If there’s one thing that we stress here at LPT Medical, it’s the importance of portability in your daily life. You have errands that you need to run, people you need to meet, and goals you want to accomplish. But without an oxygen concentrator that matches this lifestyle, you’ll likely be stuck at home twiddling your thumbs instead.

This is why we’ve introduced you to innovative portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G3 and Inogen One G5. These concentrators, among others, have set the bar pretty high for pulse flow units by combining the power and reliability of home oxygen concentrators into a lightweight and durable product.

While the G3 and G5 alone offer plenty of freedom and convenience, we’re constantly looking for new ways to improve upon them. Last week, we took a look at seven essential accessories for the Inogen One G5 where we discussed products such as the G5 custom carrying bag and the G5 backpack. These G5 bags offer two distinct ways of wearing your Inogen One G5 unit; the custom carrying bag is for the minimalist and the G5 backpack is for the traveler.

Now, we’re happy to announce a new type of Inogen One G3 and G5 carrying bag: GO2 Carryall Inogen One G3 Handbags. On the surface, the GO2 Carryalls look like other purses or handbags, but they’re actually uniquely designed to fit the needs of an oxygen patient on the go. They offer ample storage space like the G5 backpack and convenient carrying options like the G5 custom carrying case. Let’s take a look at some of the features you can expect when the GO2 Carryalls release this spring.

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The Inogen One G3 Genuine Leather Deluxe Handbag

The Inogen One G3 was released in 2012 with praise from oxygen patients everywhere. This pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator was so revolutionary that it still holds up today as one of the preferred POCs on the market, despite the release of many other well-qualified contenders.

Now you can carry your G3 around in style with the Inogen One G3 Deluxe handbag. This new carrying bag allows you to carry your G3 easily and live life on your own terms knowing that your medical oxygen is at your side all day long. It’s a versatile accessory that matches well with both formal and casual attire and has plenty of features that set it apart from the G3 carrying case and G3 backpack.

Stylish and Clean Design

Possibly the most unique thing about the G3 deluxe handbags is their look. Unlike oxygen tanks which stick out like a sore thumb as you’re wheeling them around, your G3 will be inconspicuous inside the deluxe leather handbag. When the bag is zipped up, the only thing that will be showing is the oxygen tubing. If it’s too long, you can easily coil it up and store it neatly in the bag so that it’s not in your way.

Some people are self-conscious about carrying a medical oxygen device in public, so we’re happy to provide patients with an option that can match their style while still offering all the benefits of other carrying bags. Each deluxe handbag is made of genuine leather, meaning it will feel smooth to the touch and won’t have that fake plastic look that many handbags do these days. It also has heavy duty brushed brass fixtures and zippers that have a high-quality look and feel to them.

These handbags are versatile enough that they can match virtually any style, casual or formal. Whether you’re simply taking a trip to the grocery store or you’re going to a formal event, you’re sure to get compliments wherever you go. This G3 leather bag comes in two colors: black and brown, so you can choose which one matches your style best.  

Secures Your Device While Walking

Let’s face it, oxygen concentrators are an investment. They’re not typically something you’ll just buy on a whim like a cup of coffee. Inogen portable oxygen concentrators are extremely durable and reliable, but like any electronic device, they’re still susceptible to scratches and dents. So, you can never be too careful when you go out of the house with your G3.

The custom carrying case and backpack do provide some protection for your device, but ultimately, if you want the best protection, you should go for the G3 deluxe handbag. While the custom carrying case aims to be thin and lightweight, the deluxe handbag is made of genuine leather that protects your oxygen machine from anything that could damage it. It slides snugly into the main pocket on the bag so it won’t move around while you’re on the go.

We strongly recommend avoiding water at all costs because the Inogen One G3 is not waterproof. However, by using the deluxe handbag, you’ll have an extra layer of security if you experience unexpected rain or snow. The bag can be zipped up with only the oxygen tubing sticking out the side allowing you to keep your unit dry until you can find shelter. 

Hassle-Free and Ergonomic Design

The G3 deluxe leather handbag was designed for ease-of-use. When you’re on the go, you shouldn’t have to waste any time fiddling with your device, so this bag makes it as easy as possible. In order to change your flow setting or check your battery life, all you’ll need to do is unzip the main compartment on the bag. You’ll also have full access to your cannula stem and charging port while you’re out.

Many people have different preferences when it comes to the way they carry their bags, so the G3 leather bag offers plenty of options. If you want to carry your bag like a purse or handbag, you can attach the hand straps to the brass fixtures on either side of the bag. However, if you’d like to carry it on your shoulder, you can attach the adjustable padded shoulder strap to the fixtures on the front and back of the bag. Give both options a try and see which one is most comfortable for you.

On the front of the bag, you’ll find the Innovative cannula containment pouch which helps keep your oxygen tubing tidy while concealing it from view. There’s a small ring on the side that you can feed your cannula through which will hold it in place and prevent so that it’s not dangling around while you move around.

Another thing oxygen users will be happy to find is plenty of storage space on this handbag. The G3 leather bag has two external zipper pockets, one internal zipper pocket, and a snap pocket that’s perfect for carrying an additional battery or other G3 accessories like the external battery charger. You’ll easily have enough extra space to store personal belongings like your car keys, wallet, or cellphone as well.

Oftentimes, we get concerns from G3 users that their portable oxygen concentrator won’t work correctly when it’s inside a bag. Fortunately, this won’t be a problem with the G3 leather bag because it has ventilation panels on either side of the unit. Your G3 has both air intake vents, which bring in unconcentrated air, and an exhaust vent that expels nitrogen. This bag has a mesh material covering each of them.

The Inogen One G5 Gentlemen’s Collection

While the Inogen One G5 hasn’t been around for nearly as long as the G3, that hasn’t stopped it from taking the industry by storm since its release. Offering up a superb battery life, unmatched oxygen output, and new features like the Inogen Connect, the G5 is the ideal POC for a large portion of respiratory patients.

If you’re in the market a new Inogen One G5 carrying bag, the gentlemen’s G5 bags may be just what you’re looking for. Unlike the deluxe handbag which is made of genuine leather, the gentlemen’s G5 bags are made of a heavy-duty and durable canvas material. They’re also a neutral gray color which works great with just about any wardrobe imaginable — casual or formal. 

The G5 Gentlemen’s Satchel

Much like the leather handbags for the G3, the G5 gentlemen’s satchel will hold your G5 securely while providing you with plenty of room to store personal belongings and G5 accessories like the G5 double battery or the G5 DC charging cable. The front pouch is very precisely sized in order to keep the G5 from sliding around while you’re out and about enjoying your day. 

Secure Foldover Pouch

At first glance, you may think that the G5 Gentlemen’s Satchel is secured using the two buckles on the front of the bag. However, these are just for design. The foldover flap used to contain your Inogen One G5 is actually secured using two clip-in buttons on the front of the bag. In turn, this makes the bag look classic and stylish without the hassle of having to undo the buckle every time you need to access your G5 control panel.

Durable Canvas Material

Canvas is a material that’s commonly used for purses, backpacks, and handbags because it looks great and it’s resistant to tears. Like with the leather bags, we don’t recommend taking the Gentlemen’s Satchel in the rain or snow, but it’s water resistant enough to prevent your G5 from becoming damaged if you’re caught out in the rain. If it does happen to get wet, be sure to leave it in a well-ventilated area to dry out before using it again.

The G5 Gentlemen’s Slimline

The Gentlemen’s Slimline G5 bag is mostly the same as the satchel but doesn’t have a pocket to store personal items and accessories. The G5 slimline bag is perfect for someone who wants to carry the Inogen One G5 by itself. The obvious advantage to this is that your device will take up less space making it easier to carry and store.

Convenient Oxygen Tubing Port

In order to access your oxygen tubing and nasal cannula more easily, the G5 slimline bag has a port on the top. If you need to stop to adjust your tubing, you won’t have to open the bag or hassle with removing the Inogen One G5 from the bag entirely. It also contributes to the inconspicuous design of the bag in case you’re self-conscious about carrying an oxygen device around in public.

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Well-Ventilated

Similar to all of the new Carryall bags, the slimline is well-ventilated to ensure your device is not obstructed while it’s on. The mesh material is found toward the bottom of the bag near the battery and along the side where the intake and exhaust vents are located on the Inogen One G5. 

Conclusion

The Inogen One G3 and Inogen One G5 are two of the most lightweight, reliable, and efficient portable oxygen concentrators on the market. As such, they deserve a high-quality bag to match. The new GO2 Carryalls have the functionality of other Inogen accessories, but they’re more fashionable and they allow you to carry your oxygen device in a more inconspicuous way.

If you like these bags, be sure to purchase one that matches the device you currently own. While you may be able to use them interchangeably, the ventilation panels will not match up, so your oxygen machine may not work properly. Refer to your user manual if you have any questions about where these are located. 

Oxygen therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen therapy, is the administration of medical-grade oxygen in order to treat a variety of medical conditions. While oxygen has been used as early as the 1800s, it wasn’t until the late 1900s that doctors were able to nail down the exact conditions that oxygen could treat, and equally as important, when oxygen therapy should be avoided.

Like we discussed in our last post, there are four commonly used types of oxygen delivery: hyperbaric chambers, oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, and oxygen concentrators. Hyperbaric chambers are a form of oxygen therapy that administers pressurized oxygen in order to treat conditions like decompression sickness and promote healthy blood flow. On the other hand, the other three oxygen delivery methods are usually used to treat chronic lung conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, and more.

In this post, we’re primarily going to be discussing portable oxygen concentrators and their benefits when it comes to long-term oxygen therapy. If you have any questions or concerns about what you read here, be sure to leave a comment or fill out the form at the side of the page so that one of our respiratory specialists can reach out to you.

What is Long-Term Oxygen Therapy?

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is the continuous use of oxygen therapy for patients with low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia). Patients with early-stage lung disease may be required to use oxygen several hours a day, whereas people with more severe lung disease might need to be connected to their oxygen machine 24/7. According to the American Thoracic Society, the following conditions may indicate the need for LTOT in patients who suffer from chronic lung disease:

• A partial pressure of oxygen less than 55 mmHg (7.3kPa)
• An oxygen saturation of 88% or less
• Signs of tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen in tissues)
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
• Pulmonary edema (excess fluid in the lungs)
  
  

Ultimately, oxygen therapy is one of the most effective ways to return blood oxygen levels back to normal in COPD patients. By doing so, they will maintain a much more stable pulmonary state avoiding common symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, and coughing fits. LTOT has also been shown to increase exercise capacity, reduce hospitalizations, and reduce exacerbation rate and severity. 

When is LTOT Not Advised?

Contrary to popular belief, not all COPD patients require long-term supplemental oxygen. In fact, certain respiratory patients may experience something called oxygen-induced hypercapnia where a patient’s breathing is negatively affected by the use of supplemental oxygen.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the byproduct of metabolism. Although it’s expelled from the body as a waste product, it does have one important function in the body: respiratory drive. Essentially, when there are higher levels of CO2 in your blood, it releases chemoreceptors to the brain which increases the rate of respiration. Since COPD patients have chronically high levels of CO2 in the blood, the body may become desensitized to these signals. In other words, supplemental oxygen may suppress respiratory drive and cause a COPD patient to retain more CO2.

While long-term oxygen therapy is effective for most COPD patients, it’s imperative that patients see their pulmonologist regularly. Supplemental oxygen is rarely a “black and white” situation, so it’s important to closely monitor things like CO2 levels, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), oxygen saturation, and COPD symptoms in order for oxygen to be prescribed effectively and safely. If problems arise, he/she may advise a decrease in oxygen flow rate or remove the patient entirely from supplemental oxygen.

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Why Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators Ideal for LTOT?

Now that you know the important role LTOT plays in treating COPD symptoms, you may be wondering why portable oxygen concentrators provide the greatest benefits for someone looking for an oxygen therapy device. While there are several other options like compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, and stationary oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators have stood the test of time as the best option for long-term supplemental oxygen therapy.

Oxygen concentrators largely became popular around the 1970s when patients were looking for better alternatives to big, bulky oxygen tanks which needed to be refilled several times a day. Concentrators were revolutionary at this time because they prevented the need for oxygen patients to get up to go refill their oxygen. Simply by plugging the concentrator into the wall, they’d have an infinite supply of oxygen.

Portable oxygen concentrators didn’t become popular until the early 2000s when lithium-ion battery technology had advanced enough to make them practical. To this day, portable oxygen concentrators remain one of the most popular options for LTOT, especially for patients who are more active or want to limit the amount of work they want to put into their daily COPD treatment routine.

They Can Run 24 Hours a Day Without Interruption

Despite what your COPD treatment regimen says, you’re never truly going to be on oxygen 24/7 while using compressed oxygen or liquid oxygen. Running continuously at 2 liters per minute, an E cylinder will only last about 5 hours. D cylinders which are even smaller only last about 3 hours at the same LPM. What this means is that you will need to have a backup tank on hand or deal with a gap in your oxygen treatment while your tank fills up. Not only is there a chance you could experience an exacerbation during this time, but it will waste a lot of your time.

Fortunately, when you own a portable oxygen concentrator, you won’t have to deal with any of these issues. Every component of modern POCs is designed to be run 24/7 including the compressor, battery, and processor. As long as you take care to follow the instructions in your user manual, you will ensure that your device doesn’t overheat or malfunction. The most important maintenance procedure for most POCs is to change the particle filter. This component will prevent airborne contaminants like dust and dirt from getting inside your device and potentially damaging it. This also helps to ensure that the air you breathe through the nasal cannula is clean and doesn’t trigger a COPD exacerbation. 

Another reason you can run your POC without interruption is because they run entirely off batteries so you’ll never have to refill it or keep an extra one on hand. Once your battery starts getting low, simply plug your oxygen machine into the wall and you can continue using it while the battery charges. If you want to stay out of the house for longer, you can simply carry an extra battery and swap it out with the other one once it starts to get low. 

Lastly, several newer portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 come equipped with something called an “Intelligent Delivery System.” In the G5, proprietary conserver technology ensures oxygen is always delivered within 400 milliseconds of inspiration. This is known as the critical point because it’s the time-frame when you experience the most clinical benefit from inspired oxygen. When you’re sleeping, breathing rates typically slow down significantly. The G5 responds to this by increasing the bolus size and ensuring that you always receive oxygen no matter your rate of breath. What’s more, the G5 can even detect shallow mouth breaths, adjusting oxygen delivery accordingly.

They Afford More Freedom and Independence for Patients

Freedom is a quality that defines everyone. Without freedom and independence, we wouldn’t be able to go where we please, pursue our dreams, or spend time with people that we choose. Unfortunately, many older adults and elderly people suffer debilitating conditions that prevent them from getting out and enjoying their lives — COPD is just one example of these.

Many COPD patients report feeling chest pain or breathlessness just from simply waking up in the morning and getting out of bed. If you’re faced with all of this along with chronic fatigue and the thought of lugging around a heavy oxygen tank, it’s no wonder many COPD patients don’t get out of the house! The good news is that there is a better solution for long-term oxygen therapy that won’t add any burden to your already challenging daily routine.

Portable oxygen concentrators, especially pulse flow ones, are extremely light when compared to other oxygen therapy devices. An average continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator weighs around 10 to 15 pounds while the average pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator weighs around 6 pounds. Pulse flow units are so much lighter because of the technology that’s built into them allowing them to administer oxygen more efficiently. POCs are also more practical in terms of their shape. Whereas oxygen tanks are oblong, POCs are usually box-shaped or rectangular making them much easier to store in small places.

Most continuous flow POCs should be carried with a rolling cart, however, pulse flow POCs are light enough to carry over your shoulder. Amazingly, the lightest portable oxygen concentrator, the AirSep Focus weighs in at just 1.75 pounds which is light enough to clip onto your belt! Other pulse flow POCs like the Inogen One G4 are small enough to fit in a purse or small handbag. However, it’s recommended that you use the official carrying bag that comes with the device to avoid damaging it.

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They Allow Precise Control Over Oxygen Output

As aforementioned, one of the most important things about long-term oxygen therapy is the ability to have precise control over your oxygen delivery. If you aren’t receiving enough oxygen, you may be at a high risk of experiencing a COPD exacerbation or other symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing fits. If you’re receiving too much oxygen, you may experience oxygen toxicity or oxygen-induced hypercapnia.

One of the defining features of portable oxygen concentrators is that they allow for precise control over your oxygen delivery. Each POC has what’s called flow settings. Each one has a different number of flow settings and a different oxygen output for each one. So, for example, the Inogen One G5 has 6 flow settings and a total oxygen output of 1,260 ml/min of oxygen. This means that for each flow setting you go up, you’ll be increasing your oxygen by 210 ml/min. You can adjust your flow setting on the fly by pressing the arrow buttons on the device’s control panel.  

One of the greatest benefits of being able to change your oxygen flow so easily is that you can ensure that you always get the oxygen you need no matter what you’re doing. Some patients like to use their oxygen concentrator while they’re exercising meaning they’ll likely need to increase their flow rate to accommodate for this. On the other hand, you may be sitting down for a long period of time and want to reduce your flow rate in order to save battery life — you can do this too!

They’re More Affordable Than the Alternatives

Oxygen patients are often surprised when they hear someone say that portable oxygen concentrators are the most affordable method of oxygen delivery. One of the reasons for this is because insurance companies often label them as expensive “luxury” items that are not necessary for a COPD patient’s happiness and well-being. While oxygen concentrators do have a higher upfront cost than most other forms of oxygen therapy, they are much more cost-effective when it comes to long-term oxygen therapy. 

Oxygen tanks have very low upfront costs and this is what makes them so appealing to people. A home or portable oxygen cylinder can be bought for a couple hundred dollars. But the problem is that the longer you use it, the more you have to spend on it. If you want to refill your own tank at home, you’re going to need to purchase a homefill oxygen refill system. These machines alone cost as much as a portable oxygen concentrator. If you decide to go the other route and have a professional refill your tanks, you can expect to pay upwards of $10 for each fill. This can add up very quickly if you use oxygen every day.

Alternatively, you can purchase a portable oxygen concentrator. Although they run several thousand dollars upfront, there are little-to-no maintenance costs. Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be run 24/7, all you’ll need to do is clean and replace the particle filters regularly to ensure that it runs smoothly. Additionally, most portable oxygen concentrators come with a 3-year warranty at the very least. So, if anything goes wrong with your device within that time frame, you can get it repaired at no cost to you. 

They Promote a Productive Lifestyle

Productivity is not something that should be restricted by your age or health. Unfortunately, many people with COPD and other debilitating diseases become less motivated to lead a productive lifestyle when they’re dependent on friends and loved ones for support. Oxygen tanks add to this because they keep oxygen patients homebound and in some cases, they even prevent them from moving around the house freely.

On the other hand, portable oxygen concentrators offer more freedom than any other type of oxygen therapy device. With the average pulse flow POC weighing under 6 pounds, you won’t have to dread the thought of walking up a flight of stairs or going into a crowded public area. Ultimately, it will allow you to focus on what you’re trying to accomplish rather than on whether or not your oxygen needs are being met.

Another reason many people don’t like using oxygen tanks is that they can make you feel self-conscious. It’s easy to feel like you’re a burden on other people when you’re wheeling around a bulky and dangerous oxygen tank behind you into public areas. Portable oxygen concentrators don’t have this effect because they’re small enough to fit under your shoulder. They’re also pretty inconspicuous so most people won’t even notice it. And if they do, they likely won’t ask any questions or give you any unwanted attention. 

They’re Much Safer to Use

If you remember the last time you went out and bought a car, what was the first feature you looked at? Chances are, it wasn’t the gas mileage, top speed, or color — it was safety. If you’re going to be investing your money in something, it would be unwise to check whether it’s going to be safe or not. And just like with a car, your portable oxygen concentrator is a long-term investment, so there’s a lot at stake. 

One of the main reasons oxygen tanks are so dangerous is because they contain many liters of compressed oxygen inside them. Oxygen is not flammable or combustible but it is an oxidizer. What this means is that when something is exposed to oxygen it can catch fire more easily. Additionally, oxygen is stored at very high pressures meaning there’s always the risk that it could explode. Liquid oxygen is stored at much lower pressures, so they’re safer in that regard, but you’ll still be carrying around a canister of medical-grade oxygen.

The main reason that portable oxygen concentrators are so much safer is that they contain no compressed oxygen. Ambient air is drawn into the concentrator and gases like nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide are removed. A pulse flow POC will only put out oxygen when you inhale, so if you happen to put down your nasal cannula, oxygen won’t continue to come out of the hose. Instead, it will stop producing oxygen and wait for you to start inhaling again. It’s also much safer that oxygen comes out in boluses rather than continuously.

You’ll be happy to know that the people around you will also feel more secure and safe while they’re around you. Many people are misinformed about the dangers of oxygen, believing that it can catch fire rather than acting as an oxidizer. While you can take the time to explain exactly how it works, it’s best to just use a device like a portable oxygen concentrator that won’t get people on edge.

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Conclusion

Long-term oxygen therapy is a core component of most COPD treatment plans. While some patients won’t need any supplemental oxygen, most will need to use it for 18 to 24 hours a day. Portable oxygen concentrators tend to be the best option for people who need LTOT because they’re safer, more cost-effective, lighter, smaller, and easier to use than most other medical oxygen devices. However, before making any decisions about your oxygen usage, be sure to consult your pulmonologist who will be able to make recommendations based on your health condition.

Life is all about choices — We choose what time we want to get up in the morning, what we do for a living, and what we do in our spare time. 

For better or worse, our choices are what define us; they determine our quality of life and the way others see us.

But when you’re bound by a debilitating medical condition like COPD, choices become few and far between and often end with the disease making decisions about your life rather than the other way around.

COPD is characterized by breathlessness, chest pain, and exacerbations — a sudden flare-up of respiratory symptoms. All of these effects can leave you bed-ridden, hospital-bound, or in too much pain to pursue your goals and aspirations.

Fortunately, there are options for COPD patients who want to regain their freedom and independence. Pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation, and a refined diet can all help to alleviate COPD symptoms and allow you to live life on your own terms.

Another way to regain your freedom is to invest in an innovative pulse dose portable oxygen machine like the Inogen One G5. As opposed to older types of portable oxygen such as continuous flow oxygen concentrators or portable oxygen tanks, the G5 was designed with your independence in mind.

Let’s take a look at 11 ways the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator will help you regain your freedom and independence.

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1.) Maintaining Your Oxygen Saturation Levels

The main purpose of supplemental oxygen is to increase your oxygen saturation level. Oxygen saturation is the amount of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin in the blood in relation to the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Increasing your oxygen saturation level is fundamental to managing COPD because it is the primary underlying cause of COPD symptoms.

The Inogen One G5 puts out an astounding 1260 ml/min of 90% (+6%/-3%) oxygen meaning it’s more than enough for the majority of COPD patients to experience a healthy oxygen saturation level. What’s more, it also uses something called Intelligent Delivery Technology which ensures that you receive an adequate amount of oxygen with each breath, regardless of how shallow or deep it is.

Unlike patients who use other forms of oxygen therapy for seniors, or none at all, you won’t have to constantly stop to check your blood oxygen levels while using the Inogen One G5. As long as you have a charged battery and you’re using the correct flow setting on your medical oxygen machine, you’ll have nothing to worry about. This will afford you the freedom to go about your daily business without ever having to worry about whether you’re getting enough oxygen or not.

One of the most important reasons to use medical oxygen in COPD patients is because it prevents hypoxia. This is a condition where the body’s tissues aren’t receiving enough oxygen. Short-term hypoxia can lead to body aches like headaches or chest pain, but chronic hypoxia can do serious damage to the tissues throughout your body. 

2.) Keeping Your Symptoms in Check

Another way the Inogen One G5 will improve your freedom and independence is by keeping all of your symptoms in check. Unfortunately, COPD is associated with a number of symptoms including breathlessness, chest pain, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and more. It can get really exhausting and time-consuming trying to come up with new ways to alleviate these symptoms, but with the G5, it will become second nature.

Many COPD patients suffer from something called transient nocturnal desaturation. This is a condition that causes a drop in blood oxygen levels at night. And while it doesn’t cause any immediate symptoms, it can lead to heart or brain damage if it’s left untreated. Sleep apnea is also a known comorbidity of COPD which can further exacerbate these issues.

The bottom line is that portable supplemental oxygen machines like the Inogen One G5 will reduce symptoms like these allowing you to get a more restful night’s sleep, and in turn, accomplish much more during the day. Having normal oxygen saturation levels in your body will ensure that you always have the energy to go about your daily life.

3.) Preventing Exacerbations

Exacerbations are technically a symptom of COPD, but they’re important enough that they should be mentioned separately. An exacerbation is a period of time when COPD symptoms suddenly become worse, and at times, can even be life-threatening.

The most common cause of COPD exacerbations is airborne irritants like cigarette smoke, car exhaust, dust, and pollen. They can also be caused by viral infections, primarily acute respiratory infections that lead to increased inflammation in the lungs and increased mucus production in the airways.

One of the most effective treatment options for a COPD exacerbation is an inhaler or nebulizer because they can be used to administer fast-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids. However, if you’re experiencing an exacerbation, it’s also important to have supplemental oxygen with you. Even patients who don’t use medical oxygen are usually prescribed oxygen after experiencing an exacerbation for a short period of time.

The Inogen One G5 is so light that you’ll be able to take it wherever you go in case of an exacerbation. And if you should experience an exacerbation, your Inogen One G5 will provide you with a steady supply of oxygen that can help you recover more quickly and get to a hospital.  

4.) Improving Exercise Tolerance

Exercise is one of the key components of pulmonary rehabilitation, a program used to improve the lung strength and capacity of COPD patients. Unfortunately, many COPD patients become out of breath too quickly to perform any type of strenuous exercise, but with the help of a powerful and lightweight portable oxygen concentrator like the Inogen One G5, respiratory patients can accomplish more during their workouts.

Pulse flow oxygen concentrators like the G5 are far lighter and much smaller than their continuous flow counterparts. To put this into perspective, the Inogen One G5 weighs 4.7 pounds, while the lightest continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator for seniors, the Respironics SimplyGo weighs in at 10 pounds — that’s less than half its weight!

Another great thing about the Inogen One G5 when it comes to exercise is that you don’t need to wheel it behind you on a cart. Instead, you can sling it over your shoulder using the custom carrying case or any other accessory you’d like to use. In fact, it’s so light that many patients forget it’s even there!

5.) Reducing Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be one of the most debilitating aspects of COPD. While you may experience acute symptoms like chest pain and back pain, chronic pain is the kind that lasts for months or years, and can even be permanent. Chronic pain in COPD is usually associated with hyperinflation, dyspnea, depression and reduced physical activity.

In patients with COPD, hypoxemia (low oxygen saturation levels in the arteries) and hypoxia (low oxygen saturation in tissues) are common. Both of these conditions can lead to chronic pain like headaches and much worse in severe situations.

Unfortunately, you can’t just go out and buy any oxygen concentrator and expect it to meet your oxygen demands. A concentrator that provides too little oxygen could lead to you experiencing hypoxemia or hypoxia, while a concentrator that’s delivering too much oxygen will cause something called hyperoxia (too much oxygen in the body).

The Inogen One G5 offers the highest oxygen output of any pulse dose oxygen concentrator on the market. However, if you need to use a lower setting, you can easily do so by using the arrow buttons on the oxygen concentrator control panel. There’s no understating how much freedom and independence this offers you, especially when you’re out and about and don’t want to have to mess with your concentrator. 

6.) Reducing Your Dependence on Loved Ones

Whether you rely on your daughter, son, sister, or brother to help you make it to doctor’s visits or anything else related to COPD, most people would do anything to reduce their dependence on their loved ones. While you can show them as much appreciation as possible, sometimes it’s best to just be able to do things on your own again.

The problem with other types of oxygen therapy devices like continuous flow concentrators and oxygen tanks is that they’re very heavy and difficult to carry. Many people who use these instead of pulse flow units need to use a wheelchair or wheel their medical oxygen behind them on a cart. Oftentimes, this is not feasible for oxygen patients so they need the help of a loved one.

On the other hand, the Inogen One G5 weighs only 4.7 pounds and can be slung over your shoulder with the G5 custom carrying case or worn on your back using the G5 backpack. These Inogen One G5 accessories are specifically designed for your convenience and have adjustable straps to make them more comfortable to carry.

Another way the G5 will reduce your dependence on loved ones is because it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance or cleaning. It’s recommended that you remove the particle filters every week or two in order to wash them and you should wipe down your whole device occasionally to prevent spreading bacteria, however, these things are very easy to do. If you’d like to learn more about cleaning your Inogen One G5, read this post.  

7.) Preventing Hospital Visits

Nobody likes going to the hospital, especially when it means being stuck in a patient recovery room for days or weeks on end. COPD patients are usually admitted to hospitals for exacerbations due to lung infections or airborne irritants, however, it’s not uncommon for someone to find themself in a hospital bed due to hypoxia or hypoxemia either.

The Inogen One G5 will help prevent the need for hospital visits by providing you with a reliable source of oxygen wherever you go. And if you do get admitted to a hospital, you may get released earlier if the doctor knows that you have a reliable source of oxygen that you can use. 

8.) Keeping You Out of the House Longer

One of the main problems that people have with COPD is that it keeps them house-bound and oftentimes, bed-ridden. What this means is that you won’t be able to get outside and do all the things you love to do like visiting family members, taking a walk through the park, or going out for dinner.

Most portable oxygen concentrators on the market don’t offer you the freedom to stay out of the house for extended periods of time because they have very short battery lives. Oxygen tanks don’t offer very much oxygen either and if you ever run out, you’ll need to either have a backup tank or go to visit a refill station before continuing on with your day.

The Inogen One G5, on the other hand, gets an incredible 13.5 hours of battery life with the double battery on the lowest flow setting and up to 6.5 hours with the single battery. That’s more than enough to last you through the day but if you want more, the G5 is light enough that you should have no problems carrying an extra battery or two in your purse or backpack. Swapping the batteries out is as easy as pulling the tab on the side of the device and pushing the new battery on until it clicks into place.

9.) Allowing You to Go More Places

While staying out for longer is certainly important, it doesn’t mean much unless you can actually go to the places that you want to go to. For many years, oxygen therapy machines have been bulky devices that could only be transported with a carrying cart or wheelchair. What this meant is that there were certain places that were off-limits for oxygen patients. 

For example, it was difficult or impossible for oxygen patients to ride the bus or the subway because that would mean having to lift the oxygen tank or bring it into a crowded area where it doesn’t fit. There’s also a chance that the device could become damaged. For example, the regulator on oxygen tanks is fragile and could break or cause injury if you’re not careful.

The great part about the Inogen One G5 is that it has such a small form factor, you won’t have a problem taking it wherever you go. It’s not bulky and it doesn’t have to be wheeled around so you won’t have to worry about having to strain your back to lift it over a curb or into a bus or car.

Another way it allows you to go more places is because it’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use. The FAA is an organization that oversees the safety, efficiency, and affordability of the commercial aviation industry in the United States. Other oxygen therapy devices like oxygen tanks and continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators are not approved by them because they are too bulky to store safely and oxygen tanks are a major fire hazard.

The Inogen One G5 is FAA approved because it is small, light, and doesn’t have any compressed oxygen like an oxygen tank does. You’ll be able to store it under the seat in front of you while the plane is taking off and landing, and if you need to go to the bathroom, you’ll be able to take your oxygen concentrator without disturbing other people on the plane. 

10.) Saving You Money

Money is tight in this day and age so any little bit that you can save will go a long way. Saving money on an oxygen concentrator like the G5 will allow you more freedom to spend money on other things that you want or need like groceries or a new phone. 

Despite being one of the most advanced portable oxygen machines available, it has a pretty low price point compared to most other pulse flow and continuous flow concentrators. Since it’s the newest concentrator by Inogen, it’s fully supported and replacement parts are widely available.

Each Inogen One G5 device comes with a 3-year warranty, so if it ever has any issues, you’ll be able to send it in to the manufacturer and have it repaired at no cost to you. However, it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to do this because Inogen is known for their high-quality devices with extremely low failure rates.

The Inogen One G5 is much cheaper than oxygen tanks because it has an infinite supply of oxygen. Oxygen tanks need to be refilled every day or two which can be very costly. If you don’t want to go to an oxygen supply store, you can purchase your own home concentrator to fill your tanks, but this is just another cost and it can be time-consuming as well.

11.) Improving Your Happiness and Well-being

At the end of the day, your happiness and well-being are the two most important things. When you’re happy and positive about your life, you’re going to feel more free and independent. And when you feel more independent and free, your happiness will in turn increase. It’s a two-way road, and the Inogen One G5 complements this lifestyle perfectly.  

It feels so much better to use an oxygen machine that’s lightweight, small, and easy to use because you know that it’s one of the best products offered in the industry. While you could suffer with a bulky continuous flow unit or oxygen tank just to save a few bucks up front, in the long run, you will actually be losing more money and you’ll have to live with regret knowing that you could’ve bought a better unit.

Conclusion

The Inogen One G5 is a top-rated portable oxygen concentrator. Out of all the great machines on the market like the Respironics SimplyGo, the AirSep Focus, and the SeQual Equinox, the G5 remains one of the best units that money can buy. While the G5 isn’t necessarily the best unit for everyone, it is the best unit for the greatest number of people.

Freedom and independence are two major selling points for Inogen units. When Inogen came into the portable oxygen scene in the early 2000s, there weren’t very many options in the way of lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective machines. Since then, however, they’ve continued to set the standard for portable oxygen concentrators with each unit that they release. If you need more help choosing a POC, read our post titled, “The Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2020.”

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe one of two different respiratory ailments: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The former is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes and the latter is characterized by damaged alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs that are responsible for the transmission of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood.

When COPD is diagnosed, patients aren’t simply given a “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan. Instead, doctors will look at several different variables such as how developed the COPD is, where it’s located, and what caused it. By doing so, he/she will be able to create a treatment plan that is customized to your specific condition.

In this post, we’re going to be looking at the early stages of COPD. This is commonly referred to by medical professionals as “stage 1 COPD” because it’s when the signs of COPD first start to emerge. If you’re diagnosed during this stage, there are several things you should know, so stay tuned to find out, and be sure to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

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Symptoms of Early-Stage COPD

1.) You’re Not Alone

Did you know that about 16.4 million people in the United States have COPD and an estimated 328 million people have COPD worldwide? While it’s easy to feel alone when you’re diagnosed, in reality, it’s one of the most prevalent health conditions in the world ahead of lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and even Alzheimer’s disease. 

Unfortunately, most COPD patients don’t get this impression from watching the news, reading the paper, or simply going about their daily lives. Despite how common COPD is, it sorely under-discussed and underfunded. What’s more, there seems to be a general lack of understanding of what COPD even is.

According to the National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Experience (COPDE) Survey, 60 percent of respondents reported not having an action plan for dealing with exacerbations and 16 percent reported not even knowing what a COPD exacerbation was. Another study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that only about 50 percent of current or previous smokers surveyed knew what COPD was. 

It’s difficult to say why COPD has less awareness in the general population and among smokers than other lung diseases, but there are definitely some likely causes. For starters, cancer often takes the spotlight these days. Cancer is one of the most talked-about chronic illnesses in this day and age. It’s the second-leading cause of death in the country, but only about one-fourth of the total cancer deaths are caused by lung cancer. This could lead to people unknowingly inflating the prevalence of lung cancer.

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Another potential cause of the lack of awareness for COPD is the way it develops. While COPD tends to develop very slowly over the course of many years, lung cancer is often the opposite. Lung cancer is often considered to be one of the fastest-growing cancers and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, in particular, often die after just 5 years. Another problem with lung cancer is its tendency to spread to other parts of the body.

Finally, you need to consider the fact that COPD is often affected by diagnostic error. In other words, someone may have COPD and not know it, or they might visit a doctor for their symptoms and get diagnosed with a condition other than COPD such as asthma or pulmonary fibrosis. Studies suggest that about one-fifth of smokers over the age of 40 show signs of COPD, but millions of them do not receive a diagnosis.   

When you take all of these factors into consideration, along with the fact that lung cancer and COPD share the same awareness month (November), it’s not hard to see how COPD can often be overshadowed. It’s important to not diminish the awareness surrounding lung cancer because it is a very serious disease, however, it’s also important for COPD patients to know how common their illness is. What’s more, errors in spirometry testing can also lead to misdiagnosis of COPD.

2.) There is an Active COPD Support Community

Now that you’re aware of how common COPD is, you’re likely wondering what options you’ll have to get involved in the community. Luckily, there are a whole host of COPD communities out there composed of COPD patients, caretakers, researchers, medical specialists, medical device manufacturers, and more. And with how connected modern technology is, you’ll be surprised to find just how easy it is to get started.

We made a blog post in the past that covers this topic in detail, however, we’ll summarize its points here for your convenience. In simple terms, a COPD community is a place for people with COPD to come together to support each other and raise awareness for the problems they face. COPD communities can either be organized by an individual like a patient or a caretaker, or they can be created by an organization.

For example, the COPD Foundation created an online COPD forum called COPD360 Social. This forum is designed to connect and foster communication between COPD patients, healthcare professionals, caretakers, academic institutions, and researchers in order to aid in COPD prevention and management. Like other forums on the internet, COPD360 Social has a badge system that allows you to upvote a user’s responses. This way, the community decides which users are the most helpful and trusted. In order to make this platform accessible to people all across the world, it’s 100% free to use.

Another COPD organization that offers an online community is the American Lung Association. While the ALA puts a lot of their focus on lung cancer and creating cleaner air for future generations, they also host an online forum similar to the one offered by the COPD Foundation. The forum is accessed through Inspire.com. One of it’s best features is that it has a mobile application meaning you can access it via your phone or tablet from anywhere in the world. 

One final COPD organization you should be aware of if you’ve just been diagnosed with early-stage COPD is COPD.net. This forum is hosted by Health Union, a social media platform designed to leverage technology to create more productive, impactful, and meaningful conversations between people with chronic illnesses. When you subscribe to COPD.net’s Help Center, you’ll receive weekly surveys and research opportunities, an e-newsletter, and you’ll be given access to the Q&A tool online.

Another great way to get involved is through social media sites. Facebook, for example, has a feature called “groups” that can be created or joined by any user. These groups are designed to bring people together to discuss specific topics and there are hundreds of them that discuss respiratory illness, smoking cessation, and other topics relevant to COPD patients. Getting started is easy. Simply go up to the search bar and type in the topic that interests you. Then click on “groups” and it will display a list of results. You can then join any group you want and begin conversing with other likeminded people.

Becoming involved in the community is extremely important for COPD patients, no matter what stage of their lives they’re in. A study published in PubMed, a public access journal, found that — regardless of the severity of COPD — most patients feel a strong desire to feel involved in social gatherings like holidays, one-on-one communication, or social media interactions. In other words, being engaged rather than simply participating gave them more of a sense of purpose in their daily lives. 

3.) COPD Can’t Be Reversed, But it Can be Treated

One thing many people do when they’re first diagnosed with COPD is they immediately start searching for a cure. Unfortunately, COPD is not like an infection that can be cured with antibiotics and it’s not like a headache that will go away with time. COPD is permanent and it’s progressive meaning it can only get worse.

While this may seem like a pretty grim reality, it’s actually not! If you’re careful to implement effective lifestyle changes you’ll be able to drastically slow the progression of your disease, reduce respiratory symptoms, and experience peace of mind. But in order to make these changes, you need to know a little about COPD and what causes it.

COPD is the result of chronic inflammation in the lungs and airways. 85 to 90 percent of COPD cases are the result of cigarette smoking, but there is also a condition called Alpha-1 deficiency that leads to the onset of COPD in non-smokers. Alpha-1 is a protein that regulates immune reactions in the lungs, and when it’s not produced in high enough quantities, it can make your lungs vulnerable to permanent damage.

Over time, this inflammation becomes worse and further impairs your breathing so it’s imperative that you avoid anything that could irritate it such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, or any other type of air pollution. It’s also important to avoid infection because this is the leading cause of COPD exacerbations (when symptoms rapidly get worse).

Supplemental oxygen therapy is one of the best ways to stabilize your condition, reduce respiratory symptoms, and improve your life expectancy. In the past, COPD patients would need to carry around bulky oxygen tanks, but portable oxygen concentrators have since replaced them as a lightweight and more convenient alternative.

Another key component of a COPD treatment plan is pulmonary rehabilitation. This is similar to how you would go through a physical therapy course if you sustained an injury to your legs or back but it focuses on the lungs. Not only will pulmonary rehab show you how to exercise effectively with COPD, but you will learn important lessons about how your lungs function and how to keep them healthy.  

Last but certainly not least is the dietary component of your treatment plan. While it may not seem like your diet would have an immense impact on COPD progression, it actually does. Evidence suggests that antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties that have positive effects on people with COPD and asthma. Similar studies also found that soluble fiber intake has the potential to protect against airways inflammation.

Conversely, foods that lead to weight gain, obesity, and fatigue can all add to your COPD symptoms. Studies have found that obesity can lead to alterations in immune function, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood). However, being underweight with COPD has its problems as well, so a healthy weight should be your goal.

Supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehab, and diet are a few, but not the only methods of treating COPD. Above all, you should be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms so that he/she can create a treatment plan that’s based on your needs.  

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4.) It’s the Best Time to Quit Smoking

If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to quit smoking. As aforementioned, 85 to 90 percent of COPD cases are caused by smoking but it’s also important to remember that the majority of people who smoke are never diagnosed with COPD. Rather, they develop other chronic diseases such as lung cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, smokers have a 70 percent higher risk of dying from coronary artery disease than nonsmokers.

Since smoking causes COPD, it can also make COPD symptoms worse by increasing the rate of inflammation in the lungs and airways. Smoking is known as an immunosuppressant drug meaning it reduces your body’s ability to prevent infection temporarily. Since infection is the leading cause of COPD exacerbation and we’re in the middle of a pandemic, smoking is the last thing you want to do!

5.) It’s the Best Time To Implement Long-Term Goals

Many people go their whole lives without implementing long-term goals. This can be very detrimental if you want to achieve your full potential, especially when it comes to your health. Whether you’ve been a long-term planner before or you’ve always stuck to short-term goals, there’s never been a better time to start.

As we’ve already established, smoking cessation should be your first goal, but ideally, this should be a short-term goal because immediate cessation is will help you better achieve your long-term goals. But aside from this, your first goal should be to create a COPD action plan and implement it successfully. 

A COPD action plan is a personalized plan for managing your symptoms and exacerbations. For example, it could remind you how much you need to exercise each day or what foods you need to avoid in order to prevent respiratory flare-ups. We made a whole blog post about this subject so don’t hesitate to check it out.

6.) It’s Not the End

The last, but probably most important thing you should know about early-stage COPD is that it does not signify “the end” of your life. Not only that, but it is not even the beginning of the end. While being diagnosed with COPD is certainly not a positive experience, it is possible to achieve a positive outlook by changing your mindset and practicing healthy habits.

One positive thing to focus on is that COPD patients enjoy a far greater life expectancy than people with other chronic diseases. On average, a current smoker with stage 1 COPD has a life expectancy of 14 years. Compare this to the 50 percent of heart disease patients who live past 5 years or the 16 to 24-month median survival rate for small-cell lung cancer patients. 

But it’s not just about survival rate, it’s also about quality of life. COPD patients who implement effective and proven treatment strategies like supplemental oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and an improved diet see improved quality of life. 

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Final Thoughts

COPD is a serious debilitating disease, but it is by no means the final straw. Even if you have been diagnosed with early-stage COPD, you have a lot of life to live and it can be enhanced by closely adhering to your doctor’s instructions.

In the meantime, getting involved in the COPD community, taking care of your mental health, and quitting smoking are all important steps to take after you receive a diagnosis. Doing so will ensure that you live a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

Oxygen to be harnessed and used to treat respiratory patients is a relatively new form of medication, but it has been proven to increase the quality of life and even add years to people's lives with severe respiratory illnesses. As with any new treatment or medication, the tools and methods are evolving, becoming more advanced and efficient. The history of oxygen as a drug moves in an exponential trend towards the safest and most efficient devices that LPT Medical carries today.

As a modern day medical equipment company based in Denver, CO and other locations including Boca Raton, FL., we are humbled by the history of oxygen therapy products in particular. We want to appreciate all the pioneers and innovators who came before us, the ones who paved the way into a new-age of technology for people struggling with respiratory diseases.

Without their ingenuity we would not be here today, able to offer our customers these top of the line products like the Inogen One G5 and the Caire Freestyle Comfort. Oxygen has come a long way, and the methods in which oxygen is prescribed and the devices used to administer oxygen have both progressed into the safest and most effective products.

There was a moment in time where to pursue oxygen as a therapeutic resource for patients with chronic lung disease was cause for concern. In the 20th century of the risks of experiencing oxygen toxicity due to the administration of oxygen therapy was relatively high. Oxygen toxicity is a form of lung damage that occurs when you breathe in too much supplemental oxygen. It’s also called oxygen poisoning, and it happens to divers, people who use too much of their medical oxygen supply, or those who use supplemental oxygen and do not have low enough blood-oxygen levels.

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If you are using portable oxygen for long-term oxygen therapy purposes, your healthcare team will test you while you are doing normal activities or exercise and at rest to determine that your oxygen is at the correct setting. Talk with your doctor about how to use oxygen safely and correctly if you are unsure.

Similarly to any new medication or treatment, time and research was put into the application of oxygen as a drug, and overtime and with the accessibility of ambulatory oxygen devices, the long-term effects of continuous oxygen were able to be established and meet certain safety and efficiency requirements that we have today.

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Today, there are three popular ways to get your oxygen outside of the hospital:

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1. Liquid oxygen tanks
2. Compressed gas cylinders
3. Portable oxygen concentrators

With a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) you will be able to carry this small, battery-powered device around with you, use it at home all day and night, and even take it with you on an airplane.

Your POC will come with a carrying case that you can throw around your shoulder if your device is light-weight enough to carry. You can also get a portable oxygen concentrator backpack that will carry your POC and other belongings. Other POCs come with wheels or a cart if they are 10 pounds or more like the Respironics SimplyGo and the Solar Eclipse 5. Both of these devices are continuous and pulse dose capable, offer high oxygen outputs, and they are still very portable.

POCs run on batteries, so a device with a larger battery will last longer, and you will never have to get the device “refilled” instead you will plug in the device or the battery to an external charger or an AC or DC outlet, and you can use the device while the batteries charges.

A liquid oxygen system has a refillable oxygen reservoir that is stationary inside your home and other smaller refillable portable tanks that you can take with you when you leave your home. The tanks are very cold, so you have to be careful when you handle them. Your delivery company will refill your tank about every 2 weeks, and you will refill your own portable tanks when you need to with the large reservoir in your home.

A compressed gas system can also be used at your home. It ­includes a stationary oxygen concentrator with a long tube. When you go out, you carry a portable tank. Your supplier can deliver the portable tanks to you refilled, or you can refill it on your own from your concentrator. When you go out with your portable tank, you’ll use an oxygen conserving device that supplies small, pulsed doses to help your portable tank last longer.

Based on this information, it might be evident that the portable oxygen concentrator is the newest and most efficient form of oxygen therapy that has been developed so far. Because the device takes air from the surrounding area, you will never have to rely on an oxygen supply company to come to your home and refill your oxygen, instead you just have to recharge the batteries as you would with your cell phone or other electronics.

These devices are designed to be portable, so you can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, even if you use your oxygen all day long. The pulse dose machines are typically under 6 pounds, making them easy to carry with you without getting worn out from the added weight.

The continuous flow devices range from 10-18 pounds, however these are still more portable and less restrictive than any other device like a tank or canister. The carts are durable, and the wheels are lightweight and large enough to make it through any kind of terrain. They also all fit underneath the seat in front of you when you fly, because one of the most freeing aspects of these devices is that you can fly on airplanes with them!

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Before a portable oxygen concentrator, oxygen was still readily available to people with respiratory disease.

Here is the overall history of oxygen therapy:

We did it! We made it through another year! 

Despite all the ups and downs of 2019, it’s time to wipe the slate clean and start over with a new year and a new decade.

And if you’re like many people, you’ve probably taken the time to brainstorm New Year’s resolutions, write them down, and even plan for how you’re going to accomplish them.

When they work as intended, resolutions can be a great way to make positive lifestyle changes and break bad habits that burdened us in the previous year.

Unfortunately, resolutions don’t always work as planned… According to a study done by the Journal of Clinical Psychology, about half of adults make New Year’s resolutions, but only about 10 percent pursue them longer than a few months.

It’s not hard to see why many people fall short of achieving their resolutions. Over time, we lose sight of what we’re trying to accomplish, and we may become overburdened by things like work, health, or other aspirations.

If you have COPD, you know that following through with your New Year’s resolutions can be challenging. Being able to accomplish your goals means having a strict COPD treatment plan that allows you to feel better and focus on things that are important to you.

In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of managing COPD symptoms if you want to follow through with your New Year’s resolutions, and how the Inogen One G5 is the perfect oxygen machine to help you do it.

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Health Should Always Be a Priority

Despite what resolutions you wrote down for the year 2020, there’s nothing more important than your health and well-being. While it may seem selfish to constantly focus on your own health, even the most generous people had to help themselves before they could help others.

As a COPD patient, the disease you deal with on a daily basis impairs one of the fundamental functions of your body — breathing. It’s difficult to describe what it feels like to suffer from a chronic respiratory ailment, but many patients describe it as “suffocating while being surrounded by breathable air.”

With that being said, you have every right to focus on your own health before anything else. While it can be easy to get ahead of yourself and start planning for all the things you want to accomplish in the new year, it’s best to start with your own health, ensuring that all your basic needs are met first.

COPD is a Distraction

Another reason to focus on treating COPD is that it can be a huge distraction when you’re trying to accomplish your goals. Think of it this way:

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Similarly, the fastest way to accomplish a goal is to address it directly. If you have obstacles standing in your way such as COPD symptoms, you’re going to have a hard time achieving your goals.

COPD is a condition that can occupy your thoughts and affect your emotions. It’s not uncommon for people to feel anxiety or fear about their health which can be a significant distraction when it comes to setting and achieving your goals.

The Inogen One G5 is Designed for Freedom

Oxygen has been used for medical purposes for hundreds of years. However, during most of this time, medical oxygen devices were bulky, heavy, and difficult to use. This wasn’t ideal for most oxygen therapy patients because it caused them to be immobile and home-bound for much of their life.

In the early 2000s, portable oxygen concentrators became the oxygen therapy device of choice because they’re much smaller, lighter, and can be used virtually anywhere. One of the latest and most popular portable oxygen concentrators is the Inogen One G5. This oxygenator offers a long battery life, lightweight design, and a high enough oxygen output to support most oxygen patients.

COPD is a debilitating disease in many ways, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the freedom to live a normal life. The Inogen One G5 was specifically designed to keep people with COPD moving without having to worry about their health. The following are just a few of the ways the Inogen 1 G5 will eliminate barriers that prevent you from achieving your goals.

Getting More Restful Sleep

Throughout your whole life, you’ve probably had people nag you about the importance of a good night’s sleep. This can be annoying, but it couldn’t be more true! Most experts recommend 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night depending on your age. But if you’re a COPD patient, you may struggle to even get the bare minimum amount of sleep.

Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) are just as likely to occur when you’re asleep as when you’re awake. As a result, many oxygen patients need to be able to sleep with their oxygen therapy device. Otherwise, they may not experience the benefits of a full night’s sleep.

COPD often coexists with sleeping disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in something called overlap syndrome. What this means is that the patient has both lung inflammation due to COPD and their airways collapse at night due to sleep apnea. In this case, it’s imperative that they have both their CPAP or BiPAP machine and their oxygen therapy device on at night.

The Inogen One G5 is compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines meaning you’ll be able to feed oxygen directly into your CPAP mask as you sleep. It won’t interfere with the effects of the sleep apnea device and you’ll be able to experience a restful night’s sleep every night.

The Inogen One G5, like other Inogen 1 portable oxygen concentrators, is designed for 24/7 use. So, you won’t have to worry about running your device all throughout the day or turning it off once you get in bed.

According to healthfinder.gov, a full night’s sleep will boost your immune system, help you manage your weight, reduce stress, and improve your mood. All of these things are important if you want to follow through with your New Year’s resolutions.

See More and Do More

If your New Year’s resolutions involve anything physical or fitness related, you’re going to need an oxygen concentrator that matches this new lifestyle. Maybe you decided that you want to be able to walk a mile or you want to visit every state in the country. These are great resolutions to pursue, but they aren’t achievable unless you’re prepared. 

The Inogen One G5 is equipped with everything you could possibly need to travel the world with your oxygen machine. It weighs in at just 4.7 pounds, making it one of the lightest oxygenators on the market. What’s more, it offers up to 13 hours of battery life on a flow setting of 1 (its lowest flow setting). This is more than enough battery to stay out all day without any problems.

The G5 is also very compact making it very easy to carry and store. Unlike oxygen tanks, the Inogen G5 oxygenator has no compressed oxygen inside it. All of the oxygen that is sent out the nasal cannula is drawn from ambient air. This means manufacturers are able to make the device very small. And with G5 accessories like the custom carrying case and the G5 backpack, you’ll have plenty of options to fit your lifestyle.  

The Inogen One G5 is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a government organization that’s in charge of regulating safety policies for all major commercial airlines in the United States. All Inogen 1 portable oxygen concentrators are FAA-approved which means you’ll be able to carry your G5 with you on the plane. But it’s recommended that you speak with the airline a few days in advance in case you need to fill out any additional paperwork before your flight.

The Inogen One G5 is great for all other forms of transportation as well. If you enjoy taking cruises, you’ll be happy to know that the G5 will offer you the freedom to explore the ship and go on excursions without worrying about your medical oxygen. Cruise ships have electric outlets, so once you’re done enjoying your day, you can go into your cabin and charge and use your G5 all night while you sleep.

Last but certainly not least, the Inogen G5 is great for road trips and public transportation. The great thing about this day and age is that we have no shortage of options when it comes to getting around. You can take the bus, take a taxi or Uber, take the subway, or drive yourself depending on where you’re going and what your goals are. Fortunately, you can rest assured that the G5 will provide you with a reliable source of oxygen the whole time.

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With the Inogen One G5 car charging cable (DC power supply), you’ll be able to charge your portable oxygen concentrator no matter where you are. If you’re taking a road trip across the country, you can keep your G5 fully charged so that once it comes time to get out and explore, you’ll have ample battery life to keep you going.

If you’re traveling by bus, subway, or a similar form of public transportation, you need a portable oxygenator that’s small enough to take into crowded areas. The G5 is very compact at just 8.15" H x 7.19" L x 3.26" W which is almost small enough to fit in a purse or handbag. We recommend purchasing an official Inogen carrying case, however, because they’re specifically designed for the G5 by accommodating for the air intake vents on the side of the device.

Ultimately, when you have the freedom to go where you please and do anything, it’s going to be way easier to follow through with your New Year’s resolutions, especially if they involve traveling. Most oxygen patients who transition from oxygen tanks or continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators to pulse flow oxygen concentrators are amazed at what they’ve been missing out on.  

Relying Less On Loved Ones

It can be really frustrating getting into a situation where you rely on friends or family members for support. But what many people don’t realize is that even if you suffer from a progressive disease like COPD, you can take steps to reduce your reliance on loved ones. This all starts with ensuring that you have the oxygen you need to stay healthy.

The Inogen One G5 has the highest oxygen output of any pulse flow POC on the market. It goes up to a setting of 6 which is the equivalent of 1260 ml/min of 90% (+6%/-3%) oxygen. This is enough oxygen for the vast majority of oxygen patients. What’s more, due to Intelligent Delivery Technology, oxygen is delivered at a precise moment during inspiration, ensuring that the device runs as efficiently as possible, day and night.

Another reason you’ll rely less on your loved ones is because the G5 doesn’t need to be refilled. Oxygen tanks and portable oxygen tanks can only hold a limited amount of oxygen, so once they run out, you either need to have a backup tank, or you need to refill it with oxygen. There are special home oxygen concentrators which can refill your tank, but many people have to visit oxygen refill stations. On the other hand, the G5 doesn’t hold oxygen. It pulls in ambient air and removes the nitrogen meaning it has an infinite supply of oxygen as long as it has battery life.

It’s not a bad thing to rely on friends and family for support. But if you notice you’re losing more and more of your freedom because you need someone by your side all day and night, you should take steps to improve your self-reliance. Not only does self-reliance allow you to live life on your own terms, but it will give you the confidence you need to follow through with your New Year’s resolutions.

Improving Peace of Mind

As a COPD patient, you know what it’s like to have a bad day. Exacerbations can occur seemingly anywhere or at any time and you never know when the next fit of breathlessness or coughing will happen. If you have an unreliable source of oxygen, this will only amplify your issues and give you one more reason to feel anxious or worried.

Without a doubt, Inogen produces the most reliable oxygen concentrators in the industry. Ever since its inception in the early 2000s, Inogen has produced some of the most durable medical oxygen units and they’ve only gotten better with each successive generation. The compressor in the G5 is set to last 20,000 hours and other components such as the filters can last years without being replaced. As long as you take several precautions when using your Inogen One G5, you’ll be happy to know that your unit can run 24/7 without problems.

Peace of mind is very important when it comes to achieving your New Year’s resolutions. It’s very difficult to accomplish goals if you’re feeling anxious or concerned about not receiving the oxygen you need throughout the day. You may feel unmotivated to even get out of bed in the morning because it’s better to play it safe than to risk experiencing an exacerbation.   

Reducing Financial Insecurity

Financial well-being is another major concern for many COPD patients. You probably already spend a lot of money out-of-pocket on things like medication, doctor’s visits, and pulmonary rehabilitation, so adding another cost to the mix can be devastating for many respiratory patients.

You’ve probably heard Medicare or private health insurance companies refer to portable oxygen concentrators as “luxury items.” Fortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Calling them luxury items is their way of justifying their lack of coverage for these units. They’ll have you believe that portable oxygen concentrators are not necessary and that oxygen tanks are all you need.

While the upfront cost of concentrators is more than that of oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks, in the long run, you will be saving a lot because you’ll never have the need to refill your unit or purchase additional tanks as “backups.” Another reason oxygen tanks are more expensive is because they usually don’t come with warranties to protect you if something breaks.

Financial well-being plays an important role in your ability to keep New Year’s resolutions. If you’re caught up in trying to pay the bills, you’re not going to have the time or attention to allocate towards your goals and aspirations. What’s more, if your goals require you to spend a substantial sum of money, you may not be willing to expend it. Alternatively, you’ll need to save the money to fall back on if you’re faced with more expenses. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, many respiratory patients rely on their oxygen machines. It’s the most fundamental way of treating symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and more. And without a reliable medical oxygen device, COPD and cystic fibrosis patients are housebound without the freedom to live life on their own terms.

For the large majority of oxygen users, the Inogen One G5 is the best portable oxygen concentrator to both meet their needs and allow them to set and achieve goals without relying on friends or loved ones. If you’d like to learn more about what the Inogen One G5 has to offer, check out this guide. And be sure to stay tuned to our blog for the latest news on portable oxygen concentrators, home oxygen concentrators, and much more.