Portable Oxygen concentrators and COPD .

[scorcher]

I'm hoping to move from home oxygen to one of the lightweight machines. At home I'm on a continuous 4 litres supply but hoping to better that as the portable ones can't seem to supply as much as that. Also the pulse flow concentrators appear to have a longer battery life as opposed to the continuous type so I wonder how to "train" myself to more nasal than the mouth breathing that's required! Anybody with experience of the above and specially travel/holiday usage. Thank you.

[jabber]

Do you need to train yourself to breathe through your nose? How do you get the oxygen from your home supply? Is it not via the usual nasal cannula? Or do you wear a mask?

If you usually get your oxygen through a nasal cannula, then you probably won't have any trouble breathing a pulsed supply. I believe some portable oxygen concentrators can now go up to 5 litres. I don't know whether the NHS will supply these as well as the ones which only go up to 3 litres pulsed.

I'm not really sure if I've understood your question, but didn't want it to remain unanswered. I hope someone more knowledgeable might still come along. If not why not call the Helpline on Monday? I'm sure they'd have answers for you.

Helpline is 03000 030 555. Good luck!

[scorcher in reply to jabber]

Thank you for replying Jabber. At home I have a NHS supplied continuous concentrator@ 5 litres but instead of carrying spare cylinders I would like to go for a lightweight portable concentrator providing I can lessen my oxygen need. If I am able to go down this expensive route getting to concentrate on nasal breathing would be better and yes I will certainly ask the experts. I'm not allowed to fly for the foreseeable future so will be doing a fair bit of long distance car driving!

[skischool in reply to scorcher]

Scorcher,most of the Nhs trusts dotted around the country can supply you with an inogen one g3 portable that will go up to level setting 5 which is approx 5 lpm on pulse setting only,it does require a conscious effort to breathe in through the nose but with a bit of practice most people get used to doing that,and of course you can still breathe in through your mouth.Have a chat with your local oxygen team and they will confirm if they think you are suitable to have one.

Regards Ski's and Scruff's

[scorcher in reply to skischool]

Very helpful and encouraging and I appreciate your help - thank you!

[Samjeff in reply to jabber]

I have a Inogen One G3 that does pulse up to 5 certainly better than those tanks and I believe BOC nhs supply these now if appropriate for you. Sam

[scorcher in reply to Samjeff]

Many thanks.

[Maureenpearl]

Dear scorcher, you will need to get in touch with your Respiratory Team at the hospital that did the prescription for your oxygen. They will reassess you and send the prescription to the oxygen provider for the portable concentrator.

You will not be allowed to take it out of the country if you are supplied with one and you just breathe normal whilst using it.

If you have oxygen cylinders and know the address you will be staying on your travels you can arrange with your supplier to deliver your oxygen to that address.

Safe traveling

God bless

[scorcher in reply to Maureenpearl]

Thank you.