Keep it Cool

Summer has arrived and along with it hot weather. High temperatures bring several health concerns, but oxygen patients who use portable concentrators have an extra one – overheating units. Most portable concentrators are very durable and can endure extra warm temperatures, but under certain circumstances overheating is possible. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your portable oxygen concentrator cool. These simple rules can help you all year long, but are especially important during the summer months.

Preventing Overheating

• Be sure the vents for your portable oxygen concentrator are unblocked.
• Do not leave it in a car with the windows up or in small spaces where it can become especially hot.
• Do not use it while carrying it in a backpack or sack that does not have ventilation.

No Excuse Not to Exercise

When Michael M. of West Valley City, Utah was diagnosed with COPD his doctor stressed to him the importance of exercise for maintaining good health. "That’s a nice idea, but it’s too hard and awkward to exercise with heavy oxygen equipment," he says. Fortunately he did not have to deal with oxygen tanks or other heavy equipment for too long before he saw a commercial for Open-Aire. He found Open-Aire quick and easy to deal with, and it wasn’t too long before he had a new portable oxygen concentrator.

Michael really appreciates the mobility his portable oxygen concentrator allows him. Now he’s able to be more active and do the exercise that he’s supposed to do. He also discovered that one of the additional accessories has allowed him even greater freedom. Michael says, "The backpack* is really handy. I put it on and my hands are free. It makes it easier to exercise. I can use the treadmill or ride the stationary bike without any problems."

Besides the gym, Michael also stays active by using his portable oxygen concentrator while he works around the house and in his backyard. While doing some yard work a few other people have noticed him using it. His neighbor was recently diagnosed with COPD and when he saw Michael using his, he had a lot of questions about it.  "After he saw mine he was sold. Now he’s getting one too!"

*Backpacks are not part of the portable oxygen concentrators insurance set up package, but are available for purchase along with other accessories.

Finding a New Provider

John W. of Illinois recently found himself in a difficult situation. John was preparing for a trip to Belgium, and as a nocturnal oxygen user he needed to make arrangements so that he would have an oxygen concentrator for his trip. At first his oxygen provider assured him they would be able to supply him with a portable oxygen concentrator. However, they soon called him back and informed him that they would not be able to provide him with the equipment he needed.

John wasn’t going to let them stop him from going to Belgium. He decided it was time for a new oxygen provider. John needed to find a company that could provide him with oxygen equipment that would meet all of his needs. After searching on the Internet, John found Open-Aire. His new Case Manager wasted no time in getting started, “Open-Aire worked with my doctor’s office to get all the paperwork filled out. Your company came through, when my old company could and would not,” says John.

Open-Aire got a portable oxygen concentrator shipped out so that he was able to sleep in comfort in Belgium. And it’s been great comfort having it at home too. It’s quieter than his old traditional concentrator and for a nocturnal user like John that makes sleeping a lot easier. Whether he’s at home or traveling, his portable oxygen concentrator is a great all-in-one solution!