Up until recently, patients that required regular oxygen therapy had to rely on oxygen tanks that were not only huge but often quite heavy as well. As a result, many people who required these oxygen tanks found it difficult to enjoy a normal life.
Luckily, thanks to new technological breakthroughs, we now have portable oxygen concentrators! These incredible devices filter oxygen from the air and store it for later use in a much smaller and lighter tank. Besides being easy to carry, portable oxygen concentrators come with many other amazing benefits.
Enjoy Mobility and Travel With Ease
Now you can take advantage of portable and compact oxygen concentrators which don’t need refills. These units work on batteries that last as long as 12 hours, but also come with power adapters for charging. Anyone who relies on an oxygen tank knows how difficult it is to travel and that flying is practically impossible. During air travel, passengers experience a decrease in air pressure that can make it difficult to breathe for lung disease patients. Worse yet, you’re not allowed to bring oxygen tanks aboard.
Fortunately, more than a few portable oxygen concentrators have been approved by the FAA for those who want to fly.¹ Even so, always check with the airline whether you can bring your concentrator into the airplane. If you cannot be disconnected from the oxygen concentrator, you might be searched by the TSA. Otherwise, you will be able to pack it into your carry-on bag.
A Portable Oxygen Concentrator Comes With Other Benefits
Before buying a portable oxygen concentrator, people often overlook just how much of an advantage it is to be able to freely move for your overall mood. Whether it’s a grocery trip, a visit to relatives, or enjoying recreational activities, one such device will quickly prove invaluable to you. A portable oxygen concentrator can be quite compact and lightweight, and fit into a shoulder bag.
Another hidden benefit of a portable oxygen concentrator is the fact that your sleep is likely to improve. It can deliver a steady flow of oxygen and give you a good night’s sleep every time. Thanks to this, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and will be more likely to exercise as a result.
How Much Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Cost?
Prices of portable oxygen concentrators depend on their weight and how much oxygen they can store. According to CostHelper,² your machine might cost from $2,000 to $6,000. But you don’t have to buy one outright; you can rent it as well on a monthly basis.
Other than that, patients needing a portable oxygen concentrator can get it at a reduced price or even without paying anything. This depends on your insurance company and whether you have a recommendation or prescription from your doctor.
Medicare Might Cover your Portable Oxygen Concentrator
If you have a doctor’s prescription or recommendation for a portable oxygen concentrator, you may be able to get it covered by Medicare. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover any prescribed equipment that counts as durable medical equipment, including a portable oxygen concentrator. If you can prove that your portable oxygen concentrator is a necessary asset or you have a health condition that requires continuous oxygen or oxygen therapy, you may meet the requisites for Medicare coverage. All you have to do is meet a few conditions. Your doctor must believe strongly that your health will improve with oxygen therapy, your arterial blood gas level has to fall within a certain range, you have a severe lung disease or you are not getting enough oxygen, and other alternative treatment options have not been successful.³
In any case, you should do your own research and compare offers online to find the best option for your budget and insurance plan in the least amount of time.
[1] Federal Aviation Administration. “Acceptance Criteria for Portable Oxygen Concentrators.” October 11, 2019. https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/cabin_safety/portable_oxygen/
[2] “Oxygen Concentrators Cost.” CostHelperHealth. https://health.costhelper.com/oxygen-concentrator.html
[3] Medicare.gov. “Oxygen Equipment & Accessories.” Is My test, item, or service covered? https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories