Utilizing portable oxygen concentrators is a great way to deliver oxygen therapy while on the go. People with low oxygen levels can receive oxygen without restricted mobility thanks to a portable oxygen concentrator. Access to these portable concentrators allows people with oxygen therapy to travel, see family and friends outside the home, and enjoy fulfilling lives.
The Journals of Gerontology Research suggest that older persons who are socially active have better physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, a 2021 study of more than 32,000 persons with COPD or other respiratory disorders discovered that those who engaged in physical activity had longer life spans and improved heart rates.
You can maintain your activity level by using a portable oxygen machine while you're out and about. Finding an oxygen machine like those of the portable Inogen oxygen concentrators for travel can significantly improve your quality of life.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a device, such as how long you'll be using it, how much oxygen you need, and whether you need a machine to support your daily routine. Read on to know which one is best suited for your needs.
Utilizing portable oxygen concentrators is a great way to deliver oxygen therapy while on the go. Some of our top recommendations are listed below:
Pros
Cons
This item was made with active and frugal lifestyles in mind. The battery compartment on many portable oxygen devices is located on the bottom, making it necessary to remove the device from its carrying case to replace the battery.
As long as the concentrator is hooked to an external power source, you can quickly replace the battery by opening the battery box on top of the Invacare concentrator. The Invacare Platinum could be suitable if you have a tight budget but still want the mobility and independence that a portable oxygen concentrator can offer.
Pros
Cons
The Inogen One G4 is the most portable concentrator on our list since it is lighter and smaller than practically every other portable oxygen concentrator available.
Due to its small size, the Inogen One G4 is less effective than other models. Its maximal oxygen production is only 0.63 liters per minute (LPM), as opposed to 1.26 LPM for the Inogen One G5 and 1 LPM for the Respironics SimplyGo Mini. This type can be ideal if you enjoy leaving the house but want additional oxygen.
You have three different options for the oxygen flow on the Inogen One G4. Inogen's Intelligent Delivery system is another feature that distinguishes it from its competitors. Within 400 milliseconds, this cutting-edge device can quickly deliver oxygen.
Additionally, Intelligent Delivery correctly measures your breathing rate and modifies the supplied oxygen supply as necessary. The device will deliver shorter, more frequent bursts of oxygen if you're exercising or physically engaged in meeting your energy needs.
As you rest or sleep, the system delivers more oxygen and boluses more gradually to compensate for your slower breathing rate.
Pros
Cons
This item was made with active and frugal lifestyles in mind. The battery compartment on many portable oxygen devices is located on the bottom, making it necessary to remove the device from its carrying case to replace the battery.
Invacare designed the battery compartment to be at the top so you can quickly replace the battery while using the concentrator in its carrying case as long as the concentrator is connected to an external power source.
Its water-resistant feature makes it more convenient to use in different settings, whether at home or out and about. Plus, the carrying case ensures that your concentrator stays protected from the elements.
Pros
Cons
A portable oxygen concentrator from Philips Respironics offers a clear, straightforward appearance, making it an excellent option for anyone seeking a specific device with just a few buttons.
This device is particularly appealing to those using a portable oxygen concentrator for the first time because its screen relies on visuals and simple directions rather than more sophisticated controls. Although this concentrator is easy to carry, it's a little louder than some other models (43 decibels as opposed to the Invacare Platinum's 40 decibels).
It can be the perfect fit for you if you have difficulties reading small prints or navigating a device with a lot of buttons.
When selecting a portable oxygen concentrator for an elderly patient, it is essential to consider a few factors—first, the weight and size of the device. An elderly patient may have difficulty carrying a heavy or bulky device, so a smaller, lighter option may be best.
Many medical practitioners consider portability, battery life, and weight when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator. We investigated and compared dozens of available portable oxygen concentrators for price, mobility, weight, and flow.
Here are a few you should take into account when buying one online or in-store:
Size, weight, and mode of transportation are all important factors to consider because these gadgets are supposed to be utilized wherever you want. As a point of comparison, a typical portable device weighs about 20 pounds. The pulse flow device typically weighs between three and ten pounds less overall.
Portable oxygen concentrators should last up to four or five hours on a single battery charge. The battery charge spans of the smaller, lighter units are often shorter. Still, many devices contain backup batteries that can quadruple the off-the-grid longevity and car charging possibilities.
In terms of oxygen delivery, there are primarily two units: pulse flow and continuous flow. The patient receives air from the pulse flow machine in quick puffs timed to each inhalation. Therefore, no oxygen is lost.
Using less energy is possible because of this.
Pulse-flow is more frequently used at night. In contrast, oxygen is continuously produced by the continuous flow unit. Larger compressors are more common in these devices, and oxygen waste is probably present.
The most crucial factor to consider when choosing an oxygen concentrator is how much oxygen the device can produce. Medical professionals from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, add that portable concentrators offer a "determined quantity of oxygen with each breath," in contrast to oxygen tanks with a setting that may deliver oxygen in almost any environment.
Depending on their diagnosis, most patients require roughly 400 milliliters of oxygen delivery each minute. It's crucial to discuss your specific needs and the equipment that will help to maintain stable oxygen saturation levels with a doctor.
If you're still on the fence about finding suitable small portable oxygen concentrators, here are a few queries people interested in buying a unit typically ask:
Depending on the battery (single or double) and the warranty you choose, Inogen portable oxygen concentrators can cost anywhere from $2,651 to $3,586.
The Inogen oxygen machine boasts rechargeable systems made to be used every week, including nights, 24 hours a day. Clinical testing has shown that Inogen One can supply most ambulatory patients with the required oxygen throughout all stages of daily activity and sleep.
Sometimes. You must first meet several prerequisites and get a prescription from your doctor declaring that you require medicinal oxygen. If you qualify for Medicare and are permitted to use therapeutic oxygen, Medicare may pay for renting oxygen equipment.
The Inogen One G5 can run for up to 13 hours on a single charge when equipped with the dual (16-cell) battery. That will keep you from pausing and plugging it in for the day.
High oxygen concentrations over a long period can increase free radical formation, leading to damaged lungs. It can cause a spectrum of lung injuries ranging from mild tracheobronchitis to diffuse alveolar damage.
Take the time to select the right oxygen concentrator for your needs, especially for older folks who travel a lot. Portability and travel-friendly tools like smaller oxygen machines can make a difference. The Inogen oxygen concentrators offer excellent battery life, reliability built in terms of the tanks' quality, consistent battery life, and flow type that doesn't disrupt airflow.
It's important to remember that seniors with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) need to be careful about the type of oxygen tanks they use. Some tanks are made of lower-quality materials that can break easily, while others have shorter battery lives.
Finding a tank with a flow type that doesn't disrupt daily routine and activities is essential. For instance, noise levels and other operations make it distracting to perform tasks or errands.
Our top pick would be Inogen One G4 for its lightweight and travel-friendly design. It works well for those who live an active lifestyle but still deliver oxygen output and energy conservation. Moreover, its three-year warranty will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're covered in case anything goes wrong.
Senior living can be taxing on those with specific and special needs. Finding the right tools to aid everyday living can be a difficult and time-consuming task. There are many different products on the market, and it can be hard to know which ones are the best for your needs.
It is essential to research, review, and find an oxygen machine that will work well for you. To know more about equipment, tools, and accessories that can help your older loved ones, visit Senior Strong today.
