I have very recently been given the above oxygen flask for amblutory use. I was thrilled to be prescribed it as it's so much lighter than the usual tanks and lasts a lot longer as instead of a continuous flow of oxygen it just gives a spurt of it on the inhaled breath. The down side of it is the HUGE tank of oxygen, however with the movement of furniture I have been able to make space for it.
However I'm having lots of teething problems with it, the first flask I was given lasted only two hours and not the five as stated, the providers very kindly bought me out a new flask and once again showed me how to fill it and told me that the oxygen would evaporate when not used. So used it to take my dog for a walk for an hour, noticed it was giving me the spurt on the exhale breath and didn't work when I used pursed lip breathing. This morning I get all ready for the gym, the flask was empty so I realised it must have evaporated overnight, tried to fill it but no luck despite following the instructions, left it for a while and tried again, no luck yet again. So missed out on the gym and shopping session I had planned.
Anyone else had problems like this ? I guess I will have to get in touch with the providers again but I'm feeling a bit stupid.
Any helpful comments welcomed
Written by
GradmaP
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Sometimes the flasks leak and they can also have a faulty valve which can leak or prevent the flask from filling properly. I can only suggest you ring your oxygen provider and get them out to check it again. You are not stupid - either it is faulty or they have not shown you how to do it well enough.
I had the same experience and bought an American portable concentrator . So I now have cylinders and the portable covering nearly all my ambulatory needs Geordieboy
thanks for all your comments, fingers crossed I'll get on with it OK now. Can you give me some information on the American portable concentrator please ? is it heavy ? how much does it cost ?
I live in America. Do you mean the "Inogen"? I bought a *used "InogenONE G3" and wouldn't be without it. Came with a small and large battery, wall charger and cigarette- lighter-receptacle charging cord. It was a year old and I asked for the receipt also which came in handy when I got a new replacement (although the warranty is not suppose to transfer to another owner, just use your head on that one!). I believe they are $3,000 to $4,000 new. (The previous owner paid $3,000).
With the large battery, it weighs 12 pounds. Not positive but I think using the small battery makes it only 8 pounds? It has a shoulder strap and a regular non-slip-grip handle too.
After going through hell doing 3 overnight tests in order to get the oxygen from my supplier, and my doctor turning in the results too late the first 2 times, and the oxygen supplier threatening to remove all my oxygen and equipment, I said, "Hell with this!"
I found one in another state, online on Craigslist, went to my bank and took out a loan.
I now do not have to worry about getting any oxygen prescriptions, or doing overnight tests to get the prescription, or purchasing oxygen or having them threatening to take it away!
I also purchased from a company, a new filter, mainly because it was used, and a charger.
*The total for all was $1200 (US dollars). Think I have 3 more payments to make, but it was well worth the money.
Thanks, I live in London and we are lucky enough to have the NHS so get oxygen free. The flask I was on about is not a portable concentrator like the Inogen, I would like one though although I can't get this through the NHS and it is very expensive. I am looking at second hand ones at the moment, it is the weight that is an issue. thanks for letting us know of your experience. Vicki
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