain salt and other electrolytes can help replenish your salt levels, too.

Liver

Bile is an important digestive fluid that's released into your stomach when you eat food. This bile is made by the liver and passed to the gallbladder, where it is stored until it's needed.

Cystic fibrosis affects the bile-producing cells in the liver, causing them to secrete bile that's thicker than the usual flowing fluid. This can clog up t{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}he liver and gallbladder and cause obstructions in the ducts that carry the bile, leading to liver scarring, gallstones, and other complications.

Pancreas

The pancreas is a vital part of the gastrointestinal system because it secretes the digestive enzymes needed to break down food. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that secrete the pancreatic enzymes, causing the secretions to become thick and clog up the pancreas.

When this happens, enzymes are unable to make it into the intestines where they are needed to digest food. As a result, it doesn't get broken down correctly and the body cannot absorb the nutrients from the food you eat.

These nutrients are necessary for the body to grow and function, and untreated cystic fibrosis leads to illness and malnutrition. That's why 90 percent of people with the disease have to take pancreatic enzyme supplements with every meal—to make up for their pancreas's inability to supply its own digestive enzymes to the digestive tract.

The pancreas is also responsible for producing insulin, the substance that controls the amount of sugar in your blood. Cystic fibrosis can cause cysts and blockages in the pancreas that cause scarring and damage to the cells that make insulin.

Cystic fibrosis gets its name from these cysts that can develop in the pancreas as a result of the disease. However, it is not a very common occurrence, and only about 15 percent of people with cystic fibrosis develop this condition.

Intestines

Cystic fibrosis affects fluids secreted in the intestines, causing constipation and sometimes intestinal blockages. This happens because there is not enough water in the stool, and it can cause a serious condition in newborn babies called meconium ileus, which requires surgery.

Furthermore, cystic fibrosis prevents the pancreas from delivering digestive enzymes to the gut, which can cause serious complications in the gastrointestinal tract. This makes people with cystic fibrosis prone to malnourishment and symptoms like cramping, bloating, and constipation caused by undigested food that the body is unable to break down.

In the most severe cases, people with cystic fibrosis can have severe intestinal obstructions that completely block the intestines. Rectal prolapse is another complication that can arise from constant straining due to constipation and unusual bowel movements.

Key Facts about Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a relatively rare disease, affecting about 30,000 people in the United states and up to 100,000 people worldwide. Although there is no way to cure the disease, there are many treatments available that focus on improving the symptoms, lifespan, and quality of life for people living with cystic fibrosis.

There are at least 1,700 different genetic mutations that can cause cystic fibrosis, and perhaps even more that haven't been studied. However, the vast majority of cystic fibrosis cases are caused by a single type of mutation, known as the F508 mutation. The rest are caused by one of the other hundreds of possible mutations.

The disease is serious, progressive, and tragically shortens the lifespan of people who suffer from it. However, with modern therapies people with cystic fibrosis are able to live much longer, better lives than ever before in history.

Until the late 1900's, most people born with cystic fibrosis didn't survive past elementary school. However, with proper treatment and medication the current median lifespan for people with cystic fibrosis is about 40 years old, and some live much longer.

Most cases of the disease are caught very early, often in newborn babies. In fact, hospitals have been required to do genetic screening for all newborns since 2010 to look for signs of cystic fibrosis. It's been very successful, and now nearly 65 percent of cystic fibrosis cases are found through newborn screening.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Since the disease is genetic, people with cystic fibrosis are born with it and usually start showing symptoms very early on in life. It is important to catch and begin treating the disease as early as possible to prevent serious complications and death.

The most prevalent and noticeable symptoms are coughing, phlegm, and shortness of breath. Many people with cystic fibrosis also fail to thrive and grow as children, and have difficulty putting on weight.

Cystic fibrosis is very taxing on the body and causes people with the disease to burn more energy and have large appetites. However, because their intestines aren't able to absorb nutrients efficiently, people with the disease are prone to getting malnourished and have difficulty gaining weight despite eating plenty of food.

Early-life Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis:

• Salty skin and sweat
• Huge appetite (or reduced appetite, in some cases)
• Weight loss or difficulty putting on weight (failure to thrive)
• Low energy and fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Chronic coughing or wheezing
• Unusual bowel movements, such as constipation, chronic diarrhea, or large, greasy or foul-smelling stools.

Later-life Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis:

• Difficulty breathing, especially with exercise
• Frequent lung infections
• Chronic cough with phlegm or blood
• Rectal prolapse from excessive straining
• Growths (polyps) in the nose and sinuses
• Clubbing (rounding and swelling) of the fingers
• Infertility

Causes of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disease. That means that the only way you can get cystic fibrosis is if you are born with two defective copies of the CFTR gene; one inherited from each parent.

As we've explained, cystic fibrosis is a heritable disease that you have from birth, caused by mutated CFTR genes. There are around 1,700 different DNA mutations that can cause cystic fibrosis, but all of them lead to a defective CFTR protein that causes the body to secrete thickened mucus in the organs and airways.

Every person has two different versions of every gene, including the CFTR gene. Cystic fibrosis can be passed on to a child when two parents, who each have at least one defective CFTR gene, have a baby.

If the baby inherits one mutated gene and one normal gene from its parents, it would be a carrier of the disease, but not have any of the symptoms. Carriers can pass on the disease to to their own children, but only if they have a child with someone who is also a carrier.

When two parents who are carriers for cystic fibrosis have a baby, there is a 50% chance that the baby will receive one defective copy of the gene and be a carrier itself. There's a 25% chance the baby will inherit two defective copies of the gene and get cystic fibrosis.

Newborn babies are routinely given a genetic screening to test for the most common cystic fibrosis mutations. This test also catches many people who are carriers. However, since there are nearly two thousand different genetic mutations that can cause cystic fibrosis and possibly more undiscovered, genetic screening misses some babies who carry one defective copy of the gene.

Many doctors recommend that people who are carriers of cystic fibrosis and their partners get genetic screening and counseling if they plan to have a child.

Complications with Cystic Fibrosis

Infertility

The thickened mucus and other secretions caused by cystic fibrosis can lead to infertility in both males and females. That's because the fluids in the reproductive system are thickened and prone to causing blockages.

In males, thick secretions block the ability of sperm to pass through the testes, leaving men with cystic fibrosis unable to have children. Up to ninety percent of males with the disease are infertile.

In the female reproductive system, thickened mucus in the cervix can block sperm from passing into the uterus and fertilizing the egg, causing infertility. However, infertility is much less common in females than in males.

Liver Disease

In rare cases, thickened secretions caused by cystic fibrosis can cause bile to get stuck in the bile ducts in the liver. This causes an obstruction that leads to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis).

Only about 5-10 percent of people with cystic fibrosis develop liver disease, and it is most often diagnosed before the age of 15. Still, doctors often recommend yearly liver screenings for people with cystic fibrosis to check for scarring and inflammation.

If you have cystic fibrosis, you can improve your chances of keeping a healthy liver by taking your medication properly, practicing good nutritional habits, and avoiding excessive alcohol use.

Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Disease

Long-term respiratory issues can cause increased pressure in the lungs that compresses the surrounding blood vessels. Over time, this can cause pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the pulmonary (lung) arteries get constricted, raising blood pressure in the lungs.

This puts back-pressure on the heart and forces it to work harder whenever it pumps blood through the vessels in the lungs. This extra strain causes the right ventricle (bottom-right chamber of the heart) to become enlarged over time.

This greatly weakens the heart and can cause edema (swollen legs and abdomen) and shortness of breath. Eventually, pulmonary hypertension and the associated enlarging of the right side of the heart can lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) and death.

Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder is responsible for collecting and storing the bile secreted by the liver. In people with cystic fibrosis, the bile can become so thick that it blocks the duct that leads out of the gallbladder to the intestine.

In most cases, this doesn't cause any discomfort or symptoms, but it sometimes causes gallstones to form. This occurs in about 10 percent of patients with cystic fibrosis and is usually treated with surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Pancreatitis

Both the gallbladder and the pancreas share a single duct that carries bile and pancreatic enzymes to the intestines. If cystic fibrosis causes gallstones to develop in the gallbladder, the stones can move up into the shared duct and block both bile and pancreatic secretions from getting through.

This can cause painful swelling and severe irritation in the pancreas, a serious condition known as pancreatitis. This can be treated with surgery to remove the gallstones or treatment in a hospital to reduce pain and discomfort until the inflammation subsides.

Bacterial Overgrowth

People with cystic fibrosis tend to develop frequent infections, especially lung infections, that require frequent courses of antibiotics. Over time, having to take antibiotics so often can kill off important, needed bacteria in the intestines.

This causes a bacteria imbalance that allows harmful bacteria to multiply. This can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including nausea, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Bacterial overgrowth is often treated with a different kind of antibiotic that restores a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. It selectively kills off harmful bacteria so that beneficial bacteria can thrive and flourish once more.

Diabetes and Hyperglycemia

Besides producing digestive enzymes, the pancreas has another very important purpose: secreting insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin is responsible for moving sugar out of the bloodstream and into the body's cells so it can be used as energy, and healthy insulin production is very important for overall health.

In rare cases, cystic fibrosis can cause cysts and scarring in the pancreas that destroys the cells that make insulin. Since the pancreas is the only organ that can make insulin, pancreatic scarring can severely reduce the amount of insulin in the blood.

This causes high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which causes symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, and frequent urination. Over time, insulin levels continue to decrease and blood sugar rises, eventually leading to diabetes.

Unlike type 2 diabetes, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes is not caused by diet or lifestyle habits, and is difficult to prevent. Fortunately, only about 15 percent of people with cystic fibrosis develop diabetes.

Gastric Paresis

Gastric Paresis occurs when food takes too long to empty out of the stomach, causing nausea, bloating, and discomfort after you eat. If you have pancreas scarring and high blood sugar, it can make the problem even worse.

Doctors often recommend that people with cystic fibrosis eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to alleviate symptoms. This makes sure that you don't fill up your stomach too much, and allows it to empty more quickly and efficiently.

Delayed Puberty

Because of the digestive issues associated with cystic fibrosis, many children with the disease grow up with low body weights and nutrient deficiencies. In females, low weight and malnutrition can delay the onset of puberty.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition where the airways become enlarged and filled with mucus. This occurs often in people with cystic fibrosis as a result of chronic respiratory infections that inflame the airways and fill them with mucus, stretching them and causing permanent enlargement.

This makes the airways even more prone to infection in a self-perpetuating cycle that leads to more mucus, more enlargement, and more infections. This causes progressive damage to the lungs and airways over time, making it more and more difficult to breathe.

Antibiotics, expectorants, and bronchodilators are often prescribed to help treat bronchiectasis and make it easier to clear mucus from the airways. Practicing airway clearance techniques like chest percussion or postural drainage can help reduce symptoms and damage to the airways. Many patients with advanced bronciectasis require supplemental oxygen therapy as their lung function declines.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is a medical term for the partial collapse of a lung. Anywhere from 5-20 percent of people with cystic fibrosis will develop a collapsed lung throughout their lifetime.

Pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition and happens when air leaks out of the lungs and fills the space around them, putting pressure on the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This leaves less room for the lungs to expand, causing shortness of breath and pain when inhaling.

Risk Factors for Cystic Fibrosis

Since cystic fibrosis is caused by a heritable genetic mutation, you can only get cystic fibrosis if you inherit defective CFTR genes from both of your parents. Cystic fibrosis tends to occur most often in non-hispanic white people and is less common in people who belong to other racial and ethnic groups.

If you only inherit one defective gene, then you are a carrier. While carriers don't actually show any signs of cystic fibrosis themselves, they risk passing their defective gene on to their children.

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!