Does anyone have or used a portable oxygen system?

Hi Patty, and thanks for your post - you've posed an excellent question!
There are many in our community who are using portable oxygen systems - both cylinders but also portable oxygen concentrators. I am hopeful those members will see your post and respond by sharing their own personal experiences using this type of supplemental oxygen.
As you may be aware, there are several parameters to consider prior to choosing a suitable portable system for oneself. These include (as you pointed out), liter flow, oxygen requirements for the patient, weight of the machine, battery life, and other aspects like that.
Have you had an opportunity to discuss this with your physician? The doctor may be able to guide you in the selection process.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

Hi Patty, I have one of the little portable concentrators. It works well for my purposes, but there are some limitations which may not work for everyone.


It weighs around five pounds, plus maybe another half-pound for the extra battery, which does not store on the device. The version I have only goes to 3 liters. Carrying around 5.5 lbs plus an extra battery in your purse can get heavy, but hasn't been a problem.


Both batteries give it about a 3-4-hour life, and less at higher liters. The main reason I use mine is travel in the car, and it has an adapter. You can use it while it's charging, which is a blessing. It works all day. For short trips, like to the doctor, it is also useful, where I am able to connect to their supply if there is a wait. At my daughter's house, I can plug in the transformer to house current and breathe easy forever. The batteries have an LED battery-charge indicator, which is handy, and they hold a charge for months. (But check in time to charge both, if you have two, to make sure). I leave mine plugged in by the back door so it's always ready.


I have taken it shopping, which seems to work well, but only for short trips, no window-shopping strolls.


So, for my purposes it works fine. I don't need high liters, and there are machines which do have that. I think the key is knowing what it will and won't do, and arranging around the limitations.


I rent my unit from the oxygen carrier, and In our area, it is now impossible to get a second battery. I was provided one originally, but, they appear to be in high demand. My Medicare Advantage plan pays all but about $20 per month, but this can vary with the plan.


Hope this helps.

I very want to get one,, especially to try and fly.. They are going to give me a test on Friday, but if your reading is below 90 they won't give me one My level seems to run 89 every time; Here's hoping..

Good luck. What kind of test and how is it performed if you don't mind me asking.