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Portable oxygen concentrator

Posted by Stella Tucson @fraytv, Jun 5, 2023

I have bronchiectasis and I am looking for advice on portable oxygen concentrator’s. I am currently on 2L oxygen 24x7(since late Nov 2022) due to 2 separate stays in the hospital due to pneumonia/pseudomonas. At home I use a full size concentrator & when away from the house full size & portable tanks. It doesn’t look like I will be getting off the oxygen. I am thinking of purchasing a portable concentrator. I saw a person with a & portable continuous flow & it was very loud & they said it weighed 14 lbs. They got it from the local oxygen supplier going through insurance. I would like to get a lighter weight & quiet one. Here are my questions:

Any recommendations on brand/model & any to avoid?

If I purchase one do I need a prescription from a dr?

Should I get continuous flow or pulse? I use pulse on the portable ones.

The use of oxygen is new to me, learning everyday. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

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loriach | @loriach | May 31 10:02am

Also want to thank everyone who has commented on air and high altitude travel using portables. Some great tips in your comments. I’ve yet to cross this bridge since hit with lung disease but am hopeful to do so again one day!

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csboz | @csboz | Jun 1 5:22pm
In reply to @loriach "@csboz Wishing you the best on your health challenges. I was diagnosed in Oct 25 with..." + (show)
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@csboz
Wishing you the best on your health challenges.

I was diagnosed in Oct 25 with severe ILD related to my autoimmune disease Sjogrens. Prescribed O2 for sleep and exertion. I ended up getting the stationary concentrator and portable thru Inogen (rental via Medicare w supplement). Local hospital DME provider was awful to deal with. Inogen has been excellent each step of the way both for info and for post rental customer support. I received the older portable Inogen One G5 as part of the rental. I found this to be too heavy for me to do walks and yard work but I had been very ill
w my Sjogrens for about a year so was quite out of shape.
I ordered the small Inogen Rove 4 with the lighter and heavier batteries. All in, this is about a $4000 USD out of pocket purchase. No Medicare coverage. This gives me a lot of freedom that I don’t have without it.
Works great in the car plugged into car charger while using it.
That said the larger model lasts much longer re battery life. I use the G5 like an overnight concentrator when I travel. Make sure the pulse oxygen works for you as they max out on how much they can deliver and some folks don’t like them. I actually prefer the pulsed.

Good luck 🍀

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@loriach thank you for the helpful information. I had another conversation today with the local provider, and the rep thinks she will be able to get me a Rove 6 within the month. I will see how this goes, and if needed I will go directly to Inogen. I’m glad this is working out for you and wish you all the best.

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csboz | @csboz | Jun 1 5:55pm
In reply to @lizaussie "I have Rove 6 with trolley which I find important as too heavy to carry as..." + (show)
Profile picture for lizaussie @lizaussie

I have Rove 6 with trolley which I find important as too heavy to carry as a back pack. Can wheel it around while breathing in oxygen and do light chores.
No complaints with this model as it suits my lifestyle.
Am in Australia and Medicare do not refund on purchase but worth having it for me regardless.
I paid monthly rent to trial first before purchasing.

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@lizaussie Thank you!

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