New kid, concentrator question

[UMBIE2$]

Hello all!
New kid here. Been on cpap since april 2015. Resmed Airsense10, ffm. Question I have is: I'm considering purchasing my own O2 concentrator. (I bleed-in 3L @ nite). Thoughts/opinions/suggestion GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

[Julie]

Has 02 been prescribed by a doctor? Do you need it? Why?

02 is not normal therapy for apnea, and is only prescribed as an add on in a very few cases for specific reasons, so don't arbitrarily think it's a neat thing to have.

[wyonel]

I have been using an oxygen concentrator (3L) at night only. This is because my blood oxygen level is very low while sleeping. I did rent one for a year and then bought my own. In both cases a doctor's prescription was needed. I also use a Resmed Air Curve for my apnea.

[JDS74]

I use the Philips-Respironics Everflo Q concentrator with Oxygen Percentage Indictor Display (OPI).
I use it with a bubbler to add humidity to the oxygen flow.
It has continuous flow and can deliver up to 5 Lpm.
Everflo Q at Amazon

Pros:
It was the lowest price unit around when I bought mine a year ago - about $700 or so but the price seems to be up now.
Amazon.com has them without OPI for that same price.
It is relatively quiet.
It comes on wheels so moving it around the house is easy.

Cons:
It is bulky (the size of a smaller suitcase.)
It weighs about 30 pounds.
It requires a prescription to get one from a DME either online or brick and mortar locally.

Regardless of the one you get, do not get one that says pulse mode flow only. They are intended for direct to you oxygen not for use with CPAP.

[umbie2]

Thanx for the replies. Yes, its prescribed. Doc says I desat @ nite. Supposedly have moderate apnea. 2013 was hospitalized for 6 days on a "pulmonary toilet". Sent home w/O2 24/7. after 1 week, that was only @ night. Use symbicort twice daily. Haven't touched the nebulizer in MONTHS. I'm having A LOT of problems with my nose lately, is it possible to "develop" allergies? (I'm 57!!!) never had a problem before and by-the-by,. I work in a greenhouse....THAT could be loads of fun huh? Anyway, Thanks everyone!! Looking forward to great conversations with you all...Just reading the other posts, I've learned quite a bit already. Considering sleepyhead...

[umbie2]

thanks! I did not know that!!!

Regardless of the one you get, do not get one that says pulse mode flow only. They are intended for direct to you oxygen not for use with CPAP.[/quote]

[otrpu]

I've been on oxygen for about five years. I can attest there's nothing neat about it. Biggest pain in the patoot I've had. I rent a ten liter unit from Apria for use when I'm more active. I purchased a used 5 liter unit for use while sleeping. It's a lot quieter and it's in the room where I sleep. I'm prescribed 5lpm resting and 8lpm active. On my own I make 77%, which is a problem. I found a very low hour 5ltr machine and purchased it.
Cheers,
otrpu