Wednesday, April 5, 2017

The Sky's The Limit

Richard W. of Danville, IN is so happy with his portable oxygen concentrator from Open-Aire that he says, “it makes me want to stand on my head!”  He had been using oxygen for several years, and was very unhappy with all the limitations oxygen tanks had put on his life. When he learned about portable oxygen concentrators he thought that was exactly what he needed.  “I didn’t even know this was an option,” he says.  When his old provider would not offer him one, he looked around for a new company and found Open-Aire. A few weeks later, he got an OxyGo from Open-Aire, and couldn’t be happier.

Now Richard plans on using his portable oxygen concentrator to do something he has wanted to do for a long time. His son has a pilot’s license and Richard has wanted to go flying with him. But, due to the small planes he flies, oxygen tanks are not allowed onboard. However, portable oxygen concentrators are allowed on planes. “Before, I couldn’t go on with an oxygen tank, but that’s not going to stop me anymore.” Now the sky is the limit for Richard, and he’s finally going to fly with his son.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

The Tiny Little Concentrator

Rebecca H. of Elon, NC loves her OxyGo Fit portable oxygen concentrator provided by Open-Aire. She lives in an assisted living community, and her portable concentrator or "pocketbook" as she calls it, has made a world of difference for her. With it, she's able to go out and do things around town. There’s a local college nearby, where she takes classes on biblical dance and literature.  It's quiet enough that she is able to run it the entire time without interrupting the teacher’s lectures. Her family also drops by for visits and they'll take her out to lunch or to do some shopping.

Her portable concentrator has also gotten a lot of notice around the community.  Rebecca says, "We go to the dining room for our meals, and there are two other ladies [that] are on oxygen besides me. They have huge tanks. They keep asking me over and over again about my tiny little concentrator."  She tells them that Open-Aire is the place to go!

Friday, February 17, 2017

"They're the Best"

Larry B. of Lois, SC learned about Open-Aire from a source that even surprised us.  Larry had been on oxygen for about seven years, and used a portable oxygen concentrator during that time. He liked being able to pick up and go and not having to be tied down to stationary concentrators. When it broke down, his old provider refused to repair it or even politely offer an alternative solution.  “They told me I didn’t really need it, and it was only a convenience,” said Larry. “Their customer service had always been bad, but this was the last straw.”

Larry checked another local oxygen provider, and while they were friendly they couldn’t provide him with a portable concentrator.  However, they did give him a very nice suggestion.  “They told me when it comes to portable oxygen, Open-Aire is the company you want to work with. They’re the best,” says Larry. “When one company tells you to check out a competitor, you should listen.”

With a recommendation from the competition, Larry went to Open-Aire for the portable oxygen concentrator he was looking for, and also got the customer service he wanted.  “My doctor had just changed practices, and was still getting up to speed in his new office. Open-Aire helped him out and made things real easy for him.”  Now Larry is back to being able to pick up and go anytime and anywhere he wants.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

"Like a Miracle"

W.J. of Hardinsburg, KY is a new oxygen patient, but he has very quickly come to appreciate how much of a difference his portable oxygen concentrator has made in his life. In fact, "it's like a miracle," he says.  Currently, W.J. is undergoing weekly treatment at his local hospital, and has regular doctor appointments.  He is out of his home 4 or 5 times a week, and with this kind of schedule standard oxygen tanks would not work for him. "I used oxygen tanks for a short time, but they were too heavy."

Fortunately, W.J. was referred to Open-Aire and he was able to get a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator that has greatly reduced the burden of his hospital trips. Now that the tanks are gone, his trips to the hospital are much easier. "One battery is all it takes," he says. "That gets me to the hospital. I use their equipment while I’m there, and when it’s time to leave my portable oxygen concentrator is still ready to go."  We wish W.J. the best, and hope his trips to the hospital end soon so he can return to  an active and mobile life.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Destination: Grand Canyon

John Z. of Hanover Park, IL is a real explorer. This past summer he took his portable oxygen concentrator on a road trip across America. Starting in Illinois, John made a 2,000 mile drive along historic Route 66 until he reached his destination, The Grand Canyon. "It was a long, but beautiful trip," says John. Along the way he made stops at many restaurants, museums, and other national landmarks like Meteor Crater in Arizona and the Continental Divide.  The whole drive was possible due to his portable oxygen concentrator.  

With his portable concentrator he didn’t need to worry about driving with dozens of oxygen tanks. Instead, all he needed to do was plug it into his car’s cigarette lighter and begin his day’s drive without worrying about running out of oxygen. "We averaged about 400 miles a day for 5 days. I don’t see how I could have done that using oxygen tanks."  Open-Aire is happy that we could help John on his amazing road trip, and look forward to hearing about where he goes next.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

November is National COPD Awareness Month.

This observance is a time to raise awareness among those afflicted, healthcare providers, and the communities in which we live.

Did you know?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. The disease kills more than 120,000 Americans each year – that’s one death every four minutes – and causes serious, long-term disability. The number of people with COPD is increasing. More than 12 million people are diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don’t even know it. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends the following:

1. Be aware of the risk factors
2. Recognize the symptoms
3. Ask your physician or healthcare provider about a simple breathing test
4. Follow treatment advice

Key risk factors for COPD:
If you…
  • have shortness of breath, chronic cough, or have trouble performing simple daily tasks like climbing stairs, grocery shopping, or laundry;
  • are over age 40 and currently smoke or used to smoke;
  • have worked or lived around lung irritants like chemicals or fumes; have certain genetic conditions;
… you could be at risk for COPD.

If you are at risk for COPD:
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about shortness of breath, chronic cough, or decline in activity level.
  • Get a simple breathing test, also known as spirometry.
  • Quit smoking. Need help? Talk to your physician or healthcare provider.
  • Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs.
Manage your COPD:
  • Take medication as directed by your physician or healthcare provider.
  • Use oxygen therapy if prescribed by your physician or healthcare provider.
  • Enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
  • Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs.
  • Get flu and pneumonia shots as directed by your physician or healthcare provider.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

The Handyman

James B. of Las Vegas, NV had only been on oxygen a short time the day he saw a commercial for Open-Aire’s portable oxygen concentrators.  “A small concentrator that you can fly with? That sounds better than what I have,” he thought to himself. He soon called and started working with Open-Aire’s case managers.  He was able to get a portable concentrator through Medicare and his supplemental insurance, and had a great experience during the entire process. “The employees were absolutely super the whole way through." Now he’s getting ready to fly to Phoenix, AZ to visit family, and preparing for another trip back east later in the year.

Traveling isn’t the only thing that has become an easier experience. James is even able to get back to doing his home handiwork. “A few days ago I replaced a sink and faucet and had my portable oxygen concentrator going the whole time. And I got it done too!” says James.  He does it all from start to finish. He goes to his local hardware store, grabs a shopping cart, puts his portable oxygen concentrator in it, and starts looking for all the things he needs to get the job done.  “I can take my time and walk around like it’s not even there.” James has other projects that will be keeping him busy, and his portable oxygen concentrator will ensure he’s able to do them.