You have the chance to take that trip you always dreamed of, but life brought some health challenges your way. You are afraid that they may prevent you from taking advantage of this opportunity.
Stop, no negative thinking allowed here. Sit down and figure out just what you need to make it happen.
Finding a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) for travel will not be hard as they come with a wide variety of capabilities.
Since some needs may not be ones your medical condition requires all the time, rentals of specific portable oxygen concentrators for travel might be best for you.
What form of travel will you be doing?
Will you be flying? You may need a POC that has a long battery life if flying overseas or even across the United States.
Is your trip overseas? You need the longer battery life mentioned above, also the ability of being able to charge your unit with common overseas plugs needed. Check with your supplier about these.
Are you going to a high altitude level? Make sure that your unit is capable of handling the stronger oxygen saturations that higher altitudes demand. Using a pulse oximeter may help you know if you are getting enough oxygen at any altitude. There are also simple pulmonary function tests that can be done to check your ability to handle higher altitudes. Check with your doctor about this.
Top Three Portable Oxygen Concentrators for Travel
When looking for the top portable oxygen concentrators for travel, you will find the Inogen One G3, the SeQual eQuinox and the LifeChoice Activox Pro are three top choices.
Common to all: All three are accepted by the FAA as being allowed on board an airplane. You are also able to get the international plugs adapters for charging overseas.
INOGEN ONE G3
Size: This POC has the low weight of 4.8 pounds and its size is perfect. (7.25” H x 8.75” W x 3” D)
Battery: If a long distance flight is planned, the 16 cell option is what you will need. It can deliver 8-12 hours. Your setting will determine how long it will last for you.
Altitude capability: The Inogen One G3 is good up to 10,000 feet. Remember, commercial airlines pressurize the airplane's cabin to 8,000 feet.
More information: This unit has an adaptive response in that it senses just what you need for saturation and will adjust the rate automatically. It is also equipped with a sleep mode technology for nighttime use.
SEQUAL EQUINOX
Size: It is heavier, at 14 lbs when using the 12 cell battery and its size equals its weight increase (13.6” H x 10.6” W x 7.4” D) See the additional information below that explains the why.
Battery: This varies depending on which mode of delivery you need. It will give up to 5.9 hours on pulse flow and 4.8 hours on continuous flow. It includes a slim power cord for charging from a DC outlet. For longer power needs, a spare charged battery can be easily switched out.
Altitude capability: This is the perfect unit for high altitudes, it operates efficiently up to 13,130 feet
More information: The SeQual eQuinox delivers both Pulse Dose and continuous therapy. One unique feature is its Voice Module Interface. It announces all changes in settings on more which can be helpful in low light settings. If you have more advanced medical needs, this may be the best choice for you
LIFECHOICE ACTIVOX PRO
Size: This model is one of the lightest (4.3 pounds). Its dimensions are 7.8” H x 9.05” W x 4.3” D
Battery: Its internal battery gives 12.5 hours on setting 1, with an optional external batter that adds 3 hours of use and less that a pound of weight.
More information: The auto mode technology and pulse wave delivery systems work to deliver treatment all day and night. It also adjusts to your breathing rhythm and oxygen saturation needs. Auto mode technology is the Activox Pro's sleep mode technology.
Once you find the portable oxygen concentrator for travel that fits your needs, your dream trip will be waiting. Bon Voyage!
