The summer can be challenging for people with breathing difficulties: high humidity and extreme heat can exacerbate conditions like a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. So, the must-have medical supply for such patients is Portable Oxygen Concentrators.
Several studies have shown that heat and emergency hospitalizations related to respiratory distress are strongly correlated with weather-related heat, suggesting that people who suffer from these conditions should take even better care when the temperature rises.
They must also maintain their oxygen concentrators and take care of themselves. Heat isn't something units are designed to handle, so it's crucial to protect yourself and your unit.
Things to know about POC in summers
Using oxygen tanks outdoors with friends and family can be great fun, but please be sure they are protected from extreme heat, humidity, and water. Oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators can be Summer's high temperatures can hard hit oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators work properly.
You must maintain a relaxed environment at home and keep your oxygen tanks cool. Use your oxygen tanks when the weather is suitable and avoid strenuous activities during the summer when the temperature is exceptionally high.
The hottest days should be avoided during the day, especially during midday. For your patient and you, when you are out in the sun, try to find shaded areas as often as possible, and don't forget to drink plenty of liquids, preferably water or whatever your physician recommends.
It would be beneficial to visit an air-conditioned location like a library or movie theatre for residents without air-conditioning who use oxygen. Oxygen tanks should be stored properly when the temperatures are at their highest from June through August.
The temperature can increase to 100°F in just an hour if the oxygen tanks are left in a locked car, and the temperature can rise even if the temperature is only 75°F outside. It is also essential not to store oxygen tanks in a garage, attic, basement, or crawl space, as enclosed spaces can get very hot quickly.
Ensure that you store your oxygen tanks in a living space of your house, such as a room or closet, that maintains the same temperature as the rest of the living area. In the summer, some activities can be dangerous for oxygen tank users, including sitting around a campfire or using sparklers to celebrate a holiday.
People should keep their oxygen tanks and themselves at a safe distance away from open flames while they use oxygen – at least 8–10 feet away from a heat source while using it. When using oxygen in the presence of an open flame can be extremely dangerous.
For oxygen tanks to function efficiently, they should not be submerged in water. You should adequately protect your oxygen tanks from extreme heat, sand, and water if you take them to the beach or pool. Water damage to the tanks may render them unrepairable.
The temperature: operational and storage
In summer, oxygen concentrators can suffer from high temperatures, so make sure your portable concentrator can withstand those conditions. In the manual, you'll find information about the minimum and maximum temperatures that the units can withstand.
Avoid exercising or strenuous activities when it's boiling outside, and stay indoors during the hottest middle hours when it's safe to use your concentrator. Stay hydrated outside by taking frequent breaks in a shaded area.
For oxygen users without air-conditioning in their homes, air-conditioned locations such as malls, libraries, or movie theatres are good places to relieve the heat. The more populated cities often provide air-conditioned public spaces called "cooling centers" to assist the elderly and other vulnerable groups during heat waves.
Most people do not think about storing their units in the summer because of the high temperatures. An oxygen concentrator can suffer severe damage in just a half-hour if left locked in a car since temperatures can rise from 70° to 100°F in just half an hour, even if the outside temperature remains low.
The temperatures can also fluctuate widely in attics, garages, basements, or crawl spaces, so you should never leave your oxygen concentrator. Ensure your oxygen concentrator is stored in a room or closet at the same temperature as the rest of your home.
Humidity and water
Oxygen concentrators are not waterproof to ensure the unit stays as dry as possible. Make sure your oxygen concentrator is sand and waterproof if you take it to the beach or pool. The machine may become irreparably damaged if it becomes waterlogged.
Bacteria and fungi can also grow well in high humidity, contributing to the problem. The more often you clean your unit, the better if you live in a highly humid area. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by your oxygen concentrator when cleaning it.
Summertime activities
The use of oxygen concentrators may pose a risk to those who use them in the summer, especially when sitting around a campfire or lighting sparklers during a holiday. You and your oxygen equipment should stay at least eight to ten feet away from a heat source while using oxygen equipment, even if it's not being used.
Oxygen equipment should not operate near an open flame, so keep your distance while using it. Ensure you keep your portable oxygen concentrator safe from extreme temperatures, humidity, and water during the summer to enjoy outdoor fun and activities.
Using and storing your oxygen concentrator in high temperatures
Summer temperatures can strain your oxygen unit, so it's essential to know your unit's conditions. Check out what temperatures your owner's manual can handle by checking the manual.
Consider the weather and temperature when planning your day. Avoid going outside in the heat of the day and plan to spend time indoors in the late afternoon and evening. When it's warm, don't exercise or do more activity. While spending time outdoors, stay hydrated and take shelter from the sun with your oxygen concentrator.
To take cover from the heat, consider visiting a friend's home or a public place like a library, mall, movie theatre, or a friend's or family member's home with air conditioning or swamp coolers.
GCE Zen-O Portable Oxygen Concentrator is one of the best summer choices for people with breathing issues. If you want to buy high-altitude medical supplies such as POCs, contact Sky Medical Supply or visit their local store in Denver, Colorado.