Oxygen Smart

Oxygen therapy refers to the administration of supplemental oxygen to patients suffering with a chronic or acute situation.

A chronic condition happens and develops over a period of time. For example emphysema – part of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease set.  An acute condition makes a sudden appearance and then disappears – which means getting better or getting worse. Another example a sudden attack of asthma can be an acute attack.  On the other hand someone with asthma can have a chronic situation that becomes acute when it flares up.

Supplemental oxygen is administered in many emergency situations – and this can be in hospitals, ambulances or during resuscitation procedures.

When oxygen is given as part of the prescription for a chronic illness, this usually means COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).  COPD is a term that refers to both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  This is an illness that affects many thousands of people – many of whom haven’t yet been diagnosed – and the numbers are increasing as populations grow older.

(Baby boomers are in the segment of the population that is most at risk).

Many times  long term oxygen therapy is prescribed (and as “many” does not mean “always” the prescriptions will depend on the extent of the lung damage as well as other factors particular to the patient – which is one reason why no one should self diagnose or self prescribe) as lung damage is irreversible.

So what does Oxygen Therapy mean?
Basically it is the administration of extra oxygen to a patient so that the oxygen saturation levels of the individual are maintained.  The normal oxygen saturation is between 94-98%, while in COPD patients this will vary to approximately 88-92%.

How is Oxygen delivered?
A flow of 100% oxygen is delivered through a “cannula” (a plastic tube that fits gently into the nostrils) at predetermined intervals, and flow rates; or for some cases an oxygen mask is used.

How is the Oxygen kept for delivery?
There are three different types of oxygen delivery and storage systems.  You can find home units and their portable equivalents.

1. Oxygen Cylinders, which hold compressed oxygen in gas form.
2. Liquid Oxygen Tanks, which store liquid oxygen – in a smaller compartment the liquid is allowed to revert to gas and is subsequently delivered to the patient through a cannula.
3. Oxygen Concentrators.  These are machines that are powered by electricity an extract oxygen form the surrounding air.  The oxygen is then delivered in pure form to the patient.  As the surrounding air holds 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen (and 1% approximately of other gases), the oxygen is separated and therefore concentrated prior to delivery.

POC’s (portable oxygen concentrators) were introduced around 2002 and have become a major player in the oxygen therapy area.  These are machines – and they include larger models as a home based stationary unit, or smaller portable ones, that do not store oxygen but recycle it instead.  They are powered by electricity and what they do is extract oxygen form the air around and then deliver it at higher concentrations.

As they were specifically designed for oxygen therapy patients who lead active lives, portable oxygen concentrators are benefiting thousands – making it easier to move about, to plug wherever there is an outlet, with the use of rechargeable batteries. As you don’t have to refill anything and as long as you have access to electricity, they just go on and on and on.

What Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

They are smaller units that are easier to carry while still providing the same service as larger units. As they are powered by electricity they are designed to receive energy through electric outlets and many also have a battery  set up. Many people have found them much more convenient to use (and carry) and the end result is that they have increased the range of their activities.
As mentioned above, they extract oxygen, “concentrating” it for delivery, from the surrounding air.

The atmosphere is made up of gases, of which 19 to 21% is oxygen, 1-2% other gases and the bulk is made up of nitrogen. Some studies indicate that earth’s atmosphere 200 years ago had an concentration of about 36%. There is a reduction of 0.8% approximately every 15 years according to some measurements, due to pollution and the destruction of forests. In some places oxygen is found at a concentration of 8% – depending on the pollution levels and/or altitude.

Portable concentrators provide pure oxygen which in turn is regulated with the flow rate and at the desired psi level. You can carry them quite easily either on its in handle, in an accessory bag or pull long in a small cart with telescoping handles and wheels.

The Most Important Benefit Of A Portable Oxygen Concentrator Unit

Mobility, mobility, mobility.

Activity, activity, activity.

You can lead a much more active life than with the other oxygen delivery systems.

And this is a major benefit. POC’s have extended the range of things people can do. This includes work activities, social activities, ordinary day to day activities and sports. The list of things people with oxygen therapy are doing is large and getting larger.

Being mobile – being able to move around freely, to participate in many more activities.  This can be as simple as going to a friend’s house to play cards; traveling to the shopping mall, to another city, another state, another country – the list is endless. In May this year the approval of some portable oxygen concentrators by the FAA for all airlines that use US airspace, came into effect.

The benefit of being able to pursue, safely, many more activities, derives into one much greater. The recovery of freedom.  Freedom to move and the rush that come from feeling and knowing this freedom is yours.

Many people who today use POC’s have found that they are doing things they thought were impossible and as they experiment with this new found freedom, their creativity and positive attitude to life is expanding. The positive attitude strengthens the immune system, which in turn makes for better health.

One of the great restrictions on mobility that long term oxygen therapy patients had was being able to travel.  Taking a trip for vacations or any other reason was a major problem.  The difficulties came from two sources:
1.    The oxygen delivery system.
2.    Transport restrictions.
Oxygen tanks and oxygen cylinders have to be stored safely and at the same time are usually limited in size for public transportation systems.  In airplanes for example, you could not take your oxygen tanks with you and had to depend on the airline’s oxygen policies.

But things are easier now with portable oxygen delivery systems and especially travel oxygen concentrators.

For those who have been using extra oxygen for some time now, everyday activities are relatively easy to cope with. (Obviously this depends on many factors, not least the extent of lung damage and age).  But travel until a very short while ago was a major, and many times exasperating and frustrating, exercise.

Travel plans for those who need supplemental oxygen require more care and preparation than usual.  The length of the trip, whether it is a short, a medium or a long one you still have to plan.  If you are going by car, by plane, by train or by ship, there are a series of things that you need to take into account and they all have to do with the oxygen supply.

Will it last during travel?
Can you carry your oxygen concentrator?
What are the rules for taking your oxygen system?

And this is where a travel oxygen concentrator comes into its own.

Air Travel:
The FAA has approved the following POC’s (portable oxygen concentrators): Inogen One, Respironics EverGo, Sequal Eclipse, Invacare XPO2 and the Airsep Lifestyle & Freestyle.  All airlines that fly over US airspace must allow them on board.  Having said that it is your responsibility to make sure you comply with the airlines requirements.

Train Travel:
It is recommended you notify Amtrak at least 24 hours prior to traveling, but as with any travel plans it is always best to give yourself more time.
Maximum allowed oxygen on board cannot exceed one double tank set up of 50 pounds. You must be able to separate the tanks and they cannot be on wheels. A six-tank set up is allowed as long as each tank is less than 20 pounds.
Travel oxygen concentrators that require electrical power must include a self-contained (battery) for trips less than 12 hours. Electrical power on the train may be used for trips greater than 12 hours. You should carry additional oxygen in the event of travel delays.  And finally reserve a private compartment if possible.

Ships and Cruise Vacations
Ask your travel agent if there are any special requirements when traveling with oxygen. Most cruise lines specify each passenger must make his or her own oxygen arrangements. Your oxygen supplier should be able to help you with coordinating oxygen for your trip or direct you to an organization that specializes in travel oxygen. Passengers must provide a letter from their doctor prior to travel indicating they are fit to travel, travel plans and oxygen prescription (hours of use and oxygen flow rate).

Car Travel
Travel oxygen concentrators can be used with most vehicle car lighter adapters or internal batteries decreasing the number of compressed oxygen cylinders required or eliminating the need for liquid oxygen reservoirs.

As a general rule you should always carry a copy of your prescription including oxygen litre flow and hours of use, with you at all times as well as a current list of medications you are receiving. Make several copies of the prescription and medication list as you may need to present a copy to flight attendants or oxygen suppliers during your travel.