Shopping with oxygen

[DianaR80]

Hello

My mum has recently been given oxygen at home to help with COPD. She is looking forward to getting out and about into shops and cafes again...now she has the breath. Does anyone know if it is necessary to ask ahead if you are going to be using public transport/going into shops or cafes with oxygen?

We thought it might be worth checking...but don't know where to start ...any experience folks have would be greatly appreciated

[Caspiana]

Hi DianaR80 . 👋

I don't think it's necessary to ask ahead if your mum is going on a bus or train. If she were to fly she would need to make arrangements. As far as shops and cafes go I don't believe you need to ask anything.

I'm glad your mum is getting out and about again. Great news. Best wishes to you both.

Cas xx 🌿

[stone-UK]

There is no problem traveling with oxygen, confirm with bus company for any requirements. There should be no objection but it’s worth confirming.

Shopping is no problem.

Eating out confirm with eateries there is no no naked flames, candles etc.

Are you using a cylinder or liquid oxygen flask.

Portable oxygen concentrator offer less restrictions, as they produce oxygen on demand.

Hope you mother enjoys her new found freedom.

I use a POC so have no issues.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi I have home oxygen for when I'm walking about I Neve have any problems when out either on public transport or any. Where else. Hope your mum enjoys her new found freedom, have a lovely day and take care of yourselves ☺️ Bernadette xx

[Joy123]

Hi, I use oxygen when out and about and have never asked if I can go anywhere in advance. I use shops like any other shopper. Occasionally, when booking a restaurant, my daughter asks for us to be seated by an electricity socket so as I can recharge my portable concentrator. I've always found establishments most welcoming and accommodating. Also, if there's a candle burning on a restaurant table just blow it out, no need to make a fuss as long as your not seated by a log fire! I hope your mum enjoys her new found freedom. Joy. x

[Carnival567]

I use ambulatory oxygen and have had no trouble in ordinary everyday life. My experience is that the majority of places are entirely helpful. Flying is the only method of travelling that needs advance planning, and long distance train travel could need advance planning especially if there are changes or long walks or stairs. Go for it, enjoy life while you can. All the best xx

[Hacienda]

Hi, Good Morning, Everywhere I go, my Oxygen is with me, has been for 4 years now, never found any problems other than planning ahead to be near Toilets if in a Restaurant or Pub. Oxygen is our saviour it helps us have a normal life. Good luck to your Mum. Not to worry just get out and about and exercise the Body. Best Wishes. xxxx

[Spacecat1]

No. You see so many people with the little oxygen bottles. Has your mum got the smaller bottles so much easier can carry in a backpack or back of wheelchair. You do get some looks of little children they look worried at first whispering to mummy about the canular up your nose. I found say hello big smile and when they see me round the corner in the supermarket which is usually where I am. The little ones ask all kinds of questions which I answer in a way they understand. But yes shops office are fine. They are all supposed to be disabled friendly. But if going out with wheel chair check they have a lift or a safe way of going up and down in a wheelchair ( that's if you use one) I have no choice. A lot of shops provide wheelchairs and garden centres. Saves hubby getting ours out of the car we use theirs. Even the DIY shops have wheelchairs. Have fun on your journeys. Cant wait til August for our holiday. Try and aim for places that are flat for walking that does help.

[Oldbadger]

I have been using oxygen for 5years and have never encountered a problem with using it in any public places. People give me funny looks sometimes but I just smile and ignore them. Most people understand though and just give me a great smile. Good luck to your Mum.x

[peege]

From what I've seen and read here it seems a 'portable oxygen concentrator' is the way to go. From seeing people out n about a POC in a back pack has the shorter pipe to the nose so less cumbersome as well as leaving you two hands free for holding banisters, getting your purse out etc. Good luck to your mum! 😃

[fidgetandscooter in reply to peege]

And for walking the dog!!!! I am having trouble getting liquid oxygen. Everyone seems to think that I want to stay indoors and grow roots!!! I don't I want to go out.

[Maureenpearl]

Hi DianaR80,

I have a oxygen cylinder which when I first had 6 years ago was in a bag and then I found a trolly online which I bought for £100 and then Baywater oxygen supplier gave me one for free. The bag was for use on your back but it gave me quite a lot of pain in my neck.

The trolly bag is brilliant because I can fit everything in it that I would use a handbag for.

I have also bought a portable concentrator that I can go abroad with. It's a trolley so I pull it and don't have to use a handbag. I use liquid oxygen at home I try not to go out with it because it doesn't last long and I have trouble stabilising the flask in the car when i'm on my own.

I never go on a bus but I have traveled on a coach and the train and never had any problems.

Hope your mom have a great blessed time.

[joyce74]

I’ve never asked and not had any problems. Using a 3 wheel walker with the canister securely attached in side the bag helps me I use a bungee strap threaded through the back of the bag and secured to the frame at each side.