General Chat

that there are portable oxygen concentrators, some weighing as less than 2lbs. Has anyone any experience of these or know of someone who does? It would certainly be more helpful than an oxygen bottle.

Chris I just googled out of interest. Have you done that. What a good idea they are. I did not look at any prices though.

I have been googling everywhere on and off past couple of days Sylvia. There is one which weighs less than a bag of sugar!

I was given a small oxygen cylinder for going out - lasts 4 hours but now they have done away with this size (and it was heavy) and issuing larger one. I could not carry the small one anyway.

Have asked fro prices (bad idea when they do not show them) and if price excludes VAT.

Chris, I will keep an idea on this thread, as the information will be useful to a family member.
I didn't know about the discontinuation of the smaller oxygen cylinders.... Is that a very new thing, as I know they had the smaller size ready for replacement when we visited recently.

Gwyn

Yes Gwyn - in our area anyway.

Interesting.... I wonder if that's to be widespread.

In the past we have transported him and his small oxygen cylinder in our car and we were told that this was OK as the amount of oxygen didn't need elaborate precautions re. safety, but larger containers might be a whole different issue, especially for when he needs to phone for community transport for hospital visits.

Will post if I hear an update on your original question.

Gwyn

I have no personal experience, but have recently seen a gentleman out and about on the bus into Great Yarmouth with a portable concentrator in a backpack.

I was interested as before I retired I had a lot of experience at work with the regular concentrators and the portable cylinders.

It will give a lot more freedom to people who need to use oxygen when they go out.

Lyndi - OH saw a man with backpack at the races and full face mask on some months ago.

The brochure I have is the smallest one (which I could carry) is 6" high and can be worn on a belt or over shoulder.

Matron called in today and I showed her - she was very interested as she had not been aware of the very small ones. Mind you they are not cheap but if they give back some mobility etc., be well worth it. Prices are minus VAT. Can be recharged with mains, battery and car lighters.

Will keep informed as I find it! Waiting for an oxygen delivery and pick the gentleman's brains. They also give an hours demo.

Takes ages to get info - the oxygen company I get my oxygen/concentrator would not speak to me about these, I only wished to know what weight/size the portables were.

After chasing up - the Respiratory Nurse at surgery today got the info I asked for.

Two options -

1. Liquid oxygen - you get a tank which must be stored in a garage etc - not in house. A portable liquid oxygen lasts for about 7 hours and can be topped up from the main tank.
(My objection is you are still tied as to how far you can go or stay out of home.)

2. There is a portable concentrator (weighs about 5 lbs) but can be recharged from a cigarette lighter in car so greater mobility.

3. Both of these work on the pulse mode (oxygen released when breathing in - not on constant flow).

These are both available on NHS - the good news is that the surgery can arrange this for me so I have asked for the portable concentrator and see how that works for me. If it is too heavy well then I shall have to spend son's inheritance and buy the private one!!!!!!

Will let you know how I find it - when I receive it!.

Why does no one ever inform you of these options or anything else when you are infirm or disabled?

Laziness/lack of time or easier to deal with the lowest common denominator.

I think cost may be a factor as well :-(
Have seen a few about now, whereas I always used to see the small cylinders. I have only seen people with nasal canulae, not a full face mask.

My friends mum has one and they paid over £3000 for hers. :-(

Chris
Do let us know how you get on with this please.

Gwyn

The one I would really like is the private one which is less than a bag of sugar and costs £1800.

I will do Gwynn