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OC's/small tanks won't provide enough O2. What's next?
IPF was diagnosed about five years ago. Symptoms several years earlier. The small tanks, pocs and ocs no longer provide enough oxygen to keep me in the 90s even at 6 mls/min. What's likely to happen next? Thanks.
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Do you know how many liters/minute you need to stay saturated? The POC that provides the greatest flow rate only delivers 3 liters/minute continuous flow. If you need more than that, you need to use a larger concentrator with tubing, larger tanks (with a cart) or if you can, liquid oxygen. It’s increasingly difficult to get liquid oxygen but there are a few places in the US where it is possible. Sorry, those are the only options and can be explored with your physician and medical team.
The SOAR ACT is trying to make liquid oxygen more available. More info is in this link. https://www.runningonair.net/soar-act
This act is being re-introduced this year and seeking co-sponsors. Please reach out to your Congress persons and urge them to support it!
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1 ReactionThanks. Six lpm is no longer enough if I want to do something other than watch TV.
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1 ReactionThere are large stationary concentrators that provide up to 10 liters/minute. If you use tubing and swivel connectors, you can be hooked up to that in your home. It’s very hard when you need increasing amounts of oxygen and are unable to get liquid oxygen. Liquid oxygen is truly the most concentrated and lightest form of oxygen IF it can be obtained. There are very few providers who will offer it, but you can check with your insurer if that’s an option for you so you can have some mobility outside your home.
Many thanks. I'll check it out.
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I know if at least one person who used several POCs connected together with a “y” connector to meet O2 needs but that’s VERY cumbersome. Their flow rate was lower than your needs as well.
Interesting approach. Thanks