For oxygen users, travel has historically been a dream more than a reality, as many users were essentially tethered to their homes because of past oxygen equipment's limitations.

Liquid and Gas portable systems store a limited amount of oxygen, which curtails the amount of time available for ambulation. This is a big concern for patients; will they run out of oxygen before getting back home? Travel is not really practical of possible with these systems that hold a "limited oxygen supply"

But then along came Portable Oxygen Concentrators ( POCs), which cut that leash.

Almost all patients have special family and other social events that warrant the need to travel with the freedom that only POCs can provide. Reunions, weddings, anniversaries, and other beloved once-in-a-lifetime events are often missed by many oxygen patients due to the difficulties, logistics and fears of running out of oxygen when they do not have access to a POC.

In a nutshell, the key benefit of POCs for oxygen travelers is that they make, and therefore provide, all the oxygen for a traveling oxygen patient without the need to coordinate "arranged" and expensive oxygen deliveries while traveling. POCs give oxygen users the independence to travel without worrying if they have enough tanks to last for the trip. From the airport to the aircraft, during connections and layovers, and at the destination, POCs provide oxygen users with a seamless approach to travel.

"POCs allow the freedom to just go" It's unlimited ambulation, while taking advantage of multiple power sources available during travel. The simple benefits and unique advantages of staying out longer, taking trips and enjoying spontaneous overnighters, while eliminating the anxiety and fear associated with running out of contents are achieved only for oxygen patients who have access to portable oxygen concentrators.

Traveling with POCs

One ofthe main questions I have been always been asked was "How do I travel with oxygen?"

With POCs that comes down to power management "The new concept that POC users readily embrace is managing power instead of oxygen contents". Since POCs manufacture oxygen form multiple power sources - internal batteries, external batteries, AC and DC power supplies, patients learn to take advantage of and utilize power sources to remain active away from home as long as they like. Those power sources are abundant. During most oxygen users' activities, electrical outlets can be found for use, such as during dinner, or on the road using a car power outlet. When plugged in the POC's internal battery if being recharged while the patient gets the benefit of the POC's oxygen making capability.

Where air travel is concerned, it depends on the airline. Each airline has its own specific regulations when it comes to accepting POCs on-board flights.

• Patients must inform the airline they will be using a POC.
• They should carry a physicians letter with and provide it for inspection, if requested.
• Bring enough fully charged batteries to power a POC for the flight plus enough for unanticipated delays.
• Arrive at the airport early since security screening personnel might require extra time to inspect a POC
• While waiting to board a flight, patients can conserve battery power by using a nearby out let and their AC power supply
• Patients don't have to turn off their POCs during taxi, takeoff and landing if their physicians's

Travel Test Drives

To help patients get a feel for traveling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), one option for providers is to rent them to patients.

Medical International Distributors has teamed with In-Quest Technologies, a certified, licensed and bonded oxygen distributor to offer our customers rental of the Inogen One Portable Oxygen Concentrator. A new POC is shipped to your doorstep in a special packing box to be used for trips, vacations or any host of activities.  Imagine never confined by tanks or fear of running out of oxygen again!!!!!!!

In-Quest Technologies provides Oxygen-On-The-Go

• $250 per week (many providers charge $395 or greater) and only $25 / day thereafter
• Airline and Cruise ship approved
• Pulse dose delivery up to 5 Lpm
• No Charge for extra batteries
• No lengthy contracts to sign
• AC, DC or battery operated

Call today toll free 1-877-984-5050  and let our Registered Respiratory Therapists help you get your life back again