Looking for advice

1 min read

Hello everyone - has anyone had any experience with getting liquid oxygen? I'm in the process of trying to switch from compressors to liquid oxygen. I'm on a high 6 liter need and can't get to the doctor easily without taking several tanks with me which is very dangerous in a moving car. To carry them around I use a walker I really don't need yet but have to have my wife load and unload the car and load the walker with the tanks and I need to have someone go with me. It's just such a problem trying to get appointments on someone's availability. I really haven't been out of the house in a year by myself but a handful of times so I have been reading on liquid oxygen but what I understand is Medicare doesn't like to put people on it.

I have more than my share of need and health issues starting with COPD of course and 24/7 use of oxygen at 6 liters one tank about a half hour. I have A Fib and a pacer plus and aneurism which has been being watched. I'm not supposed to be lifting heavy weight but getting attention on this subject has been like pulling teeth.

Has anyone gone down this road? I have an advantage plan with Medicare and I also was wondering what the co-pay is. Can't be too bad. I have two concentrates because one will not fill while it runs at that high liter so I have to pay for two of them. I also hear liquid lasts four times what one tank would. If anyone has ever used, let me know pros and cons? Thanks

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Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
Hi Rich, Thank you so much for posting your question. From what you describe, liquid oxygen may be a very good choice for you. In the last few years, we've begun to see quite a few people with it. Obviously, the first thing to do is speak to your doctor about it. The doctor can be a big help in getting Medicare to agree to things they may not have otherwise based on medical necessity. Generally, the liquid system consists of one "larger" tank that remains stationary in your home. This large tank can be quite large to lengthen the time between fills, so you'll want to make sure you have a space for it. The portable units can be filled from the stationary one. Each manufacturer has different styles and types. One of the great things is it doesn't require any electricity to operate - so that's a cost savings for you. The portable containers tend to be quite light and can provide 6LPM depending on the type. Obviously one down-side of the liquid system is having to have the tank filled regularly. The time between fills will be determined by how big the tank is and how much is being used. No surprise there. Cost is something that you should be able to find out based on your exact insurance. I know it can be a frustrating experience when you don't feel like it, but call your insurance company and ask for specifics regarding cost. Another resource may be your doctors billing office - it's worth asking as it may save you some legwork. I wish you the very best in finding exactly what's right for you. Lyn
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Rich and thanks again for posting your inquiry. Lyn has provided you with a very comprehensive analysis. I would just underscore the importance of your physician supporting your need for a liquid oxygen system. In general, physicians are able to justify the medical necessity for third party payors (insurance and Medicare). It's all for the well-being of the patient. Good luck and please check back with us and let us know how you're doing. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
mommachewy75 Member
Hi! I have to tell you as a retired nurse. I have never heard of a COPD patient being on 6 liters of O2. It has always been recommended that you try to keep it at 2 - 3 liters. I,m sure you know as a COPD patient that that much air will build up in your lungs and having Emphysema, you will be unable to get rid of it. All the luck to you and I would really question my doctor about that high a dose of O2.
tracyemills Member
Hi everyone! I'm an AlphaOne and I'm looking for answers. I did a search on Liquid O2 as my pulm. Dr thought that it might be a better solution than the 20# O2 concentrator carried in a baby stroller. I'm on 24/7 high-flow w 2L at night up to 7L for working on the elliptical. I'm in good shape aside from my lungs. What's the latest? Thanks!!
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="tracyemills" user-id="2477857"/> welcome! If you are interested, more of our community members will be able to see and possibly share their experience with liquid oxygen if you started this as a forum discussion here: <a href='https://copd.net/forums' target='_blank'>COPD.net/forums</a>. All the best, Sam S. (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member).
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="tracyemills" user-id="2477857"/> Hi tracy, and thanks for your post. I see my colleague, <inline-mention username="SamanthaSarube" user-id="4200412"/>, has already responded with a suggestion about starting this conversation in its own forum. I think that is a good suggestion and will probably elicit a lot more responses from the community. I also wanted to suggest if you scroll down, within this post, you will see my colleague, <inline-mention username="Lyn Harper, RRT" user-id="2449585"/>, has set out a comprehensive analysis for the use of liquid oxygen. You may find it helpful to begin reading there. Thereafter, your own forum on this topic will certainly attract a lot of attention and hopefully, comments, too! What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
tracyemills Member
<inline-mention username="Lyn Harper, RRT" user-id="2449585"/> <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> Great to read this and it's from 2016. I'm wondering if anything's changed over the last 5yrs. I just spoke w my equipment provider, Apria, and they said they're phasing out liquid 02 so I'll have to report that to my Dr who wanted to move in that direction and I think she's hoping to get Medicare to cover it again. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="tracyemills" user-id="2477857"/> Hi again tracy, and thanks for your response. Liquid oxygen is still readily available - it may just be that particular supplier. It all depends on what is most suitable for you to use in your home. Depending on one's own particular level of disease, oxygen requirements, and mobility needs, the discussion can focus on whether oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators (both stationary and portable), or liquid oxygen would be the best fit for you. Some folks feel that oxygen cylinders (small and large), and oxygen concentrators are all that is necessary in today's home care environment and that liquid is less suitable. You'll probably want to discuss this at length with your prescribing physician and medical supplier (after the doctor conversation). Together, you will come up with the best solution for your own oxygen needs. Naturally, if there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)