Why don’t oxygen concentrators have remote control?

[RaspberryRed]

hi, this is a genuine question. I do not need oxygen at rest but need 6l to move around. My static concentrators are in the hall and on the landing. I’m finding that having to leave a room to switch them on is leading to me minimising my movements.

It would also be good to be able to alter the flow without going back to the hall, such as when I just need a little oxygen after coughing

How do others deal with this?

I saw some American doctors have identified the issue and made a test remote but I’m amazed that seems to be all. Unless you know differently?

Just thought I’d flag it up.

[Difficul]

My man from BoC told me that they decided not to supply remote controls because they cost £50 each and it was thought that users would lose them. I agree that it can be a bit inconvenient having to go to the concentrator to turn it off or on. I don't know why they can't supply and then charge for a replacement if necessary.

[RaspberryRed in reply to Difficul]

It’s good to know they do exist. My service is in the South West from Air Liquide. Having just had a holiday supply from BOC it seems their equipment is a bit different. I shall make enquiries. Thank you for your reply.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Difficul]

That sounds like the company is treating the oxygen users as imbeciles. Most people don’t lose the remote control for whatever device they need it for, because they need it. Sure, someone might lose the remote but the majority won’t, and like you say they could charge for any replacement remote controls.

[MoosterMoo]

I thought I'd cracked the turning it on and off by using a smart plug. Unfortunately, the machine presumed I'd had a power cut and just continuously beeped until I turned it back on. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[RaspberryRed in reply to MoosterMoo]

😂

[Bevvy in reply to MoosterMoo]

Ahhh. I was going to suggest that might be a possibility. Shame you found it didn’t work.

[_9carole]

Yes would be handy! Like when I do cleaning. I need it on 2 litres. When finished I can put it back to 1 litre.

[Biker88]

I’m on ambulatory oxygen and a static concentrator was not offered as an option, I have been provided with cylinders and the possibility of a portable concentrator at my next review. How do you manage when you go out?

[PaulineHM in reply to Biker88]

Hi Biker88.

How do you manage with cylinders - I hate those wretched things. They make my mobility so tricky, they in fact disable me.

When I first needed ambulatory oxygen 8 years ago now I was given a small portable concentrator for outside and a static for in the home.

Now over the years my 02 prescription has increased and I still have a static concentrator in the house and then liquid oxygen flasks to fill from a v large dewar for using outside the house.

The dewar lasts me for about 3-4 weeks. Longer in the winter.

Have you discussed with your needs with your home oxygen service/ oxygen nurse ?

Go well,

Pauline

[Biker88 in reply to PaulineHM]

Hi Pauline, I’m actually sitting here waiting for BOC to deliver some refills, indoors I have a small trolley to wheel around and keep tripping over and outside I use the backpack they provided. I did find some 4ft cannulas which I use with the backpack as I found the 7ft ones provided a trip hazard. My oxygen nurse has promised a review and look at a portable concentrator instead of the cylinders. Outside I use a mobility scooter so don’t need the oxygen until I get of the scooter and go into a shop etc. Fortunately I can still physically manage the cylinders and only on 2 litre per min. I’m hoping a portable concentrator will be suitable for me as they are a bit lighter than the cylinders.

[RaspberryRed in reply to Biker88]

Hi Biker88,

I have cylinders for use outside the house since my needs exceeded a portable concentrator. I find them very heavy to move around and they don’t last too long on 6litres so I don’t tend to use them about the house. My husband takes me distances by wheelchair and I just use the cylinders for very short distances.

[Maggity]

Yes, have wondered that myself. It would make such a difference. I tend to take the cannula off when not doing what I was doing that required a higher rate. I have never asked the question st oxygen clinic but will now, I am with vivisol.

[PaulineHM]

Hi, we are all members of a growing club! I wish that I could remotely turn the static off and on once I go up to and come down the stairs night and morning.

Just have to take it slow when moving without it being switched on.

I wasn’t aware they are even available.

Go well.

Pauline

[Difficul in reply to PaulineHM]

PaulineHM - could you use a portable concentrator on the stairs?

[PaulineHM in reply to Difficul]

Hi, thanks for the suggestion but a portable concentrator no longer meets my oxygen requirement. I will ask the 02 nurse next time I speak to her and ask if she has any suggestions.

Go well,

Pauline

[Difficul in reply to PaulineHM]

Pauline this doesn't make much sense to me. You appear to be using the stairs with no oxygen support? So wouldn't a portable offer you some support?

[kris123]

I bought a remote socket DEWENWILS Remote Control Plug Socket with keyring, and although it did beep for a bit when turning it off it didn't last too long. It is brilliant for me as I need O2 on all exertions