If you require oxygen therapy and need to fly or are traveling to a location at a higher altitude be sure to have an oxygen concentrator that works for these unique conditions. Here are few things you need to know about high altitudes and oxygen concentrators.
Before Traveling to Higher Altitudes with Oxygen Concentrator, Please Remember:
Discuss with Your Doctor
Let your doctor know about your travel plans. Your doctor may recommend a flow adjustment to your oxygen concentrator to accommodate the change in altitude. Never try to guess what the adjustment should be yourself. Your physician will know best how to modify your therapy.
Is Your Oxygen Concentrator FAA Approved?
Make sure the oxygen concentrator you take is FAA approved. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all passengers who need oxygen therapy be allowed to bring a FAA approved oxygen concentrator. All portable oxygen concentrators from The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop are FAA approved and are labeled with the proper certification.
After ensuring your device is FAA approved, it is best to contact your airline prior to your flight and confirm any requirements they may have (i.e. copy of your prescription or letter of medical necessity) for allowing your device on board.
Use a Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, also known as your oxygen saturation level. Your doctor may recommend a pulse oximeter to closely monitor your oxygen levels so that you can adjust your oxygen concentrator flow rate accordingly while traveling.
Which Portable Oxygen Concentrator Works at the Highest Altitude?
After speaking with your doctor and properly preparing for your trip, you’ll need to ensure the device you choose works at your destination, while still meeting your oxygen needs. Here’s our list of some of the most popular portable oxygen concentrators and how they stack up.
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo works at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. The Philips Respironics SimplyGo features both pulse and continuous flow modes for versatility in therapy and includes a mobile cart and carry case for easy portability wherever you are.
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini offers a more compact and lightweight oxygen concentrator. The FAA approved unit works at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet and can operate up to 4.5 hours on the included standard battery. For longer trips, an extended battery can be purchased for up to 9 hours of power. This device delivers oxygen in up to 5 pulse dose settings.
Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Inogen One G4 portable oxygen concentrator is one of the lightest units we carry, weighing less than 4 pounds with a standard battery. This small, lightweight unit delivers pulse mode flow rates at altitudes up to 10,000 feet for up to 5 hours.
DeVilbiss iGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator with Wheeled Case
Lastly, the DeVilbiss iGo portable oxygen concentrator provides the highest altitude performance, up to 13,123 feet. You can power this oxygen concentrator from a rechargeable battery, an AC power cord or a DC power cord. The DeVilbiss iGo has a built in OSD® (oxygen sensing device), so you can be certain that oxygen is being delivered accurately at any altitude.
The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop has a number of portable oxygen concentrators to fit your needs, no matter what they are. If you need help selecting a device for high altitudes, our knowledgeable customer care team is here to answer any questions. Give us a call at 888-941-1688 or email us at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com.
