Oxygen Concentrators
The use of oxygen for medical purposes has been around since the 1800’s.
What Is an Oxygen Concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator (also sometimes called “oxygen generator”) is a medical device used to deliver oxygen to those who require it. People may require it if they have a condition that causes or results in low levels of oxygen in their blood. These oxygen concentrators are normally obtained via prescription and therefore cannot be purchased over the counter. Oxygen concentrators are powered by plugging in to an electrical outlet or by battery. If the concentrator is powered by an electric battery, that battery will need to be charged by plugging into an outlet. Several parts make up a concentrator, including a compressor, sieve bed filter, and circuit boards.
An oxygen concentrator has a compressing element, but it should not be confused with compressed oxygen or an oxygen tank. Whereas a tank has a set amount of oxygen that it dispenses, a concentrator filters in air, compresses it, and delivers air continuously. The air supply will never run out. Instead of refilling compressed air, the concentrator just needs access to power.
How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?
An oxygen concentrator works much like a window air conditioning unit: it takes in air, modifies it and delivers it in a new form. An oxygen concentrator takes in air and purifies it for use by people requiring medical oxygen due to low oxygen levels in their blood.
Taking in air from its surroundings
Removing nitrogen from the air via filter and sieve beds
Adjusting delivery settings with an electronic interface
Delivering the purified oxygen via a nasal cannula or mask
Traveling with Portable Oxygen
Portable oxygen empowers you to reclaim your freedom with a lightweight, portable device that makes all forms of travel possible!
Airplanes
All our products meet FAA guidelines on airlines whose commercial flights start or stop within the United States. Inogen and HDM’s products make traveling with oxygen on airplane flights easy with compact, portable concentrators that fit comfortably under your seat.
Airline travel with oxygen used to be a hassle. Often, flying meant arranging for delivery of oxygen supplies at your destination. The oxygen-airplane conundrum was frustrating for those with on-the-go lifestyles and travel needs. Inogen and HDM saw a need for better technology – less clunky, more convenient – that could keep pace with the active lifestyles of patients.
Car or RV
The Inogen One G3 and G4 can be plugged into the cigarette lighter or the auxiliary DC power supply in your car or RV, and can provide hours of oxygen therapy. The battery-powered device can actually operate and charge simultaneously, giving you unlimited oxygen. Whether you’re driving around town or driving across the country, The Inogen One G3 is ideal for any car or RV trip.
The Z1 Auto, the world’s smallest, lightest, most integrated auto cpap includes an integrated battery system that we call the PowerShell™. It delivers a full night of cord-free power on a fully-charged battery.
You no longer have to worry about running out of oxygen if you get stuck in traffic on the way home or having to fill up your trunk with portable cylinders for a weekend getaway.
Train
There are many different ways that you may travel by train, whether using Amtrak, regional commuter rail, or even local rail lines. Rail carriers in countries outside the United States may have different requirements, as well as different standards for electrical outlets. Before you begin your trip, it is important to check with the specific rail carriers to ensure that any specific guidelines are met.
In the United States, Amtrak requires that you follow these guidelines:
- You must notify Amtrak of your need to bring oxygen aboard and make reservations in advance. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Amtrak requires at least 12 hours’ notice in advance of your train’s boarding time of your need to bring oxygen aboard.
- You must have medical necessity to bring oxygen aboard.
- Your oxygen equipment cannot rely solely on train provided electrical power.
Cruise Line
Using your Inogen One G3 and G4 on a cruise line is as convenient as using it at home. In your cabin, simply plug your device into an AC electrical outlet just as you would at home.
Use battery power for ship activities outside of your cabin. Be sure and keep enough batteries charged to provide power for the duration of your shipboard activities. Most cruise ships offer AC electrical outlets throughout the ship. With the convenient bag or backpack, you can easily carry your AC power supply or extra batteries as you move about the ship.
Get to the seaport early as security personnel may require extra time to inspect your device during the screening process.
