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with a battery pack, though these units are significantly more expensive. They weigh anywhere from 6 to 18 pounds and have a battery life of 2-10 hours depending on the unit you get. The lighter units weigh about as much as a gallon of milk. If you are able to carry that much weight for short distances you may be able to use the same unit at home and for going out. If not, you'll need to use smaller portable tanks when you go shopping or visiting outside the home. These small tanks weigh as little as 3 pounds, but you will need to refill them frequently. For that you can get an "Invacare home-fill adapter" or a "Total O2" system to fill your tanks. Liquid oxygen units are also available but you must be able to locate a supplier to refill the unit when it is empty. This is a lightweight, but expensive alternative.

4. How Affordable?
As we have mentioned above, smaller units with battery packs are 5 to 6 times more expensive than the larger roll-around home units which must be plugged in. Smaller lightweight units require refills and home refill stations are an expensive addition to your system. If you use cylinders you'll need to have several on hand so you can refill reserve tanks while you are using other tanks. You'll want to check to see if it would be more cost effective to rent all or part of your system. You'll also want to know what your insurance will pay toward purchase of equipment.

5. What accessories will be needed?
Every oxygen system will need a cannula or mask to carry the oxygen to the individual. Extension tubing will also be needed if you plan to wander very far from the concentrator. There is a danger to the use of extension tubing as it becomes easy to lose track of the tubing and trip over it. There are two or three small connector pieces which are often needed. Small plastic connectors will fasten extension tubing together at the ends, and a small green "Christmas tree" connector will attach your tubing at the source. If you use cylinders, a regulator or conservator will be required to adjust the flow of oxygen from the container. A regulator provides a constant flow of oxygen at the determined rate whereas a conservator will release a puff of oxygen when the user breaths in. These items will cost $50 to $100. The tubing, cannula, masks and connectors will probably total less than $10. If you use cylinders you'll need a carrying bag or rolling cart (another $50-$100). Concentrators occasionally require replacement filters. These are very inexpensive and can be washed with soap and water and reused many times.

Just as with all medical supplies and equipment, oxygen equipment is a significant investment. The good news is, the system you buy will probably last for a decade or more. Also you have the option of renting equipment first until you decide exactly what you will need. Even then you have options to purchase part of your system and continue to rent other parts. Oxygen dependence is not easy, but good oxygen equipment will allow you to continue to be active and independent in your daily living.

Sources:
Central Oxygen Generating Systems: http://www.paragonmed.com/O2_C ONCENTRATORS.shtml#Central
Cyli nders and accessories: http://www.themedicalsupplydep ot.com/index.asp
Concentrators and Home-fill systems: http://www.invacare.com
Total O2 system:http://www.discountmobi lityusa.com/oxygen_equipment_s ales.html

Learn more about this author, Susan Kliebenstein.
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