How can an Individual Travel Safely and Comfortably using Oxygen Concentrators?

For people with respiratory issues, traveling can be a daunting task. This is because our environment may not always be favorable for respiratory patients. So does it mean that a person with such an issue must curb the desire to explore? Well, in today's time, there must be an answer! With the advancement of technology, several medical devices can help respiratory patients. Thanks to one such device called oxygen concentrators, whose sturdiness and portability can become the best companions for those with such issues.

It's understandable if one doubts medical devices like nebulizers or oxygen concentrators for easy breathing. The answer is yes; they are comfortable only when one learns how to use them. In this blog, we will walk on the path of comfort while using oxygen concentrators, discovering effective ways to do the same.

* What are oxygen concentrators?

Normal air in the environment consists of 21 percent oxygen on average. An oxygen concentrator is a device that converts that oxygen to 90–95 percent. It separates the nitrogen and supplies pure oxygen. The devices are of various kinds and either use electricity or battery power or are stationary. There are certain ways in which oxygen concentrators help make them the best device to use:

• It improves the breathing rate.
• Raises the oxygen saturation level in the blood.
• It improves heart health by reducing the strain caused by low oxygen levels.
• It helps with deep breathing as a result of oxygen therapy.

* It is used mostly by people with the following issues:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Lung cancer 
• Sleep apnea

* Things to consider when you're using oxygen concentrators while traveling:

The freedom to explore comes not only from understanding oxygen concentrators but also from knowing how to use them. By following certain tips and precautionary measures, one can conveniently, comfortably, and safely travel with oxygen concentrators. Below, we have mentioned a few such tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning is the foremost thing to do. This is because there are certain chances of dust and dirt being choked up in pipes or cannulas that can hinder their effectiveness. So ensure that before any journey you explore, you clean the device and make a schedule to clean it at intervals. A few cleaning tips include:

• Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the outer surface.
• Use a mild detergent to rinse it well.
• Unplug the device while washing.
  
• Follow airline policies: If you are planning to carry oxygen concentrators while on the flight, ensure to read the airline policies beforehand. This is because airlines' policies have certain rules and regulations that lay out the criteria based on which devices like oxygen concentrators can be taken. So, double-check the policies before taking the flight to avoid any inconvenience.
• Physician's involvement: Firstly, it's suggested not to use oxygen concentrators before consulting the doctor or professionals. After involving them, please keep in mind to have a prescription and documents that can prove your ethical use of oxygen therapy. This can also serve as proof to show if asked at certain places.
• Check the climate: Always ensure to check the climatic conditions and region of the place you are going to. This is because the climate directly influences the oxygen level in the environment. Also, regions like mountainous areas or cold places have low oxygen levels, which might affect health. So before going to such places, ensure to consult with the doctor once before going or adjust the settings of oxygen concentrators.
  
• Stay equipped: Make sure to carry adequate parts of oxygen concentrators with you while traveling. That includes spare parts for pipes, filters, cannulas, and other necessary items. It also includes supplies essential for cleaning so that the working of oxygen concentrators doesn't get hindered and longevity is maintained.
• Carry a portable battery: A battery is life for oxygen concentrators. It is the battery that makes oxygen concentrators portable. For that, it's highly suggested to carry batteries in full charge. Also, ensure to charge the existing battery in the oxygen concentrators. It is not necessary to find the power source to charge; that's why it is advised to carry an extra one to ensure safety.
  

The following tips we mentioned are highly suggested to ensure the enjoyment you attain while exploring. Traveling might be a daunting task, but having such devices can surely make it feasible to use them. When the device is used as per the instructions, it can be comfortable and convenient to use. That's why it is judicious to follow it and comply with a doctor’s advice.

* Read out more as our blogs talk about traveling with devices and how to maintain the same:

• How can portable nebulizers make traveling easy for asthma patients?
• Maintenance Tips for Oxygen Concentrators: Ensuring Longevity