oxygen cylinders

[ivyleaf]

Auntie Mary

How long do the lightweight ones last ? i,m on 2l......i find the heavier ones i,m using only last about 3/4 hrs........

[Hidden]

Depends on flow rate, whether you use a conserver, how heavily you breathe, etc. I am supplied by Air Products and their Freedom 400 ('normal cylinder') gives an average of 3 hours 45 minutes without and 10 hours with a conserver on 2 litres per minute. It weighs about 8 lb when full.

The Freedom 300 ('lightweight cylinder') weighs about 5lbs when full and lasts 2 hours 34 minutes without and 7 hours with a conserver. More info on Air Products web site.

[ivyleaf in reply to Hidden]

thanks Auntiemary.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I found this.

" Portable Units. Portable units containing electronic oxygen-conserving devices weigh only a few pounds and can provide up to 8 hours of oxygen. Some portable units weigh 6.5 lbs, with liquid oxygen supplies that last 4 hours. Some weigh 9.5 lbs, with an oxygen supply that lasts 8 hours when used at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute."

[ivyleaf in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

thanks for that.....seems to be quite a few different ones depending on who your supplier is.

ivyleaf.........may have to stay with my shopping trollley!!!

[Hidden in reply to ivyleaf]

Going on the spelling of "liter" in Puff's post I would guess that is an American site and their cylinders will be very different to ours. Also, different British companies each have their own so if you don't have Air Products you should check with your supplier. Good luck. x

[Puffthemagicdragon in reply to Hidden]

Well spotted Aunty

[amagran]

I can only ad that the nurse explained why oxygen has to be prescribed, and that not everybody can use any oxygen. Richard can't use a conserver as he needs constant flow, therefore he is limited to the freedom 400 for going out which only lasts 1hr 50 mins, so we somehow have to be out within that time, not easy with buses, and if a bus misses we're stuck, or take along a spare tank, again not easy on buses. If we go shopping we get a taxi there and back and take a spare tank, I have a back pack which will almost fit a spare tank in, just the top sticks out, but I have to say that with that and pushing the wheelchair with him and the other tank, its not easy. I have a shopping trolley, but can't use that and push the wheelchair too.He could have the spare tank on his knee but it would be very uncomfortable, and anyway I usually put the shopping bag on there. Basically, we have to time our outings, once the bad weather arrives and its bad underfoot they will be curtailed altogether, so I try to get him out for a short while every day while we can.

[mrWheezy in reply to amagran]

hi Amagran have you considered getting some velcro straps to attach the spare cylinder to the wheelchair, its very inexpensive and available in a lot of places including online( ebay etc) and offers great security when in place

alternatively i bought from Poundland a pair of heavy duty industrial strength pipe cleaner looking ties that twist together to hold things in place and i use these to secure my spare cylinder securely to the boot of my car

Just a thought as it may help keep your outing times up

Tony xx

[rogershome]

Thats about right for 2L, you can get a "gadjet" swhere you only use the oxygen on your "in" breath. This extend the time, you should be able to get one from your doctor. There is of course the portable oxygen condenser which onle weighs 1.5 LB ( pounds) problem is they cost about £3,000.

Good luck.

[Hidden]

Hi

Speak to your nurse or doctor - whoever prescribed your oxygen - and have a chat with them about your oxygen needs for when you are out and about. As well as the cylinders, there is liquid oxygen and also the portable concentrators - so there are different options to consider - particularly if you are out and about a lot . It has to be your nurse or doctor who changes what you have.

Thanks

Mark