Oxygen concentrator: Anyone use an Oxygen Concentrator? I am having a difficult time breathing and I think my lungs need a little boost. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic did not find...

llamb Loc: Northeast Ohio

Anyone use an Oxygen Concentrator?

I am having a difficult time breathing and I think my lungs need a little boost. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic did not find anything wrong last year when it started. I am going to see my physician next week. I shall ask him about an OC unit. I want to know what to look for in an OC unit and what to avoid.

Thanks and enjoy the Fourth.

~Lee

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Yes, I use a big one at home and have a portable that I use in the car when I am traveling. Mine is an Inogen 6 and it does just fine. PM me if you have any further questions.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

randave2001 wrote:

Yes, I use a big one at home and have a portable that I use in the car when I am traveling. Mine is an Inogen 6 and it does just fine. PM me if you have any further questions.

I would like to see the outcome of this, could you post in lieu of a PM my G/F lost a third of one lung and she is wondering about the Inogen.
Thank you

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

You didn't mention who would be paying for this supplemental Home Oxygen Therapy. Will you be covering the cost yourself or will Private Insurance/Medicare be paying? Insurance specifically Medicare has very strict guidelines that must be followed in order for you to qualify for Home Oxygen Therapy. Just because your doctor orders oxygen for you doesn't mean insurance companies or Medicare will pay for it. Assuming that you would qualify under whatever insurance coverage you have, the concentrator would most likely be provided by a Durable Medical Equipment Company in your area. They should have a Registered Respiratory Therapist working for them that can answer all your questions about the different types of home concentrators available. Best Wishes for you, I hope your doctor can determine the underlying cause of your shortness of breath.

llamb Loc: Northeast Ohio

I shall pay for it out of pocket, I don't think my insurance will cover it. It'll be worth it just to breathe again. I will check though. Thanks for the information.

~Lee

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Manglesphoto wrote:

I would like to see the outcome of this, could you post in lieu of a PM my G/F lost a third of one lung and she is wondering about the Inogen.
Thank you

Sorry Frank, did not mean to exclude anyone. I was diagnosed at the end of last year with restrictive lung disease. My pulmonologist put me on oxygen. Medicare is paying for portable oxygen tanks (or so the name implies) and a large oxygen concentrator. In order to give myself more mobility I requested a portable oxygen concentrator which would have been covered by insurance. I then changed my mind and purchased the Inogen G6 portable concentrator. It has served my needs quite well since. I chose the G6 because it had the most levels of adjustment (6) than all the others. I really know nothing about other brands and highly recommend that anyone interested in doing the same thing seek further information from their medical professionals.

OhioJoe Loc: Columbia Station

We have an Inogen portable concentrator used only 6 months. My mother was in assisted living and needed it due to shortness of breath due to congestive heart failure. Neither Medicare or her supplement would pay for it. Not sure why but she was 103, maybe her age??? We are willing to sell this unit at a very reasonable price. Extra battery,charger and carry bag included. Paid $4,000 for unit.

llamb Loc: Northeast Ohio

What accessories come with the unit?

Batteries may be ruined if not exercised and recharged regularly.

How much are you asking for it?

~Lee

OhioJoe Loc: Columbia Station

Made a mistake, it's a Caire Freestyle, serial #CBB5222330179. Bought 9/2/22, used till 2/11/23. Only used for Dr appointments and sometimes to the dining room. $1500.

OhioJoe Loc: Columbia Station

Has 2 batteries, charger, carry case,cigarette lighter charger, separate battery charger. Everything you need to use in the car. 2 hoses with nose piece, and User Manual.

llamb Loc: Northeast Ohio

Thanks Joe. I'll let you know early next week after my doctor appointment.

~Lee

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

OhioJoe wrote:

Made a mistake, it's a Caire Freestyle, serial #CBB5222330179. Bought 9/2/22, used till 2/11/23. Only used for Dr appointments and sometimes to the dining room. $1500.

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but before you sell a concentrator you should know that this is a medical device that produces medical grade oxygen. Believe it or not, high purity Oxygen is considered a prescription drug. This means you can not legally sell it to another individual ... Oxygen concentrators, whether new or used can only be sold by retailers or companies with proper licenses or permits to patients with a prescription.

Retired Registered Respiratory Therapist/Retired Home Medical Equipment Provider.

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

Fstop12 wrote:

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but before... (show quote)

rcarol

llamb wrote:

Anyone use an Oxygen Concentrator?

I am having a difficult time breathing and I think my lungs need a little boost. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic did not find anything wrong last year when it started. I am going to see my physician next week. I shall ask him about an OC unit. I want to know what to look for in an OC unit and what to avoid.

Thanks and enjoy the Fourth.

~Lee

I suggest that you seek the advice of a pulmonologist rather than take matters in your own hands.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

llamb wrote:

Anyone use an Oxygen Concentrator?

I am having a difficult time breathing and I think my lungs need a little boost. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic did not find anything wrong last year when it started. I am going to see my physician next week. I shall ask him about an OC unit. I want to know what to look for in an OC unit and what to avoid.

Thanks and enjoy the Fourth.

~Lee

You must get a prrescription to buy one. My wife used one for years. I have two or three, all nearly new, ones. Things to look for:
1. Maximum flow rate. The headroom should be high enough to allow for increasing demand.
2. If you travel by air, be sure that the one you get is approved by the airlines. My wife always bought Inogen. While using one, you cannot go above 10,000 feet if the plane is not pressurized. The major airlines are pressurized to 7,000 or 8,000 feet, so they are not a problem; however, they still require that the unit be cleared ahead of time. Another requirement is that you carry enough batteries to last at least 50% longer than the flight time of your trip.
3. The batteries are expensive.
4. You need a backup machine. Regular maintenance is required. My wife always bought both a large, stay art home, unit and a smaller travel unit. Toward the end she used a third, even smaller, unit that could run off a USB. It has adapters for running off of a car battery, and for outlets in your home.