Portable Oxygen Machines

I have the Inogen That weighs about 5 pounds. other than the weight, I like it a lot. The pulse breathing helps me especially when I'm anxious get on a regular breathing pattern so I don't hyperventilate. And I usually turn it up to 5 L. At home I use four or 5 L on my regular concentrator. I've had this one replaced by Inogen once or twice and I'm really happy with it. This is Kay

Just be sure you use your oximeter often . No portable machine can deliver over 3 ltrs. The numbers on the portables do not represent ltrs . They are just machine speed numbers . It can blow more “air” but not increase the oxygen content . If you are happy great ! Blessed Be, Crystalena

I'm not happy about that. I'd be surprised that the POC even delivers 3 ltrs. I have a terrible time when I go out. Not being able to breathe well makes me anxious and panicky. No wonder I don't like going out anymore! On 2 liters at home where I am comfortable.

I am on 3 ltrs at night and 4 thru the day . I use a tank on a cart when I go out . I can control the ltrs on it. I had a POC for a very short time . It was no good for me unless I sat in one place. So I traded it for tanks . At my setting of 4 liters the tank lasts just a bit over two hours . I turn it to 3 when I am in a car. So that saves a bit . A tank is cumbersome. But, it gives me what I need and I am comfortable . I do have help with tanks . My husband helps me in and out of the car . It is easy to pull and I do fine shopping with it . I wish you all the best and I send love and light . Crystalena

I have Inogen Rov 6 and Inogen One G5. Settings are 1-6 in pulse flow. My prescription is 2L continuous flow which is a common starting point. For exertion I use my Inogen and I set it at 6 when on the treadmill. For going to the store I set it at 4 to conserve battery.
I bought a backpack and that really helps to distribute the weight better. I have given up large purses!
I am 55% predicted for TLC and 59% predicted for FEV

What is TLC and FEV? I've never been told anything about either of these. I'll try bumping up the pulse flow - maybe that'll help. Thank you.

Have you had pulmonary function testing where you blow through a tube???? It is used in diagnosing COPD - an obstructive lung disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis - a restrictive lung disease. There will be a report on it. It should be available online provided by your doctor by law.
Based on your height, weight gender, etc., they predict what your value should be and then compare your actual result, and calculate the percent your results are of the predicted value. Such a test includes:
TLC = Total Lung Capacity and % Predicted
FVC (L) = Forced vital capacity in liters and % Predicted
FEV 1 = Forced expiratory volume in first second and % Predicted
FEV1/FVC = ratio of the two
Tracking these values tells doctor is you are getting worse.
My Inogen has settings 1-6 but they are pulse flow and NOT CONTINUOUS FLOW and the max setting may barely be comparable to 2L continuous flow (for night I have a stable concentrator which provides continuous flow)
My prescription is in continuous flow (2Liters), Unfortunately it is difficult to get measured in pulse flow.

Thank you. I've had all these but was never told anything. I know my lungs are bad and getting worse. I'm very frustrated by all this - especially the pulse flow POCs. No wonder I'm not comfortable with it.
I truly appreciate your input.

You may have heard that one has to be one's own advocate. That means it is up to you to inform yourself. I ask questions and track everything. The Affordable Care Act mandated that all medical information must be made available to the patient online. It is important to read this information. I did, and I immediately sought out more specialized care and saved myself a lot of trouble. So it is up to you to read the reports and your Doctor's Notes which will confirm what happened during your visit. Be sure you have the right Specialist, because Specialists have subspecialties. Look up their background and training. I have seen two different pulmonologists for two different lung conditions.

I do read my reports and ask a lot of questions. I've never seen these terms in my reports. Very concerning! I like my pulmonologist but sounds like I need to find a new one. Advocating is exhausting and time-consuming but if I don't, who will? My daughter is a big help so time for some research - and more questioning. Thank you for your response.