Different forms of Oxygen: Hi, I’ve... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,239 members66,864 posts

Different forms of Oxygen

mary1956 profile image
10 Replies

Hi, I’ve been using Inogen pulsed Oxygen for the last 5 months, but last week at my Hospital appointment my SAT’s went down to 73% doing the 6 minute walk test even when using INOGEN.

I now need Long term oxygen but although I know about the portable small cylinders for when you are out and about I’m unsure what you have indoors.

I’ve read about concentrates etc but have no idea what they are.

Please can you help explain the different forms?

Written by
mary1956 profile image
mary1956
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
O2Trees profile image
O2Trees

I just use ambulatory oxygen when I am walking outside of the house but have had different delivery methods indoors when Ive been unwell. You will probably be given a concentrator - a machine which is plugged into the electricity and works to obtain oxygen from the surrounding air. You can get a form to fill in to reclaim the electric expense.

When Ive been ill suddenly Ive had two giant cylinders brought in until the concentrator arrives. Both come with longish tubing, and with the concentrator not being temporary, someone from the oxygen company will attach your tubing to the wall around your house so you dont trip over it. They will talk to you about the best place for the concentrator to go.

You may still get given cylinders for going out, though if you need a high flow the paediatric ones might run out too quickly. What you can get attached to the cylinder is a conserver which turns continuous flow in a pulse flow, enabled by your breath - maybe you have that already.

You can also get a portable concentrator but the NHS doesnt supply them (I dont think) and they are quite expensive.

Hope this is the info you are looking for. Good luck :)

mary1956 profile image
mary1956 in reply toO2Trees

Thank you, that’s really helpful. Have never seen the respiratory team regarding oxygen, because of Covid, so it’s been hard getting info.

O2Trees profile image
O2Trees in reply tomary1956

You should have a dedicated oxygen nurse who will oversee your prescription and will see you regularly. Where I live the respiratory team which includes oxygen nurses and respiratory physios are separate from my medical practise and GPs. My oxygen nurse is fantastic, very encouraging and uplifting. I dont know how you get referred to the respiratory team but you could ask your GP about that.

mary1956 profile image
mary1956 in reply toO2Trees

Hi, I had a telephone consultation in May. They said they would see me when clinics back up and running. Have heard nothing. Phoned today and have an appointment on the 12th, so hope to get things sorted.

Oxygen levels sometimes go down to 65% and at their best are 85%. Think it’s just another Covid delay.

Appreciate your reply.

O2Trees profile image
O2Trees in reply tomary1956

I hope it works out for you Mary asap. Let us know please. Take care :)

barbs47 profile image
barbs47 in reply toO2Trees

The NHS supplied my portable concentrator. No problem Barbs x

O2Trees profile image
O2Trees in reply tobarbs47

Ah interesting, dont think every postcode does.

jabber profile image
jabber

Hi Mary, you've had a great reply from O2, so nothing to add there, but just want to say that the NHS does now supply portable oxygen concentrators - thank goodness. They are much easier to manage than the cylinders.

Your oxygen levels are very low, which is concerning. I hope long term oxygen will greatly improve those levels for you. Good luck with your appointment.

Maxiem profile image
Maxiem

Hi Mary

Would you mind me asking which level you have your Imogen on and do you find it helpful?

Max

Alberta56 profile image
Alberta56

Good luck and best wishes. Alberta

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

New to inogen five oxygen concentrator

Just had my inogen five oxygen concentrator delivered today after assessment with nurse last week ,...

Advice on Inogen

I find the portable cylinders for going out too heavy to carry. Because of this my Respiratory...
garshe profile image

Isolated, Oxygen User

Hi Guys, My name is Jyoti i'm 28 with pulmonary fiborsis, which is now terminal and i require...

Oxygen delivery

Hello all, My name is Gareth and I am currently studying Design for Industry in Newcastle. My...

My holiday on oxygen

I've been on oxygen 24/7 since March and just come back from my 1st trip abroad .My wife is Thai so...
pedr profile image

Moderation team

See all
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.