Traveling the world is something that just about everyone dreams of doing at one point or another. Whether you’re planning a road trip, cruise, or a flight, there are endless opportunities available to you. However, if you want to turn your dreams into a reality, you need to be smart about how you plan.

If you have a chronic condition like COPD or cystic fibrosis, this can make it really difficult to pack for a long trip. On one hand, you want to pack as light as possible, but on the other, you want to ensure you have the medical equipment you need to stay healthy and avoid exacerbations. This can be a tricky act to balance if you haven’t done it before.

The good news is that we live in a time of innovation and creativity; If you’re having a problem with something, chances are, someone has already found a solution. And when it comes to medical oxygen, companies like Inogen have been refining and improving their products for years to make their portable oxygen concentrators more travel-friendly.

Many companies have already labeled the Inogen One G5 “the best oxygen concentrator for travel” and we have to say, we agree! We’ve already labeled the Inogen One G5 “the best portable oxygen concentrator of 2020,” and we strongly believe it would take our top spot for the best travel oxygen concentrator as well.

 

Flying With the Inogen One G5

Traveling internationally is one of the most exciting things you can experience as a traveler. Not only do you get the opportunity to visit areas of the world that you’ve never been to before, but it can be extremely rewarding working your way through the challenges of international travel.

 

Something that’s far less rewarding, however, is dealing with medical issues while you’re on the opposite side of the world. If you’re a COPD patient yourself, you know how scary it can be going away from home without having a reliable medical oxygen device to work with.

 

 

If you experience an exacerbation while abroad, for example, you may be admitted to a hospital. This can throw a wrench in your plans and put you in a position that you don’t want to be in, especially when it comes to your medical bills.

 

Many insurance companies, Medicare included, won’t help you pay for medical bills while you’re abroad, and even if they do, you’ll most likely have a lot of hoops to jump through to get what you need. This is why it’s best to avoid overseas medical emergencies as much as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of traveling with the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator.

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Approved by the Federal Aviation Administration

Flying can be a huge hassle in this day and age. It seems as if just about everyone out there has a horror story to tell about getting stuck in an airport due to canceled flights or being ripped off by an airline for one reason or another. If you’re planning to fly with oxygen, you need to first understand how airlines deal with medical oxygen devices.

 

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a government organization that oversees and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United States. In their own words, the FAA aims to “provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.” They achieve this by working with pilots, mechanics, airline operators, and even travelers to make air travel one of the safest methods of travel in the country.

 

Below are the major responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration:

 

• Promoting safety in civil aviation
• Developing and advocating for new aviation technology
• Operating air traffic control for military and civil aircraft
• Implementing programs that control the environmental effects of civil aviation
• Operating a system of air traffic control
• Working with pilots, flight attendants, and travelers to improve in-flight safety
• And much more

 

When it comes to medical oxygen machines, the primary concern is safety. Oxygen tanks and portable oxygen tanks are banned by the FAA because they are not safe to use while in the air. However, most portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5, are approved for in-flight use because they’re lighter and contain no pressurized oxygen.

 

How to Prepare for a Flight With the G5

While the Inogen One G5 is FAA approved for all major airlines, it’s important to plan ahead of time in order to make sure the process is quick and painless for both you and the airline. Follow the steps below to get you started:

 

• Get in touch with your pulmonologist several days before your flight. Let him/her know that you are traveling with your supplemental oxygen. If you haven’t already been given one, ask for a doctor’s note or prescription that indicates your need for oxygen.
• Contact the airline that you will be flying with at least a day or two before your flight. Let them know that you will be flying with an oxygen concentrator. They may ask you questions about the model of concentrator you own. You may need to fax a copy of the physician’s note or arrive early to show it to them.
• Before leaving for the airport, pack extra portable oxygen concentrator batteries on your carryon bag. Ensure you have at least 1.5 times the flight duration in batteries. There are many Inogen One G5 accessories available to help you with this.
• Once you arrive at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at the airport, notify an employee that you will need to keep your oxygen on and need an alternate screening process.
• Finally, speak with an employee once you arrive at the gate to ensure your oxygen concentrator has been approved.
  
  

Easy to Carry and Store

Aside from canceled flights and poor customer service, another thing airlines are notorious for is a lack of legroom on their planes. While small children or shorter adults likely won’t have a problem, most people feel that a lack of legroom is the biggest downside to flying. Many people will even pay hundreds of dollars extra to upgrade to first class just for the added space.

 

As an owner of the Inogen One G5, you can take pride knowing that you own one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators as well as the smallest portable oxygen concentrator on the market. When the plane is taking off you’ll be able to store your portable oxygen concentrator securely either under the seat or under your shoulder.

 

 

Another concern many frequent flyers have is that they won’t be able to walk down the aisle easily with their oxygen concentrator. Take continuous flow units for example. These devices often weigh over 15 pounds and are meant to be wheeled around rather than carried on your shoulder. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to fit a continuous flow unit in an airplane bathroom where there’s already limited space.

 

Fortunately, you won’t have this problem with the Inogen G5. This medical oxygen device is just 8.15" H x 7.19" L x 3.26" W and weighs just 4.7 pounds! This is small enough that you won’t have to worry about bumping into people or their seats while walking down the aisle. And if you need to go to the bathroom during your trip, you’ll be able to take it with you.

Simple to Use

Another problem with having a lack of room is that you won’t be able to deal with complicated machinery while in flight. Luckily, the Inogen One G5 is extremely easy to use. One great feature of the G5 is that it has a backlight on the screen. If you ever need to change your flow rate or check your battery life, you can just tap the power button which activates the backlight. This way you won’t disturb people around you by turning on the overhead light.

 

 

Another option for you to make your Inogen One G5 easier to operate while in flight is to install the Inogen Connect application on your iPhone or Android device. This app allows you to view information about your POC without ever having to look at it. As a result, you’ll be able to save some battery life by not lighting up the backlight. This is some of the information you can view through the app:

• Battery status
• Software updates
• cannula and filter maintenance updates
• Column life
• Troubleshooting tips, FAQS, and the user manual
• Oxygen purity status

 

The Inogen One G5 was designed with ease-of-use in mind. Since Inogen’s inception in the early 2000’s this company has been set on making their units smaller and easier to use while out and about. As opposed to previous portable oxygen concentrators, doing things like switching the batteries is unbelievably easy with the G5. Simply pop the battery off the bottom of the unit and replace it with a full one.  

 

Taking a Cruise With the Inogen One G5

For those of us fortunate enough to take a cruise at some point in our lives, it’s important to make the most of it. Cruises can last anywhere from a few days to several months, so without being thoroughly prepared beforehand, you might be in for a rough ride. 

 

 

One very important thing to note about taking a cruise with COPD is that there are very limited resources in the way of medical supplies and expertise. While most cruise lines require a doctor to be on call 24/7, they can’t account for every person with every type of medical condition. And if an emergency should occur, they may not be able to accommodate the appropriate procedure for your needs. In other words, it’s important for you to do your due diligence and prevent medical emergencies at all costs.

 

Approved by Most Major Cruise Lines

Just like with airlines, most cruise lines are perfectly fine with you bringing a portable oxygen concentrator aboard. Oxygen concentrators do not pose a threat to passengers like oxygen tanks do and you’ll find that they’re much easier to transport and store as well.

 

One important thing to note before boarding a cruise ship is that cruise lines rarely provide passengers with oxygen tanks or concentrators. The medical facility aboard the ship may provide oxygen tanks for emergency situations, but you’ll need to consult with them ahead of time if you have any concerns.

 

How to Prepare for a Cruise With the G5

If you want to take a cruise with the Inogen One G5, there are several steps you should take to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

 

• Get in touch with your primary care physician or pulmonologist far enough in advance. While you likely won’t have to show your oxygen prescription when you board the cruise, you may need to have one on you if you visit a doctor aboard the ship
• Most cruise ships have a special needs or access department aboard the ship that are responsible for handling medical-related inquiries. Get in touch with them 30 days prior to your trip to let them know the details of your condition.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended when traveling. If your vacation is interrupted by a medical emergency, this will cover most of the fees you’d have to pay.
• Have your oxygen equipment inspected by a professional before your trip. Since cruises can last weeks or months, it’s a lot more likely that something will go wrong than when you’re taking a flight.
• Keep a pulse oximeter handy at all times when you’re aboard the ship. While you’re out and about enjoying your day-to-day activities, you may not realize how far you’re walking, so you should adjust your oxygen output accordingly.
  
  

 

Perfect for Walking and Exploring

Cruises differ from other forms of travel in that it’s not all about the destination — it’s about the journey. When you’re aboard these ships, it’s important that you’re able to enjoy every moment and not just the short amount of time that you’re off the ship.

 

People have been traveling for decades with portable oxygen tanks, but the problem is that they don’t allow you full freedom while on vacation. Portable oxygen tanks can weigh upwards of 15 pounds, so there’s no way you’ll be able to transport one without using a rolling cart or being bound to a wheelchair for the entire trip. 

 

Alternatively, with the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll enjoy free reign wherever you go. Weighing just 4.7 pounds, you’ll be able to carry the device all over the ship with little more hassle than carrying a small handbag. In fact, many people are surprised to find that they forget they’re carrying it as they’re busy enjoying their time.

 

Cruise ships can also be crowded, meaning you’ll want a portable oxygen device that’s small and not so loud that it will disturb other guests. So, you’ll be happy to know that the Inogen One G5 is about the size of a tin lunch box. In other words, it’s small enough for it to not to disrupt your daily activities but big enough that you won’t forget it somewhere.

 

The Inogen G5 is also a very quiet device at about 37 decibels on a flow setting of 2. That’s about the same volume as a whisper. If there are any events on the cruise ship like a movie, play, or concert, you’ll be able to go without worrying that your oxygen concentrator will disturb other guests.

 

 

One of the many things that people enjoy about taking a cruise is the excursions. An excursion is a sort of “pit stop” cruise ships take, allowing you to explore a new destination for a set amount of time before boarding the ship again. For most people, this is a great time to relax on the beach, however, if you have to wheel your oxygen concentrator around, this may not be an option for you. 

 

Fortunately, the Inogen One G5 is light enough that you’ll be able to carry it around the beach without any problems. And with Inogen One G5 accessories such as the G5 backpack, you’ll be able to carry all the personal belongings you need like sunscreen, a water bottle, a camera, and much more!

 

Designed For 24/7 Use

You may be thinking that, because the Inogen One G5 is an electronic device, it can’t be used all day and all night. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the Inogen One G5 was actually designed specifically for people who need oxygen 24/7.

Like most of the newer Inogen oxygen concentrators, the processor inside the Inogen G5 is set to last 20,000 hours. To put that into perspective, that’s about 2.3 years or 833 days of persistent use without needing repairs or replacement parts! However, it’s recommended that you clean and replace your filters regularly as a best practice.

 

Another way the Inogen One G5 is designed for 24/7 use is that it is CPAP and BiPAP compatible. If you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder in addition to COPD or cystic fibrosis, the Inogen One G5 is the perfect mobile oxygen concentrator for you.

 

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a device that increases the air pressure in your throat to prevent your airways from closing while sleeping. Without these machines, people with obstructive sleep apnea may experience poor sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, as well as being at a higher risk of other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

 

If your doctor has prescribed you with both a CPAP or BiPAP machines as well as medical oxygen, you’ll be happy to know that setting up the two devices is a breeze. And doing so will ensure that you get plenty of restful sleep each night that you’re on the cruise so you can enjoy your vacation.

 

Taking a Road Trip With the Inogen One G5

Road trips are one of those things that you either love or you hate. People who love road trips are people who love the journey just as much as the destination. These people don’t mind sitting in the car for hours at a time if it means being able to sight see along the way.

 

But regardless of where you stand in regards to road trips, it’s difficult to find any enjoyment if you’re struggling with your mobile oxygen concentrator the whole time. If your unit is unreliable or difficult to use, you’re going to miss all those little moments that make cross-country trips so special. 

 

 

Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators like the SeQual Eclipse 5 or Respironics SimplyGo can provide you with reliable high-flow oxygen therapy while on the road, but these devices are too bulky for most travelers. Most travelers prefer the Inogen One G5 because it provides them with 6 oxygen flow settings, while still being one of the lightest and smallest oxygen concentrators out there.

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How to Prepare for a Road Trip With the Inogen One G5

• Have a solid plan of where you are going and when. Some people like to just go with the wind on road trips, but if you know where you’re going, you’ll be able to check the weather ahead of time to see whether or not it will be safe to travel.
• Oxygen concentrators are not waterproof, so if you’re going to be out in the rain, ensure that it’s covered up. Humid air should not cause any problems, however, if moisture begins to build up in the cannula, use a water trap and empty it frequently to prevent inhaling water.
• Be aware of any changes in altitude during your trip. Most portable oxygen concentrators (the G5 included) start to falter at an altitude above 10,000 feet. Staying below this elevation will ensure you receive an adequate amount of oxygen.
  
  

 

Charge Your G5 Wherever You Go

One of the greatest parts about road tripping with the Inogen One G5 is that you can charge it wherever you go. The AC adapter accessory can be used to charge your batteries when you’re in a hotel or in any other wall outlet you need to use. The DC power cable can be used to charge your batteries in a car, via the cigarette lighter.

 

If you’re someone who enjoys taking long road trips the G5 is perfect for you because you’ll never have to stop to recharge your unit. You can drive for hours with an infinite supply of oxygen and when you want to stop, you’ll have a full battery to use at your leisure. However, there are several considerations you should take.

 

 

First of all, you should avoid charging your Inogen One G5 while the car is off. When the car is on, the car’s battery is being charged, so having your POC plugged in won’t be a problem. However, if the car is off, you may drain the car battery meaning you won’t be able to start the car when you need to.

 

Second, we recommend fully charging your POC and then running the battery down all the way. While you can leave your concentrator plugged in at all times, your batteries will last longer if they are fully charged and fully depleted.

 

The Safest Way to Travel

Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 are the safest mobile oxygen therapy devices for road trips. As we mentioned earlier, the G5 doesn’t have any compressed oxygen inside it like oxygen tanks do. This is extremely important when driving because compressed oxygen tanks are known to explode or catch fire in certain situations.

 

If you are traveling with a portable oxygen tank you’ll have to take a number of precautions before leaving. Tanks should never be placed in the trunk of the car and any place they could become damaged in case of an accident. You may need to secure them to the back of a seat or under a seat to prevent injury.

 

The Inogen One G5 still needs to be secure when you’re driving but there’s no chance of it exploding or catching fire. Since the G5 is so small, you may be able to set it next to you on the seat and rest your arm on it to keep it secure. Unless you’re in a very small car, you shouldn’t have to take up leg room by putting it on the floor in front of you.

Conclusion

When it comes to traveling with medical oxygen, few devices are more convenient, reliable, and safe than the Inogen One G5. The G5 is a pulse dose unit that’s much smaller and lighter than continuous flow portable concentrators and portable oxygen tanks. But at the same time, it provides you with the highest oxygen output in its class.

 

Another reason to take the G5 with you on vacation is its host of helpful accessories. The custom carrying case and G5 backpack allow you to travel light while the DC power supply helps ensure you have oxygen 24/7, no matter where you are in the world. All things considered, it’s safe to say that the Inogen One G5 earns our pick for the best portable oxygen concentrator for travel.

From managing short- and long-term goals to exercising, eating right, and making it to doctor’s appointments, living with COPD is not easy by any means. Whether you are still working or you’ve already retired, being diagnosed with COPD means taking on a whole new set of responsibilities — some of which can be overwhelming at times.

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take a step back and try to figure out some ways to simplify your daily routine. This will help you experience more peace of mind and provide you with some reassurance that you’re taking the steps necessary to treat your condition effectively. It can also make it much easier to cope with the mental and emotional aspects of COPD such as anxiety management.

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If you’re in the market for a supplemental oxygen device such as an oxygen tank, liquid oxygen tank, or oxygen concentrator, read on, because we’re going to be taking a look at how the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, one of the most popular portable oxygen devices on the market, will simplify your life with COPD. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you.

What is the Caire FreeStyle Comfort?

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is a portable oxygen concentrator. What this means is that, instead of storing oxygen like an oxygen or liquid oxygen tank would, it draws in ambient air, removing any impurities, and puts out medical-grade oxygen. This is defined as a type of controlled gas, over 90% purity, that’s used to treat respiratory illnesses. While oxygen concentrators are much safer than oxygen tanks, you will still need a prescription from your doctor in order to purchase one.

Another difference between the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and oxygen tanks is that the former is battery operated whereas the latter is not. In other words, by using an oxygen tank, you are restricted by how much oxygen can be compressed into one container — the more oxygen you need, the bigger the tank you’ll need to use. With the FreeStyle Comfort, you simply need to replace the battery.

The FreeStyle Comfort is one of the latest portable oxygen concentrators released, and objectively speaking, it’s one of the best. It has relatively little competition when it comes to its weight, size, oxygen output, and general reliability. The only comparable portable oxygen concentrator in terms of specifications is the Inogen One G5. And while this device surpasses the FreeStyle Comfort in terms of oxygen output, the battery is less powerful, which leads many people to prefer the former.

Another thing to note about the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is that it uses pulse dose technology rather than continuous flow. What this means is that it closely monitors your breathing rate and only delivers oxygen when you’re inhaling. This is what enables manufacturers to make their oxygen devices so small and yet still provide you with hours upon hours of medical-grade oxygen on one battery charge.

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Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, tend to be much bulkier and they have batteries that won’t last you more than a couple of hours. This is problematic if you’re someone who wants to be able to stay out of the house for extended periods of time without having to run home and charge your device. 

1.) You’ll Have a Hassle-Free Oxygen Device

Quite possibly the most common complaint about oxygen tanks is how much of a hassle they can be. Oxygen tanks need to be refilled constantly meaning you need to have an oxygen company deliver them to your home or you can drive to an oxygen company and have them refilled. This is incredibly inconvenient if you don’t live near a company that is able to refill your tanks and it can also be very expensive to pay someone to deliver your oxygen. What’s more, you’re likely going to want to have backup oxygen tanks meaning you’ll have to find a place to store them.

To counteract this issue, many oxygen patients choose to buy something called a homefill oxygen station. This is similar to an oxygen concentrator but it’s designed to refill your oxygen tanks. This can be extremely costly, though, and it requires you to know how to use it. If you’re going this route, you might as well just purchase a home oxygen concentrator and you’ll never have to worry about refilling oxygen tanks ever again. Home oxygen concentrators are also much more compact and easy to maneuver around your home than oxygen tanks are.

Alternatively, you could use the Caire FreeStyle Comfort which is one of the most hassle-free oxygen devices money can buy. When you’re at home, simply plug your FreeStyle Comfort into the wall and you’ll have access to an infinite supply of oxygen. Once you’re ready to go, simply unplug it and the device will begin to run off the powerful lithium-ion battery. There’s no need to constantly be in touch with oxygen companies because the device does all the work for you.

2.) You Can Exercise With Ease

If you have COPD, you know how important it is to maintain a consistent exercise routine. Exercise is what keeps your lungs and body strong so that you can reduce symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic pain. But how can you exercise effectively if you’re lugging around a heavy and bulky oxygen device? Fortunately, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort weighs in at just 5 pounds and it’s small and compact enough to sling over your shoulder as you exercise. If you want, you can even use accessories like the FreeStyle Comfort backpack to spread the weight between your shoulders as you work out.

One unique feature of the FreeStyle Comfort is its ergonomic design. Unlike oxygen concentrators in the past which tend to be box-shaped, the FreeStyle Comfort has a curved design that prevents the unit from wobbling around too much as you’re walking and exercising. While this is only a minor difference, it just goes to show how far Caire has gone to make a portable oxygen concentrator that meets everyone’s needs. 

3.) You Can Plan Trips More Easily

Before portable oxygen concentrators were invented there was no way for supplemental oxygen patients to take a flight. Oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen tanks are banned on all commercial airlines because they’re an explosive hazard. Instead, people who needed medical-grade oxygen were relegated to road trips. And while there’s nothing wrong with road trips, it takes a lot longer to get where you’re trying to go. And even if you were in the mood to drive somewhere, you would need to make sure you had enough backup tanks to last you the duration of the trip.

Traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, however, is incredibly simple because it’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on all commercial airlines in the United States. All you need to do is check in with your airline 48 hours before your flight and be sure to bring 1.5 times the duration of your flight in battery life. This will help to account for any potential delays during the flight. You might also consider investing in other accessories like the external battery charger so that you can charge batteries more quickly while you’re on vacation.

Unsurprisingly, using other modes of transportation also become much easier when you’re using a Caire FreeStyle Comfort. This machine comes with a DC charging cable that allows you to charge your device in any car outlet. In other words, if you’re taking a long road trip, you’ll never have to worry about stopping to charge your POC or carrying tons of extra batteries. You can even continue using your POC while it’s charging in the car.

4.) You’ll Save Money Over Time

Many people are surprised to find that portable oxygen concentrators are actually one of the most affordable options for oxygen therapy. While POCs do have a higher upfront cost, the longer you have them, the more they pay for themselves. And since the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is built to be reliable and durable, you won’t need to worry about having to send it in to get repaired or maintained. Aside from replacing the columns, there aren’t any major repairs that you will need for many years to come.

This is in stark contrast to oxygen tanks which have significant recurring costs associated with them. While you might only spend a couple of hundred dollars on a tank, you’ll need to pay to refill them on a weekly or biweekly basis which can add up really quickly. And realistically, you’ll want to have multiple tanks as a backup. On the other hand, if you want to rent tanks and have someone deliver full tanks when you run out, this can be even more expensive.

If you choose to refill your own tanks, you’ll need to purchase an oxygen refill station. These devices alone will run you several thousand dollars and they’re largely unsupported by most oxygen manufacturers so you will likely need to pay exorbitant prices to fix one if anything goes wrong. At this point, it would make a lot more sense to invest upfront in a portable oxygen concentrator rather than dealing with the recurring costs and hassle of owning oxygen tanks. 

5.) You’ll be More Independent

Maintaining your independence as you get older is very important. According to Vantage Aging, independence in older adults helps them find a sense of purpose and fulfillment and even have physical benefits like improved strength, balance, and memory skills. Unfortunately, it can feel downright impossible to maintain your independence when you’re using a heavy, bulky oxygen tank. Even if you’re making every effort possible to do things on your own, you may find yourself relying on others to help you manage your oxygen tank.

One example of this is going up a flight of stairs. It would be unreasonable to expect anyone to carry oxygen concentrators up a flight of stairs by themselves because it’s dangerous and can cause you to overexert yourself. However, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is very lightweight and small. What’s more, it comes with accessories that make it safer and more convenient to carry. The FreeStyle Comfort backpack which we mentioned earlier keeps the unit close to your back as you walk so that there’s no added stress on your body, even when you’re going up a flight of stairs.

6.) You’ll Experience More Restful Sleep

If your doctor has prescribed you with 24 hours of oxygen, you’re going to need to use your oxygen device while you sleep. While this may sound like a huge pain, it’s actually made very easy by pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators. Like other oxygen devices, the FreeStyle Comfort is capable of detecting even the faintest breaths. This is important because when you’re sleeping, your breathing rate changes significantly, so you want to ensure that you’re inhaling the correct amount of oxygen despite this.  

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort has a built-in UltraSense® technology that ensures optimal oxygen delivery throughout the day and night. Unlike oxygen tanks which can run out while you sleep, you can keep your FreeStyle Comfort plugged into the wall outlet all night long so that you never run out of oxygen supply. Caire understands that many of their patients use oxygen 24/7 so they built this device with these people front of mind. 

7.) You’ll Keep Your Symptoms in Check

Last but certainly not least, using a Caire FreeStyle Comfort will help you manage your symptoms and keep your thoughts off of your disability and instead focus them on what you’re trying to accomplish. Far too many people have trouble living in the moment with COPD. Instead of focusing on what they’re trying to accomplish, many people are overcome with regrets about the past or anxiety about the future.

Most people find that when they make the switch to a POC, they’re much less self-conscious about using an oxygen device. Some people even say they forget they’re using a medical oxygen device making them feel much more confident in their own abilities. Since the FreeStyle Comfort adjusts to your needs there aren’t too many things for you to be concerned about. 

Conclusion

No matter what your age is or what stage of life you’re in, simplifying your lifestyle is an invaluable skill to have. If you have COPD, making the switch from an oxygen tank or liquid oxygen tank to a portable oxygen concentrator like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort can make a world of difference, especially when it comes to managing your disease effectively.

Here at LPT Medical, it’s our goal to get a portable oxygen concentrator into the hands of anyone who wants and needs one. However, it’s also important to us that you get a device that aligns with the prescription that your doctor created for you. Reach out to us either by phone or email and you’ll be connected with a respiratory specialist who can answer all of your questions and get you the best deal possible on a new, used, or refurbished portable oxygen concentrator.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating lung condition that affects around 16 million people in the United States. While there are many symptoms of COPD, shortness of breath, chest pain, and chronic fatigue are among the most crippling. In the early stages of COPD, these symptoms are mild and sometimes even go unnoticed by the patient. However, as time goes by, these symptoms become progressively worse and become even more of a burden for the victim.

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Unfortunately, there is no magic wand that you can wave to reverse the effects of COPD. Treatment for this disease is aimed at slowing the rate that it progresses, reducing the risk of exacerbation, and managing chronic pain. And since every case of COPD is different, you’ll need to rely on information from your doctor and make lifestyle changes accordingly in order to achieve the best results.

But many COPD patients are left to wonder if there are other methods that can be used to ease the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of their disease. In our last post, for example, we took a look at some tips for living in the moment with COPD. Doing so will help you settle your regrets about the past and concerns about the future, instead, focusing them on things that you can change in the here and now.

Another thing you should be doing is applying for disability benefits which will help you out with some of the financial difficulties of managing a chronic disease. In this post, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and how you can apply if you have COPD. If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comment section below so we can get back to you.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

SSDI is one service offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is a government-run agency that is responsible for assigning Social Security numbers and administering services related to their various insurance programs as well as the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for the aged, blind, and disabled. While most people in the country pay social security taxes, not everyone is eligible to receive benefits from it.

When you apply for social security disability, your condition will be compared to the disability “listing” found in the Social Security “Blue Book.” This book is accessible to anyone online and COPD is found under Section 3.02, under the title “Respiratory Disorders” and the subsection “Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency.” However, when the claimant first requests disability benefits, it will be examined by local SSA field offices or state agencies who will verify non-medical requirements such as employment status, marital status, and age.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of gray area when it comes to qualifying for SSDI. While the Blue Book clearly states what conditions you need to meet, there is some interpretation required, so it’s very important to fully understand how the process works before you file a claim. Another reason to be meticulous is that the turnaround time is generally quite long and might be even more backed up considering the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Nolo.com, 62% of people receive an answer within three months of filing an application.

What are the Requirements for COPD Patients to Qualify?

According to the SSA, a disability is defined as an inability to participate in something called “substantial gainful activity.” Essentially, what this means is that you are unable to work or make less money than the monthly income limits set by the SSA. This can either be due to a physical or mental disability that’s expected to last or has lasted 12 months or more.

The first thing you will need to gather to apply for benefits is a complete medical history of your COPD. In other words, you’ll need records of every medical event since you were diagnosed with COPD and even future medical procedures or tests if they apply. This should include things like the progression of your lung disease, symptoms, and any other physical examination that’s relevant. Below is a list of some of the test results you should include:

• Pulse oximetry 
• Spirometry results
• Records of hospitalizations
• ABG tests
• Pulse Oximetry Levels
• Arterial Blood Gas
• Pulmonary (Lung) Function Tests
• Supplemental oxygen records (including your flow rate)
• CT scans or chest x-rays
  
  

Evidence of Comorbid Conditions

Like with many chronic conditions, COPD doesn’t just affect the lungs. The longer someone has COPD, the more likely they are to experience comorbid conditions such as sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. It’s important to include documented evidence of comorbid conditions because it will increase your chances of receiving benefits. The following are some examples of things you can include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) tests
• Heart stress test results
• Echocardiogram results
• History of heart attack, chest pain, or fainting
• Sleep tests
• Blood pressure tests  
  
  

Evidence of COPD Treatment

Just like your medical history, it’s important to have full documentation of your COPD treatment history as well. Basically, this will show the SSA that you have been making every effort to improve the quality of your life despite the fact that COPD is an incurable disease. You will have the best chance of receiving disability benefits if you can prove that you still experience severe symptoms despite your treatment plan and you are unable to work as a result. Below are a few of the things you should include in this category:

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• All medications that you are currently taking or have used in the past. Some common examples include inhaled steroids or bronchodilators, nebulizer treatments, antibiotics, or supplemental oxygen therapy. Be sure to include how your body reacted to these treatments.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: including the duration and results
• Any medical procedures you’ve received such as endobronchial valve placement, lung volume reduction, or any other type of surgery.
• Include any complications related to these procedures
  
  

What Benefits Do COPD Patients Receive?

The amount of compensation that someone receives from SSDI will depend entirely on your lifetime earnings, so it’s very difficult to predict the exact amount that you will receive. According to DisabilitySecrets.com, most people receive between $800 and $1,800 each month with the 2021 average being $1,277. Another thing that will affect your earnings is whether or not you are receiving benefits from any other sources. The condition that you have and its severity will not affect how much compensation you receive.

The Social Security Administration uses a very complex formula to determine what your disability benefits will be, but it is possible to estimate your earnings by using an online social security disability payment calculator. In 2021, your disability benefits are based on the amount of income that you have paid Social Security taxes on. These are called “covered earnings.” Over the course of a year, the average covered earnings are called the average indexed monthly earnings (AIME).

The primary insurance amount (PIA) is calculated by applying a formula to your AIME which is the base figure that the SSA uses. If you want to learn more about how this is calculated, refer to this PDF document from the SSA. Alternatively, you can email or call your local SSA office where you will be connected with a representative who can help you predict the amount of your expected benefits.

Tips for Winning Your Disability Claim

Like we mentioned earlier, the amount that you will earn from Social Security benefits is pretty set in stone, so your focus should be on winning your case rather than earning as much as possible. Unfortunately, the burden of proving that your COPD is severe enough for benefits is largely in your hands. This is why you’ll need to be accurate and concise about the way you apply for benefits. The turnaround time for an SSDI application is several months at best, so you should be prepared to submit a thorough application the first time around rather than having to risk waiting for them to process your application a second time. Follow the tips below to get you started. 

Speak With Your Pulmonologist

When it comes time to gather medical documents such as evidence of COPD treatment, procedures, or symptoms, it’s always best to get them from your pulmonologist rather than your primary care physician whenever possible. The reason for this is because the SSA may weigh this information more heavily since it’s coming from someone who specializes in COPD and other respiratory conditions.

Another reason to consult your pulmonologist ahead of time is that he/she may be able to provide you with more specific information about your disease including more thorough notes about the type of COPD you have and its expected prognosis. While pulmonologists are not specialists when it comes to disability benefits, they will help you to make the most convincing argument possible so that you can win your SSDI claim. 

Hire an SSDI Attorney or Advocate

While your pulmonologist will provide you with information about your disease, SSDI attorneys and advocates are people who understand how the SSA works and how you can present the best case. While attorneys and advocates will provide you with mostly the same services, there are a number of differences between them that you should be aware of. First and foremost, an attorney is someone who is trained and has a degree in law whereas a non-attorney advocate does not have a law degree.

In order for someone to become an attorney, they need to have a bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree and be admitted to a state bar. Attorneys are bound by professional conduct rules, they have many years of specialized training, and they have the ability to appeal your claim to the federal level if you want to dispute the SSA’s decision. If you decide to hire an attorney to help you with your SSDI claim, you should first ensure that they specialize in disability law.

A disability advocate (also called a legal representative, claimant representative, or disability representative) needs to pass an exam administered by the SSA, a background check, need professional liability insurance, and a bachelor’s degree. While disability advocates are highly educated on disability claims, they are not held to the same professional standards as attorneys are, and as a result, you will have less legal recourse if something doesn’t go as planned. In terms of payment, neither attorneys nor advocates are paid unless you win your case and they are entitled to the same fee which is paid directly by the SSA. 

Take Your Time and be Thorough

Ultimately, the best way to win the SSDI benefits that you deserve is to be thorough with the application process. You want to provide an overview of your medical history and make it clear that you are taking the initiative to treat your COPD in the way that your pulmonologist advises. Before submitting your application, be sure to review it with a specialist who can point out any potential pitfalls. If your application is declined, the SSA will store your information in the event that you decide to dispute it. 

Conclusion

Applying for benefits with COPD is not always an easy process. You need to be able to prove that your lung condition prevents you from participating in “substantial gainful activity” and you need to meet other requirements as well. Gathering the necessary medical information and knowing the right place to acquire it will give you the best chance of receiving benefits upon submitting your first application. You should also be consulting the Blue Book which outlines the exact requirements for qualifying for disability with COPD.

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COPD is one of the most common chronic conditions in the world and it represents a serious financial burden on individuals, especially in the latter stages of the disease. If you have any further questions about SSDI benefits, be sure to speak with your doctor or a disability attorney or advocate. Alternatively, you can leave your questions in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

Oxygen is one of the elements that’s essential for human life. Earth’s atmosphere is composed of about 20% oxygen which is the perfect amount for someone with healthy lungs to breathe easily. However, the farther you go up in altitude, the thinner the air becomes meaning you have to inhale more air to get the same amount of oxygen. This is why many mountain climbers use special devices that allow them to get the oxygen they need.

In much the same way, someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions may need to use oxygen at high altitudes. If you’re not yet prescribed oxygen, you may need to rent an oxygen device before traveling. And if you’re already on oxygen, you may need to increase the flow rate of your device in order to account for the change in altitude.

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No matter which camp you’re in, you’re going to need an oxygen device that can operate at high altitudes and enables you to get around easily without becoming breathless or fatigued. In this post, we’ll take a look at why it’s important to use oxygen at high altitudes and list some of the best portable oxygen concentrators for use at high altitudes.

The Importance of Having Access to Reliable Oxygen at High Altitudes

If you’re traveling to a higher altitude to visit a mountain town, or to do some skiing or hiking, you need to first consider how the altitude will affect you. Altitude sickness is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their age or health. But it’s more likely to occur in people who have either lived close to sea level or they have a lung condition such as COPD, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Essentially, altitude sickness is what happens when you quickly go from low altitude to high altitude. It occurs when your body has a difficult time adjusting to the lack of oxygen and it can result in symptoms such as breathlessness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. There are three different types of altitude sickness: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

Acute mountain sickness is the most common and mildest form of altitude sickness. HAPE often comes on more quickly and severely than AMS and it’s the number one cause of death due to altitude sickness. Lastly, HACE is a type of altitude sickness that results in cerebral edema. This is when fluid builds up in the brain causing confusion, nausea, and can even cause a coma. 

Having a reliable source of oxygen is very important if you’re a COPD patient. Even the mildest form of altitude sickness, AMS, can be serious for COPD patients because it can result in exacerbations and low blood oxygen levels. In addition to a reliable portable oxygen concentrator, you should plan your trip in a way that gives you time to acclimate to the change of altitude. Another thing to note is that any exercise you do, such as hiking or skiing will further increase your breathlessness.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the top 5 portable oxygen concentrators for high altitude...

5.) Caire FreeStyle Comfort (10,000 feet)

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is one of only a few portable oxygen concentrators to be released in the past couple of years. And, unsurprisingly, it’s also one of the best. While Caire Inc. is a brand you might not recognize, they’re actually one of the top oxygen manufacturers in the world, selling products under the name “SeQual” and “AirSep.”

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is a pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator meaning it only puts out oxygen when the user inhales. What this means is that this device is very efficient with long battery life and a lightweight design that won’t cause you any unneeded strain as you go about your day. It’s one of only a handful of concentrators that weighs under 5 pounds and it’s currently the most reliable portable oxygen concentrator on the market.

The FreeStyle Comfort has a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 ml/min and it has a maximum pulse flow setting of 5. This offers you plenty of room to adjust your oxygen flow as you move up and down in altitude. You’ll never have to stress about running out of oxygen either since this device offers up to 16 hours of battery life on one charge using the 16-cell battery. You can always carry an extra battery too if you want an extra safety net.

This mobile oxygen generator provides users with an ergonomic design. Unlike many other oxygen devices, it has a curved shape that fits comfortably at your side. When you walk around it will stay at your hip rather than swaying around causing you to lose balance. This is a small detail but it just goes to show that Caire Inc. has gone the extra mile to ensure oxygen patients are as comfortable as possible.

4.) Inogen One G5 (10,000 feet)

The Inogen One G5 has been neck-in-neck with the Caire FreeStyle Comfort since it was first manufactured. Inogen Inc. has been a household name when it comes to reliable lightweight oxygen devices, and the G5 is their latest and greatest product. One of the unique things about the G5 is that it combines all the best features of its previous generations of oxygen concentrators.

While the Inogen One G4, the last generation of Inogen units, was the second lightest portable oxygen concentrator ever produced, it lacked the oxygen output to satisfy the needs of the majority of oxygen patients. Much like the FreeStyle Comfort, the G5 weighs under 5 pounds, but it also offers a higher oxygen output at 1,260 ml/min or 6 pulse flow settings. What this means is that more oxygen patients — even those who have high oxygen demands — can experience the freedom of owning a portable oxygen concentrator.

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Another unique feature of the Inogen One G5 is Inogen Connect, a mobile application that affords you more control over how you use your oxygen concentrator. This application connects your phone wirelessly to your concentrator and enables you to check your battery life and adjust your flow setting without ever touching your oxygen device. This is especially useful for people who use the Inogen G5 backpack and don’t want to take it off constantly to check their G5.

When it comes to using medical oxygen at high altitudes, most people will find that the G5 has just as much, if not more to offer than the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. It has the same maximum operational altitude at 10,000 ft and it offers a little more oxygen output in case your blood oxygen level drops and you need to move up a couple of flow settings. You can also rest easy knowing you own a mobile oxygen machine manufactured by one of the most trusted names in the industry. 

3.) Respironics SimplyGo (10,000 feet)

The Respironics SimplyGo is a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator released by Philips in 2012. The term “continuous flow” indicates that it puts out a constant stream of oxygen irrespective of the user’s breathing rate. This is problematic because it means oxygen is coming out of the device even when the user isn’t inhaling. In other words, the SimplyGo is less efficient than the two devices listed above.

With that being said, the Respironics SimplyGo is still an excellent portable oxygen delivery device for certain people. For example, if your doctor requires that you use continuous flow oxygen rather than pulse dose, the SimplyGo will be one of your best options. It’s the lightest continuous flow unit, weighing in at 10 pounds, and it also has the same maximum operational altitude as the FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen G5 at 10,000 ft above sea level.

While the Respironics SimplyGo is light enough to be carried on your shoulder or back, you’ll probably be more comfortable using a carrying cart and wheeling it around. And since the batteries are placed in the top of the unit, you won’t have to flip the device over or remove your carrying case in order to replace them. This is very convenient when you’re traveling and don’t have much time to stop. 

2.) AirSep FreeStyle 5 (12,000 feet)

AirSep is a brand that’s been in the oxygen industry for a long time, and it shows. Over the years, they’ve manufactured oxygen concentrators that are trusted by millions of people. They always show a constant desire to innovate their products and adapt them for a new generation of people who expect more portability and comfort from their oxygen devices.

Much like Inogen’s “G” line of POCs, AirSep has their “FreeStyle” line of POCs. The FreeStyle 5 was released quite a few years ago. But despite its age, the FreeStyle 5 still stands out as one of the best wearable oxygen concentrators on the market. It provides oxygen users with 1,000 ml/min of pulse dose oxygen and 5 different pulse dose options. What’s more, it only weighs 6.7 pounds meaning it’s significantly lighter than the lightest continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator.

The FreeStyle 5 is an outstanding option for anyone who wants to travel to high altitudes because its maximum operating altitude is 12,000 feet above sea level. Considering the city in the United States with the highest altitude is just over 10,000 feet, the FreeStyle 5 will more than suit your needs. 

Like all oxygen concentrators on this list, the FreeStyle 5 comes equipped with both AC and DC charging options. In other words, you’ll be able to charge your POC at home or in hotels via a wall outlet as well as in a vehicle via the electrical outlet. If you’re traveling to another country you can purchase a charging adapter. However, be sure to check the user manual before doing this to make sure you’re using the right voltage.

1.) SeQual Eclipse 5 (13,123 feet)

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is known for offering the highest oxygen output of any portable oxygen concentrator. It can put out a maximum of 3 liters per minute of continuous oxygen and it has 9 different pulse flow settings as well. But what many people don’t know is that the SeQual Eclipse 5 also holds the record for the highest operational altitude of 13,123 feet above sea level.

Despite how powerful the Eclipse 5 is, it is very heavy. It weighs around 18.4 pounds which is nearly four times as much as the FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5. It’s also extremely bulky, so if you’re looking to do some hiking or skiing, the Eclipse 5 is not the oxygen concentrator for you. This unit is best for people with high oxygen demands who still want to be able to travel or live at high altitudes.

Since the SeQual Eclipse 5 has both continuous flow and pulse dose you’ll have enough options to suit whatever situation you’re in. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and you need to use a CPAP machine while you sleep, you can switch to continuous flow on your Eclipse 5 and use it simultaneously with positive airway pressure. On the other hand, if you’re out and about and you want to conserve battery life, you can switch over to the pulse dose setting.

Conclusion

Whether you’re going to high altitude for a short vacation or to live, you need to ensure that your oxygen device will function properly. Not all oxygen devices have the same maximum operational altitude, and you should take into account other factors such as the device’s portability, battery life, and reliability. All of the devices on this list are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) meaning you’ll be able to fly on any commercial flight within the United States while using your POC.

No matter whether you’re traveling to high altitude soon or you’re trying to plan for the long term, be sure to reach out to our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical. It’s our highest priority to find you a portable oxygen concentrator that meets both your wants and your needs. We start by asking you about what oxygen flow you need. We then start to narrow down your options based on your lifestyle. 

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section so that we can get back to you. And if you’re ready to learn more about oxygen concentrators, give us a call or email us.

First and foremost, we want to preface this article by saying that within the global reality as it stands now, we highly recommend checking in with your primary care physician or a medical expert in your corner when dealing with potential ailments, especially if you have a condition that would exacerbate your symptoms if you were to be exposed to the Coronavirus causing COVID-19, influenza, or the common cold. 

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The current state of the global pandemic is still unfolding, and rapidly changing. Definitive information is not readily available, nor are there answers to the burning questions we all have. The fact of the matter is that we are all learning how to mitigate risk, safely operate within some capacity of our normal lives, and keep ourselves and the ones around us safe. 

In this article, we first want to elaborate on the importance of staying healthy if you have a chronic illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Secondly, this article is a glimpse into the differences and similarities between COVID-19, influenza or the common flu, and the common cold. 

How to Mitigate your Risk of Infection 

If you are a COPD patient and/or a long term oxygen therapy patient, protecting yourself from viruses and bacterial infections is a critical course of action you must take everyday. Outside of the global pandemic, infection and weakened immune systems are ways that respiratory patients find themselves in critical conditions and often hospitalized. Infections of any kind are something that you should try to avoid at all costs because these are life threatening situations. 

Even though chronically ill people are not more susceptible to catching the Coronavirus, contracting COVID-19 imposes much higher risks than if a healthy person was to contract the virus. 

There are a lot of ways to avoid getting sick during flu season and there are a lot of ways to avoid catching COVID-19, respiratory patients should be diligent to follow the CDCs recommendation, and take the precautions necessary to avoid transmission.

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Follow these resource to find all of the way you can prevent getting sick:

CDC COVID-19 Prevent Getting Sick 

How to Prevent the Flu: Natural Ways, After Exposure, and More

Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others

Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection

The overarching points made within all of these resources are very basic tasks and practices that you can implement into your daily life in order to protect yourself and others.

These include, washing your hands frequently, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in you vehicle and home, avoiding people outside of your quarantine bubble, staying a minimum of 6-feet away from people when in public spaces, wearing a double layered masks when in public spaces, avoid itching your eyes, nose, and mouth, avoid traveling far distances, avoid touching people, interact less with people in person and more so virtually, do not spend time in enclosed spaces with other people. 

Social distancing, wearing a mask, and disinfecting your hands and surfaces are the most effective ways to avoid catching any ailment whether that's the common cold or COVID-19.

The Common Cold

Having a cold is never a fun experience, and while you may feel horrible when you have a cold, it feels generally less intense than having a more severe virus like the flu. 

Cold symptoms can include any of the following:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough (mild)
• Fatigue (sometimes)
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Headaches (rarely)
• Aches and pains

If you are looking to treat your cold symptoms, and over the counter medication can help, but will not have lasting impacts, and the best course of action is to rest and wait. A typical cold will last on average up to 7 to 10 days.

The Common Flu (Influenza) 

The seasonal flu rapidly and effectively infects people every year and is vital for a long time out of the year from around the beginning of Fall through all of the winter and even spring sometimes. It’s a common virus causing respiratory infection so it affects your nose, throat, and lungs and can last from 5 to 7 days. 

Here’s are some common symptoms of the flu:

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough (usually dry)
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Runny or stuffy nose (sometimes)
• Sore throat (sometimes)
• Diarrhea (sometimes in children)

Unlike a cold, you can get vaccinated in order to prevent the flu. If you are hesitant to get the flu vaccine, be aware that if you do get a flu shot and still get the flu, the symptoms you experience will be milder than if you didn’t receive the flu shot. Medical treatment for the flu is uncommon for most people, but if you have COPD or another chronic respiratory disease, the flu can cause more issues where medical treatment may be necessary. It is important to stay home, rest, and get plenty of fluids. If you have a fever, that can be treated with Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

COVID-19

Coronavirus causing COVID-19 is a new virus that has spread quickly worldwide. There are other strains of coronavirus which are very common and usually only cause mild symptoms similar to a common cold.  COVID-19 on the other hand, causes much more severe illness in certain groups. People who are at risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms include older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. 

Covid-19 Vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson

There are now two COVID-19 vaccines and very soon there will be three readily available in the United States, they are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. You only need one of the vaccines, and you will need two doses if you get the Pifizer or Moderna, but the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose, each vaccine will protect you against the COVID-19 virus. They all have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19 Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines by following this link.

Once you get the vaccine it is still highly recommended to wear a mask in public places, social distance, and continue washing your hands and disinfecting the surface, because It’s not yet known if any of these vaccines prevent asymptomatic infection, meaning you could still potentially catch COVID-19 and simply not experience symptoms in which case you could be unknowingly be transmitting the disease to others not yet vaccinated. Still, it is not known for sure if vaccinated people can transmit the virus if they do become infected but don’t show symptoms, so it is best to be safe and continue mitigating any risk of spreading COVID-19. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough (usually dry)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tiredness (sometimes)
• Aches and pains (sometimes)
• Headaches (sometimes)
• Sore throat (sometimes)
• *Upper respiratory symptoms, like runny nose and sinus congestion, are very uncommon in COVID-19.

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms ranges from mild to severe. If your symptoms are mild you will likely be directed to stay home to protect others from illness and follow the CDC’s recommended guidance for self-care. If you’re referred to a testing site or medical facility, remember to call ahead and let them know your symptoms before you go in. 

Vaccines and What People with Lung Disease Need to Know

If you have asthma or COPD, your risk for experiencing serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases is much higher than the average person. Therefore, getting vaccinated is an important thing you must do to stay healthy. 

Respiratory diseases can impact your system in a number of ways depending on your condition. Conditions like COPD or asthma block your airways with excess mucus and cause your airways to swell, making it very difficult to breath and get the right amount of oxygen. 

There are diseases that cause excess swelling to your airways and lungs that can be prevented by a vaccine, and therefore, it is crucial for respiratory patients to get these vaccines. If you do get ill on top of your COPD or other respiratory disease, the combination of the two can lead to pneumonia and other serious respiratory illnesses and progression of your disease into a more severe state. 

Vaccines are one of the safest ways for you to protect your health, even if you are taking prescription medications. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Respiratory Patients 

All of the current COVID-19 vaccines are tested, analyzed, and meet strict criteria set up by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so the COVID-19 vaccines meet strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. When you get a COVID-19 vaccine, it will be highly effective and will protect you from coronavirus and save lives

If you have COPD, or any other respiratory illness protecting yourself from COVID-19 is very essential to your health, both in the short and long term. If you have a respiratory disease, you are at risk of experiencing worse symptoms and are at higher risk of being hospitalized for those symptoms. 

COVID-19 is not going away, and the vaccine is one of the best ways to mitigate your risk of infection. 

Overview

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Getting sick is never fun, and as a respiratory patient getting sick is actually very harmful to your system and the condition that you already have can be exacerbated. 

Mitigate your risk of experiencing any worsening symptoms by following COVID-19 regulations and getting the vaccine when you are able to. It would be wise to reach out to your doctor and talk to them about the vaccine process, they will assure you whether or not it is prudent of you to get the vaccine based on your individual health standards. 

You should also be diligent to avoid common sickness such as influenza or a common cold, both of these illnesses can also negatively impact your health.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the diseases with the greatest financial burdens worldwide and within the United States. Studies have shown that the average annual COPD-related expenditure is around $4,147. And while 51% of these costs are covered by Medicare according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that still leaves roughly $2,000 a year that COPD patients need to spend out-of-pocket. Combine this with the cost of aging and limited retirement funds and it’s not hard to see why COPD is such a major financial burden for so many people.

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Without a doubt, the later stages of COPD pose the greatest burden for most people. It’s during end-stage COPD that you’re most likely to experience hospitalization due to exacerbation and you’re also more likely to be hospitalized for an extended period of time. Since symptoms tend to develop more quickly during this time, you’re also more likely to schedule more doctor’s appointments, use your medication more frequently, and seek out other treatment options for your disease. 

In this post, we’re going to discuss end-stage COPD (also called late-stage or stage 4 COPD). We’ll take a closer look at what exactly this term means, what to expect, and how to prepare for this stage of COPD in order to mitigate some of the physical and financial challenges it poses. If you have any questions, either leave them in the comment section below or reach out to your doctor to schedule an appointment.

What is End-Stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Since COPD is a long-term condition that progresses slowly, it’s generally divided into four different stages. These stages help healthcare specialists identify the symptoms of your disease, predict the prognosis of your disease, as well as your life expectancy. And because COPD manifests differently in every patient, that also means the stages are going to look different for everyone. While researchers have a good idea of the average life expectancy of someone with COPD, what ultimately matters is your own health. In this way, it’s often better to think of COPD as a sort of “catalyst” for other health issues.

The best way to know that you’re approaching late-stage COPD is based on your symptoms. Someone with end-stage COPD will likely experience similar symptoms that they’ve experienced for many years such as coughing, breathlessness, fatigue, or chronic pain. In end-stage, however, these symptoms become significantly more debilitating to the point where they may need to rely on caretakers, friends, or loved ones to take care of them. They’ll also experience more frequent trips to the hospital due to flare-ups and exacerbations.

The term “end-stage” is controversial in many ways because it can imply that the patient doesn’t have much time left to live, but this isn’t always the case. Even when it’s evident that symptoms are increasing in frequency and severity, that doesn’t mean that won’t outlive them and go on to live many more years. However, using this term can be helpful when it comes to planning and the approach that you use to treat your disease. For example, some people prefer to switch to palliative care which is a type of specialized medical care that’s focused on optimizing a patient’s quality of life and ease discomfort.

How to Recognize End-Stage COPD

As aforementioned, late-stage COPD looks different for everyone. This is why it’s important to maintain open lines of communication with your doctor who can provide you with detailed information about your disease prognosis as well as advice on how to plan. Generally speaking, however, you’ll be able to notice an increase in the frequency and severity of symptoms you’re experiencing. Take a look at some of the symptoms below and see if you notice any similarities to what you’re experiencing.

• You experience heavy coughing or wheezing throughout the day
• You experience shortness of breath even while at rest
• You lack the energy or will to maintain your diet
• You’re becoming more reliant on friends and family for simple tasks
• You experience dizziness, confusion, or trouble sleeping
• You experience more frequent or severe exacerbations that lead to hospitalization

Another way to recognize end-stage COPD is by performing a spirometry test. A spirometer is a simple device used to derive two different results: Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). Combined, these results will tell you how well your lungs are functioning, and if you have spirometry results already, you and your doctor will be able to compare them to determine how quickly your lungs are deteriorating. FEV1 refers to the total amount of air you can force from your lungs in one second and FVC refers to the total amount of air you can expel from the lungs in one breath.

From a diagnostic perspective, stage four COPD is recognized as an FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 70% or an FEV1 less than 30%. Even if your FEV1 is above 30%, however, your doctor may classify you as stage four severe COPD if you have chronic respiratory failure. Several other tests your doctor may use to diagnose stage four COPD include lung volume tests, gas diffusion tests which measure how well oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream, and exercise tests.

How to Ease End-Stage COPD Symptoms

All-in-all, your treatment plan for end-stage COPD shouldn’t look all that different from your treatment plan for any other stage of COPD, but you may need to make adjustments based on your physical, mental, and emotional abilities. What’s more, there are several additional strategies you can add to your routine that can ease some of the pain and increase your comfort.

Supplemental Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is likely the most consistent treatment you’ve used since being diagnosed with COPD. Since COPD leads to progressive lung obstruction, one of the best ways to remedy this is by helping your lungs out and providing them with a higher concentration of oxygen. By doing so, your body will have the resources it needs in order to stay healthy. Unfortunately, many COPD patients use oxygen incorrectly or they use an oxygen device that doesn’t suit their needs and lifestyle.

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When it comes to oxygen delivery devices, there are several options available to you. Oxygen tanks have been around the longest, followed by liquid oxygen tanks, home oxygen concentrators, and portable oxygen concentrators. While each of these can provide you with the oxygen you need, portable oxygen concentrators tend to offer the most comfort and convenience in end-stage COPD. There are many reasons for this, but above all, they don’t need to be refilled.

Rather than containing compressed oxygen like oxygen tanks do, portable oxygen concentrators run off of powerful lithium-ion batteries which allows you more freedom to move around on your own time. Instead of having to call an oxygen company to deliver full tanks to you, simply plug your POC into any wall outlet and you’ll be able to recharge your batteries. You’ll even be able to use the device while it’s charging. 

There are several different types of POCs you can choose from depending on your wants and needs. Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or Inogen One G5 closely monitor your breathing and only deliver oxygen when you inhale. These devices are incredibly efficient, lightweight, and small. On the other hand, you could opt for a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator like the Respironics SimplyGo which provides the user with a constant stream of oxygen. These machines tend to be slightly bigger and bulkier than their counterparts.

Nutritional Counseling

Like we mentioned before, malnutrition is a significant problem that many stage-four COPD patients face. Symptoms like breathlessness and chronic fatigue can lead to a situation where patients simply don’t have the energy to eat or they don’t get the same satisfaction from it that they used to. Conversely, it could lead to someone choosing foods that are convenient and provide a quick energy boost. Unfortunately, these foods tend to also be filled with sugar and other problematic ingredients that don’t provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

If either of these situations sounds like you, it might be a good idea to consider nutritional counseling. This is a type of therapy that’s focused solely on your eating habits and it attempts to break down any barriers you might be facing that are preventing you from sticking with the diet that your doctor has provided for you. Contrary to popular belief, nutritional counseling isn’t just for people facing weight issues, it’s also extremely beneficial for people with chronic illnesses like COPD who struggle to get the nutrients they need. It’s also useful for anyone who believes that they have “unhealthy” or “unproductive” eating habits. 

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are any therapy that can help you ease the burdens associated with late-stage COPD. As you can imagine, this varies greatly depending on the patient because everyone faces different issues with their disease. For some, this might mean attending cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions in order to prevent anxiety or depression, for others it could mean speaking with a spiritual or religious leader who can help you settle any concerns or fears about living out the later stages of your life.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psycho-social intervention that’s focused on correcting negative or inaccurate thought processes or actions. It’s a type of therapy that’s become very popular among older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, who want to seek more fulfillment in their daily lives. CBT takes place over the course of several weeks, months, or however long it takes for the patient to feel comfortable on their own. 

Another type of therapy you might want to consider when it comes time to plan for end-stage COPD is massage therapy. Studies have shown that anxiety can cause a lot of tension to form in our bodies and this tension can lead to more anxiety. Massage therapy is a great way to break this tension causing us to feel better both physically and mentally. According to this medical report, there are two reasons massage therapy is beneficial for COPD patients. Firstly, it causes hyperemia which is the increase of blood flow to different tissues. Secondly, it activates the lymphatic system which is responsible for draining your body of toxins.

A Revised Pulmonary Rehabilitation Routine

Most people are well-aware that with aging comes problems with mobility, endurance, and strength. It’s a natural part of life that we lose a lot of our physical abilities as we get older, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to do pulmonary rehabilitation. It simply means that you will need to find new ways to do it. Some people find that the best option for them is to switch to exercises that involve sitting as well as ones that don’t require them to leave the house or meet up with other people.

The important thing to remember is that any form of exercise will benefit your lung health, not just exercises that work your lungs specifically. In many cases, this mindset can even be counterproductive in late-stage COPD because most people don’t have the lung capacity to perform any strenuous endurance exercise that gets your heart rate up. Rather, targeting specific muscle groups in your body will improve your strength and circulation, thus easing some of the burden on your lungs. Studies have shown that muscle requires less oxygen to use and it produces less carbon dioxide as waste, ultimately resulting in less air that your lungs need to take in. 

The thing that we would like to stress, like we’ve done many times before, is the importance of consistency when it comes to your pulmonary rehabilitation. Just like maintaining a healthy diet, your exercise routine will be more effective if you are able to do it everyday without letting yourself fall back on your goals. Ideally, you should have someone like a friend or family member who can hold you accountable at least until you are able to do so for yourself.

Address Your Concerns With Your Doctor

Just like with any other stage of COPD, you’re going to want to work closely with your doctor in end-stage COPD. This is because you’ll want to make sure that your goals are in line with or at least not counterproductive towards your treatment goals. Like we mentioned earlier, end-stage COPD should be all about improving your comfort and reducing chronic pain. But this doesn’t mean that you should completely ignore the treatment plan that you’ve followed throughout your whole life with COPD.

Another reason to consult your doctor is because he/she will likely have some helpful resources for you in regards to finding other health specialists such as nutritionists or mental health experts. This will not only save you a lot of time but it will set you off on the right path. You should also make it a priority to visit your doctor more frequently so that you can make healthy choices that fall in line with your COPD treatment plan.

Conclusion

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an ailment that develops and progresses over the course of many years — sometimes even decades. This is why it’s important to always be adaptive when it comes to your treatment plan and lifestyle. While during stage one COPD, you were likely very active and took the time to travel as much as possible, stage four COPD treatment should focus more on improving your comfort and ensuring your psychological, physical, and even spiritual needs are met.

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While you should take the initiative to do these things for yourself, it’s also important to consult your doctor to make sure you don’t leave out any aspect of your treatment plan in the process. Even in end-stage COPD, you’ll need to keep up with your oxygen therapy, dietary plan, pulmonary rehabilitation, and avoid environmental triggers such as pollution or airborne allergens.