Share your supplemental oxygen experience!
For those who use supplemental oxygen, what has your experience been like? Do you have any tips or advice to share with the community that might make their experience easier?
I don't like it and use it very little
Good for you having mild COPD. I think most people on oxygen find it uncomfortable sometimes. Is there something specific about it that bothers you? How are you doing without the extra oxygen? Maybe we can help you find some ways to make it a little more comfortable. -Melissa, team member
Change your cannula regularly.
i change to a new one every two to three weeks, in between I clean them with a alcohol wipe or dawn and warm water.
also I kind of did this on my own, just common sense things because I wasn't shown what to do but found out in groups like this, very helpful.
I have an inogin G4 which I think is wonderful.Relatively lightweight,easy to use,easy to charge.Much more convenient than tanks,allows me to travel.
I work. I fish, I hike, ride my e-trike & the G4 is really nice.
I bought a backpack from o2 Totes (shameless plug cuz they're REALLY well made).
I have installed an old flat neck fan (that has a covered intake) in the back side pointing down toward the vents, and have a pool noodle as a spacer which helps when it gets hot.
I try not to fish or hike if it's over 80 outside. Heat is bad for sure.
I have seatbelt covers on the straps.
I bought my spare batteries on Ebay for about half the price of new ones.
!RISK!--these batteries have been USED & can FAIL, & I keep 4 spares in a cooler in my car while I work.
I've lost 2 other batteries mid-use in the last 3 weeks.
I ALWAYS keep a spare on my person JIC.
I purchase the *lots of 4* for drastically reduced prices, but that's iffy & you gotta be prepared with good ones.
Going to Mexico in Dec for my son's wedding, need 150% of flight duration in batteries.
Something to consider before traveling.
Bigger machine-longer lasting batteries. Rove 6 would be a good one for those needing more liters.
Spiral thingys on the hose are important. I've let a couple of customers know that their hose was crimped...especially in summer.For what it's worth, I'm stage 3-4 COPD/emphysema, I'm on the cusp depending on the day, medication or exacerbation.
I also use as little o2 as I can get away with because my problem is breathing OUT & trapped air. Generally no o2 when I'm stationary.
I use my breathing techniques & LISTEN to my docs & RT.
I use 2L of o2 at night with a ventilator, setting 2 on my portable is fine, as my job is intermittent activity.
I'm the self checkout person in a store. (It's a great job for disabled people who are mobile!)
I've tried reducing at work because on slow days I get too much o2 (levels around 9😎 but then I get breathless as soon as I need to help someone...so yeah, do what the doc says...o2 at 2 setting 2 on my portable.As always-ASK your doctor, COMPLY with treatments, KEEP moving-even a bit, BE OPEN to new treatments & ideas...
Do YOUR best, NOT everyone is the same...
Hi
. Thanks for joining the conversation and sharing what helps. How awesome that you continue to work, travel and live your life as fully as possible. I hope you have a great time in Mexico. Feel free to share a photo or two when you get back. We'd love to see them! Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
When I first started using it I was very self conscious. I learned that since it gives me a better quality of life and I can do so many more things with it…. I don’t care what others think!! The importance with COPD is to keep moving!!!!!!
I am on 24/7. It is a nuisance and more trouble than the babies were, but like them I couldn't do without it.
I live in a large nursing home. Without oxygen and I can reach my front door but with a few cylinders of oxygen I can explore the home and go out for the day.
