COPD sufferers who require oxygen therapy have 3 options for oxygen delivery:

Until recently, oxygen therapy patients had to choose between bulky oxygen cylinders and large, semi-mobile oxygen concentrators.  Inventive new designs and technologies have created a new generation of advanced portable oxygen concentrators.  Although they cost a little more, many oxygen therapy patients discover that the increased freedom offered by portable oxygen concentrators is well worth a few extra dollars.  Here are 6 good reasons to spend a little extra on a portable oxygen concentrator:

6 Advantages of Portable Oxygen Concentrators 

1. Ease of Set-Up  Portable oxygen concentrators are much easier to set-up than oxygen cylinders.  You simply plug the unit into a standard electrical outlet and set the flow meter to your physician’s prescribed flow rate.  You can easily move from room to room with lightweight portable oxygen concentrators.  Oxygen cylinders have to wheeled on a cart from room to room and must be handled with care.
2. No Scheduling Deliveries or Storing Oxygen Cylinders  Unlike oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders require continuous refilling.  This means you must schedule and be available for deliveries from a home oxygen equipment supply store.  This also requires finding a secure place to store both full and empty cylinders.  Oxygen cylinders must be handled with care to due the possibility of fire or explosion.
3. Car Travel  One of the greatest benefits of portable oxygen concentrators is how perfect they are for car travel.  Liquid oxygen can be placed into smaller cylinders for travel, but must be refilled.  Several models of portable oxygen concentrators can be plugged into your car’s accessory outlet.  Many also come with rechargeable batteries for even more mobility.  You can even drive while receiving oxygen therapy from a portable oxygen concentrator!  Just place the unit behind your seat on the floor, plug it in and off you go.
4. Air Travel  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved selected portable oxygen concentrators for on-board use.  This ruling has been promoted and endorsed by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).  The FAA does not allow compressed oxygen cylinders in airplane cabins because it is classified as hazardous.  Two of the approved models are the Inogen One and the Sequal Eclipse.  Not all airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators, so you should always check with your carrier prior to departure to see what their requirements are.
5. Unobtrusive and Less Embarrassing  Let’s face it, most people who are receiving oxygen therapy are going to feel self conscious and possible embarrassed at some point.  Who wants to be seen dragging around big oxygen cylinders?  Today’s portable oxygen concentrators weigh just a few pounds and don’t look like "medical equipment".  An oxygen cylinder says "I’m an oxygen therapy patient".  A less stigmatizing portable oxygen concentrator says "I’m going to be active and mobile despite my affliction".
6. Allows a More Active Lifestyle  The average age for onset of COPD in the United States is 60.  This means an increasing number of baby boomers will be receiving oxygen therapy in the future.  Baby boomers are notorious for taking responsibility for their own health and are less willing to accept lifestyle degradation than previous generations.  Portable oxygen concentrators allow unprecedented freedom of mobility.  Jump in your car or hop on an airplane to travel where and when you want.

Although medical portable oxygen concentrators generally cost a little more than standard concentrators or oxygen cylinders, the benefits far outweigh any additional cost.  These innovative units are easy on the electric bill and are virtually maintenance free.  Discover how using a portable oxygen concentrator can improve both your physical and psychological health by increasing your mobility.