Being diagnosed with COPD can be a very frightening and disheartening experience. It's common to feel fear and apprehension about living with the diagnosis and maybe even guilt about what you did or didn't do that might have caused your COPD.

But the most important thing to understand about your COPD diagnosis is that, with an effective treatment plan and healthy lifestyle changes, you can take control and slow the progression of your disease.

According to the GOLD System (developed by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), COPD progresses through four typical stages, with Stage1 being the most mild and Stage 4 the most severe.

Based on your symptom severity and lung function tests (spirometry), your doctor will determine what stage your disease is at. GOLD also just released new guidelines that take your COPD assessment test score and your exacerbation history into account as well.

However, the most common practice used by doctors to classify stages of COPD is using your symptom severity and your lung function tests to determine your stage.

This article will introduce you to the 4 stages of COPD and what to expect at each point. We want to help you better understand your disease, your symptoms, and how to take care of yourself and stay as healthy as possible.

Some COPD patients feel helpless to control their disease, but the only way to slow COPD symptoms from worsening is to take a proactive role in your own health and treatment. With the help of their doctors and healthy lifestyle changes, many people with COPD live long, full, and active lives.

Take the COPD Athlete, Russel Winwood, for example. He has spent his life since his diagnosis living an extremely active lifestyle, and runs marathons and trains for triathlons despite having Stage 4 COPD.

He's used his own example to encourage others with COPD and other respiratory diseases to work hard and keep up hope. He is proof that you can maintain an active, high quality of living with enough effort and dedication.

And just because Russel is training for triathlons doesn't mean that's what you have to do to live a full and happy life. That's his passion and he doesn't let his COPD dictate his life. You can still follow your passion and live your life to the fullest too!

{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}

Stage 1: Mild COPD

COPD stage 1 is the first, most mild stage of the disease. In fact, the symptoms are usually so mild that most people don't realize that they have a health problem. Typically people think their symptoms are just signs of aging or long-term smoking because the symptoms aren't debilitating. They just brush them under the rug.

Unfortunately, this means that many people ignore the early symptoms of COPD and wait too long to go see a doctor. These are some of the warning signs that you might have COPD:

• Constantly short of breath after simple tasks
• Changes in the consistency and color of your mucus
• Chronic cough for no apparent reason
• Have a hard time breathing while laying down

If you experience any of these warning signs, it's important not to brush off mild respiratory ailments and see a doctor for advice as soon as possible. Catching the disease early is key so that you have time to take medications and make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent it from worsening.

At stage 1, COPD is still very treatable, so it's important to take advantage of all the available treatments and make lasting lifestyle changes. It's especially important to stay active and exercise regularly while your symptoms are still mild.

Stage 1 COPD Symptoms

COPD is often the last thing people consider when they have respiratory issues, but it's important to pay attention to your symptoms and consider any warning signs you might have.

If you are or have been a smoker, have been exposed to lung irritants at home or work, or have had heavy exposure to other chemicals or pollutants, you need to be especially vigilant.

Here are the most common symptoms of Stage 1 COPD:

• Slight airflow limitations
• Chronic cough and/or wheezing
• More mucus/sputum production in airways
• Fatigue (you notice that you get tired more easily than usual)
• FEV1 Value of at least 80% of normal (Your FEV1 is a measure of the amount of air you can exhale in 1 second)

As you can see, stage 1 COPD symptoms are easy to mistake for a benign condition like allergies, the common cold, or a natural part of aging. COPD can be tricky that way, and that's why it's important to take these symptoms seriously and talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Especially if your symptoms are persistent.

Stage 1 COPD Treatment Options

If you've been given a stage 1 diagnosis, you have a huge advantage when it comes to slowing the progression of your disease. The best time to diagnose COPD is at stage 1, because there is still plenty of time to make healthy lifestyle changes and you are still living a fairly normal and active life.

At stage 1, symptoms are usually very mild and most treatment options focus on prevention of further symptoms. By developing healthy lifestyle habits like eating clean, exercising regularly, and being social while also closely monitoring your symptoms, you will have a much easier time managing your COPD and slowing its progression.

While COPD is not curable, it is very treatable. Your disease will likely progress to a later stage, but early treatment can greatly slow the disease's progression. These are some of the recommended treatment options for stage 1 COPD.

Quit Smoking

If you are a smoker, then the number one, most important important thing you can do to treat your COPD is to quit. As soon as you get your COPD diagnosis, you should seek out and utilize whatever smoking cessation resources are available to you.

Quitting smoking is certainly not easy, but if you have COPD, it's the only way to prevent your health from rapidly declining. If you don't quit immediately, you will almost certainly see your symptoms get quickly and permanently more severe.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation medications, and enlist your friends and family for support. There are even government and state programs that will give you nicotine patches or gum for free by signing up for their program.

But I'm not going to beat a dead horse here... There are so many articles on quitting smoking and I'm sure you've heard all of the tips more than once.

I will leave you with one little piece of advice that might not be listed. Join Facebook support groups. You will be able to connect with people who are going through the same battle as you and people who have successfully quit so you have numerous people to rely on for support.

Avoid Lung Irritants

Quitting smoking is one part of avoiding lung irritants, but there are other chemicals and air conditions that you should also avoid if you have COPD.

If you have allergies, you already know that it can affect your airways and ability to breathe. But dust and pollution are lung irritants as well, and you should avoid them to prevent your COPD symptoms from flaring up.

Even if you don't notice your symptoms getting worse from dust and smog, they could still be causing damage to your lungs and should be avoided. The more total exposure you have to these lung irritants, the more quickly your disease will progress.

Key lung irritants to avoid:

• Air pollution and smog
• Dust (consider using an air filter or dust mask in places you might be exposed)
• Pollen (if you have allergies)
• Chemicals found in household (and industrial) cleaning products
• Strong perfume or cologne (including other scented products like lotions and shampoos)
• Smoke (including secondhand smoke, incense, burning wood, etc.)
• Aerosols (like air fresheners and disinfectants)
• Extreme weather conditions (extreme heat, extreme cold, and  humidity)

Healthy Diet & Nutrition

It's important to start making changes to your diet as soon as you get your diagnosis, because it can do wonders for your overall health. And when you have COPD, it's especially important to keep your body in the best possible shape.

Your doctor will help you work out a diet that's tailored to your needs, depending on your age, current diet, disease stage, and other factors. Make sure not to make any major, sudden changes to your diet without consulting your doctor first.

Here are some foods that are healthy for people with COPD:

• Choose lean proteins (chicken, fish, turkey)
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Eat whole grains and avoid processed foods
• Take necessary vitamins and supplements as recommended by your doctor
• Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks (like soda and fruit juices)

These are recommendations that any healthy adult, not just people with COPD, should follow. But as someone with COPD, it's especially important for you to avoid unhealthy foods and give your body the proper nutrition it needs.

Here are some foods that are not healthy for people with COPD:

• Fried and processed foods (e.g. fast food, processed snacks, and processed meats)
• Caffeinated and sugary beverages
• Foods high in salt
• Foods that cause heartburn or acid reflux
• Nitrates and sulfites
• Alcoholic beverages (they can slow your breathing rate)

Get More Physical Activity

Developing good exercise habits as soon as possible is extremely important if you have COPD. The longer you wait, the worse your symptoms will get. If you can build good exercise habits while you're still at stage 1—when symptoms are still mild—it will be easier to remain physically activity as time goes on.

If you wait until a later stage, you'll find that the worsened symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and restricted airways make it especially difficult to stick with an exercise routine. It will be even worse if you haven't ever been very active before.

Even though you might feel winded and have difficulty breathing at times, it will get easier as you build strength. But it's important that you don't over do it. If you feel like you can't keep going, that's okay. Just keep trying and your whole body will feel stronger and healthier. Not to mention, you'll have more energy and endurance.

Not only is exercise good for you overall, regular cardiovascular activity can actually strengthen the muscles around your lungs. This can help lessen your COPD symptoms, making it easier to breathe.

Here are some of the benefits you can get from following an exercise plan with COPD:

• Improved circulation and oxygen delivery throughout your body
• Improved oxygen efficiency (your lungs won't have to work as hard to deliver enough oxygen)
• Stronger muscles around your lungs
• A boost to your immune system
• More energy and endurance

Get Vaccinated

People with COPD are more prone to complications when they get sick with the flu or other viruses. Getting a respiratory illness could lead to exacerbations of existing symptoms.

Vaccinations won't help reduce any of the symptoms you already have, but it can help keep them from getting worse. A bad flu can cause COPD troubles to flare up and linger, sometimes causing a permanent worsening of symptoms.

Since COPD patients have a higher risk of complications and hospitalizations, it's especially important that they protect themselves from respiratory illnesses like Pneumonia and the flu. By keeping up with your yearly vaccinations, you'll have an extra layer of protection against this risk.

Short-Acting Bronchodilators

At stage 1, there is usually minimal, if any, medication required to control symptoms. Breathing issues are usually mild, and long-term medication is not usually necessary.

That said, the first prescription medication most people with COPD get is one for a short-acting bronchodilator. This kind of inhaler is meant to be used on-demand, when you need temporary relief from mild symptoms.

Short-acting bronchodilators contain a medication that relaxes the muscles around your lungs and makes it easier to breathe. Most doctors will instruct you to use them as needed when your symptoms flare up.

Here are a couple examples of short-acting bronchodilator medications:

• Anticholinergics (e.g. ipratropium)
• Beta 2-agonists (e.g. albuerol or levalbuterol)
• Sometimes your doctor will prescribe a combination of two short-acting bronchodilators

Overview of Stage 1

While a COPD diagnosis is never good news, if you're diagnosed at stage 1, you are luckier than most with the disease. You still have many viable treatment options ahead of you and the opportunity to improve your overall health before your symptoms worsen.

Little, if any, medication is needed at stage 1, and your treatment plan will likely focus on preventative maintenance and healthy habits like diet and exercise. It's also important to avoid environmental irritants like secondhand smoke, household chemicals, and prolonged exposure to allergens.

You can greatly improve your symptoms and prognosis if you stop smoking, develop healthy eating habits, avoid lung irritants, and get more physical activity right away. Building these skills early on is key for maintaining a good quality of life with COPD.

Stage 2: Moderate COPD

At stage 2 of the disease, COPD symptoms become more pronounced and new symptoms may appear. This is the stage that many people start to notice their breathing difficulties and decide to seek help from a doctor.

At this point, lung function has declined further than stage 1, and the signs of COPD are more obvious. At this point, patients might be prescribed longer-lasting medications to deal with chronic symptoms and might be referred to a COPD support program to better learn how to manage their disease.

Stage 2 COPD Symptoms

With stage 2 COPD, you will notice symptoms that are more noticeable and more persistent than they were at stage 1. You might also notice some new symptoms, like chronic breathlessness or difficulty coughing up mucous.

Here are the symptoms characteristic of Stage 2 COPD:

• Worsening airflow restriction
• Worsening breathlessness, especially after heavy activity
• Increased mucous and phlegm in airways
• Persistent, chronic coughing
• Difficulty expelling phlegm from lungs
• FEV1 Value of 50-79% of normal

Whereas you might have been able to brush off your symptoms at stage 1, at stage 2 they often become too obvious to ignore. It's important to seek treatment from a medical professional knowledgeable about COPD in order to properly manage your symptoms.

Treatment Options

At stage 2, you will have all of the treatment options that were available at stage 1 plus more. You are likely to need some kind of medication to help with your symptoms.

Even if you are already using short-acting bronchodilators, your doctor might prescribe you a more long-term medication to help with chronic symptoms.

If you are having difficulty exercising and managing your symptoms, your doctor might also refer you to pulmonary rehab to help you get a jump-start on healthier habits.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Many doctors suggest pulmonary rehabilitation to patients who have difficulty managing their symptoms and changing their diet and exercise routines.

However, pulmonary rehab programs are a good idea for anyone diagnosed with COPD, as they encompass a variety of educational, psychological, and physical activity programs to help people with respiratory conditions.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are like a COPD boot camp, and attending one is a great way to kick-start your treatment. They are run by qualified therapists and health professionals who can help you learn and practice healthy habits.

Pulmonary Rehab: Education

It's important to know as much as you can about your disease so you can take an active role in managing it. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs put a strong focus on helping people understand COPD and respiratory health so they can make more informed and healthy decisions.

Unlike a regular health lecture, lessons from pulmonary rehab are tailored to be practical and relevant to YOU. After all, it would be tragic if your symptoms worsened or your disease progressed because you didn't have the information you need to understand and manage COPD.

A good pulmonary rehabilitation program will teach you everything you need to know about your disease and how to manage it, so you have everything you need to keep your COPD in check. What's more, you will also receive counseling on how to manage your disease emotionally and stay motivated to follow your treatment plan in the face of adversity.

Here are some topics that you can learn more about in pulmonary rehab:

• How to cope with your illness
• How to seek support from doctors, family, and friends
• How to keep up and comply with your treatment plan
• Exercises and techniques for better breathing
• Physical activities that are particularly helpful for people with COPD
• Techniques for how, when, and how often to use your inhaler

Once you complete a pulmonary rehabilitation program, the knowledge you've gained will give you a solid foundation for living with COPD.

Pulmonary Rehab: Diet and Exercise

Maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity is the most important part of managing COPD. That's one thing that pulmonary rehabilitation programs are good for—helping you to understand what proper nutrition and exercise looks like when you have COPD.

It will help you understand not only what kind of exercises to do and how often to do them, but also the reasons and theory behind why they will help you. It's much easier to stay motivated and stick with a healthy routine when you understand why it's beneficial, instead of just doing it because someone told you to.

Here are some things you can learn about diet and exercise in pulmonary rehab:

• What regular activity and exercise should look likelihood
• Why regular exercise is important, and how it will help your COPD
• Breathing techniques to make physical activity easier
• Foods and drinks that can worsen COPD symptoms
• Tips for planning and preparing healthy meals
• And much more!

Pulmonary Rehab: Support Groups

One thing you can't underestimate when you have a chronic illness is the power of a support system. Having people around you to help and support you as you manage your COPD can help you stay motivated and hopeful.

&

The holidays and shopping for friends or family with COPD can be difficult. But you know what's more difficult? Living with COPD every day of the year, and especially in the cold winter months!

Gifts can bring a lot of joy to the holiday, but special gifts picked out specifically for your loved ones with chronic respiratory diseases can bring joy that lasts throughout the year! Below are 16 practical Christmas gift ideas that COPD patients may find useful!

{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}

So, while the gifts laid out in this article are practical and very useful for COPD patients, always remember that COPD patients may want something lighthearted, fun, that brings an element of the holiday spirit.  

Exercise Bike

Exercise is an essential part of treating COPD. Exercise gives COPD patients hope for rebuilding strength and enjoying a fuller, more active life. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs typically combine education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling, but for some people pulmonary rehab classes are not an option! 

An exercise bike is a great option for low impact exercise that you can do from the comfort of your own home. 

Nothing is more important to the person who has COPD than exercise. Exercise ultimately makes it easier for those with COPD to breathe by strengthening muscles, bones, and lungs.

An exercise bike is something that will be valued by your loved one for years to come.

A tip for purchasing an exercise bike for a loved one is to choose a model that has several levels of resistance and a smooth magnetic resistance system so it can meet any COPD patient's needs.

Hat, Scarf and Glove Set

The cold winter months are a challenging time of year for COPD patients who already struggle to get around. 

Staying warm is especially important for someone with COP. Breathing in cold air can ignite a bronchospasm and shortness of breath, causing a nasty flare up. 

A scarf, hat and glove set will help your loved ones stay warm when they go outside and reduce the likelihood of them experiencing an exacerbation due to the cold air.  

There are face masks designed for people with COPD that you can also buy. They are less fashionable, but offer a ventilation system that warms and moisturizes the cold dry air they are breathing in while outside! 

Oxygen Therapy Gifts 

If you are looking for a gift for a love one who uses oxygen therapy here are some ideas: 

A New Pulse Flow or Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Device 

Pulse flow options: 

Caire Freestyle Comfort 

The Caire Freestyle Comfort is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator capable of delivering medical grade oxygen to COPD patients via face or nose cannula. 

When you order the Freestyle Comfort from LPT Medical you are not only getting the portable oxygen concentrator, it will come with some additional accessories that will help your loved one make the most out of their oxygen therapy device, as well as a 3-year warranty!

Portable oxygen concentrators run off battery power, and the Caire FreeStyle comes with the 8-cell Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. If you want a more powerful battery, you have the option to get the large Caire FreeStyle 16-cell battery.

You will also get an AC adapter and the DC car adapter, which allows you to charge your device in a traditional wall outlet, or in the car using the cigarette lighter.

If you want another way to charge your device, you can purchase the Caire Freestyle external battery charger separately. With the external charger, you can keep your batteries charged no matter where you are in the world.

When you buy a Caire FreeStyle Comfort, you will also receive the Caire FreeStyle custom carrying case that comes with a convenient shoulder strap. You can also opt for another carrying method with the Caire Freestyle comfort backpack, this way you have several options to choose from when you carry your device with you. 

With the purchase of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, you will receive:

• 8-Cell Battery 
• AC Charging Cable
• DC Charging Cable
• Caire Freestyle Custom Carrying Case 
• Tubing
• Filter
• Manual
• 3 year-long warranty

Lifestyle P2 

The Lifestyle P2 from Rhythm is one of the smallest and lightest units on the market. At 4.37 pounds, it offers pulse settings 1-5 and gets up to 5 hours of battery life.   

Rhythm products, specifically their Lifestyle P2 portable oxygen concentrator, is not only built to keep oxygen users safe, comfortable, and independent, it is also a source of guidance and education.

Lifestyle Mobility Aids exists with a simple mission— to take care of people with medical needs, including those with respiratory issues that need supplemental oxygen to survive. 

What Comes With the P2 Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

• P2 Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator 
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Rechargeable Battery 
• Protective Carrying Case
• Shoulder Strap
• Tubing
• Filter
• Manual
• 3 year Warranty 

Inogen One G5

Medical oxygen tanks can be restrictive and oftentimes people sacrifice their freedom to hang out with friends or visit with family on your terms due to their oxygen device.

Help your loved one get back to doing what they love, ditch those cumbersome oxygen tanks and order the brand new Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator.

Instead of worrying about refilling your oxygen tanks, the Inogen One G5 restores your mobility thanks to its portable delivery of pulse flow settings of 1-6, which is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Plus, if you’re familiar with the Inogen family of medical oxygen concentrators, the Inogen One G3 offers incredible battery life in combination with a compact and lightweight design. Well, the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator is lighter and offers a longer battery life than the Inogen One G3.

What Comes With Your Inogen One G5:

• Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Single Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• Shoulder Strap
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Continuous flow options:  

Respironics SimplyGo 

Philips Respironics broke the stereotypical design for continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators when they released the Respironics SimplyGo.

Ever since it was released it has been one of the top continuous flow units on the market! However, its small size isn’t the only reason it’s been one of the top units on the market. Backed by one of the biggest names in the respiratory field, the SimplyGo is as reliable as they come!

If you are looking for a lightweight portable continuous follow device to gift your loved one for the holiday call 1+(800)-946-1201!

What Comes With Your SimplyGo?

• Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• 1x Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Custom Carrying Case
• Padded Shoulder Strap
• Padded Handle Strap
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Tubing
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

SeQual Eclipse 5 

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is the 4th generation model in SeQual’s extremely popular Eclipse line of concentrators.

In fact, the Eclipse 5 is one of the best selling and most reliable continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market. It offers the highest oxygen output on the market, gets good battery life, and it was also designed for the US Military.

What Comes With Your Eclipse 5?

• SeQual Eclipse 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• 1x Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Tubing
• Filter
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty 

Other COPD Gift Ideas

FDA Approved Pulse Oximetry Monitor

Having a FDA approved pulse oximetry monitor indicates whether or not you are getting enough oxygen.The large, easy to read LED display and accommodates fingers of all sizes, and is each to bring anywhere due to its compact size.

Blood Pressure Monitor

A blood pressure monitor is an essential piece of a COPD management kit! Many people with COPD also struggle with ​​other complications and may take a variety of medications. Maintaining healthy blood pressure is an essential part of disease management.

Blood Pressure Monitor can also display an automatic alert if an irregular heartbeat is detected and the ability to remember the last 100 BP readings. All great safety features that help to better understand what the body is doing and how it functions in certain situations.

Nebulizer Compressor Kit

A nebulizer administers medication directly into the COPD patient's airways, helping them breathe easier.

Some COPD patients are lucky enough to have insurance that pays for their nebulizers, but this is not always the case and many are unable to afford one. 

If your loved one does not have a nebulizer compressor kit, it is a great gift that keeps on giving.

Custom carrying backpack for the Inogen One G5 

A custom carry backpack is just the ticket your loved one needs to live a more active and independent lifestyle.

This backpack is lightweight and durable, this one can be used with almost any compact portable oxygen concentrator but it fits the One G5 perfectly. It is perfect for COPD patients who like to travel and be active.

COPD for Dummies

COPD for Dummies or any other resource that helps explain COPD is a great gift that help educate the family on COPD so everyone is capable of lending a helping hand, but also so that everyone can understand the disease and its toll it take on those diagnosed with it

The book includes the most basic information on COPD symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and how to cope with COPD.

This may be a nice gift for those who were recently diagnosed with COPD.

Overview 

Make the holidays extra special this season with gifts for people in your life with COPD! Buying them gifts that are practical and useful for disease management can help them all year around become more independent and healthier! 

If you are interested in the process of buying a portable oxygen concentrator or accessories to go with their portable oxygen concentrator simply call 1+(800)-946-1201 

Try to think back, and remember what your daily routine looked like before you started suffering from symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, or sleep apnea…

Were your days filled with long walks outdoors, or restful naps after reading your new favorite novel? Did you spend time gardening and taking care of tasks around the house, or did you dedicate you free time to traveling far and wide to see loved ones meeting new friends along the way?

No matter what your daily life looked like before, you should still be able to experience the joys of life by accomplishing a similar daily routine now, or at least a daily routine that you love.

If you are diagnosed with stage one through four COPD or another type of breathing ailment, (for the sake of this article, we will mostly refer to COPD, however, the information applies to everyone who needs supplemental oxygen therapy despite what disease or chronic illness you may have) it is time to take control of your disease before it takes control of you. There are a lot of different lifestyle choices, treatments, and medications that can help you treat and control COPD.

For example, Several kinds of medications are used to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD. You may take some medications on a regular basis like Bronchodilators which are medications that usually come in inhalers — they relax the muscles around your airways.

Your doctor may recommend you begin a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which is a course for people with chronic lung diseases like COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It will allow you to be as active as possible while educating you about your disease.

You can also try to limit or stop habits that impact your well-being such as smoking or exposing yourself to harmful populates and allergens.

You can start exercising more and eating lung and heart healthy foods.

However, the most impactful treatment that will allow you to get back to the daily routine which you love and value, is starting oxygen therapy. Now, the only people who can reap the benefits of oxygen therapy are patients who experience low-levels of oxygen, enough so that they require supplemental oxygen to increase their blood-oxygen levels to normal rates.

If you do not have low enough levels of oxygen, taking supplemental oxygen will not benefit you, and instead you should try to increase your exercise tolerance, take you medication prudently, and eat healthy. Inhaling extra oxygen your body does not need, can make you feel nauseous or dizzy from too much oxygen saturation.

If you need oxygen therapy, it will not only increase your blood-oxygen levels. This therapy will help you get back to doing the things you love to do, whether that is sleeping, walking, golfing, traveling, reading, socializing, and so on.

The most obvious thing about supplemental oxygen therapy is that it relieves a lot of the symptoms associated with COPD. Many of the symptoms that come with COPD are debilitating, leaving you at the will of your breathlessness and irritation. Taking away these symptoms gives you the freedom and energy you need to take advantage of all the life you have left!

Oxygen therapy relieves symptoms associate with your chronic illness so you can get back to doing what you love

Your goal when it comes to oxygen therapy should be to continue as many of your usual activities as you can!

You should work with your doctor and oxygen supply company to get oxygen equipment that will allow you to do every activities you still enjoy. Choosing the right type of equipment for you and your lifestyle is crucial — the right portable oxygen equipment can play a major role in improving your quality of life, starting by relieving a lot of your symptoms.

Here are 10 symptoms of COPD that oxygen therapy will work to improve or relieve, and some of the benefits you reap by doing so:

1. Combats breathless
2. Reduces dry coughing
3. Improves stamina and energy
4. Increases exercise tolerance
5. Strengthens muscles, joints, and bones
6. Give you the ability to travel
7. Improves sleep
8. Increases life expectancy
9. Reduces headaches and nausea
10. Can improve memory

Combats breathlessness 

Oxygen therapy takes away that feeling of breathlessness all times of the day. Whether you are resting or exercising, while you are using your oxygen, you should feel comfortable breathing and capable of doing things that once made you stop to catch your breath.

If you use a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), for example the Inogen One G5, you are able to carry it with you simply by slipping it into your purse, side satchel, or backpack. It only weighs 4.8 pounds, and has a pulse dose rate 1-6. So if your oxygen levels fluctuate throughout the day depending on the activities you are performing, your POC will be able to range between every oxygen source you need.

If you have very low levels of oxygen, and you require a continuous flow of oxygen while you rest or sleep, but during the day a pulse dose setting works for you, the Respironics SimplyGO POC has you covered. This unit weighs in at a mere 10 pounds and the SimplyGo is one of the smallest and lightest continuous flow portables available.

These two POC offer the same quality of life for two people with very different oxygen requirements, so whichever oxygen user you are, you can enjoy your days with little to no breathlessness.

Exacerbations, often referred to as flare ups, are caused when someone with COPD experiences extreme shortness of breath and their medications do not work in time to relieve their breathlessness, to the point where they must seek medical attention.

By using and adjusting to a portable oxygen concentrator or another form of oxygen therapy you will likely experience less flare ups and therefore spend less time in the hospital or seeking emergency medical attention.

This peace of mind alone can serve as many forms of release from COPD’s control over you, to the point where you feel in control of your disease.

Works to alleviate symptoms associated with coughing 

If you have COPD, you have definitely experienced a persistent cough, but did you know that a cough that brings up a healthy amount and color of mucus is actually very beneficial for your airways and lungs?

If you are coughing “correctly” you are clearing your airways that are filled with excess mucus and often swollen airways. These two factors make it hard for oxygen to pass through, thereby reducing the function and productivity of your lungs.

Read this article for tips and tricks on how to cough correctly if you have COPD.

Well, if you have COPD you probably also experience a non-productive cough, often caused by smoking, it's called a dry cough. Other coughs that are common among patients with COPD are associated with anxiety. These coughs can be relieved and treated so that you can avoid coughing at social gatherings and in public spaces where it may make you feel uncomfortable.

You can reduce the dry cough if your doctor prescribes you some prednisone. A Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps with inflammation of your airways in your lungs. If your cough is due something else that over-the-counter cough medications are unlikely to help, there are still other things that you can do to quiet a pesky cough.

Drinking water thins out your mucus making it easier to expel, staying hydrated also soothes your dry, irritated throat. You should drink at least 8 ounces of water every two hours, and if you tend to drink caffeine you should drink even more than that!

Lastly, you should try to avoid lung irritates like smoke, allergens, pollution, and other impurities in the air. These ailments can get into your lungs and stay there, making your cough last a lot longer than necessary. You can try using a humidifier in your home if you live in an arid environment to keep your throat and airways moist. Some air filters are also great for home use and can go a long way in filtering out dust and other particles in your home for fresh breathing air.

So, what does oxygen therapy have to do with a pesky cough that makes you want to stay home rather than attending your favorite annual conference or attending a social gathering? Coughing is a natural reaction that your lungs will force you to do when your airways are swollen tight and filled with mucus. Your cough alone will not clear your airways enough so that you can breathe in the amount of oxygen you need to not only be more social, but to survive.

An additional oxygen therapy prescription on top of the correct coughing techniques will get your body the oxygen it craves. You will likely start to enjoy attending more social events like you once did because you are not coughing as often, and when you do cough, you can excuse yourself to clear mucus efficiently, so you are able to get back to the festivities.

Improves stamina and energy

Your lack of energy may not have to do with your age at all. As we age we often find reasons to blame our tiredness on the fact that we are getting older. However, this is not always the case and if you are willing to accept that reality, it's time to take a look at your oxygen levels.

Without the proper exchange of gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide, your body can't get the oxygen it needs. When your body is low on oxygen, you will feel tired and fatigue comes more quickly when your lungs can't properly inhale and exhale air. You'll develop low blood oxygen levels, a condition called hypoxemia, which is one of the main signs associated with COPD that indicates you need oxygen therapy.

Your doctor can perform a series of respiratory tests to see what your breathing capacity is and how well your lungs are functioning. In stages one and two of COPD, your oxygen level may be sufficient enough on their own, and if you stick to a healthy and active lifestyle, you should be able to slow down the progression of your disease from becoming more severe.

{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}

Once your lungs require supplemental oxygen therapy, this means that you probably have reduced ability to do daily actives without experiencing severe shortness of breath, your stamina and energy have likely declined to the point where you feel lethargic or even exhausted throughout the day.

While there is no cure for COPD, oxygen therapy is essentially a cure that will boost your stamina and energy levels! Once you get adjusted to the best portable oxygen concentrator designed to fit your needs, you will be able to get back to the sports, hobbies, chores, and other aspects of your life that give you purpose!

Works with you to help improve your exercise tolerance

Exercise is one of the best treatments for slowing down the progression of your COPD. And before you started on oxygen therapy, you probably had no intention of exercising because simple tasks would leave you breathless. Exercise seemed out of the picture.

If you have a lightweight and battery powered portable oxygen concentrator (POC), you can go out for walks and adjust the oxygen level to the appropriate output so that you do not feel as breathless and exhausted while walking.

You can also bring your POC with you to the gym, pulmonary rehabilitation, or anywhere else that you get your daily physical activity in.

And because your blood oxygen levels are more saturated after adjusting to your supplemental oxygen, you will not feel as fatigued and you will be able to build up your exercise tolerance.

This means that you might not be able to walk to the end of the street right now, but if you start walking to and from the kitchen into the living room, and then start down the driveway from your front door, eventually you will have the ability to walk up and down the cul de sac.

By improving your exercise tolerance, you are strengthening your heart, bones, muscle and most importantly your lungs! In order for you muscles to work properly your blood must be capable of delivering oxygen-rich blood to the muscle that you are working out, so in order to do this properly with COPD, supplemental oxygen is a must.

The best portable oxygen concentrators for exercise would be a unit that is lightweight so that you can carry it while you walk, jog, bike, or do aerobics. That being said, one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrator is the Caire Freestyle Comfort, and it only weighs 5 pounds. This POC offers pulse dose oxygen delivery at any rate of 1-5, this means it can deliver anywhere from 210 mil/min (milliliters per minute) to 1050 ml/min of oxygen.

The Freestyle Comfort is a wonderful option for COPD patients that need supplemental oxygen for exercise, and throughout the day and if you do not require more than 1050 ml/min of oxygen.

But many COPD patients require a continuous flow of oxygen to start or continue to exercise, others just require a higher pulse dosage.

In the case of the latter, the Respironic SimplyGO portable oxygen concentrator is an option for people who need a pulse flow settings 1-6 or continuous flow settings 0.5-2.0 LPM. This unit weights almost 10 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the other units we have discussed in this article, but that is nothing to shy away from!

You can use your POC with a portable travel cart, and research has shown the travel cart makes it much easier for a patient to bring their oxygen with them. For example, it can take less energy to pull an 18 pound unit behind you than it takes to carry a 5 pound machine so there's no need to be afraid of the larger machines.

No matter what your oxygen requirements are, a certain amount of exercise is right for you. It is up to you to take the initiatives and start somewhere where you can build up strength and endurance, and with the help of the right oxygen equipment, you can get anywhere!

Strengthens muscles, joints, and bones

Similarly to the section above about exercise, oxygen therapy can help to strengthen your muscles, joints, and bones. Now, it is important to understand that using your portable oxygen concentrator or any form of oxygen therapy will not strength your body on its own, simply by you breathing it in.

However, by adjusting and adapting to your oxygen therapy, this will give you the “tools” you need to be successful in training, exercising, and building strength.

Allows you to travel worry free

While there is no direct “symptom” of COPD that says you cannot travel, the condition does impose a lot of challenges when it comes to travel, whether it's traveling by car, airplane or boat.

The only “cure” for travel with COPD when you need oxygen therapy, is a portable oxygen concentrator. This is because if you have a liquid oxygen tank or a gas cylinder that you rely on most of the day and night, you are not allowed to travel by plane with one of these oxygen tanks.

A portable oxygen concentrator is FAA approved! This means that you can bring your POC on the airplane with you.

The SeQual Eclipse 5 portable oxygen concentrator may be heavier than other POCs like the Inogen One G3, G4, and G5, but this unit is still very easy to travel with and perfect for everyday use. It comes with a wheeled travel cart that makes pulling your concentrator behind you seem effortless.

The travel cart is equipped with oversized wheels, an elevated platform, and a telescopic handle. The oversized wheels and elevated platform make going up curbs and stairs a breeze. They also help protect your concentrator from water when you have to go over puddles or when it’s snowing.

The telescopic handle lets you adjust the travel cart to the height that is most comfortable for you! And if you ever need to store your concentrator the handle slides all the way down and locks. So if you’re traveling you can keep your SeQual on the travel cart and it will still fit underneath the seat in front of you!

If you are eager to get back to traveling, it is time to look into which POC will meet your oxygen requirements.

Helps you sleep more soundly

Oxygen therapy is shown to improve the quality of your sleep. This is because the lack of oxygen can wake you up while you are in the REM cycle of your sleep.

Many people with COPD also have obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, you probably already use a CPAP or BiPAP machine while you sleep to keep your airways open and keep them from collapsing with every inhale and exhale.

If so it is important to have a POC that is compatible with your CPAP and BiPAP machine.

No matter what your oxygen requirements are at night, LPT medical has the right unit that will work for you, and all of our units can hook up to your CPAP and BiPAP machine. That being said it is very important you talk to your doctor about using oxygen at night, and whether or not this decision is right for you.

Can add years to your life 

COPD is a chronic illness, meaning there is no cure, and therefore the disease will progress into a more severe state. Nevertheless, there are plenty of lifestyle changes, treatments, medications, and therapies that will slow down the progression of your disease, thereby adding years to your life.

By far, the most important benefit of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is that it may prolong your life, especially if you have COPD with severe resting hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in your blood) and/or you use oxygen continuously rather than just at night or sporadically.

A combination of healthy choices and medication will get you very far in slowing down the progression of your COPD.

Life expectancy for people with COPD can be predicted by assessing body mass index (BMI), airway obstruction, dyspnea (Breathlessness), and your exercise capacity. After these value are taken into account, your doctor can give you an average of year you are expected to live

In the end, the average life expectancy for people with COPD is just that—an average estimation. You can exceed expectations by taking control and addressing the factors that you can change.

Relives headaches and nausea  

One of the more obvious symptoms oxygen therapy can relieve, is reducing COPD related headaches and nausea.

Headaches and that nauseous feeling are often caused by the lack of oxygen reaching your brain. This goes for everyone and not just people with COPD. Have you hiked a mountain top,or been to a town at high elevation where the air is thinner? At high altitudes there is less oxygen in the air, and therefore less oxygen you can breath in, and in these condition someone might experience “altitude sickness”

Altitude sickness causes someone to feel dizzy, nauseous and will also induce a painful head all, all because your body is not getting the amount of oxygen it is used to when you are at lower elevations. A simple cure is to relax, and drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}

But if you have COPD, drinking water may help your headache or other symptoms, but not always and not for long. Eventually your headaches will not feel better after drinking water and oxygen therapy is the best solution.

Once these pesky symptoms of COPD induced dyspnea are relieved, you can get back to doing the things you enjoy, rather than being held back by a bad headache or feeling nauseous.

Can help to improve your memory 

Several studies show that using oxygen at home for more than 15 hours a day increases quality of life, oxygen therapy has good short-term and long-term effects in people who have COPD.

Using oxygen may also improve confusion and memory problems.

Getting back to the daily life you are used to

Oxygen patients have a very important job when it comes to breathing. Something so simple and second nature for most people is now an aspect of your day or night that doesn’t come as easily. In fact, without the help of a supplemental oxygen device, breathing effectively can be close to impossible, and cause a lot of health related damage.  

{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}

Oxygen therapy patients need an oxygen device, either in the form of an oxygen tank, oxygen canister, or a portable oxygen concentrator.   

Depending on your oxygen needs set by your doctor after a series of tests that measure your oxygen levels, you will be put into the category of pulse flow or continuous flow, possibly both depending on your activity. 

Similarly to how not getting enough oxygen is harmful, too much supplemental oxygen can also cause health related issues. Getting the right amount, not too little, not too much, is how you will get the best results and reap the most benefits from oxygen therapy. 

The Benefits of Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy has several benefits, the number one benefit is how it has been proven to add years to your life, in fact, it is the only treatment option for COPD patients that can increase your life expectancy. 

Multiple studies display how using supplemental oxygen for at least 15 hours a day helps people live longer if they have severe COPD and low blood levels of oxygen.

Oxygen therapy has good short-term benefits too in people who have COPD!

For one, getting the proper amount of oxygen and maintaining healthy oxygen levels throughout the day and night improves your energy levels and mood, helps you sleep better, and reduces other respiratory symptoms. 

It second handedly promotes bone health and building muscle strength because you are more capable of consistent exercise! 

With the right oxygen device, exercises will seem more doable, so if you are currently on oxygen and do not exercise, you might consider switching from tanks and canisters to a battery powered lightweight oxygen device like a portable oxygen concentrator! 

We will display these options for portable oxygen devices in this blog!

Other treatments like pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, and medications can ease your COPD symptoms and improve your quality of life. But it is only your portable oxygen concentrator or other oxygen device that can make a difference in the quality and quantity of life you have! 

When it comes to oxygen devices, you want something that is A reliable, and this means it gives you the proper amount of oxygen and B something that is manageable to bring with you everywhere you go. 

To put it simply, you will need your oxygen device all the time for the rest of your life. Therefore, it is important to have a device that is lightweight, easy to carry, requires minimum maintenance, and never runs low on oxygen.

We recently added new portable oxygen concentrators to the LPT Medical catalog that do just this. 

The Lifestyle P2 from Rhythm Portable Oxygen Device 

The Lifestyle P2 from Rhythm is one of the smallest and lightest units on the market. At 4.37 pounds, it offers pulse settings 1-5 and gets up to 5 hours of battery life.   

Rhythm products, specifically their Lifestyle P2 portable oxygen concentrator, is not only built to keep oxygen users like you safe, comfortable, and independent, it is also a source of guidance and education. Lifestyle Mobility Aids exists with a simple mission— to take care of people with medical needs, including those with respiratory issues that need supplemental oxygen to survive. 

What Comes With the P2 Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

• P2 Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator 
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• Rechargeable Battery 
• Protective Carrying Case
• Shoulder Strap
• Tubing
• Filter
• Manual
• 3 year Warranty 

Additional Accessories Available for the P2 Rhythm Portable Oxygen Concentrator:

• Battery
• AC Power Supply
• DC Power Supply
• External Battery Charger 
• Custom Carrying Case

Compact and Lightweight

The Portable Oxygen Concentrator from Rhythm stands 6’3” tall, 3.3” wide, and 8.7” long, making it as small and compact as an oxygen device can be while still offering you a powerful pulse flow of oxygen that meets all of your oxygen requirements.

This is a pulse flow device that weighs 4.37 pounds, so it weighs less than the Inogen One G3, and the One G5, which is great news for you because less weight means more mobility, and more mobility is exactly what you need as an oxygen patient.

Therefore, having a small and compact oxygen device helps propel you forward to reach your mobility goals, rather than dragging you down.

Perfect for Travel and Everyday Use

Weighing under 5 pounds, your Lifestyle P2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator is the perfect travel companion. You can use this device everyday and every night as your main source of oxygen supply, and it fits in the palm of your hand!

Ditch the heavy cumbersome oxygen tanks!

Take the P2 on the plane with you, it is FAA approved for travel, and don't worry about running out of oxygen, the P2 runs off of rechargeable batteries that can be recharged anytime!

Simply plug in the AC powered cord into the wall outlet as you would charge a cell phone, and continue to breathe. Wherever you go in the world, oxygen will follow, as long as you have your P2 by your side.

Oxygen Output That Will Never Let You Down 

The Rhythm P2 is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator with settings from 1-5, offering almost every pulse flow oxygen patient a chance to experience life in a way oxygen patients never had before.

The powerful compressor inside the device offers high quality oxygen as pure as 96%. The high absorption sieve beds require less maintenance and less stress for you! On top of all of this, the P2 produces barely any noise as far as portable oxygen concentrators go.

Simple Charging

The battery life of the P2 is notable, lasting up to 5 hours on a setting 1 and it can last almost 2 hours on the highest setting 5!

Owning two of these batteries is great option for taking full advantage of owning a battery powered oxygen device. Use one battery inside you device at a time and charge the other battery so it is ready to go using the external battery charger.

Switching the battery is as easy as it is to charge it, just slide the battery into place until the latch returns to the upper position. There will be an audible sound when the battery is in position.

The Respironics SimplyGo is another portable oxygen device that many oxygen users, specifically those who need continuous flow oxygen use!

The Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Philips Respironics broke the stereotypical design for continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators when they released the Respironics SimplyGo. And ever since it was released it has been one of the top continuous flow units on the market!

However, its small size isn’t the only reason it’s been one of the top units on the market. Backed by one of the biggest names in the respiratory field, the SimplyGo is as reliable as they come!

First Continuous Flow Portable Under 15 Pounds

Weighing in at a mere 10 pounds and standing 10" H x 6" D x 11.5" W, the SimplyGo is one of the smallest and lightest continuous flow portables available! You will be able to bring it with you wherever you go and you will have no problem finding a place to store it.

Your SimplyGo will easily fit underneath the seat in front of you on the airplane, you can store it on the floor of your car or in the passenger seat as you drive, and when you don’t need to use it you will be able to put it in your closet without having to clear space for it.

Although 10 pounds is extremely light for a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, it’s still pretty heavy to carry. But you won’t need to worry about that! Your SimplyGo package will include a custom carrying case and a wheeled travel cart so you have the option to carry it over your shoulder or you can pull it behind you on the travel cart.

Designed for 24/7 Use

Having a portable oxygen concentrator that is designed to run 24/7 has some major advantages! You’ll never have to worry about renting a concentrator when you travel and you will always have a backup to use at home!

The Respironics SimplyGo is CPAP/BiPAP compatible and it is equipped with both pulse flow and continuous flow oxygen delivery modes to cover you 24/7. It offers pulse flow settings 1-6 and continuous flow settings 0.5-2.0 LPM.

Not to mention its compressor is rated to last 20,000 hours!

One additional feature the SimplyGo has to offer is its sleep mode technology! Whether you’re on the airplane or relaxing in your chair at home, and you feel yourself dozing off, you can turn sleep mode technology on to ensure your oxygen gets delivered while you are sleeping.

When you turn sleep mode technology on your SimplyGo increases its sensitivity to detect your breath and it softens the pulse flow delivery so it doesn’t wake you up. Don’t worry, if your SimplyGo doesn’t detect a breath or if you breathe through your mouth it will automatically switch back over to continuous flow to ensure you get your required oxygen.

Can Operate Using 1 or 2 Batteries

The Respironics SimplyGo gives you the ability to operate it using one or two batteries using the optional external battery module. One battery will be perfect for things like exercising, running quick errands, and doing things around your home while using two batteries is ideal for traveling, road trips, and extended trips away from your home!

Whether you want to run your SimplyGo off of two batteries, or you simply need a replacement battery for the one you already have, replacement batteries are lightweight and easy to swap in and out. Batteries can be charged through the portable oxygen concentrator with a wall or car charger or externally with the external battery charger. 

AC Power Supply

The AC power supply is ideal for home use or to power your concentrator in your hotel room/cruise ship room. It is equipped with a 110v power cord and you can use your SimplyGo on every oxygen setting while it is plugged in.

In fact, the AC power supply essentially turns your SimplyGo into a home oxygen concentrator. As long as your SimplyGo is plugged into the AC power supply it will give you an endless supply of oxygen!

DC Power Supply

The DC power supply gives you the ability to power your SimplyGo and recharge your batteries on the go! It is equipped with a 12v power cord allowing you to plug it into the 12v outlet or cigarette lighter in your car, truck, boat, or RV.

Unlike some of the other continuous flow portables on the market, your Respironics SimplyGo will be able to operate on every oxygen setting while you are recharging your batteries with the DC power supply. Just remember to turn your vehicle on before you plug your SimplyGo into the DC power supply. This will prevent you from blowing a fuse or draining your vehicle’s battery

Other accessories for the Respironics SimplyGo: 

• Custom Carrying Case
• Humidifier Kit
• Travel Cart
• External Battery Charge
• External Battery Module

Overview 

Overall, the Lifestyle P2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator is one of your best options for pulse flow oxygen devices! On the other hand, if you need continuous flow, the Respironics SimplyGo is still a lightweight oxygen device that is capable of fulfilling all of your oxygen needs.

Speak with a respiratory specialist today, 1-(800)-946-1201. They are here to answer your questions about the Lifestyle P2 and the Respironics SimplyGo as well as the othre mazing devices LPT Medical has to offer! 

The Inogen One G5 is the newest of Inogen's oxygen devices. The One G5 is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator (POC). The One G3 and One G4 came before the One G5, and all three of these devices are some of the best POCs money can buy. The easiest way to buy an Inogen device is to call LPT Medical at 1(800)-946-1201, but before you do, make sure you weigh all of your options! 

Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

If you are in the market for a new pulse flow oxygen device, read about why a POC is the best option for oxygen therapy, and follow up that information with the best portable oxygen concentrator for your lifestyle. 

{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}

In this blog we talk about the ways in which POCs are better than oxygen tanks. This comparison should give you the confidence in your decision to switch from tanks and canisters to a battery powered oxygen device. 

We will then discuss one of the NEW portable oxygen concentrators that are available for purchase on our website today! 

In this blog we will dive into everything you need to know about The Live Active Five. If you want to see our other new devices on our website, you will find the Lifestyle P2, and the DeVilbiss iGo 2 Portable Oxygen Concentrators.

Each device has its special features that make it top of its class. And because LPT Medical only supplies our customers with the best oxygen technology, we were ecstatic to add the Active Five to our already stacked catalog!  

Let's start with getting to know the Active Five!

The Live Active Five Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

The Live Active Five is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator from Precision Medical Inc. This company is a global pioneer in respiratory care focused on manufacturing medical devices. 

This all-American brand provides hospitals and individuals with high-quality medical products, each carefully crafted and meticulously assembled by hand, to give you oxygen that you need that won’t cost you your freedom! 

The Live Active Five pulse flow portable oxygen device is one of a kind, and offers you a number of features beyond oxygen output that makes your daily life easier. Designed to give you independence and flexibility, Live Active Five is a powerful, lightweight portable oxygen concentrator featuring an ergonomic design. 

The Live Active Five can be worn comfortably either across your body or over your shoulder for a hands-free breathing experience.

The Live Active Five can help you save money by eliminating the high recurring costs of deliveries and the burden of managing cylinders. This device also minimizes maintenance and time dealing with issues by getting rid of the basic "pressure only" system which causes you to frequently need to replace your sieve bed. 

Just because this device is small, doesn't mean it is not powerful! The Active Live Five weighs 5 pounds and is 8.4 in. in height (21.4 cm), 3.2 in. (8.3 cm) wide, and 8.5 in. (21.6 cm) long. Its small size does not hinder its ability to produce high oxygen output and quality! It produces 87% to 95% oxygen concentration at a flow rate of 1-5, which is just as powerful as the famous Inogen One G5.

Only Precision Medical POCs use Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) technology ensuring each sieve bed is perfectly regenerated every cycle. This optimizes sieve bed performance to produce high oxygen purity (95.5%) for a longer period of time. With Controlled Minute Volume (CMV), you will receive therapeutic oxygen at maximum effectiveness, regardless of your breath rate.

With the single battery installed, the Active Live Five only weighs 5 pounds! On a single charge, and depending on the setting, the Live Active Five can last for up to 6.5 hours! But if you are a relatively active person that likes to be out and about, then having an extra battery or the Live Active Five Battery Charger will come in handy.

You can easily switch out your batteries with the top-loading design of the Live Active Five, allowing you to quickly change the battery while the device is still in its custom carrying case. This system is conveniently designed with intentions to extend your battery life as needed without having to carry the extra weight of a double battery.

There are two ways to charge your device:

AC Power Adapter: The AC power adapter allows the device to be connected to a wall outlet. Using the AC power adapter will allow you to use the device and will simultaneously charge an installed battery.

DC Car Adapter: The DC car adapter allows the device to be connected to 12-volt DC auxiliary outlet, which is the cigarette lighter in your car. Using the DC car adapter also allows you to use the device and will simultaneously charge the installed battery.

Easy Maintenance and Technical Support Built In

This portable oxygen concentrator has a built-in Concentrator Performance Information (CPI) Technology that helps to easily identify unit problems that may occur in its lifetime. This technology, powered by Bluetooth, tracks unit activity which can then be analyzed so that you get direct support from the manufacturer.

The Live Active Five comes with a custom-designed carry bag that allows you to comfortably wear the device on either side of your body or as a cross body. This dual curve design keeps the nasal cannula in place, and the bag’s smart strap prevents it from accidentally unhooking from the oxygen outlet.

No matter how you choose to wear the Live Active Five, the custom carry bag always keeps the unit’s screen and cannula front-facing so you are able to adjust the settings when you need to. The carry bag strap has a soft padded cushion that makes the bag feel lighter while carrying and helps ease back and shoulder pain.

Traveling with the Live Active Five

The Live Active Five POC conforms to all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use on board aircraft. Just be sure that when you make flight arrangements, many U.S. airlines require advanced notice if you plan on using a POC while on board the aircraft as well as evidence you have additional battery power!

Prior to the flight, ensure your Live Active Five is clean and in good working condition. Bring enough charged batteries with you to power your Live Active Five for at least 150% of the expected duration of your flight, including ground time before and after the flight, security screenings, connections and possible delays.

FAA regulations require that all spare batteries be individually wrapped and protected to prevent short circuits. Spare batteries can only be carried on board in carry-on baggage.

Inogen One G5 

When it comes to portable oxygen concentrators, many of our customer’s oxygen demands cannot be satisfied due to the lack of pulse flow settings.

With the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator that will not be a problem, as this device offers pulse flow settings of 1-6!

So as your breathing rate and requirements change depending on if you are laying in bed or exercising, the Inogen One G5 has the ability to satisfy your oxygen demands.

You will be able to enjoy these same oxygen delivery benefits at night while you sleep thanks to the presence of Inogen’s intelligent Sleep Mode Technology.

Essentially what this means is that as your breathing rate becomes more shallow as you sleep, the Sleep Mode Technology will go to work by increasing each bolus dose of oxygen.

Even if you are a mouth breather, the Sleep Mode Technology is able to detect shallow mouth breaths that are frequent when sleeping. This will then tell the Inogen One G5 to trigger a bolus dose based upon your specific fixed minute volume. 

{{cta('43b79c5e-6bd6-4f02-ac27-2d038d20c146','justifycenter')}}

Now, most of our customers are able to use this technology to sleep with the Inogen One G5, however, we highly recommend you first speak with your doctor before using this while sleeping.

Overview 

The Inogen One G5 may be the most popular POC on the market, but it is not the only POC that will give you the freedom to be mobile and travel! 

The Live Active Five is a great option for oxygen patients who are wanting to be out and about and more active. 

If you are getting on a new exercise regimen your oxygen concentrator needs to be reliable and easy to move around! The Live Active Five will take care of all of your oxygen needs and with the carrying case and lightweight design, you will be able to bring it on walks with you and to the gym!

With the long lasting battery life, you will be able to go to the grocery store and run errands during the day without having to lug around heavy tanks. 

One thing people love about the Inogen One G5 is how easy it is to use! Well the Live Active Five makes adjusting your oxygen levels and charging the battery as needed a breeze. 

The Live Active Five is a reliable oxygen device, but should something go wrong, avoid the trouble shooting all together, with the built in technology, the manufacturer will be able to pinpoint the issues you're having at a glance!

If you are interested in learning more about the Live Active Five or another device call 1-(800)-946-1201, We would be happy to answer any and all of your questions!

Vitamin D is an important part of everyone's diet, and if you aren’t getting enough vitamin D or if your body is not processing it correctly, you might notice the negative impacts this can have on your health. If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, getting the right vitamins and minerals can be the difference between a good day and a horrible day, or a day spent at home or a day spent in the hospital. 

{{cta('fa8abc2a-1e88-4fa3-82fd-1cb5b9ed43b2','justifycenter')}}

What we put in our bodies matters, and how our bodies process those things we ingest also plays a critical role in the way our body as a system performs. If you do not get enough, too much, or your body cannot absorb things correctly, things get worse.

It might not be common knowledge that what we put into our stomachs actually affects our lungs, but it does.  

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as COPD, need plenty of vitamin D to encourage healthy bones and muscles and encourage a healthy immune system all of which contributes to a healthy lifestyle even with a chronic disease. 

If you have COPD read this blog to learn about the benefits of eating food with plenty of vitamin D and when and why you should take vitamin D supplements, and when and why you should not.  

Remember, not everyone is lacking in vitamin D, and so taking supplements could be redundant for you if your body doesn't need it, however, eating foods high in vitamin D is beneficial and will contribute to maintaining stable levels of vitamin D throughout your life. 

Vitamin D Why Do We Need It? 

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. Therefore, these nutrients are helpful if we want to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy, which for COPD patients is crucial. 

Osteoporosis is a common and significant problem in patients with COPD that has advanced into severe stages. The cause of bone loss can be attributed to a number of COPD symptoms and side effects but includes smoking, vitamin D deficiency, low body mass index, amongst other conditions. 

COPD is a respiratory disease that affects more than just your respiratory system, and the causes of COPD, such as smoking and exposure to pollution, can all contribute to other parts of your health.

When we talk about osteoporosis and bone loss and how it is related to COPD, we want to address the seriousness of the lack of recognition! Many patients with both or one of these conditions only know they have one or the other when they experience something related to the disease. In the case of osteoporosis, you might not know you have it until you get a fracture. If you have COPD you might not know it until your condition worsens and the lung damage causes you to experience exacerbations.  

Preventing Bone Loss and Treating Osteoporosis

One of the most effective strategies to prevent bone loss and/or to treat osteoporosis include taking or eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D.

Hormone replacement when indicated by your doctor is also an option as well as, other vitamin D enhancing mechanisms. 

COPD and osteoporosis are related due to the various risk factors that influence COPD, such as tobacco smoking, systemic inflammation, vitamin D deficiency, and the use of oral or inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). All of these factors can work in developing COPD, but also contribute to bone loss and osteoporosis. 

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and the deterioration of bone tissue, which makes your bones fragile and more prone to fractures. Your bone density is directly related to the mineral your body is able to use to strengthen them. 

It is not just patients with COPD, but patients with other chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, also tend to have an increased prevalence of osteoporosis.

Now that there is an increased awareness by pulmonologists and the increased use of preventive strategies, the impact of osteoporosis on those patients with COPD should decrease. However, in order to actively avoid Osteoporosis if you already have COPD or not, you need to have enough vitamin D. 

Getting Enough Vitamin D 

Here are some basic ways you can effectively increase your vitamin D levels.

First of all, you need to know how much vitamin D you need in order to know what a healthy amount of vitamin D looks like.

How much vitamin D do you need?

It is up for debate within the scientific community how much vitamin D.

While the U.S. National Academy of Medicine considers 600–800 IU of daily vitamin D to be sufficient for the majority of the population, the U.S. Endocrine Society recommends 1,500–2,000 IU per day. Although it would be hard to take too much vitamin D, it is best to avoid long-term vitamin D doses in excess of 4,000 IU without supervision from a qualified healthcare professional. 

Well what does all of this mean?

Try doing these 7 things to get enough vitamin D: 

1. Spend time in sun

We often call vitamin D the “the sunshine vitamin” because sunlight is a great source of this nutrient! If you have COPD, getting out into the sunlight everyday should not be a daunting task, it can be as simple as sitting in a sunroom or on the front porch reading a book.

The sun helps enrich our vitamin D levels because human skin has a type of cholesterol that functions as a precursor to vitamin D so when this cholesterol is exposed to light and radiation from the sun, it becomes vitamin D that our body can use!

Surprisingly, vitamin D from the sun may last twice as long as vitamin D from food or supplements! That being said, just because you are getting plenty of sunlight there are variables in your body that would inhibit you body from making enough vitamin D from the sunlight. 

Skin tone and age

Note that people with darker skin have more melanin and therefore need to spend more time in the sun to produce vitamin D than those with lighter skin and less melanin. Melanin is a compound that can prevent vitamin D production.

Age

Your age can also have an impact  on the way your body produces vitamin D as well. As you get older, the way your body produces vitamin D becomes less efficient.

Geographical location and season

Obviously, the area you live in will determine that amount of sunlight and subsequently the amulet of vitamin D you’ll be able to produce year-round. If you live in an area with a lot of direct sunlight your physical proximity to the sun’s rays helps you produce vitamin D.

Inversely, if you live in darker or colder environments, your opportunities for adequate sun exposure and vitamin D production decreases.

Sunscreen and clothing

Certain types of clothing and sunscreen can hinder — if not completely block — vitamin D production. This does not mean you should go outside without sunscreen or UV protection! It is vital to protect yourself from skin cancer by avoiding overexposure to sunlight. 

Note that it takes very little unprotected time, as few as 8–15 minutes of exposure is enough to make plenty of vitamin D for lighter-skinned individuals and slightly longer for those with darker skin, in the sun for your body to start producing vitamin D.

2. Eat fatty fish and seafood

Fatty fish and seafood are a few of the richest natural food sources where you can get plenty of vitamin D.

To put it into numerical values, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) servings of canned salmon gives you 386 IU of vitamin D. 

Other kinds of fish and seafood rich in vitamin D include:

• tuna
• mackerel
• oysters
• shrimp
• sardines
• anchovies

3. Eat mushrooms

Interestingly, mushrooms are the only food source that is vegetarian and also a source of vitamin D.

In a similar way as humans, mushrooms can make their own vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. The difference is that humans produce a form of vitamin D known as D3 and  mushrooms produce D2.

{{cta('b59df0c1-c4de-47a8-8e1c-0d33d4b414aa','justifycenter')}}

Both D3 and D2 forms of this vitamin can increase your circulating vitamin D levels, though research suggests that D3 from sunlight is known to raise levels more effectively and efficiently than D2 from mushrooms. 

The vitamin D content depends on the type of mushroom, but certain kinds can provide as much as 2,348 IU per 3.5-ounce serving, even more than canned salmon!

4. Add egg yolks to your diet

Egg yolks are another source of vitamin D that you can easily add to your routine.

Like many other natural food sources, egg yolks have variable vitamin D content.

Overview 

Health related issues go together like peanut butter and jelly, for example high cholesterol and heart attacks or osteoporosis and bone fractures. It's less intuitive that breathing problems and osteoporosis are also commonly related, but these conditions are seen together so often that it's obvious one influences the other. 

What does breathing have to do with your bones? How can the shortness of breath you experience due to your COPD be related to your bone fractures? 

When we look deeper at the relationship between osteoporosis and COPD we can see the logic. Not only is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) linked to osteoporosis, furthermore, loss of lung capacity is associated with osteoporosis. 

The blockage of lung blood vessels can be associated with a treatment for osteoporosis-related fractures. Understanding this relationship among others, can help you better manage both conditions.

Getting enough vitamin D is essential for both COPD and Osteoporosis, and in doing so you are advancing your health, and improving your quality of life!