Cheap 02 concentrator

[Currygirl]

Hello again, I use an Imogen nhs supplied, but looking for a cheap small light weight one to take abroad, have seen loads of them around but need some advice please ?xx

[PaulineHM]

Hello, I remember your previous posts about the need to using a (POC) concentrator abroad. Did you investigate renting a machine to use abroad ?

My advice is not to buy a cheap concentrator, as they are often not calibrated to deliver medical oxygen despite what they advertise.

I know there is currently a campaign in the US to have them banned and stop them being sold.

Appreciate that is frustrating. I can’t travel now due to the need for continuous flow oxygen.

Hope you get the right equipment for your health.

Wishing you well.

[Currygirl in reply to PaulineHM]

Thank you so much for the advice Pauline I shall look into it x

[bazcranleigh]

Hello, How far abroad are you proposing to travel? I have recently flown BA and Emirates to South Africa using their free oxygen delivery service whilst on board (up to 4L/min). Both provided a service that gave confidence that they knew what they were doing! This service is usually available for long-haul flights, lasting 6 hours or longer. Once you arrive your NHS oxygen supplier may be able to arrange a delivery to your hotel - I arranged such a delivery myself to a hotel in Switzerland last year, so that is another option. Please pm me on Chat if you need further information.

[Currygirl in reply to bazcranleigh]

Hi going as far as Canada x

[bazcranleigh]

Hi Currygirl. So you are airline dependant. BA would almost certainly be OK (I don't know their post-Covid policy) so if you are travelling with another airline I'd suggest that you contact them with a request for in-flight oxygen. I am assuming that 4L/min when resting is sufficient.

Your respiratory nurse will arrange a flight simulation test (no, you don't fly the plane!) which would enable a Safe to Fly document signed by your GP. Airport assistance is something else that you can request - some of the walks seem to get longer each time you fly. You may have to wait a while to get off the plane on arrival but assisted passengers are usually whisked through immigration and passport controls pretty quickly through the gates reserved for crew.

So a flight to Canada is quite feasible and whoever supplies your home oxygen can almost certainly arrange for a similar delivery in Canada (unless it is to the Little House on the Prairie, miles from anywhere). I use Dolby Vivisol. They can be contacted at [e-mail] or by phone on 0330 123 0305. You may have some other problems to solve if you are booked on a tour.

Good luck! Barrie.

[Currygirl in reply to bazcranleigh]

Hi Barrie, I don't need o2 when sitting I'm only on no 2 on my pulsed concentrator when walking, so I don't actually need it on the plane.

[bazcranleigh in reply to Currygirl]

That's good news but I think that you will still need a Fitness to Fly for the airline. The oxygen content on the plane is equivalent to that at 8000ft altitude and my respiratory nurse has equipment set up to tell me if that is a problem.

[Currygirl in reply to Currygirl]

Why, because I don't need it to flyx

[bazcranleigh in reply to Currygirl]

Apologies for the brainstorm on previous message! (I was interrupted by the gardener!). You don't need O2 when sitting but because at an altitude of 8000 ft (to which the plane cabin will be pressurised) there is 25% less oxygen available than at sea level. Your respiratory nurse will be able to advise. Best to be safe than sorry.

[Solily]

I am sorry that I cannot help you with the oxygen question... but I was wondering how you are doing after your knee replacement? Mine is scheduled for June 26 th.... have to admit I am a little anxious !!😧

[Currygirl in reply to Solily]

Hi good to hear from you my knee replacement went well, I had a n epidural anthesthic and all was good, don't worry you will be fine x ĺet me know do keep in touch x Jane

[Solily in reply to Currygirl]

Thank you !! I will let you know how I am doing!!