Swimming While Using an Oxygen Concentrator

Swimming While Using an Oxygen Concentrator

Rate This Story

2 Votes So Far

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Of course, like many electronic pieces of equipment, it can’t get wet. Not only is it dangerous, but it will cause the machine to malfunction or stop working. Swimming while using an oxygen concentrator seems to be completely out of the question. But just like with all things, where there is a will, there’s a way!

Before you jump into a pool while using your oxygen concentrator, listen to the story of one man who does it without hurting himself or ruining his expensive piece of oxygen therapy equipment. Jim T. of Michigan enjoys getting in the pool and getting some aquatic exercise as part of his fitness plan.

“I couldn’t see not being able to get in the pool anymore. It’s my favorite form of relaxation, and it’s my favorite way to exercise. I need to get oxygen while I exericse because of my COPD, and for a time when I’m not exercising throughout the day.”

Jim figured out how to keep his Lifechoice Activox, which is a portable oxygen concentrator, safe while he did some light water aerobics, and while he did a few laps and floated like he enjoys doing.

I love exercising in the pool because it’s so much easier on my joints than jogging or walking. I bike too, but it’s nowhere near as enjoyable as being in my pool.

Not being one to be easily defeated, Jim secured his Activox on a lawn chair, located 4 feet away from the edge of the pool.

I wouldn’t dare do this anywhere else but my own pool, because I know not to splash it and I have more control over the environment. I wouldn’t recommend doing it at a community swimming pool. Maybe a friend’s house, but that’s it. I also wouldn’t recommend using a concentrator that is plugged into an outlet. Just in case it gets wet, it would be dangerous.

Jim uses a long rubber tubing, which allows him to safely swim out across the pool, just far enough to do laps. He put the Activox in its case, and strapped it to the back of the lawn chair. The chair under an umbrella, to protect it from the heat of the sun. The lawn chair is also secured to a heavy table, so it won’t get pulled closer to the pool.

I don’t stay in for any longer than 15 minutes at a time, just to make sure it doesn’t get too hot, and to double check and make sure it hasn’t somehow gotten damp. It takes some preparation and caution, but it can be done. There are some cases where it shouldn’t be done, though. Like if it’s plugged in or if you’re around people who might splash it. You have to be really careful!

You should always talk to your doctor before changing your exercise routine if you have COPD and need to use oxygen therapy.

Rate This Story

2 Votes So Far

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

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.

27 thoughts on “Swimming While Using an Oxygen Concentrator

  1. I have pulmonary fibrosis and love t swim. I have a lap pool in my yard and a 50′ hose which is attached to my large concentrator. Problem is my cannula cannot prevent my inhaling water when I breath through my nose.
    I either a mask which can accommodate being attached to my 50 ” hose. Alternatively, a mouth piece which attached to the 50′ , that should work as well. My large concentrator can put out up to 10 lpm. Your suggestions are requested. Thanks.

    • Robert, Great that you are staying active and swimming. I am not aware of any mask or mouth piece that is available that will help you in this scenario. But putting it out on the blog is a good place to see if others have (or know of) a solution either bought or created for you to explore. I do hope there is a solution out there and look forward to hearing of what comes back. Good luck and keep doing those laps.

      All the Best.

      • I get my workout in with outputting my head under the water I do backstroke all the way to get the cardio That’s My method I don’t go underneath with my cannula I do the camera with a backstroke using long tubing. The object is to get the cardio and the workout by any means necessary. It takes long distance and a little preparation but it’s worth it.

        • It’s great that you have found a method that allows you to swim and maintain your oxygen therapy at the same time. That’s so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!

  2. I do deep water aerobics in a pool, lake or salt water. I use a small tank in an inflatable cocktail holder for a pool. I tether the floatie to my waist with a 6 ft. polyester line to prevent the oxygen cannula from pulling on my nose as the floatie moves in the water. This activity takes the place of lap swimming. Pictures are available!

    • Thank you, best and workable solution yet. I have my tanks as backup to my concentrator. My small tank can fit in a floaty and I can tether my line. I know how to keep my face out of the water

    • I would so appreciate you sharing any pictures you have of the setup for swimming with oxygen tanks. What kind of regulator do you use? Thank you so much!!! Patty N.

    • Hi Marilyn, I find myself with oxygen concentrator post covid starting last March 31, 2020. I had hoped to be off now however no luck yet. My friend has a pool and I have used the concentrator there with a large hose. We are going to a lake and would love for you to either explain or send photos of the float you use. How do you keep it standing and able to get air? I purchased a “cooler” float however am worried it may tip and overheat. Thank you Lisa

      • I too just started on an oxygen concentrator March this year. I want to take a seniors water aerobics class but I don’t know how I can do that. The only portable one I have is not battery operated and how would I get into the pool with it without getting water into my nose?

      • God bless all of you with these wonderful and informative buoyant oxygen holders. I love to swim and thought I was doomed and very depressed. Everyone enjoy your summer and be safe.😀🙏🏊‍♀️

    • hi could you show picture ? I just got put on oxygen and I really want to go back to water exercise again
      thank you

    • Plz send me pictures of your float I have been on oxygen for almost two years my name is Samantha

  3. i don’t want to swim ai just want to sit in a pool to get colled off. if i put my inogen far away from the water and use a longer tube is it safe

    • It should be fine. Just make sure your unit does not come in contact with water and you use compatible tubing. Inogen portable oxygen concentrations work fine with up to 25 feet of tubing.

  4. I’m looking forward to going in the pool and jacuzzi with my oxygen. I don’t plan on going underwater. I have up to 50 ft of tubing for my large concentrator, so it won’t be anywhere near the pool. I hope this will be safe to do. I feel more confident after reading your responses. I also have a portable concentrator, but will feel safer with the longer tubing.

    • Although you’d be keeping the oxygen concentrator far from water, just ensure that water doesn’t go into the tubing. Water entering the concentrator can be damaging. For added safety, we suggest using ‘Inline Water Trap’ from Salter Labs. It is a small accessory that connects two tubings and catches moisture/water that may accumulate in the tubing.

  5. I would love some pictures of portable oxygen with the use of floaties. Any pics that address the pool/hot tub safety issues, are also appreciated. Thanks.

    • Please forward any pictures. I have been on oxygen for 1 years 8 mo and used to be a water baby. I haven’t been in water for 2 years.

  6. My partner is on O2 therapy currently and has been since he was hospitalized for pneumonia in early April. He was undergoing PT for a meniscus tear he suffered in late October last year and was doing aquatic therapy for the knee. Once he got a portable (5L/5lbs.) concentrator, we took it to the pool and secured the concentrator to a heavy lifeguard chair by the side of the pool, and also secured it with abt 1/4-1/2″ clearance above the ground. He added 50 ft. tubing and away he went.

    • That’s great to hear that your partner was able to continue with aquatic therapy using the portable oxygen concentrator! Being able to secure the concentrator near the pool and use the extended tubing allowed him to maintain oxygen therapy while still participating in the therapy he needed.

  7. I am taking a cruse 2024 and love to snorkel! I do like the tank in a floating idea instead of using mt concentrator. I am also looking for a dive mask that will suction with the tubiing.

    • Did you find a way to snorkel with your portable oxygen concentrator? We atr gooing to Hawaii next month & I would LOVE to know how to make it happen

  8. I read a message saying we can swim in a pool with a mouse piece connected to a cannula ?
    I have lung fibrosis , I live at 4500 feet and I have an Imogen
    Either I buy a scuba dive of 15 minutes that I refill from a medical oxygen than I keep at home
    Or I have a 50′ hose ( can it be the narrow transparent one connected to the concentrator ? Or a large tubing ? Connected to a portable continuous flow working on battery . The hose will be in the water when I swim

    Any photos

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *