Portable oxygen concentrator - Lung Conditions C...

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Portable oxygen concentrator

12 years ago•12 Replies

Hi, my first post on joining this site! My husband has severe COPD and it has been suggested he gets a portable oxygen concentrator so we can continue getting away. I just wondered if anyone has any experiences they can share?

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yesilkedi

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12 Replies

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grannybell12 years ago

Has your husband been prescribed ambulatory oxygen by his hospital? I just ask as I'm not sure why he'd need it if it's not already prescribed as not everyone is suitable for oxygen?

yesilkedi12 years ago

He had an assessment last week for oxygen but was told he's borderline & would be re-tested in 6 months time, however he has a an ambulatory test in 3 weeks time as the doctor thinks he may benefit from oxygen when 'on the move'. His assistant also mentioned a portable oxygen concentrator but said it's not available on the NHS, but explained it may help him when travelling.

grannybell12 years ago

I have ambulatory oxygen only and would recommend 'Smile rehab' if he needs it. The staff are very helpful and could point you in the right direction. They let you trial the product at home with no pressure and they also sell reconditioned units. There is also a section in the British lung foundation magazine that advertises second hand units that people no longer require if you wanted to try that. You'll be best waiting until after his assessment before you go ahead as they have many sizes that provide differing levels of oxygen.

I have an Airsep Focus that provides 2LPM of oxygen on a pulse setting only, but it's just about the size if a handbag and weighs less than 1KG which is really easy to carry around. Good luck and let us know how he gets on.

yesilkedi12 years ago

Thank you, so nice to know there's a place to turn to for help and support.

caroleoctober12 years ago

I am on oxygen 15/24 and find that all my needs are met by my oxygen supplier on my prescription, they will lend me a portable concentrator (about half the size of the one I have at home) which is either brought to my home for me to use on the journey or delivered to where I am staying, and they will deliver a tank of liquid oxygen there so that I can fill my portable tank for days out. This is the same as the prescription I have for home so I don't have to get a new one for trips away. I don't let being on oxygen alter my lifestyle at all except that I use a rollator to carry my oxygen as I find a full one can be heavy when you are already sob. Keep well and happy.

Carole x

janie6212 years ago

I bought a refurbished SeQual eclpse complete with 2 batterie, (the can cost up to (ee500 each) of a supplier on ebay with a years warranty, it is the size of a suitcase on wheels and is easily pulled along on the wheels, it has continuous flow as well as pulse flow, which is good for me as I have blocked sinus, each battery lasts for 2 hours on 2L for continuous flow, but can last up to 6 to 8 on pulse flow deciding on which setting you have it on, It cost me approx. £595 with delivery, a new one will cost up to £4,000 - I perhaps was lucky, as brochure was included and concentrator is easy to use, up to now has worked great, I guess its a chance one has to take buying of an auction site, but it did have the year warranty, so that helped, but I am buying another battery, which will give me 6 hours use away from home , Plus if I am visiting friends,, or anywhere where there is an electrical socket, I can plug it in and it will re charge the batteries while I am visiting. It also has an in car charger, which you plug into cigar lighter socket, altho this dosent charge the batteries. I am pleased with my concentrator, but if considering buying off ebay, please make sure, you get a warranty and look at sellers feedback, there are bargains definitely to be had, but also people, who will not be as honest as some are. good luck to anyone who decides to buy , kind regards andl love to all Janie xxx

janie6212 years ago

sorry that should read (they can cost up to £500 each not ee500) xxx

bunny6512 years ago

hello yesilkedi,

i am in a similar position,

my hubby mr bunny is on home oxygen 16/24 and we have been pinning our hopes on a lightweight portable,as mr bunny also has parkinsons and can't carry stuff

.a kilo might be possible...he has a rollator and a manual wheelchair.

i'd guessed it was possible to get one prescribed by a respiratory nurse on the nhs.

mr bunny has only been diagnosed about a week and has been on home oxygen 6 days...must remember to change the filter tomorrow!!!a new experience...

parkinsons means the long tubing on home oxygen is a serious dangerous tripping risk rather than something that gives him mobility while wearing mask...

also putting and keeping mask on when i'm not around so far impossible due to shakey hands...we stick mask tuning on mr bunnys cheeks with surgical tape squares!

early days yet!

will print this thread off for useful info on portables!

sorry i can't help, i'm still new to this game!

love and hugs

bunny x

grannybell• in reply tobunny6512 years ago

If you don't want to buy one ask about 'Helios Plus' at 3.6lb or 'Helios Marathon' at 5.6lb portable units. Different PCTs seem to offer different equipment so it will depend where you live. Both use liquid oxygen for getting about outside.

bunny65• in reply togrannybell12 years ago

many thanks grannybell!!big bunny smile! love bunny x

yesilkedi12 years ago

Well after 6 days in hospital being pumped full of antibiotics my husband has decided he really needs a portable concentrator. Thanks Grannybell for the info on Smile rehab, I will be contacting them about a refurbished unit they have for sale.

Hi, bunny 65, my husband was diagnosed several years ago but has deteriorated badly over the last year due to having had several exacerbations. This last one has been particularly severe & the doctor today said he must have a scan just to rule out anything else.

What a terrible disease this is & it affects the who;e family!

jeanghost12 years ago

My husband is on oxygen 24/7 our concentrator was prescribed by our previous doctor. The cost of the electricity is paid by NHS. We have portable cylinders when we go out which is not very much especially lately. We also had a portable electric concentrator when we went on holiday in the touring caravan..

I do not think that you should have to pay for one, what does your doctor say.

We deal with Dolby Vivisol and they are very helpful and came round to fit up two humidifiers one in the bedroom and one in the living room which he can'plug' into. I agree that it is difficult to get around indoors with the long tubing.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes Jean

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