NHS Concentrator.

[Joy123]

Do any of you have a Inogen One Concentrator that has been supplied by NHS? I'm desperately trying to get one at present but have been told they aren't supplied by NHS. I've met several people whilst out and about and at hospital appointments with them that they say they have been supplied by NHS. I'm finding dragging a tank about in my shopping trolley to be tiresome and limiting as they only last two hours max and I've read that the Concentrator I'm after lasts for about 5/6 hours before having to be recharged. I'm trying to be independent and to keep fit, well as fit as a sickie like me can be but I don't feel I'm getting the right equipment to achieve my potential. Joy.

[andyuson]

talk to your respiratoy nurse they will help you..

[Joy123]

Thank you andyuson but I am and the physio. I'm actually in hospital at present so talking with all departments but no luck. Joy.

[stone-UK]

Hi

The Inogen G2 is supplied by your provider through the NHS. Have you asked your provider do they carry the portable concentrator. Not all do.

The weight is the same as the standard cylinder. About 3.2 kg both the cylinder and concentrator come with a carry bag and trolley.

Concentrator usually last less than a comparable cylinder with conserver.

You can get a smaller cylinder, referred to as paediatric, used for children.

There is also liquid oxygen the lightest flask weigh about 2.2 kg

[Joy123 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you Stone-Uk, I've read that the Inogen One G3 has a battery life of 5 hours. As I don't know anything about Concentrators as I'm quite new to home oxygen, I'm totally confused. Joy.

[stone-UK in reply to Joy123]

Hi

I use a G3, on 4lpm single battery last 2hrs, double battery 4hrs.

The G3 as been on trial and not readily available through the NHS.

It’s the G2 most commonly used goes to 1to 6lpm, weighs more than your current system. About 5kg.

[Joy123 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you Stone, that's excellent help. I too use 4lp. Do you find the G3 better than the cylinders? Sorry if I'm keeping on but if I have to buy one it's a big investment and need to get it right. Joy.

[stone-UK in reply to Joy123]

Hi

For me yes, on the bases I live in a first floor flat two flights of stairs.

On my recent oxygen review it maintained my O2 during the six minute walk test.

The new model goes 5lpm. Before such a purchase you need to check with your respitory team for suitability. And test yourself that it’s suitable for your needs.

[Joy123 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you for your advice, very helpful. Joy.

[Joy123 in reply to stone-UK]

Btw, I do have the small cylinders but find that I get through them so quickly that they are limiting my activity. It's a bit of a vicious circle, been told to do lots of excercise but I can't get enough oxygen to enable me to do this. I already have a delivery every second day but have to be very frugal at the weekend as don't get a delivery then. Joy.

[caroleoctober]

My oxygen supplier is Air Liquide and I have an Inogen G3 supplied by them. I am on 2l a minute. A Inogen is only suitable if your inhaling is strong enough for pulse delivery as it does not do a continuous flow so is controlled by your breathing. I was told this by an Air Liquide engineer who also showed me how to switch a portable liquid oxygen tank, e.g. a Marathon, to pulse which make it last longer. Don't know why the respiratory nurses don't show us these things. Keep smiling

Carole x

[Joy123 in reply to caroleoctober]

Thank you Carole, I too am with Air Liquide. That's good news, I think my inhaling is good enough for pulse delivery but I am on 4ltm. I'll have another word with physio today and see if I can get one even if it's just to try. I have been offered liquid oxygen but I'm worried that, if I was really poorly, I wouldn't be able to manage to refill the cylinders as I live alone with no help. Joy x