Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Gwynne/Joyce/Others... Oh yes, could all be easier. Caire (competitor to Puritan /Helios) actually uses battery gauge for amount remaining. Fish scale for life dependent system....oh why oh why. Anything below 1/4 on mine and you're in danger zone. Oh and Helios Plus bleeds out faster than any of them.....now why the smallest bleeds the fastest, who knows. And filling....ok.....don't forget to hold down with this hand....and lever with this one....but don't let up on tank until after lever and meanwhile listen for the sound.....I make sure I turn tv off before I start. But still I'm so happy with my new setup and with my supplier (thanks to recommendation of very special lady). In fact, they were by today to set up CPAP. Again, so nice and so professional. Also for some of those mentioning freezes when out and about. Helios and Marathon do need to be in cases designed for them. They need to be able to vent (like all of us I guess). Now just have to trade my Plus for a Marathon....they're going to with no problem....then figure out how to get second. Will do so even if I have to buy one. As back up if nothing else I'll get a reconditioned one. Wouldn't want as primary but ok as backup. Maybe even a Companion 1000 instead...who knows. Delivery guy today just couldn't believe that company was having someone keep concentrator because would have to deliver too often and weren't just putting two liquid reservoirs. Oh, but the liquid in street and car exploding one pushed him into total disbelief. lol > > > > Babs, > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > P, > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > than you think you need than to run out and > > get in a pickle. > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > on a small towel or bag. > > Hope this helps. > > > > Joyce, > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > Hugs, > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 See I know I'm not completely nuts..LOL I wonder what medicare will say about this. we'll see Love and Prayers, Peggy ipf 6/04 Florida " Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up. " Gwynne/Joyce/Others... Oh yes, could all be easier. Caire (competitor to Puritan /Helios) actually uses battery gauge for amount remaining. Fish scale for life dependent system....oh why oh why. Anything below 1/4 on mine and you're in danger zone. Oh and Helios Plus bleeds out faster than any of them.....now why the smallest bleeds the fastest, who knows. And filling....ok.....don't forget to hold down with this hand....and lever with this one....but don't let up on tank until after lever and meanwhile listen for the sound.....I make sure I turn tv off before I start. But still I'm so happy with my new setup and with my supplier (thanks to recommendation of very special lady). In fact, they were by today to set up CPAP. Again, so nice and so professional. Also for some of those mentioning freezes when out and about. Helios and Marathon do need to be in cases designed for them. They need to be able to vent (like all of us I guess). Now just have to trade my Plus for a Marathon....they're going to with no problem....then figure out how to get second. Will do so even if I have to buy one. As back up if nothing else I'll get a reconditioned one. Wouldn't want as primary but ok as backup. Maybe even a Companion 1000 instead...who knows. Delivery guy today just couldn't believe that company was having someone keep concentrator because would have to deliver too often and weren't just putting two liquid reservoirs. Oh, but the liquid in street and car exploding one pushed him into total disbelief. lol > > > > Babs, > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > P, > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > than you think you need than to run out and > > get in a pickle. > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > on a small towel or bag. > > Hope this helps. > > > > Joyce, > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > Hugs, > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I have not filled this LOX yet and now I am not sure I remember everything.. I have the instruction booklet. I think I'll try it tomorrow. I do know I have to hold it down hard.. I am not sure I'll keep the liquid. I don't think I go out enough to mess with it. Love and Prayers, Peggy ipf 6/04 Florida " Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up. " Gwynne, Thanks so much for the information. I believe it could be made easier! I do appreciate you. Hugs, Joyce D. PULMONARY FIBROSIS/LUPUS 1997 BRONCHIECTASIS 2004 INDIANA 2 COR. 12:10 ....when I am weak, then I am strong. > > Babs, > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > Gingerbread Judy, > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > it takes to get some sleep! > > P, > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > than you think you need than to run out and > get in a pickle. > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > on a small towel or bag. > Hope this helps. > > Joyce, > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > typically because you have overfilled it. You > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > a conspiracy against us. > > Hugs, > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 You wonder what they'll say about your oxygen or about you being completely nuts? lol Honestly, your problem isn't with medicare at the moment. It's that at least your Apria office is in the volume deliver and do as little as possible business and not in the working out what is right for the patient business. Time not for the incredibly graceful star of tv and newspaper Peggy, but the mean one. Ask for service. If you don't get it, demand it. Every office and location is different. I found the customer service people with Apria here very nice but all they do is take orders. The delivery people delivered but no information or training. The respiratory therapist who was in charge of so many things has never returned a phone call in her life. Let's see Apria and Lincare are the largest. Apria is huge here and only had one size liquid reservoir, smaller than needed for home and too big for a car. My little small local company has every size imaginable and made travel possible for me. Oh, and for the entire region, if I wanted to fly, Apria has two portable travel concentrators and new supplier has four. Ah, did I forget, April requires 4 week notice on travel. New supplier only a couple of days, only risk being if they don't have what you need. Apria did only have 1.3 million customers and income of $75 million last year. Although actually, the reduction of medicare payments over the last two years has impacted them significantly. Now that gives me two huge fears. One, what happens with the medicare bidding process being tried in some markets mid 2008, 70 markets in 2009 and maybe all in 2010 where we lose our rights to choose our provider? Anyone think Apria or Lincare won't win the bids? Now your current provider can choose to grandfather and accept the bid rates. But if you want to switch it will have to be to bid winner. And you think guaranteed business won't diminish their service further? Two, what happens when all the mom and pops are gone and we have Wal-Mart and K-Mart, excuse me, Apria and Lincare. The medicare waste isn't it paying too much for oxygen delivery or service. Its paying rental charges for 36 months for equipment you'll need a lifetime and would be paid for in 4 months. Its refusal to make change easy as conditions change. But, we have politicians so they cause more problems instead of solving the existing ones. Forget common sense or actually understanding whats going on. This concentrator that medicare is paying over $100 per month for (I'm making guess of equipment cost versus maintenance and service) is available online (basic model Invacare Platinum XL) at retail for $599.95. (10 lpm model $1397.95). So any wonder they want to put you on a concentrator with no work to do as opposed to delivering liquid once per week? And, liquid reservoir costs more too although not nearly what you'd think. But medicare pays per patient, they don't pay based on your needs. Not meaning to scare anyone over things to come, but I'm scared as hell. Of course I'm in guinea pig market. > > > > > > Babs, > > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > > > P, > > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > > than you think you need than to run out and > > > get in a pickle. > > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > > on a small towel or bag. > > > Hope this helps. > > > > > > Joyce, > > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > > > Hugs, > > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Peggy Oh Apria would kill me for this... But another option is liquid reservoirs for home and compressed tanks for going out...large ones on carts at your level, since you don't go out that much. That would eliminate fill issues, provide purer oxygen for home, eliminate worry of power outages, and save you (not Apria) money. At your oxygen flow, the electricity consumed by a concentrator would cost you here in my area around $70-80 per month. The average for the typical user is $40-50. Now, electricity is probably cheaper where you are, but still. But if liquid portable or reservoir isn't right for you, thats fine. Don't stress over it. Its a shame you haven't gotten more help and good information from your supplier and training, but they are just looking out for their costs it seems. They didn't like me when I had them deliver me 12 portable canisters in one week. > > > > Babs, > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > P, > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > than you think you need than to run out and > > get in a pickle. > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > on a small towel or bag. > > Hope this helps. > > > > Joyce, > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > Hugs, > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Ya know Bruce I don't really care what they think..LOL I have about 15 small tanks and 6 or 8 of the cart ones. They haven't said anything about taking anything.. I'll just tell them to talk to .. THAT will do it. I was thinking the same thing about using the LOX right from the tank. I don't like this " get it and go one.. " Love and Prayers, Peggy ipf 6/04 Florida " Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up. " Peggy Oh Apria would kill me for this... But another option is liquid reservoirs for home and compressed tanks for going out...large ones on carts at your level, since you don't go out that much. That would eliminate fill issues, provide purer oxygen for home, eliminate worry of power outages, and save you (not Apria) money. At your oxygen flow, the electricity consumed by a concentrator would cost you here in my area around $70-80 per month. The average for the typical user is $40-50. Now, electricity is probably cheaper where you are, but still. But if liquid portable or reservoir isn't right for you, thats fine. Don't stress over it. Its a shame you haven't gotten more help and good information from your supplier and training, but they are just looking out for their costs it seems. They didn't like me when I had them deliver me 12 portable canisters in one week. > > > > Babs, > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > P, > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > than you think you need than to run out and > > get in a pickle. > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > on a small towel or bag. > > Hope this helps. > > > > Joyce, > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > Hugs, > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Its normally simple. You set the reservoir or reservoirs right where you had the concentrator. They schedule a regular day for delivery. You hook up just like you always have. Then you worry second about portability. Why would one use something portable in their home? Only time you'll see me with the portable here is when i'm on my way out or back in or carrying garbage out or something. > > > > > > Babs, > > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > > > P, > > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > > than you think you need than to run out and > > > get in a pickle. > > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > > on a small towel or bag. > > > Hope this helps. > > > > > > Joyce, > > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > > > Hugs, > > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Peggy, They brought my liquid 02 today that I will use instead of the concentrator. This is the first time in 10 years that I don't have that dreadful machine churning in my house. I love the quiet. Already problems. The delivery guy got it all set up in the garage. 4 big mother ships. We hooked up my tubing and humidifier bottle. Within an hour the water in the bottle was frozen. It is like 10 degrees today. So, until it gets warmer, no water. My poor nose may just crack and fall off. Are you using your portable instead of the mother ship for home use? Why? Can this get any more confusing and miserable? Hugs, Joyce D.PULMONARY FIBROSIS/LUPUS 1997 BRONCHIECTASIS 2004 INDIANA 2 COR. 12:10 ....when I am weak, then I am strong.> > >> > > Babs,> > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!!> > >> > > Gingerbread Judy,> > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you> > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever> > > it takes to get some sleep!> > >> > > P,> > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down> > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion> > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking> > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to> > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around> > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will> > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more> > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle> > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust> > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion> > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't> > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier> > > than you think you need than to run out and> > > get in a pickle.> > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a> > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it> > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze> > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an> > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you> > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until> > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the> > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off.> > >> > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't> > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later> > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out> > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I> > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day,> > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said,> > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you> > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or> > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles.> > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be> > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave> > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it> > > on a small towel or bag.> > > Hope this helps.> > >> > > Joyce,> > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting> > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the> > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have> > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the> > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together)> > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise> > > when they're set on anything higher than 6.> > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling> > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't> > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to> > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's> > > typically because you have overfilled it. You> > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing> > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the> > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's> > > a conspiracy against us.> > >> > > Hugs,> > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I do not have room for those big mother ships inside my house. So they are staying in the garage. We made a hold in the wall to run the tubing through. Hugs, Joyce D.PULMONARY FIBROSIS/LUPUS 1997 BRONCHIECTASIS 2004 INDIANA 2 COR. 12:10 ....when I am weak, then I am strong.> > > >> > > > Babs,> > > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!!> > > >> > > > Gingerbread Judy,> > > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you> > > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever> > > > it takes to get some sleep!> > > >> > > > P,> > > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down> > > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion> > > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking> > > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to> > > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around> > > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will> > > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more> > > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle> > > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust> > > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion> > > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't> > > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier> > > > than you think you need than to run out and> > > > get in a pickle.> > > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a> > > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it> > > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze> > > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an> > > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you> > > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until> > > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the> > > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off.> > > >> > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't> > > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later> > > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out> > > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I> > > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day,> > > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said,> > > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you> > > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or> > > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles.> > > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be> > > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave> > > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it> > > > on a small towel or bag.> > > > Hope this helps.> > > >> > > > Joyce,> > > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting> > > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the> > > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have> > > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the> > > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together)> > > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise> > > > when they're set on anything higher than 6.> > > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling> > > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't> > > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to> > > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's> > > > typically because you have overfilled it. You> > > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing> > > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the> > > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's> > > > a conspiracy against us.> > > >> > > > Hugs,> > > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas> > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Mattress Genie great....CPAP disaster.....going to wait until next appointment with new pulmonologist, review results, decide what to do. But wearing it before sleep checked my oxygen and it bounced all around.....so I decided my oxygen level was most important last night....may need it with oxygen....maybe not at all...maybe different mask. The whole test was so flawed. > > > > > > Babs, > > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > > > P, > > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > > than you think you need than to run out and > > > get in a pickle. > > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > > on a small towel or bag. > > > Hope this helps. > > > > > > Joyce, > > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > > > Hugs, > > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Ok.....but just thought you had where the concentrator was......just worried about humidification and filling portable and such......but hopefully its all ok. > > > > > > > > > > Babs, > > > > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!! > > > > > > > > > > Gingerbread Judy, > > > > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you > > > > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever > > > > > it takes to get some sleep! > > > > > > > > > > P, > > > > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down > > > > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion > > > > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking > > > > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to > > > > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around > > > > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will > > > > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more > > > > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle > > > > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust > > > > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion > > > > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't > > > > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier > > > > > than you think you need than to run out and > > > > > get in a pickle. > > > > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a > > > > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it > > > > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze > > > > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an > > > > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you > > > > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until > > > > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the > > > > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off. > > > > > > > > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't > > > > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later > > > > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out > > > > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I > > > > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day, > > > > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said, > > > > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you > > > > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or > > > > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles. > > > > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be > > > > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave > > > > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it > > > > > on a small towel or bag. > > > > > Hope this helps. > > > > > > > > > > Joyce, > > > > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting > > > > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the > > > > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have > > > > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the > > > > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together) > > > > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise > > > > > when they're set on anything higher than 6. > > > > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling > > > > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't > > > > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to > > > > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's > > > > > typically because you have overfilled it. You > > > > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing > > > > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the > > > > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's > > > > > a conspiracy against us. > > > > > > > > > > Hugs, > > > > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Bruce... it sure does sound contradictory! These are the things that wear us out..... Mama-Sher, 69; IPF, 3-06, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Re: Liquid 02 Yes it was working right....just my oxygen dropping with it. The whole sleep study was done poorly. In the past I've been shown not to need CPAP. I've been shown to need oxygen. Now they say CPAP with no Oxygen. Makes no sense and it wasn't going to work. Fortunately, I decided to monitor my oxygen. I'm sure I'm going to need another study.> > > >> > > > Babs,> > > > YYYEEEESSS, I do love puppy breath!!!> > > >> > > > Gingerbread Judy,> > > > Thanks for the priceless mental image of you> > > > in a pile of cookies and crumbs. Hey, whatever> > > > it takes to get some sleep!> > > >> > > > P,> > > > You're at 8.5L, but do you get to turn that down> > > > a bit when you're sitting? If so, the Companion> > > > will last longer. Mine's at 10-15 when I'm walking> > > > or moving around, but I normally turn it down to> > > > 4-6 when I'm seated. If I'm not walking around> > > > a museum or shopping, the Companion will> > > > usually last me 1.5 -2 hours. You'll learn more> > > > about how long yours will last with your lifestyle> > > > as you go along. Just don't put too much trust> > > > in the fish-scale type gauge on the Companion> > > > that measures how much 02 is left - it isn't> > > > very accurate, and it's better to fill a little earlier> > > > than you think you need than to run out and> > > > get in a pickle.> > > > This is important: if you have a Companion on a> > > > high flow at the end of its usage time (and it> > > > doesn't take that long), the tubing tends to freeze> > > > to the portable. Because of this, ALWAYS carry an> > > > extra cannula, because when this happens, you> > > > won't be able to get the tubing off the tank until> > > > it thaws out. Twice I've actually broken off the> > > > tip of frozen tubing trying to pull it off.> > > >> > > > If you fill a Companion in the morning, you won't> > > > get much evaporation if you want to use it later> > > > in the day. (I actually think the Marathons bleed out> > > > more quickly. They also take longer to fill, which I> > > > think is weird.) But if you wait until the next day,> > > > you'll need to top it off again. As Bruce said,> > > > it's best to fill around 30 minutes before you> > > > use it, leaving it sitting on an open counter or> > > > somewhere besides an enclosed bag while it settles.> > > > After it's used and empty, the inside of it will be> > > > frosty, and it will puddle up wherever you leave> > > > it. So unless it's near a sink, it's good to set it> > > > on a small towel or bag.> > > > Hope this helps.> > > >> > > > Joyce,> > > > I have the same frustrations as you with getting> > > > the high flow humidifiers to fit on airtight so the> > > > 02 will flow. They're maddening!!!!!!! I also have> > > > to put doubled-over handtowels between the> > > > humidifiers and the reservoirs (I have 2 Y'd together)> > > > in order to get them not to make a spitting noise> > > > when they're set on anything higher than 6.> > > > As to your other point, when a portable stops filling> > > > halfway through, it's usually because you aren't> > > > pushing down hard enough. When it freezes to> > > > the mother ship or spews out the bottom, it's> > > > typically because you have overfilled it. You> > > > have to be ridiculously attuned to recognizing> > > > the noise it makes when it's time to yank it off the> > > > reservoir. grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It does seem like there's> > > > a conspiracy against us.> > > >> > > > Hugs,> > > > Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas> > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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