portable oxygen concentrator (payment, Medicare)

[Teckeeee]

Not sure which forum.......

My elderly Mom is interested in getting a portable oxygen concentrator because the smallest tank medicare will pay for is too heavy for her.

She has COPD

All I have seen/heard so far is Inogen

Greatly appreciate some feedback from those who have used ones pros, cons

[old_cold]

When it comes to Medicare, Inogen is the easiest solution because they provide the home unit which authorizes the payment and then they include the portable.

If the smallest tank is too heavy, the portables might be too because the batteries aren't all that lightweight.If on a longer outing and/or setting is higher, we used to take 2 batteries which obviously means heavier.
Inogen provides a cart but that can be done with tanks.

IIRC, the smallest tank is the M2 and only weights under 2 lbs.....most commonly used small tank is the B (M6) at a little over 2 lbs and it's almost 5 lbs for the Inogen. Those weights don't include the regulator, of course, so that's a little more.

What she wants or needs depends, also, on how long it has to last and what setting she uses when mobile.

(We did return the Inogen, BTW. It just wasn't satisfactory enough for my husband)

[Teckeeee]

Originally Posted by old_cold

When it comes to Medicare, Inogen is the easiest solution because they provide the home unit which authorizes the payment and then they include the portable.

If the smallest tank is too heavy, the portables might be too because the batteries aren't all that lightweight.If on a longer outing and/or setting is higher, we used to take 2 batteries which obviously means heavier.
Inogen provides a cart but that can be done with tanks.

IIRC, the smallest tank is the M2 and only weights under 2 lbs.....most commonly used small tank is the B (M6) at a little over 2 lbs and it's almost 5 lbs for the Inogen. Those weights don't include the regulator, of course, so that's a little more.

What she wants or needs depends, also, on how long it has to last and what setting she uses when mobile.

(We did return the Inogen, BTW. It just wasn't satisfactory enough for my husband)

Thanks I am going to talk with her today. After I posted I figures since they are expensive if she wants we can start with a rental.

[AtheistAstroGuy]

Before I could reply, you need to list thet specifics of what you need. Questions like:

- How many liters of O2/Hr does she need?

- Does she need continuous flow or will on-demand work (The difference is that continuous flow constantly blows air out of the tank while on-demand is exactly that. It only provides a quick "puff'' of air once it senses that you are inhaling. Some people need one or the other. I use the on-demand during the day but a Constant delivery system at night with my CPAP.

I can tell you I love my portable Inogen. I went with the larger version. While heavier, it lasts longer and can provide more air when I need it.

It came with a handle to carry, a shoulder strap, and a roller assembly - much like very small rolling suitcase you would use at an airline. I've never had a problem with it, and I can no longer lift much anymore.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions about my experience and issues.

[Teckeeee]

Thanks I need to go to her appt. with her pulmonologist there because I am not sure of her specific needs and either is she which is a bit scary.

I got excited for her when I saw an ad for 30 day trial for Inogen One a few day ago, but with her occasional balance/coordination issues I want to insure that whatever credit card we put the trial one is one that hopefully has accidental breakage because because that could be one expensive trial if it gets "banged up"

[_redbird_]

Ours was prescribed by the physician and the local company came to our house to set it up. It is paid for by medicare if a physician orders it.

They gave us 10 little tanks and a home unit for constant flow.