Are you ready to travel again? 

 As COVID-19 restrictions ease, traveling is becoming a reality again. However, if you or a loved one requires oxygen therapy, it’s essential to be prepared for travel. Whether you're taking a flight, train, or cruise, here’s everything you need to know to travel safely with an oxygen concentrator or tank.

 

What is Oxygen Therapy? 

Oxygen therapy involves the use of supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen levels in your blood. It’s commonly prescribed for individuals with conditions that affect their breathing or blood oxygen levels. It’s important to note that oxygen is a drug, and misuse can lead to complications such as oxygen toxicity and irreversible lung damage. Always ensure you are following your healthcare provider’s guidance.

For trusted oxygen service providers in Ottawa, Ontario, visit Capital Medical Supply for assistance with your oxygen needs.

 

Oxygen Tank Vs. Oxygen Concentrators, which one is better? 

The choice between an oxygen tank and an oxygen concentrator largely depends on your specific needs. Here’s a comparison:

First lets look at the history of oxygen tanks and concentrators.  Having the first oxygen tanks around since the 1800s and evolved to what they are now, it is a no brainer on how much technology has been pumped into the oxygen therapy sector. Now-a-days you have access to old fashioned oxygen tanks, Stationary Concentrators for home use and also the newest technologies of portable oxygen concentrators with batteries that can last up to 10 hours! 

 

 

On one hand Oxygen Tanks do not require electricity and on the other Stationary Concentrators run on electricity. In the event of a power outage, anyone that just has a home oxygen concentrator without a back up tank or portable concentrator will not have access to their oxygen therapy unless powered by a back up generator. Additionally, certain healthcare providers offer installation services of large T or K sized- oxygen tanks at home and are able to act as an emergent back-up supply of supplemental oxygen for a much longer period of time vs. a portable concentrator in the event of a power outage. 

Did you know Oxygen Concentrators create their own oxygen whilst Oxygen Tanks need to be refilled? Yes, that is right. Concentrators make their own oxygen! No more refills, no more waiting for oxygen deliveries, staying home due to depletion of oxygen or unexpected delays in oxygen tank deliveries! Definitely something to consider as it can be weeks for a delivery depending on the situation. Be worry-free with a Stationary Concentrator by doing the regular maintenance which usually only includes: Cleaning the air filter monthly, replacing the HEPA filter once per year and replacing the nasal cannulas and oxygen tubing on a monthly or as needed basis. 

Furthermore, Airlines are growing weary of pressurized oxygen tanks. Therefore many will not accept pressurized tanks unless specifically requested by a medical doctor with significant evidence of hypoxemia requiring high-flow oxygen therapy. In these cases, portable oxygen concentrators (POC) such as the OxyGo NEXT (Inogen 5) or OxyGo G3  (Inogen 3) would be the #1 choice for ease of travelling with oxygen therapy. The key here is to ensure that the device meets the criteria for your travelling needs. For Example, majority of airlines require the portable concentrators to have 1.5x battery charge than the anticipated travel time. This can be looked at as an inconvenience to some given the price of POC batteries, but overall it is to ensure the safety of the passenger and preparing for the worse. After all, the saying is "Hope for the best, prepare for the worse". If you are looking for POC batteries, please go to CapitalMedicalSupply.ca for the most competitive prices! 

 

Getting a hard copy of an Oxygen prescription. 

No matter where your destination is, it is ALWAYS a good idea to get your hands on the physical oxygen prescription. This will set your mind at ease knowing that whatever questions come your way or whatever the situation is, no one will be able to take away or refuse admittance due to your oxygen therapy. If you don't have one yet or you have misplaced it, close this window and call your doctor ASAP! 

 

Any other documents needed to travel with Oxygen Therapy?

A prescription for oxygen is great and no one will be able to argue whether you need it or not. However, Airlines, Train companies & Cruise lines can all have their own systematic approach for accepting medical equipment such as Oxygen Concentrators on board. The number one reason for this is for your safety and all passengers' safety. The second reason is to ensure your needs will not be un met in the event of delays or any unexpected events.

To see if your Oxygen Concentrator is FAA approved, go to Acceptance Criteria for Portable Oxygen Concentrators.

Here are some airline resources to check for specific travel requirements:

• WestJet Oxygen Guidelines
• Air Canada Oxygen Travel
• United Airlines Medical Travel Information
• Copa Airlines Medical Requirements
• Aeromexico Oxygen Policy

Conclusion

Choosing the right oxygen equipment is essential for safe and stress-free travel. From my experience in the respiratory service industry, I highly recommend portable oxygen concentrators for their convenience, especially for air travel. For home use, a stationary concentrator is ideal for ensuring a steady oxygen supply.

When traveling with oxygen therapy, always plan ahead, keep your documentation handy, and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe trip. Visit Capital Medical Supply for more information on oxygen concentrators, tanks, and travel accessories.