Hi has anybody out there used a portable Oxygen Concentrator in particular those that can plug into your car as well as home plug sockets? What are your thoughts on them (good and bad) and any recommendations as I'm thinking of purchasing one !
All info and experiences is much appreciated
Regards
Plumbob
Hi
What LPM are you on .
I am using a Philips respironics mini which goes to 5lpm, comes with incar charger, although you have to turn down to 3lpm or turn off when car charging. Ok if mains charging .The units weighs 2.2kg with small battery which lasts two hours on setting 4/5
The oxygen delivery on 4lpm is 44ml as opposed to the Imogen G3 which is 36 ml. ( which I also have).
The new Imogen G3 now comes with 5lpm, again weighs 2.2 kg with small battery lasting two hours on setting 4/5. Also comes with incar charger but connection don't always work ( badly designed)
With any portable unit check with your respitory nurse for there suitability,
And give your chosen unit a good test run. Although they say 4 LPM it could actually only be equal to 3lpm
A point to consider the NHS supply portable unit, but they can be heavy at upto 10 lbs, they do come with a trolley. The weight is equal to a cylinder, bag and trolley.
Cheers stone -I am on 4LPM on exertion and 1.5 at rest which is what I have my liquid oxygen on when I'm driving but I am time restricted with my 'Jet Pack' so was thinking of getting a portable unit so we don't have to worry about time and having oxygen left in tank to get back when we go out for the day.
You have given me a starting point and I will start googling and find out more
Much appreciated
Plumbob
Hi
To start you of.
healthoxygen.com/index.php/...
I only need Ambulitory oxygen at 4lpm, I use mine when shopping, once in car before I set of for my daily drive, ( moors orcoast) I slot machine behind seatbelt connect charger, reduce down to 2 LPM turning of when breathing back to normal. At any time I stop for a wander or when I return home I have a full charge, plus I bought on offer with spare battery. Which gives me 4 hours.
At 2lpm it will also charge battery. I did a two hour trip and left it 2 LPM battery was fully charged when I returned home.
Hi Plumbob I am an Ambulatory Oxygen User, 2Lpm and use an AirSep Focus Portable Oxygen Concentrator which was purchased from Intermedical Homecare, details at: portableoxygegen.co.uk
I have oxygen bottles for use in the home and smaller bottles that I have for when I'm out shopping or just walking about but I was getting frustrated at problems I encountered when gardening. Basically it was a case of 5mins pottering about in the garden (just light work) then back on the oxygen for 10mins.
Before purchasing The AirSep Focus I did a lot of research as a POC is a costly item and I didn't want to waste money on something unsuitable. I sent away to Intermedical first for their catalogue which is really good. It has a number of different POC's listed so comparing specifications is easy.
I have been using my POC since late June 2016 mainly for gardening and it has given me a big part of my life back. I still can't do the heavier gardening jobs but manage everything else.
As far as im concerned, it was money well spent.
Shop around, do your research for the most suitable one for you and I don't think you will be disappointed.
I would also check with your Oxygen Nurse (if you have one) to see if one is available through the NHS.
I'm now going back in the garden.
Enjoy your weekend.
Regards. John
I have an Inogen which goes up to 6lpm on demand. I find it really easy to charge and simultaneously use when in the car and it charges quickly in a wall socket. It is certainly an awful lot easier than lugging about a cylinder. The only problem for me is I need 6lpm when mobile which means it will only last just over an hour before needing to be recharged.
I bought this one in January and find it very good healthoxygen.com/portable-o... . Other places sell them but this firm had an offer on at the time. It cost me £2180 with 2 batteries. They will come and give you a demo at home. Keep smiling.
Carole x
Thanks for the info Carole I will have a look at it
I bought a SeQual Equinox a few months ago; I need 3 lpm LTOT (15 hours +) and 4 lpm ambulatory. It is heavy but came with a wheeled trolley which is great. It provides all the oxygen I need (for the moment). The "down side" is that although it does give 3 lpm freeflow, the machine then moves to "levels" (1 - 9) for pulse delivery. I am so very fortunate that my respiratory unit was able to help at a moment's notice and did an analysis walk to decide which setting I needed for 4 lpm (turned out to be level 7).
The concentrator was horrendously expensive and the spare 24 cell battery was another £400 - but if you've got the cash and need this sort of level of oxygen, then the Sequal Equinox would be my suggestion.
Cheers
Catnip
I had no idea they were so expensive what a sad world we live in when our NHS can't supply the simplest of things when I started in the NHS a few years ago if you needed it you got it NHS funds are spread very thinly
Price has surprised me too Onamission -You can get some for a couple of hundred pound -but what are you purchasing ???
Hi plumbob,
My nhs provide me with a philips Simply Go machine for when I am indoors and when I used to have to have long journeys to visit my dad. I use 2 lpm constant which gives me about 3/4 hours battery life but in the car with the car battery plug everything is fine will work until the engine is turned off. 1 also have 6 tanks of oxygen about once a fortnight for longer shopping type trips or visits.
Sue
Does anyone sell or rent portable oxygen concentrators that can generate between 8 and 10 litres of oxygen per minute for use in a car as i am looking for one to allow me to travel in a car of 5-6 hrs?
Thank you
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