Home oxygen equipment is prescribed for people with a range of medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe chronic asthma, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnoea, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. These conditions can make breathing and blood circulation difficult.

Oxygen equipment provides high concentrations of oxygen to increase the level of blood oxygen. This helps with breathing and day to day activities, as well as other symptoms such as oedema.

Users of portable oxygen equipment

Portable oxygen equipment is suitable for those who require oxygen when they are away from home for short periods. It is not recommended for smokers and patients with heart failure. Portable oxygen cylinders are lightweight and usually hold around two to six hours of oxygen. Oxygen is usually provided at between two and four litres per minute.

Most users of portable oxygen equipment will also be using standard long term oxygen therapy. Use of portable oxygen allows patients to leave the home and improve their quality of life.

In the UK, three companies hold contracts with the NHS to provide oxygen equipment and a prescription is required for portable oxygen as well as standard home oxygen. Oxygen equipment is also available privately from other companies. Suppliers can make arrangements with those abroad if a patient goes on holiday.

How to choose portable oxygen equipment

The type of portable oxygen appropriate for patient’s needs is dependent upon several factors. These include whether oxygen is to be delivered in a continuous flow or pulse mode, as well as practical considerations such as size and weight of the oxygen concentrator and possibly whether it can be carried on airlines.

Continuous flow oxygen is provided in a steady stream regardless of the patient’s breathing pattern. It is suitable for frequent travellers requiring oxygen while they sleep. Continuous flow units also have the capacity to deliver pulse doses.

Pulse doses only deliver oxygen when the patient is inhaling. They are suitable for patients participating in activities outside the home.

There are various models for regular and moderate to heavy use. A model which receives consistently good reviews is the Sequal Eclipse 3. It is a portable oxygen concentrator with the ability to provide 16 hours of oxygen a day, making it suitable for patients wishing to travel long distances. It provides oxygen in both continuous and pulse flow and monitors the patient’s breathing. High level doses can be provided as well as lower doses. The battery can provide up to five hours use and it can be used on mains voltage worldwide, as well as on most airlines.

If you are looking for a smaller and more lightweight oxygen concentrator, a product such as the Airsep Freestyle portable oxygen concentrator may be more suitable. It weighs just 2 kg and is one of the lightest on the market. It has up to ten hours’ battery life, can be used on mains electricity internationally and is approved by most airlines.

When choosing portable oxygen equipment it is worth researching products on the internet and discussing with your healthcare provider beforehand which model would be suitable for your needs.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Healthoxygen.com – The Specialist Portable Oxygen Supplier

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of http://Healthoxygen.com – The Specialist Portable Oxygen Supplier (http://www.healthoxygen.com/portable-o2.html)

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Healthoxygen.com – The Specialist Portable Oxygen Supplier

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: portable oxygen, portable oxygen equipment