Portable Oxygen

Yes, theFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a select group of portable oxygen concentrators for air travel, including the Inogen One and the SeQual Eclipse.  Be certain to check with your air carrier first because not all airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators onboard.  Check with your airlines website to see if they allow these units and what their requirements are.  Most air carriers have a form that must be filled out prior to departure and must include your physician’s prescription.

Yes, there are newly designed portable oxygen concentrators on the market like the SeQual Eclipse or Inogen One that are perfect for automobile travel.  You can use rechargeable batteries or simply plug the unit into the car’s accessory outlet (lighter).  The Eclipse or Inogen portable oxygen concentrators can be placed out of the way, behind the front seat, allowing you to travel freely.

Oxygen concentrators are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a prescription from a physician must be issued to receive oxygen therapy.  Your physician will order a blood test to determine what your oxygen level is.  The prescription will indicate the flow rate of how much oxygen you need per minute (liters per minute or LPM) and when you need to use oxygen.  Many websites will allow you to fax your physician’s prescription for oxygen therapy.

There are 3 types of systems available for the supply of oxygen:

Compressed Gas - this is oxygen stored under pressure in a cylinder equipped with a regulator that controls the flow rate.

Liquid Oxygen - is oxygen stored as extremely cold liquid in a vessel very much like a thermos.  The liquid converts to gas upon release and you breathe it in the same as compressed gas.

The third type of home oxygen system is the Oxygen Concentrator.  An oxygen concentrator is an electrically powered device that separates oxygen from the room air, concentrates and delivers it at your prescribed rate.  This system is less expensive than liquid oxygen and eliminates the need for re-supply of oxygen cylinders.

Numerous studies have shown that COPD patients who use supplemental oxygen live longer and have more active lives than individuals not receiving oxygen. Oxygen therapy is based on the premise that all human cells require sufficient levels of oxygen to function properly. Exercise is often easier for individuals receiving supplemental oxygen because more oxygen is getting to the muscles. Receiving oxygen also helps to reverse the long-term effects of oxygen deficiency on the heart. Oxygen therapy has also been known reduce sleep disruption while also improving concentration and memory levels.