Cold Weather and O2 use
This is my first autumn and winter with having full time O2. I have noticed already that my hose gets stiff in temperatures below 50 degrees. Is there a way to keep the hose warm? I know I need to keep my face / nose and mouth covered when the temps drop down, but then again will the O2 get to cold too? I know this is a crazy set of questions, but that I would ask before I really need to know what I can do to prevent anything from happening (getting sick). Thanks all!
, these are not crazy questions at all! This shows you are being thoughtful and proactive to prepare for the colder weather with COPD being on oxygen! While I will offer a few pieces of general information, I would encourage you to talk with your doctor and oxygen supply company to find out what any concerns or specifications there are for your oxygen unit. From what I have read, most oxygen concentrators do not do well outdoors for extended periods of time below about 40 degrees. Going briefly between places - house to car, car to store, etc. is generally okay, but going for a long walk outside at those temperatures (not that you'd want to!) could be problematic. When going out, zipping as much of your tubing up inside your coat can help keep it warm. I also have seen a few places online that make cloth covers for oxygen tubing to help keep it warmer as well. Etsy often has some good options! These articles offers a few tips for staying healthy during the cold months that I thought you might find useful: 1) https://copd.net/living/staying-healthy-cold 2) https://copd.net/living/winter-coming And this article offers some ideas for how to chase away the boredom that often creeps up during the winter: https://copd.net/living/winter-entertainment Again, I encourage you to talk to your supplier and your doctor about your specific system and how best to navigate your first winter with full time oxygen! I hope some of this is helpful for you. Please keep us posted on what you learn and how you are managing. We are always here for you! Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (team member)
So sorry you had a rough experience. Oh having that hose loose/ off had to be a good part of loosing your breath, then the cold. Maybe try going out again verifying that your hose is well attached and see what happens? Even just a little walk for a "test drive". After I posted this original question I had to go out in temperature at freezing levels (early for this time of year). What I did was grabbed a winter scarf, wrapped that around the neck and face covering my mouth and nose, my O2 as was suggested was up under my clothing. All worked well during my outing. I kept my medical face mask with me, but did not wear it while wearing the winter scarf outside, that was a little to much for me, but wanted the medical mask for inside use for safety like you. Sure hope we both have an easy first winter with our O2, 
It sounds like putting your O2 under your clothes and scarf did the trick so far! Glad to hear. A little ingenuity and creativity goes a long way when adapting to new health needs like this. You're doing a great job. 😀 Keep taking it one day at a time. -Melissa, copd team
