Why Portable Oxygen

One of the most important developments of portable oxygen machines is the portable alternatives available. Mobility, quality of life and portable oxygen systems are inseperable and a basic requirement.

Why Portable Oxygen?

We all need oxygen, non stop. Without getting into all the medical explanations it is a simple fact of life. If we do not, we cannot function and that, as they say, is that.

However there are large numbers of people who cannot absorb sufficient oxygen during the normal breathing process.  So they must receive supplemental oxygen and this can be for specific periods of time (when exercising or during sleep, for example) or all the time, day in day out.

This can be due to various causes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the main reasons. In simple terms the lungs have become damaged. 

The main culprit is smoking and to a lesser extent air pollution. What is happening is that during the breathing process their lungs (in fact the damaged alveoli) are not absorbing and retaining enough oxygen to be distributed through the blood stream. This causes a series of complications including breathlessness, drowsiness, headaches and lack of concentration or awareness.

An important factor is that the individual who needs supplemental oxygen must be prescribed with additional oxygen, and as mentioned above this can be for specific periods or continuously. 

In many cases this implies long term oxygen therapy, meaning 24 hours a day and for the long term.  The doctor will determine the amount of oxygen, how often and in many cases will recommend the type of oxygen delivery system that can be used. 

There are two clear implications in the preceding paragraph:

1. Oxygen therapy has to be prescribed.  It is definitely not a question of self-prescription. Oxygen when administered as treatment should be prescribed by a doctor or medical practitioner. Another important point is that lack of oxygen is the result of something (lung damage?) and therefore a symptom.  The underlying cause must be taken into account.
2. Defining how much oxygen and how often refers not only to the physical treatment but also, and this is very important, to the patient´s life style.  The level of activity, being able to stay active, has a lot to do with the individual´s well being, self image, confidence, outlook on life and therefore health.

Why Portable Oxygen

So, in answer to the question, one of the most difficult aspects of coming to terms with the need for supplemental oxygen is that it does affect your lifestyle.  Knowing you cannot survive without extra oxygen does place a heavy load on the way you see yourself and your emotional stability.

Having a portable oxygen system, which can be an oxygen tank, an oxygen cylinder or an oxygen concentrator means you can maintain your level of activity.  In short it means you are not house bound, you are able to develop and participate actively and be the major character in your own life.

This is the main reason for a portable oxygen machine. Your level of activity, mental and physical has a defining influence in your health and outlook to life.