tubing length for continuous oxygen

[skate4life]

Just reviewed numerous abstracts from the Oct. 'CHEST' society meeting in Canada. Two abstracts dealt with oxygen tubing.
The results have been published in the past, but these current ones confirm the findings.

Basically 1: you can use up to 50 ft without any clinically significant change in the FIO2 when connected to a 10 liter stationary concentrator.

#2: you can also connect two 5 liter stationary concentrators to get a higher flow of oxygen via up to 50 feet of tubing without any clinically significant change in FIO2. They noted in this study that it might be easier to connect 2 concentrators than have to deal with the more expensive bulk oxygen systems (e.g. cylinders.)

While they didn't specify in these articles, it has been noted in others that this applies only to continuous oxygen flow, NOT for pulse mode as you don't have enough inhalation power to trigger the pulse mode when using longer tubing (50 ft.)

My first POC I could use 25 ft (it was an AirSep pulse only POC) without difficulty.

[jim]

Thanks for sharing this Skate.

This is info I have been thinking about, I will need to put a longer hose on my POC for showering, when the home concentrator I have now, goes back to the hospital.

[skate4life]

Why can't you keep the stationary concentrator?

[jim]

Hi Skate, when I go back for a checkup at the hospital in February, they will assess me to see if I still need the home oxygen, if I still need it they will let me keep it until the next assessment, if not they will take it back.

I'm thinking of giving it back anyway, I have my POC and can manage OK. I'm thinking that there are people out there who have a greater need than me at the moment. If I go down badly again, I can get it back.

[skate4life]

Okay Jim - but I wouldn't be in a rush to return it unless the assessment really has you markedly improved. I say this for a couple of reasons - your current POC has batteries, right? If they fail, you have an immediate backup at home until it is replaced. I don't know about your particular POC, but I learned with mine that it can take a much longer time to recharge when exposed to very hot weather. Any POC can break down from general wear & tear, plus the frequent handling moving it, transporting it (lifting in/out of vehicle) etc. That is why so many companies want patients to have the self fill units - the regular POCs are breaking down at an alarming rate. It is kind of you to be concerned about other people might need it more than you, but you come first...besides it is the hospital's responsibility to have enough machines to take care of those that are prescribed. Anyway, just my thoughts.

[joany]

Dec 24, 2017 9:28:46 GMT -5 skate4life said:

Okay Jim - but I wouldn't be in a rush to return it unless the assessment really has you markedly improved....  it is the hospital's responsibility to have enough machines to take care of those that are prescribed. Anyway, just my thoughts.

Okay Jim.   Ditto my thoughts from skate* Just  put a sheet over it for now.


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[gerald]

Jim, hold onto the Home concentrator if you can.    It is a lot more convenient at times to have the home concentrator and a long hose rather than to fight with the POC.  Especially when you need both hands.     It makes it much easier for me to work in the workshop so the air intake is well away from any dust etc  and it frees both hands

[skate4life]

Gerald - excellent post!

[jarca]

good post skate. 
I know people that think they can use any length of lines as 'what goes in, comes out' but I was told to never go over 50'.
I have found with the pulse I can do 17' easily; I might be able to go over that, but I haven't wanted to push my luck. 
as my lungs get worse I don't inhale has 'forcefully' as I used to, so it may depend on each individual how long of line they can use & get the pulse to work. 

Jim, I have a home concentrator, but I also have tanks as my 'portable' 02. I agree with the others that you should always have 2 modes of 02 in case 1 breaks down.
The 02 companies in USA furnish a home concentrator & a portable option----many times i have had my concentrator just quit & thank goodness I had my portable to use until the company brought out a replacer.
please double think only having 1 02 source! 

[jim]

Thank you all for your inputs, I can see where you are coming from and I'll adjust my thinking.

[skate4life]

just a final tidbit - Ryan who does all the testing on all the O2 machines in Pulmonary Paper, did test 100 ft of oxygen tubing on continuous flow and the drop off at the far end (you) was less than 1%. I too, when I could use the POC in pulse mode was limited to 25 ft - but my cannula added another 7 feet without difficulty. Of course my disease was not anywhere near as bad as it is now.