If you use supplemental oxygen, or Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs), you have a greater variety of choices than even just a few years ago.
With POCs, it is not “one size fits all.” There are many variables that can affect your choice of POC. For example, you may need to consider your required liter flow – whether you require pulse dose or continuous flow – and how much battery capacity you need. Other factors would include the degree of portability you require and what type of use you intend. Do you stay at home much of the time, or are you always on the go? When you go out, is it for short periods of time, or are you away from home for several hours?”
The biggest variable with POCs is the size of the individual pulse of oxygen. This may surprise you, but there is no real standard as to what amount of oxygen is in a pulse dose. This means that if one unit is set at a certain number, it may not give you the same amount of oxygen as another unit set on the same number.
One device may be giving you enough oxygen, while the other may not be able to saturate you properly. The measurement of liters is used loosely in POCs and the actual calibrations are not exact.
Do not rent or purchase a unit you are unfamiliar with just prior to taking a trip—or at least arrange to use the unit for a few days before taking your trip. The consequences of not trying it out might result in, at best, a ruined trip, or at worst, putting your health in jeopardy.
Some units have better repair histories than others. Before you make a commitment to a particular unit, take your time and do your homework. Arrange to try the unit before purchase or make sure the company has a liberal return policy if the unit doesn’t work for you. Purchase or rent a particular unit when you are sure you that it will provide you with the correct therapeutic dose (liter flow as prescribed by your doctor), as well as complement and accommodate the lifestyle you want to have or maintain.
It is up to you to determine how you want to use the POC and what lifestyle you want.
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