Checklist When Traveling With A Portable Oxygen Concentrator
A Letter From Your Physician: Whether you are traveling by airplane, cruise ship, bus or railway, a validation statement from your doctor is required. This physician statement should specify the following:
- That you are able to hear/see the audible alarms and LED indicators of your portable oxygen concentrator and can take appropriate action when necessary.
- A brief description of your portable oxygen concentrator.
- How much oxygen (flow rate) you require and whether you require oxygen continuously throughout or only during portion of your trip.
Advanced Notice: All commercial carriers — airlines, cruises, bus and railway do ask that you let them know in advance of your trip that you will be bringing a portable oxygen concentrator machine on board. It is always best advised to contact the carriers as soon as possible in order to find out what their policies are for using a portable oxygen concentrator. The carriers may have their own paperwork that must be completed and returned.
Accessories and Reserve Supplies: When traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator, make sure you always travel with all your charging adapters and cables, tubing, cannula and adequate battery supply for the entire duration of your scheduled trip, including possible layovers or other delays. Especially on airplanes, which are highly unpredictable as far as delays and cancellations. Having packed enough supplies will give you extra peace of mind. Better to pack too much than not enough.
Oxygen Supply Resource At Your Destination: When traveling with a portable concentrator, mishaps can and do happen. It is a good idea to put a plan in place as far as knowing where you can obtain oxygen supplies quickly, if in need.
Planning your next vacation? Want more battery options, or perhaps, a backpack option? Enhance your portable oxygen concentrator with the right accessories.