HME Business

We all need to get away sometimes. We need that therapeutic effect of packing a suitcase and getting in our car or boarding a plane or a ship and just getting away from it all. However, the idea of traveling can be intimidating for oxygen-dependent patients. Thankfully, technological advances in portable oxygen products free those individuals from being tethered to stationary oxygen units and their zip codes.  

Compressed oxygen is available in small, lightweight tanks that are small enough to carry. Liquid oxygen portables include built-in oxygen conserving devices, usually weigh less than 6 lbs. and are powered by standard, replaceable batteries. Portable nebulizers are handheld, weigh only a few ounces and run on standard batteries. Portable oxygen concentrators feature long battery lives and lightweight designs. Some models are allowed on airplanes and truly offer the freedom to be active without worrying about oxygen needs.

Ensure your patients discuss travel with their physicians and when traveling by air, they should contact the airline to understand guidelines and any restrictions, and to make necessary arrangements. Patients should safely store oxygen in a well-ventilated area, positioned upright and kept away from heat and flame — and never in the trunk of a car. When traveling by sea, contact the cruise line for their supplemental oxygen policy. Some ships may provide supplemental oxygen.  

Compressor Nebulizer System Offers Performance, Quality and Value
Hudson RCI Opti-Neb PRO Compressor
•    Compact and stylish with one-button operation and built-in handle for easy transportation
•    Quiet design with durable lightweight housing
•    Reliable maintenance-free piston compressor
The Upside: It is available with reusable and disposable nebulizers.
Teleflex Medical
(866) 246-6990
www.teleflexmedical.com


Breathe Free
Pacifica
•    An ultra compact design makes it extremely portable.  
•    The powerful piston pump is efficient, dependable and quiet.  
•    The maximum pressure is 35psi and has a liter flow of 5-6 liters per minute.
The Upside: The nebulizer weighs only 3.3 lbs.
Drive Medical
(877) 224-0946
www.drivemedical.com

Breathe Easy
MicroAir
•    Vibrating Mesh Technology efficiently delivers solution medications for clients suffering from asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions.
•    The small product size and handy carrying case makes portability easy.
•    Powerful delivery comparable to table-top compressor nebulizer systems provides effective relief and control of the disease.  
The Upside: The device operates on two AA batteries.
Omron Healthcare Inc.
(847) 247-5633
www.omronhealthcare.com

On the Go
O2 Sidekick
•    An ergonomic solution to transporting oxygen cylinder systems.
•    The bag can be used as a roller bag, a shoulder bag, or a backpack, and it can carry all common size oxygen cylinders along with personal items.  
•    The product can accommodate M2, M4, M6, M7, ML6, M9, MD, MJD and ME cylinders.
The Upside: The bag is constructed from washable, heavy-duty denier, has a large external mesh water bottle holder, embroidered carrying handles, a large external zippered pocket and is lined with reflective silver piping.
Cramer Decker Medical Inc.
(877) 222-0200
www.cramerdeckermedical.com


Travel Buddy
Eclipse 2 with AutoSAT Technology
•    The personal ambulatory oxygen system offers 3 lpm of continuous-flow and pulse dose options.
•    The system features AutoSAT techonology with adjustable sensitivity for consistent FIO2 at higher breath rates.
•    The internal auto-recharge power cartridge keeps oxygen flowing for up to four hours.
The Upside: The Eclipse plugs into the auto accessory outlet.
SeQual Technologies Inc.
(800) 826-4610
www.sequal.com