A portable oxygen concentrator is a mobile device that provides oxygen considerably higher than ambient air to a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patient who is active. Fourteen million Americans suffer from various stages of COPD. Oxygen concentrators offer greater mobility for physically active COPD sufferers. The demand for less stigmatizing designs for oxygen concentrators has led to the development of smaller, less cumbersome styling and highly portable powered devices.

Portable oxygen concentrators can be very small like the size of a small camera as in the Free Style by AirSep device which weighs only five pounds and offers 90% oxygen concentration. It is for patients who are very active. It is the lightest most portable oxygen concentrator available. This device is powered by AC and battery. The batteries are rechargeable and have a 3.5 hour recharging cycle. When fully charged the battery life can last up to 4 hours.

Oxygen therapy is no longer delivered in dangerous compressed air tanks which can explode if exposed to a spark or an open flame. Now concentrators allow mobility for users. These devices can be up to 14.85 pounds as in the Oxilife Independence which is 12" x 8" x 8" and has a standard electrical outlet for home. It operates for 3hours at 2 LPM and will flow for 1 hour at 3 LPM.

Many devices are very quiet emitting less than 40 decibels of sound in typical situations. The breathing rate of the user may also create a conflict. Devices can deliver a consistent bolus or shot of oxygen during inhalation despite the difference in breathing rate of the user. The Federal regulations do restrict the use of oxygen on an aircraft. For that reason you will not be allowed to carry your own oxygen on an aircraft. But, oxygen is freely supplied by the airline to the passenger that needs it. So COPD suffers cannot take portable oxygen concentrators on an aircraft. After thorough inspection they can be allowed in the airport.

Travelling by other means is not prohibited and carrying a oxygen concentrator is very simple if you use a wheeled carry all for larger devices.

Many devices are now small enough to carry on your body with a shoulder bag. The devices can be only 10 pounds as with the Respironics EverGo device which comes with its own nylon carry bag with a rubberized handle and adjustable shoulder strap. It has an 8 hour battery life which allows patients to be outside all day and participate in an active lifestyle. Its capacity allows someone who would normally run out of oxygen and be forced to return home to stay out longer and to pursue the lifestyle of their choosing.

The COPD sufferer has options with the concentrator. Because of the improved portability of these devices, the patient can carry on an active lifestyle, travel, play outdoor sports, garden, etc. Now oxygen can be carried in a wheeled carry all, in a small camera size bag, or an additional ten pound shoulder bag.