Portable oxygen

Planning a trip with oxygen

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planning a trip abroad

Medical oxygen is an essential element in the treatment of various respiratory conditions. If you are someone who requires oxygen therapy, you may be wondering if it is possible to travel with your medical oxygen equipment. The good news is that with some planning and preparation, it is possible to travel with medical oxygen and still enjoy your trip.

First, it is important to consult with your doctor before planning your trip. Your doctor can advise you on the best ways to manage your oxygen therapy while traveling and can also provide you with a letter that explains your medical condition and the need for oxygen therapy.

Next, you will need to contact your airline and inform them that you will be traveling with medical oxygen. Airlines have specific policies and procedures in place for passengers who require oxygen therapy, and it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

When packing for your trip, be sure to include all necessary oxygen equipment, such as a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), extra batteries, and any accessories. It is also a good idea to pack a backup oxygen tank in case of an emergency.

During the flight, it is important to use your oxygen equipment as directed by your doctor and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should also be aware of any changes in altitude, as this can affect your oxygen therapy.

Finally, when you arrive at your destination, it is important to have a plan in place for obtaining additional oxygen if needed. Your doctor can provide you with a list of local medical supply companies that can provide oxygen equipment and supplies.

In conclusion, traveling with medical oxygen is possible with the right planning and preparation. By consulting with your doctor, following airline guidelines, packing the necessary equipment, and staying vigilant during your trip, you can enjoy your travels while still managing your medical condition.

Celebrating 30 years of OxygenWorldwide

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Celebrating over 30 years of medical oxygen arrangements

OxygenWorldwide is now 30 years old and we are celebrating to say a huge thank you to all our customers, colleagues and network of people and organisations we have worked with over the years.

Now more than ever it is important to maintain our team of multilingual staff, 24/7 care and keep people who respiratory illnesses moving, seeing the world and able to make the most of life.

Please do get in touch with us here or simply leave a comment below.

Thank you!

When was oxygen considered medicine?

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Oxygen is now a common and essential use in medicine today but it has not always been considered medicine. It was not until 1885 when Dr George
Holtzapple documented using oxygen with a patient who had pneumonia.

What is medical oxygen used for?
Medical oxygen is used for resuscitation, life support and anaesthesia. Medical oxygen is also used for respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD and Covid.

Where can you have medical oxygen?
Medical oxygen is usually used mainly within a hospital or medical facility but you can also have medical oxygen on a plane, boat with use of portable oxygen cylinders and machines. Medical oxygen concentrators can also be used at home for patients who need oxygen most of the day and overnight.

For more information feel free to speak with our team at OxygenWorldwide

Feeling tired with COPD?

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lady looking out to sea

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can leave you feeling tired and sluggish but how to help combat this feeling so you can plan ahead for everything no matter what condition you have.

Here our 4 tips to remember:

  1. Remember that you may need supplemental oxygen to help you breathe, especially when you go on vacation
  2. Especially during winter you may be low on Vitamin D so make sure you take this supplement when days are short and mornings are dark
  3. Remember to REST. When walking or doing activities plan in some rest breaks and do not try to over exert yourself too much, you will simply become very tired or wear yourself out for the rest of the day
  4. Exercise such as walking or cycling is a good form of cardio than can be done most days for about 30 minutes

5 tips for winter if you have breathing problems

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Here are our 5 tips to help you breathe better now we have moved into winter cold season:

  1. Use a scarf or mask to place around your mouth as this will make it easier to breathe in the cold winter air
  2. Use a humidifier at home to help keep the dry air moisturised
  3. For those who prefer to get outdoors remember to try to avoid the coldest part of the day
  4. Also move your exercises to indoors so not outside in the cold for too long
  5. If short of breath close your lips together when its cold

Winter is a season where it is best to make sure you are more aware of how this affects your breathing. Stay wrapped up warm, keep moving and if you have an inhaler keep this with you at all times. You may have asthma, COPD or another respiratory illness and remember just be prepared but you can still enjoy day to day activities.

Is this your first winter with medical oxygen?

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Winter and tree with no leaves

For those who may be new to using medical oxygen as a supplement to breathing this may be your first winter. Winter is not as scary as most of us think, temperatures drop and breathing can become more difficult. Just remember that as long as you are aware you can still do everything you need to each day, You are not alone and winter just means you need to be a bit more careful on how it affects you. Many patients that suffer from respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma or need to use oxygen after covid may be fearful of the temperature falling. All you need to be aware of is protecting your lungs during this season as you are exposed to the cold air.

3 tips on what to do during winter:

  1. Stay indoors a bit more during these months – for example exercise indoors more than in warmer months and make sure your home is well insulated
  2. Wrap up warm when going outside, wear extra layers or thermals to keep your body warmer
  3. Make sure your mouth and nose is covered, use breathable materials such as wool

If you are looking to travel during the winter months please do contact our team on what is required and also arrange all your medical oxygen needs. You can visit our website for further information or contact our team directly here.

How technology is helping health get better

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device with heart symbol for health

We rely on devices, internet and apps for so many areas of our lives now. From monitoring our steps, ordering online to keeping connected with others as well as reading books, listening to podcasts and researching news. Health is catching up with new ways to use technology to connect people especially those that are vulnerable.

CPI look at making huge advances in this area – a company that helps connect innovators with ideas.

This huge step forward could help create many health related benefits to so many people across the world. From knowing when your asthma inhaler needs replacing to data analytics and sending users notifications and reminders to take medication.

A very valuable concept for many now everything is moving to digital with easy and wide access to all from a device such as your mobile smart phone or tablet.

For any oxygen therapy needs please do take a look at our website here. We have many years experience of helping patients travel and keep moving across the globe with medical oxygen.


COPD and oxygen therapy

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Another article from the archives but an important one.

Many people with COPD need supplemental oxygen therapy. Unfortunately, some people who use portable oxygen are wary of travelling with oxygen.

So they opt to stay at home instead of going out to see friends, shop, or enjoy a vacation. But oxygen therapy can actually enhance your physical ability to go places and do things that the advance stage of COPD was keeping you from doing. Once you’ve learned what’s involved, you may find that oxygen gives you more freedom to go places and do things you want to do.

If you don’t use one already, you’ll need to switch to a portable oxygen delivery system for trips away from home. Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), hold compressed oxygen in small tanks. Most POC tanks come with carrying cases and travel carts. These are excellent for using in airports or simply going sightseeing.

Contact OxygenWorldwide – experts for over 20 years when travelling away from home. Our team of experts can help arrange all the necessary oxygen and POC’s during your holidays to help you and your loved ones have more freedom.

List of airlines that allow portable oxygen

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aeroplane

Always check before booking your flight as details and policies may change. These airlines have allowed portable oxygen concentrators you can reach out to their websites for further information and to confirm their conditions.

Aegean Airlines
Aer Lingus
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air Iceland
Air New Zealand
Air Malta
Air Tahiti Nui
Airtran Airways
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Alitalia
All Nippon Airways
Allegiant Air
American Airlines
Avianca Airlines
British Airways
China Southern Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta
EasyJet
Emirates
Frontier
Hawaiian Airlines
Iberia
Icelandair
Japanese Airlines
Jet Blue
KLM
Lufthansa
Mango
Qantas
Ryanair
Singapore Airlines
South African Airways
Southwest
Sun Country
Swiss Air Lines
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Australia
WestJet Airlines

Also refer to our website here for countries we can deliver oxygen to once at your destination.

What oxygen therapy information do you need when planning a trip?

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The best thing to do is to contact your GP or Doctor or specialist consultant to obtain the below information before contacting the team to plan and delivery what you will need on your next trip.

  • Will you require oxygen for the whole journey or just for a certain amount of time
  • Maximum flow rate
  • If you require battery power on the plane then please do contact your airline to see if a seat is available with access to a power socket
  • Always pack spare adapters
  • If you will be using your portable oxygen concentrator during the flight, you may not sit in an emergency exit row or in a seat that restricts other passengers’ access to an emergency exit.