The Benefits of a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

People who needed supplemental oxygen used to rely on oxygen tanks for ongoing oxygen therapy. Those tanks contained compressed oxygen which was used to provide someone with an uninterrupted flow of oxygen. It was possible to move these tanks around, but that were heavy and cumbersome.

Technology has advanced and we now have a new innovation called a portable oxygen concentrator. These devices manufacture their own oxygen instead of relying on a limited supply. Portable oxygen concentrators suck the oxygen of its surroundings, filter it and store it.

These new oxygen concentrators are lightweight and easy to carry. Anyone who needs oxygen therapy would benefit from a portable oxygen concentrator.

A Treatment Option for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung condition that get progressively worse over time. Although COPD is incurable, the symptoms can be managed. COPD affects an estimated 30 million Americans, according to the COPD Foundation.

As COPD progresses, it may cause shortness of breath which subsequently leads to a shortage of oxygen. Some people with COPD will need supplemental oxygen. They might be reluctant to leave home once they are on oxygen therapy due to the large size of oxygen tanks.

However, people with COPD have a viable alternative in portable oxygen concentrators. These concentrators are compact, and they don’t need to be refilled. In fact, they’re so compact that some of these portable concentrators weigh as little as five pounds and can easily be carried in a shoulder bag. These latest portable oxygen concentrators are rechargeable with batteries that can last up to 12 hours. In addition, they have A/C adapters that can be plugged in and recharged anywhere outside your home.

Better Mobility and Easier Travel

Traveling is almost impossible for those who have to rely on oxygen tanks, and air travel is simply out of the question. When you fly, you have to breathe in the surrounding air which is at a decreased pressure level. This decreased air pressure can limit the ability of people with lung diseases to fly. This is especially true when you realize that they are not allowed to bring gaseous or liquid oxygen tanks onboard a flight.

Fortunately, the Federal Aviation Administration has allowed multiple portable oxygen concentrators for in-flight use. It is advisable to check with your airline to see if it enables you to travel with your portable oxygen concentrator.

Besides air travel, you can also easily carry your portable oxygen concentrator while traveling by road. You can recharge your device by plugging it into your car charger since it has an A/C adapter.

Amtrak, too allows you to travel with your oxygen concentrator. As these devices concentrate the oxygen from the air, they don’t have the risks posed by tanks with compressed oxygen. Besides, the latest machine is much easier to transport due to its small size and lighter weight.

Improvements in All Areas of Life

You will surely enjoy improvements to your life when you get a portable oxygen concentrator. You will no longer feel isolated in your home because a portable oxygen concentrator allows you to move about the community. You can enjoy life, including social and recreational activities that you enjoyed before COPD limited your options. With portable oxygen concentrators, you can visit people and places easily.

Portable oxygen concentrators also enable you to have better sleep. You can set them to supply a continuous flow of oxygen in order to ensure a more restful sleep. When you sleep well, you’ll definitely enjoy improved cognition all day. People who sleep less may feel more anxious during their waking hours.

In addition, portable oxygen concentrators can increase your ability to exercise because you’re not as short of breath. Thanks to the device, you will have the oxygen supply required to support your exercise. Finally, due to the compactness of these machines, you’ll enjoy the freedom to perform whatever activities you want to do.

What do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Cost?

The average cost of the machine depends on its weight and the amount of oxygen it contains. It can be somewhere between $595 and $2000 for a concentrator. It can also be rented for a monthly payment.

If you have a health condition requiring continuous oxygen or its therapy, you can get a portable oxygen concentrator at a reduced price or even for free.

Your insurance program, like Medicare, could pay for the device, particularly if you have a medical prescription or recommendation by a doctor.

You should make sure to check with your insurance company before buying a device of your own. Some insurance policies, like Medicare, expect you to meet some conditions or rent your oxygen equipment in order to subsidize the cost.

You should do online research in order to find the most economical option by comparison shopping. You can look for different sizes and kinds of portable oxygen concentrators online and compare its prices, besides insurance coverage options.