Concentrator pooped out!
Just a tip for concentrator users. I am on the concentrator 24-7, bottle only when going out. I have had been using the concentrator for 12 years so we understand each other. The other day the concentrator was not as quiet as before. So I checked the filter and it was clean. Through the many years I have learned to pay attention to sounds. I was about to call my O2 provider when all of sudden my alarm on my oximeter started beeping and it said my 02 was at 84 and pulse at 40. Then the concentrator stops and the alarm started screaming. I am 86 years old and don’t walk but with a walker, so I don’t move as fast as a few years ago. But, like the question being asked, Do You Have a Safety Kit? Well I do, my very ancient years ago of studying EMS and Fire Response prepared me several years ago to have my kit to be within arm’s length always. I quickly switched tubing to my small bottle of O2 and because my oxygen was not coming up fast enough, I put the cannula straight on to the small tank. Sat back, said thanks and immediately called for a new concentrator ASAP! Hope my little life experience with my concentrator is helpful to someone and all you people who don’t have a emergency kit, get them put together. It may help in the future.
Hi jake - wow - what a story!! I am so glad to hear that your life experience combined with the 'safety kit', that you had at the ready, worked perfectly for you!
I am sure others will read this and take note!
It's information like this, shared by a community member like you, with the rest of us, which is a large part of what this community is all about.
Keep up the good work!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I'm so glad you're okay! That was quick thinking in a tense situation -- I bet the EMS training helped you to stay calm to a degree as well! Thank you so much for sharing that story with us -- ideally, this site is all about people sharing experiences and encouragement with one another. It makes us feel good to see posts like yours! Have a wonderful week ahead. -Melissa, copd.net team 
Jake, great story. I feel I have my bases covered, but must check around for a "small bottle" and find out how to acquire one. You're a very good writer, Jake.
Thank you for stepping forward with information and suggestions. I have an E model tank and will contact my supplier regarding smaller units to use on short runs with the car and other trips outdoors (backyard). I'm looking for a portable continuous flow rather than a pulse unit.
It's my pleasure, Sam - glad to have you here in the community! I know you're relatively new member having joined in June of this year. We're glad you've already 'taken the plunge' and engaged in conversations with the community.
If your clinical condition does better using continuous flow, that is something I would think your physician can easily prescribe for you. Once prescribed, the oxygen equipment supplier will be able to provide you with a flowmeter that dispenses continuous flow. Some folks prefer pulse flow as it may help to conserve oxygen (from the cylinder), which may make the cylinder last somewhat longer. The choice will be yours to make with your physician.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Seems I am on a roll with the concentrator, so here is another tip. To check if the O2 is flowing properly, put the prong end of your cannula up to but not in your eye and you will feel the air flow. I was in the kitchen cooking and began to feel foggy. Did the little trick and sure enough when I went to the concentrator, the tubing had pulled out. I have reverted back to 25 ft as I need more O2 now. I used to use 50 ft and I could get around all my apartment. As I am sitting here writing there is another tidbit that I would like to pass on. For Heaven sake’s, keep your blinds and curtains open. There is nothing more helpful to the human soul and well being than SUNLIGHT. I could never live in Alaska because of all the darkness. I have also given permission to my self to talk to myself. I even answer myself sometimes. Watch the clouds stream into animals. I must close now as my hummingbird wants her feeder filled. I forgot what I wanted to say, listen to your body, heed the warnings. Your body will tell you when you have a problem with your O2. But you have to learn to listen and feel. Hope some of these words help someone.
