Portable Oxygen Delivery Systems And Mobility Benefits For Long Term Oxygen Therapy Patients
Posted by admin - 27/06/09 at 03:06 pmPortable oxygen delivery systems are an integral part in the lives of patients who need supplemental oxygen. Activities that a few years ago were virtually impossible for them are now not only possible but practiced daily. Obviously there are individual factors to take into account. Age, physical strength, severity of the pulmonary illness, attitude and general disposition have a lot to do with a person’s degree of activity. But, all in all, the new generation of portable oxygen machines are extending people’s mobility.
This means much more than being able to get out of the house, it means recovering life styles. There are people who today can practice outdoor activities, from golf to fishing, to walking in the countryside. They, the portable oxygen units, are being seen all over. On the side walks, on airplanes, cars, buses, trains. At work, pursuing all sorts o hobbies. In restaurants, in cinemas, at the theater.
A quick look at the benefits that portable oxygen alternatives are bringing:
Features Benefits
- Reduced weight – Easier to carry
- Longer duration of oxygen – More activities and for longer periods.
- Size and shape – More maneuverable and therefore extended activity.
- Oxygen conserving devices – Better oxygen delivery and less waste.
Additional Benefits:
- Regaining freedom of movement.
- Greater independence.
- Recovering many activities that had become restricted.
- Social activities.
- Not being restricted to the home.
Portable oxygen concentrators are one of the best developments in this area. They extract oxygen from ambient air, delivering it to the patient in pure form. This means not having to worry about refills. As they are electrically powered, and most portable models will have a battery option, you don’t have to worry about running out. Obviously you need the power source, but reserve batteries will extend the times involved.
In previous times oxygen cylinders holding compressed oxygen were the available option. Today oxygen cylinders are also lighter and with the new conserving devices (flow or demand) they have become more user friendly.
Liquid oxygen is also an alternative with a much greater storage capacity providing longer lasting tanks. They have also a variety of models that are easier to use and carry.
Which ever system you use, and it is important that your choice is governed by your doctor’s recommendations, it is advisable to have back up systems.
