What Oxygen Concentrators Work Best During Cold Weather?

What Oxygen Concentrators Work Best During Cold Weather?

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We recently received a question about which portable oxygen concentrators work best in frigid weather:

“My husband and I are new to this oxygen stuff, the doctor just prescribed it. He is only 49 years old, so you can imagine there is still plenty to do, no sedentary lifestyle here! He feels quite tethered to the bed, let alone the house! So we are looking into renting or purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator unit. He likes the very small inconspicuous one, AirSep Focus & I thought the Respironics Simply Go would be more practical, battery duration & all.

Any advice on these matters would be appreciated. Also, I saw the specifications on some of these units & they cannot be used in climates colder than 41 degrees F; We live in the northeast, on Long Island in NY. ITS FREEZING HERE, this winter has been horrible, with lots of cold weather! Are there any of these units that work for our climate, or do you suggest we move which is out of the question! PLEASE HELP! Thanks, Renee”

Thanks for your question, Renee! Getting a portable oxygen concentrator is a great decision if you want to still have your freedom, no matter what time of year it is. Your husband is active, which tells us he wants to spend a lot of time outside, even in cold weather. Even though he might not be able to go out for very long in very cold weather, doesn’t mean he has to be confined to the home during the winter with a portable oxygen concentrator.

All of the portable oxygen concentrators on the market do not do well in conditions of less than 41 degrees Fahrenheit for very long. Not even the more robust ones, like the DeVilbiss iGo, or the SeQual Eclipse. For that matter, being outside in temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit for very long won’t be good for your husband, either. Cold temperatures are known to exasperate chronic lung diseases.

If you don’t plan on being outside for very long – from the house to the mailbox and back, or from the car to the house, etc – then the portable oxygen concentrator that you choose will be fine. Being out for prolonged periods of time will eventually cause the inner workings of the concentrator to start to wear, or freeze if conditions are well below freezing.

The best thing to do in this case, is to find something fun to do indoors. He might want to try an indoor shooting range or indoor driving range to keep him occupied until the weather gets back above freezing.

The Respirionics SimplyGo is a great choice, but the small Focus is, as well. We’re assuming he wants to be away from home for a long time when he goes out, so you’re right about the SimplyGo’s battery being the tie-breaker here.

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

5 thoughts on “What Oxygen Concentrators Work Best During Cold Weather?

  1. to think we can send a man to the moon, but can not spend the money to upgrade battery power or tubing quality for temperatures (lets say) 20 degress, or less as we have in New England!!.
    if we are paying for POC `, then therre will be a way to finance tubing and batteries to mwork in lower temps.
    Thank you,
    Nancy

  2. Scott, I live in a 5th wheel camper. I live in Idaho where winters hit minus 70 on regular occasions. When it is minus 70 I have my furnace which is propane, my catalytic heater which is propane, my cooking range which is propane and my water heater which is propane. They are scattered evenly throughout my home.
    Being recently prescribed an oxygen concentrator for 24/7 use I wonder where I am going to have it set up inside my home with all these direct spark ignition appliances. I have studied a bit and understand that 90% oxygen is heavier than the air we breathe. So that puts the furnace and the water heater in a position to cause an explosion because they are both on a lower level of the trailer.
    I hope you have a suggestion about where I can place my concentrator inside my 5th wheel camper where it won’t cause my house to catch on fire.
    I live this way because I cannot afford to buy a house or pay rent. I live on under 1600 a month and rent runs about 1500 to 2000 a month and to buy a home the payments for a cheap fixer upper is around 2000 to 3000 a month. My space rent is 160 a month. So you see, I really cannot afford to do any other living arrangements.

    • Your safety is paramount, especially when dealing with oxygen concentrators and propane appliances in a confined space. Placing your oxygen concentrator in a safe location is crucial to avoid any potential hazards. Here are some steps you can consider:
      1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Speak with your healthcare provider about your living situation and safety concerns. They may provide guidance on the best placement for your oxygen concentrator.
      2. Locate the Oxygen Concentrator Away from Propane Appliances: It’s essential to keep your oxygen concentrator away from any propane appliances or sources of open flame. Ensure there is a considerable distance between them.
      4. Secure Oxygen Tanks: If you are using oxygen tanks as a backup or supplementary oxygen source, store them in a safe place, away from potential ignition sources.
      5. Fire Safety Measures: Equip your living space with appropriate fire safety equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Regularly test and maintain these devices.
      6. Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific oxygen concentrator model regarding safe usage and placement.
      7. Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency plan in place in case of any mishaps, such as knowing how to turn off appliances and safely evacuate if necessary.
      8. Consider an Outdoor Storage Solution: If possible, you might explore options for safely storing your oxygen concentrator outdoors in a secure, well-ventilated, weatherproof enclosure, ensuring it remains accessible to you.

      Please prioritize your safety and well-being, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from professionals who can assess your unique situation and provide recommendations tailored to your needs.

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