Travel Oxygen Concentrator: Information & Tips

Not so long ago people who received supplemental oxygen found it very difficult to travel and the longer the distance the greater the difficulties Visiting or traveling major distances abroad or a trip that involved hours of travel or any other reason was a major problem. Basically it was all because of two things:

1. The portable oxygen machine.
2. The rules and regulations from the particular public transport you planned to use.

When limited to oxygen tanks or cylinders you had to think about storage, which means not only weight but also that they don't interfere with anyone else. You also had to calculate how long your oxygen would last, plan accordingly and make sure you had a reserve. And then all that had to fit into the limits set by the airplane or train or bus.. Take air travel for instance. You could not take your own equipment (although they did let you send in storage empty tanks) and were limited to what the airline - if at all - provided.
travel oxygen concentrator have changed how anyone needing extra oxygen can travel.
Patients who have been receiving additional oxygen for a time. manage their day to day activities in a semi-automatic way - at least those that have to do with their oxygen supply. (Obviously this depends on many factors, not least the extent of lung damage and age). But travel until a very short while ago was a major, and many times exasperating and frustrating, exercise.

Travel plans for those who need supplemental oxygen require more care and preparation than usual. The length of the trip, whether it is a short, a medium or a long one you still have to plan. If you are going by car, by plane, by train or by ship, there are a series of things that you need to take into account and they all have to do with the oxygen supply.

Will it last during travel?
Can you carry your oxygen concentrators?
What are the rules for taking your oxygen system?

And this is where a travel oxygen concentrator comes into its own.

Air Travel:
The FAA has approved the following POC's (portable oxygen concentrators): Inogen One, Respironics EverGo, Sequal Eclipse, Invacare XPO2 and the Airsep Lifestyle & Freestyle. All airlines that fly over US airspace must allow them on board. Having said that it is your responsibility to make sure you comply with the airlines requirements.

Train Travel:
It is recommended you notify Amtrak at least 24 hours prior to traveling, but as with any travel plans it is always best to give yourself more time.
Maximum allowed oxygen on board cannot exceed one double tank set up of 50 pounds. You must be able to separate the tanks and they cannot be on wheels. A six-tank set up is allowed as long as each tank is less than 20 pounds.
Travel oxygen concentrators that require electrical power must include a self-contained (battery) for trips less than 12 hours. Electrical power on the train may be used for trips greater than 12 hours. You should carry additional oxygen in the event of travel delays. And finally reserve a private compartment if possible.

Ships and Cruise Vacations
Ask your travel agent if there are any special requirements when traveling with oxygen. Most cruise lines specify each passenger must make his or her own oxygen arrangements. Your oxygen supplier should be able to help you with coordinating oxygen for your trip or direct you to an organization that specializes in travel oxygen. Passengers must provide a letter from their doctor prior to travel indicating they are fit to travel, travel plans and oxygen prescription (hours of use and oxygen flow rate).

Car Travel

oxygen concentrators can be used with most vehicle car lighter adapters or internal batteries decreasing the number of compressed oxygen cylinders required or eliminating the need for liquid oxygen reservoirs.
As a general rule you should always carry a copy of your prescription including oxygen litre flow and hours of use, with you at all times as well as a current list of medications you are receiving. Make several copies of the prescription and medication list as you may need to present a copy to flight attendants or oxygen suppliers during your travel.


by Philip Robinson