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Respiratory  Providing oxygen and all types of respiratory equipment is not child's play. Proper safety training and patient education of respiratory therapy is critical to achieving maximal benefits. The staff of therapists, technicians, nurses and pharmacists stand ready to assist patients, physicians and family members in obtaining the right equipment in a timely manner. Physicians, Hospitals and Case Managers Call 800-272-7043 or FAX orders to 908-813-3002 Providing the following:
Our technical staffs are certified by all manufacturers to troubleshoot, repair, setup and diagnose problems with all types of respiratory equipment. Just call for advice anytime. We provide 24 hour emergency service for existing respiratory patients in the event of equipment failure. Ambulatory OxygenOne of everyone's goal is to get the patient as functional in their daily living activities as possible. Portable oxygen comes in many types and styles to achieve this goal. We will work closely with your physician and the patient to make the best decision on their type of system. Currently, we offer systems such as HELIOS, HomeFill and Oxylite conserving units in addition to more standard systems. My friend uses a different oxygen system than I do and says it is better than mine. Since I'm new at this can you help me?First of all, all oxygen systems on the market today have advantages and dis-advantages over each other. No one system is perfect for everyone. Rely on your physician, the homecare company's therapist and their customer service department to listen to your concerns. Also, unfortunately, your insurance coverage may have a lot to say in determining which system you receive also. What options do I have in oxygen delivery systems?Here's the lowdown on oxygen. Let's break it down to two components, stationary systems and portable(ambulatory) systems. Stationary oxygen can be compressed gas (tanks), an oxygen concentrator or a liquid reservoir system. Concentrators take room air, which has about 21% oxygen in it already, and concentrates that down and stores it till the patient needs it. It is the most economical and quite honestly easiest of all the systems. As long as you have electricity, you have oxygen. Liquid systems have what we call a "Milk Can" reservoir placed in your home that is filled periodically when you come close to running out of the liquid. This is much the same as getting an oil tank filled in your home during the Winter heating season. We setup our patients on a scheduled refill basis. Compressed gas tanks are somewhat old technology for using all the time. The portable systems are the newest and most exciting advancements in oxygen therapy. If you are using liquid, a small portable system is filled off the reservoir tank each time you go out of the house. It lasts anywhere from 6 to 10 hours on a fill, and is extremely lightweight. Downside is you can only be away from the system for that period of time. Our latest offering is the HomeFill or TotalO2 system. Both of them allow patients to fill their own gas tanks, on their own schedule. This is probably the direction most patients will be going in the future. What is a liquid oxygen system?At very cold temperatures, oxygen changes from a gas to a liquid. When liquid oxygen is warmed, it becomes a gas so it can be delivered to you. A liquid oxygen system includes a large stationary unit that stays in the home. It also includes a small, portable canister (weighing from 5 to 13 pounds) that can be filled from the stationary unit for trips outside the home. It can be hung over the shoulder or pulled on a roller cart. How long it lasts depends on the size of the portable tank and the flow rate. Even when not in use, evaporation will empty the portable canister over time. Always check your portable canister before use. Advantages * Allows the user to be mobile, promoting an active lifestyle. (User can fill own portable tank). * Can deliver oxygen at a high flow rate. * Requires no electricity. * Doesn't make much noise; relatively silent. * More oxygen can be stored in a liquid form than a gaseous form. Disadvantages * Large tank needs to be refilled regularly by a service technician. Depending on the flow rate and the size of the tank, a liquid oxygen system may need to be refilled from once or twice a week to once a month. * Oxygen user must be home for scheduled tank fill-ups. User must also return home to refill portable tank. * Contents of tanks evaporate, making it necessary to have the tank refilled often. A cylinder of oxygen is provided as a backup for the electric system in case there is a system or power failure. In addition, a small, lightweight portable tank is provided for trips outside the home (since the concentrator system is not portable). This portable tank can be hung over your shoulder or pulled on a roller cart. What are oxygen conserving systems?Oxygen conserving devices are becoming increasingly popular. Since these devices conserve oxygen, smaller portable systems (tanks or liquid vessels) can provide hours of oxygen while you are away from home. Unfortunately, not everyone can tolerate these devices, so it is important to ask your doctor before using a conserving device. The most popular conserving devices are demand inspiratory flow systems. These devices use a sensor to detect when inspiration begins and delivers oxygen only during inspiration, thus conserving oxygen during exhalation. The demand systems can be used with either compressed or liquid oxygen. Other oxygen conserving devices include the demand nasal cannula and the reservoir nasal cannula. What are the basic services I should expect from my oxygen supplier?Basic service for home oxygen users include: * Home delivery and set-up of equipment * Supply of necessary portable oxygen and additional refills. With a liquid oxygen system, the technician should fill the portable tank for you during the set-up. The technician should also demonstrate the proper filling technique for you. It will be your responsibility to fill the portable tank after the initial set-up. * Instruction in the use of equipment * 24-hour emergency service * Documentation to support the medical need as prescribed by physicians * Billing to various insurance carriers Myths and truths about oxygenMyth: Oxygen is addicting. Truth: Oxygen is NOT addicting. Myth: If I have a stuffy nose, I shouldn't bother using my nasal cannula. Truth: Oxygen can still be delivered even if you have a stuffy nose. Myth: Once you start using oxygen, you'll need it for the rest of your life. Truth: Many people have discontinued oxygen use, after other appropriate treatments have taken effect. This can take time, though. Myth: People who need oxygen must be confined to their homes and can not do anything, including travel. Truth: People who use oxygen can lead a normal life. There are several types of portable oxygen systems available that allow people to be more active and mobile. Oxygen can improve exercise capacity. People who use oxygen can travel with advanced planning. Myth: If a little oxygen is good, more oxygen is better. Truth: Oxygen is a drug. Use it as prescribed or instructed. Like any drug, too much or too little can be harmful. Myth: Shortness of breath means a lack of oxygen, so if you become short of breath you should use oxygen. Truth: Shortness of breath is not always associated with a lack of oxygen. If low oxygen is not the cause, taking oxygen will not help. (Your doctor can test to see if you need oxygen by taking an arterial blood sample). | |||
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