Benefits of Owning a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

When being diagnosed with a respiratory illness, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis can be life changing. The adjustments made to everyday routines to accommodate doctors visits, seeing grandchildren and attending family events can feel like a lot of work. 

Ultimately, POCs will give you the independence you need to handle your own life without depending on others. You can make it to doctors appointments, pulmonary rehab, and social gatherings without having to bring a loved one or caretaker along to help out.

Greater Independence

Independence is something that easily gets taken for granted until its gone. Unfortunately those with COPD patients lack the independence they need to maintain an active social life. This is where portable oxygen concentrators come into play. Unlike with oxygen tanks, you can be entirely self-sufficient when using a portable oxygen concentrator. Since they are electronic devices, all you need is access to a wall outlet in order to charge the batteries. And once they’re charged, you can go wherever you please without having to worry about your oxygen supply. 

Better Health

The goal of supplemental oxygen therapy is to reduce common symptoms associated with COPD. This includes symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and more. Studies have also shown that supplemental oxygen plays a key role in preventing hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen in the tissues).

Portable oxygen concentrators like the Arya Mini for example, provides patients with a pulse flow setting of 1- 4 of medical grade oxygen. The flow rate can easily be adjusted using the arrow buttons on the top of the unit, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of oxygen you receive.  

Long-Distance Travel is Possible

Oxygen tanks have never been approved for in-flight use because they’re a fire hazard and they’re highly explosive. However, with the advent of portable oxygen concentrators, oxygen patients can travel freely on most major airlines as instructed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The main reason POCs are safe on airplanes is that they contain pressurized oxygen like oxygen tanks do. They simply take ambient air, remove nitrogen, argon, and other impurities, then put out medical-grade oxygen via the nasal cannula. 

If flying or taking a cruise isn’t your style, you might want to take a long road trip. Luckily, this is also a breeze when you have a portable oxygen concentrator. Most POCs either come with a DC charging cable or you can purchase one separately which will allow you to charge your device in your car using the cigarette outlet.

Improved Physical Endurance

Aside from keeping your COPD symptoms in check, studies have also shown that supplemental oxygen can induce an enhanced physiologic training effect on the muscles which can improve your endurance and strength which can improve your endurance and strength. Another way portable oxygen concentrators help with physical activity is that they’re extremely lightweight and easy to carry.

Owning a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator means you’ll be able to keep up with those active friends in your life. Whether you just want to go for a daily walk in the park or you want to start a new exercise program, you’ll be able to do so without worrying about your ability to keep up.  

More Affordable for Long-Term Care

The most controversial topic surrounding supplemental oxygen is its cost. On one hand, patients need a device that can meet their needs consistently and reliably. On the other hand, they don’t want to break the bank doing it. 

Portable oxygen concentrators may seem like they’re the most expensive option, they’re actually far more affordable for long-term oxygen therapy. For example, if you spend $2,000 on an oxygen concentrator that lasts an average of 5 years, that’s just over a dollar a day. Most POCs come with a 3-year warranty at the very least meaning you’ll have an extra safety net if there happens to be a defect with your unit.

Being diagnosed with COPD or another chronic respiratory illness should not mean sacrificing time spent with friends and loved ones; if anything, the exact opposite is true. COPD patients should be spending more time on their relationships because they’re proven to reduce stress, boost life expectancy, and improve general well being.

While there are many things you can do to maintain an active social life with COPD, investing in a portable oxygen concentrator is likely one of the most important. With a portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll have the freedom to go where you want, when you want. 

If you have further questions about the benefits of a portable oxygen concentrator, give our specialists a call at 855-695-6036.