Click here to view the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration's Final Rule on Use of Certain Portable Oxygen
Concentrator Devices Onboard Aircraft.

For additional information on Oxygen Concentrators that are FAA Approved for Air Travel read our blog:

FAA Approved Oxygen Concentrators for Air Travel – New Regulations Make Air Travel with Oxygen Easier

New USDOT Reduces Restrictions on Air Travel with Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Traveling with Oxygen just got easier! As of May 13, 2009 patients who require oxygen therapy will be able to breathe a little easier when they travel. Under a new U.S. Department of Transportation regulation, every FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved oxygen concentrator is allowed on every flight that takes off or lands in the U.S. This is regardless of whether or not the individual airline on which the patient is traveling has approved the machine.

Traveling on a plane for someone who needs oxygen therapy has been a hassle in the past for most and impossible for some. Until this regulation was passed, airlines have been allowed to refuse a patient use of a concentrator on the aircraft, even if the machine was FAA approved. Now, all an oxygen patient must have is a statement dated within 10 days of departure from a physician stating necessity of oxygen therapy and an FAA Approved label on the oxygen concentrator being used.

Airline cabins are typically pressurized to simulate oxygen levels found at 8000 feet above sea level. The Invacare SOLO2, the Respironics EverGo and the Invacare XPO2 portable oxygen concentrators, all of which are FAA approved, are designed to function at altitudes of 8000 feet or more, which enables the user to still get the amount of oxygen they need throughout the flight. Each of these FAA approved oxygen concentrators offers extended battery life and a number of accessories to make travel even easier.

The Invacare XPO2 is one of the lightest concentrators on the market, weighing only 7.3 pounds. It comes with its own carry bag or can be set on a cart and pulled, making it very easy to travel with. The Respironics EverGo has excellent battery power for long trips, up to 8 hours with dual, rechargeable batteries. It also comes with a carry bag and rolling cart and is still lightweight at only 10 pounds with two battery packs attached. The Invacare SOLO2 is one of few concentrators that offer continuous as well as pulse flow settings. The SOLO2 Concentrator has easy to change batteries and, unlike its competitors like the Eclipse 3, can fit under an airplane seat with the rolling cart still attached. All three units offer included AC/DC power adapters to be used in a wall outlet or a car so you can charge and use your portable oxygen concentrator anywhere you go!

When planning for an airline trip, keep in mind that most airlines require that passengers carrying portable oxygen concentrators have enough batteries for twice the duration of the flight, as well as one extra battery. Even with new regulations, it is still a good idea to call the airline on which you are flying to make sure you are taking all of the proper precautions before traveling by air with an oxygen concentrator.

Author: Lois Douglas

About ActiveForever
ActiveForever is the leading source of very well priced life-enhancing products that address almost all physical disabilities, injuries or pain. Products include daily living aids, bath, safety and hygiene products, mobility aids, emergency supplies, durable medical equipment, medical nutrition, low vision and hearing loss devices, physical therapy products, land and aquatic exercise therapy products. For more information, please visit www.ActiveForever.com

Originally published May 2009

FAA Approved Portable Concentrator Gives Oxygen Therapy Patients Convenient Way to Travel

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - February 2009 – ActiveForever Medical Supplies, Equipment, and Healthcare Innovations has received word from the Invacare Corporation that the Invacare ® XPO2 ™ Portable Oxygen Concentrator has received FAA approval for air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration SFAR No. 106 has been amended to include the Invacare ® XPO2 ™ portable concentrator for use onboard passenger aircraft. A part of the ActiveForever line of products since its introduction in May 2008, the Invacare ® XPO2 ™ is one of the smallest oxygen concentrators available, yet offers all of the capabilities of larger, more expensive systems. Backed by a 5 year warranty, the Invacare ® XPO2 ™ Oxygen Concentrator combines reliability and durability with clinical performance. "We are so thrilled to see more reliable and functional alternatives to the original FAA approved oxygen device become available. These new competing quiet and almost maintenance free FAA approved oxygen therapy machines are expensive and not well covered by insurance, so we're happy to see more solid brand names and increased reliability behind the equipment choices now," said Erika Feinberg, CEO of ActiveForever. "We've seen the grief a wrong choice can cause, and the elation the right choice can make, so we always do our best to steer everyone to the best choice of equipment. Since we do not engage in insurance billing at all, ActiveForever.com is one of the largest outlets in the country, and we have a decisive mission to make life better for everyone, we are able to offer the best pricing with great passion behind it." The XPO2 portable concentrator weighs only six pounds and incorporates Sensi-Pulse ™ technology, an innovative five-setting pulse dose oxygen delivery system that keeps oxygen patients saturated during all activities of daily living. It operates from battery, AC or DC power. The two-and-a-half hour battery duration (at setting 2) may be doubled to five hours through the use of an optional one-and-a-half pound supplemental battery that attaches easily to the carrying case. Other features include quiet, simple operation, and a contemporary, non-medical look, all of which are very important to oxygen patients.

"We’ve been very pleased with the launch of the XPO2. Invacare is proud to offer providers oxygen solutions for the entire continuum of care of their patients. Now that the XPO2 has FAA approval, we will meet an even greater variety of patient needs," said Joseph Lewarski, vice president, Invacare respiratory division. Invacare will approach individual airlines for their approvals regarding in-flight use of oxygen systems. Southwest Airlines has already approved the system.

Author: Richard Chandler
Contact: Media@ActiveForever.com
Direct: 480.459.3200

About ActiveForever
ActiveForever is the leading source of very well priced life-enhancing products that address almost all physical disabilities, injuries or pain. Products include daily living aids, bath, safety and hygiene products, mobility aids, durable medical equipment, medical nutrition, low vision and hearing loss devices, physical therapy products, land and aquatic exercise therapy products. ActiveForever provides a multitude of product solutions for arthritis, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, stroke rehabilitation, sports injuries, pain relief, foot/ankle, hand, hip/knee and other physically limiting conditions. The company also offers unique and life-enhancing gift ideas. Visit top ranked www.ActiveForever.com 800-377-8033

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Originally published February 2009

Smoke from the “Wallow Fire,” a wildfire which has burned more than 200,000 acres in northern Arizona is pushing air quality to unhealthy levels as far across the United States as Georgia (and Alabama).  Firefighters are literally working around the clock to try and get the Wallow wildfire under control, which is currently classified as zero percent contained.  Arizona Governor Jan Brewer declared the Wallow Fire situation a “state of emergency” (releasing funds to pay for emergency responses and recovery expenses), the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued its largest smoke health advisory of the season on Monday, and airplanes are having to be diverted from Albuquerque, New Mexico all due to heavy smoke from the uncontrolled wildfire.

There are obvious health concerns which result from wildfire smoke, but many people assume they have to be in the direct vicinity of the fire before they need to worry about their own health.  The smoke billowing across the country carries harmful particles, which can often cover entire neighborhoods but in this case is covering entire metro areas. According to the CDPHE, if there is less than 5 miles visibility in your area then the smoke has reached “unhealthy levels.”

Health Concerns from Wildfire Smoke

Respiratory issues are one of the biggest health concerns in conjunction with smoke from wildfires. You may feel a variety of symptoms from smoke inhalation including coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing (or shortness of breath), asthma, and more.

Christopher Dann, public information officer with the CDPHE's Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, identified people who are “elderly, very young, or those with heart disease or respiratory illnesses” as being most at-risk for smoke related health problems; "A little bit of pollution goes a longer way with those folks," Dann said (according to KUSA-TV, 9NEWS in Colorado).

Best Ways to Protect Against Harmful Smoke Particles

One of the best things you can do to help protect yourself (and your loved ones) from inhaling the wildfire smoke which has blown into your area is to restrict your exposure to smoke conditions. Limit your outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible; if the smoke is making an especially at-risk individual sick consider temporarily relocating them. In the western United States, swamp coolers are an often used alternative to air conditioning but people in smoke infected areas should avoid using swamp coolers, which will pull the harmful air particles into your indoor living space. Pay attention to the smoke-related alerts in your community! The New Mexico Department of Health recommends not using anything that burns (i.e. candles, gas stoves, fireplaces, etc.) when outdoor smoke levels are high (KRQE News 13).

You may have seen photos of people being evacuated from areas in the direct path of the Wallow Fire wearing bandanas over the lower part of the faces, but you can protect your health from the harmful smoke particles more effectively by wearing face masks (many of which are very affordable and easy to use). Face masks are particularly important for individuals who are already at higher risk for health problems associated with smoke particles inhalation (i.e. the elderly, children, those with respiratory illnesses, etc.).

Keep Up-to-Date on the Wallow Fire News and Health Advisories

You don’t need to be obsessively glued to CNN, but you do want to pay attention to the status of the Wallow fire, and current health advisories (especially in your own community). Check your state’s department of health, and you can find current information on the Wallow Fire at the Arizona Emergency Information Network website.

Our thoughts go out to all people affected by the Wallow fire, and especially to those firefighters who are putting their own lives in harms way to contain this wildfire. ActiveForever will be offering updates on the Wallow fire via Twitter; if you don't already follow us you can join us on Twitter @ActiveForever.

Losing weight can help you sleep better? It’s true. While there are numerous health risks associated with being overweight, few people know obesity is a primary risk factor for the sleep disorder obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disease in which breathing stops (and starts again) repeatedly as a result of the throat muscles relaxing.

Signs of sleep apnea include waking up with a dry mouth (or sore throat), excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring (prominent sign of obstructive sleep apnea), waking abruptly and feeling short of breath upon the abrupt waking, morning headaches, and insomnia.

While there are numerous sleep disorder quizzes you can take to see if you have sleep apnea symptoms, if you experience any of the above signs you should consider consulting a medical professional.

What does being overweight have to do with breathing?

People who are overweight are more likely to have fat deposits around the upper airway which can obstruct breathing. In general, people with a neck circumference greater than 17 inches have an increased risk of sleep apnea due to a thick neck narrowing the airways; a wider neck can be (though not a definite) due to obesity.

Obese people are at an increased risk for developing hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is another risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.

CPAP and Weight Loss

One of the most popular sleep apnea treatments is the use of a continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) machine (sometimes called “sleep apnea machines”), which keeps the soft tissues back against the airway walls to provide continuous air, and help prevent the repeated stopping of breathing which defines sleep apnea.

A CPAP machine by itself doesn’t cause weight loss, but it does provide for a more restful sleep and restful sleep improves the body’s overall health and metabolism. Increased metabolism can mean burning calories more quickly and efficiently.

If you’re like me and sleep apnea treatments such as CPAPs are more frustrating than helpful consider weight loss as a way to not only get off of the sleep apnea machine, but you’ll be able to fit back into your old (smaller) clothes. Experts agree the keys to successful weight loss are a healthy diet and exercise. In addition to selling high quality CPAP machines, CPAP machine accessories, and a CPAP pillow, ActiveForever.com also sells affordable exercise equipment and weight loss products.

In addition to being a broad term, lung diseases are very intimidating and confusing. We don’t always completely understand what pulmonary disorders are but we know we don’t want to be diagnosed with them. You may be surprised to learn about how common pulmonary fibrosis and COPD risk factors are. Read on to learn if you are at risk for these lung diseases.

Sometimes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis are used interchangeably but these are two different lung diseases. Briefly, a pulmonary disorder is labeled “obstructive” when a person can’t exhale completely due to narrow or blocked airways in the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is actually an umbrella term that includes asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema (usually caused by inflammation in the airways).

When a person’s lungs lose the ability to expand during inhalation (which occurs when tissue in the lungs is lost or cells stiffen from environmental factors) the disorder is referred to as “restrictive.” Restrictive lung diseases cover pulmonary fibrosis (PF), pneumonia, and lung cancer. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis refers to there being no known cause. Additional information on the difference between COPD and pulmonary fibrosis can be found here.

Health risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:

Exposure to tobacco smoke. The biggest COPD risk exists for long term smokers. Also at risk are people exposed to large amounts of second hand smoke, pipe smokers, and cigar smokers.

Exposure to dust and chemicals. Of particular concern are people whose occupations expose them to chemical fumes/vapors and/or dusts long term.

Age. Most people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at least 40 years old because this lung disease develops over time.

GERD. Otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a severe form of acid reflux that can cause COPD in some people but makes the lung disease worse for many sufferers.

Genetics. In rare cases, COPD is caused by alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic disorder.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Risk Factors:

Gender. Statistically men are more likely to suffer from pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Age. Like COPD, PF is more likely to affect older and middle-aged adults.

Exposure to environmental toxins. People working in mining, farming, or construction have a higher risk of pulmonary fibrosis due to their consistent exposure to lung damaging pollutants.

Radiation and chemotherapy. You’re more susceptible to pulmonary fibrosis after getting radiation to your chest and/or use of specific chemotherapy drugs.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Risk Factors: Despite not knowing the cause in these cases, researchers have found some factors which seem to indicate increased risk of IPF.

Smoking. Self explanatory but see COPD risk factor information for more details.

Genetics. There is a rare type of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which seems to run in families.

Viruses. Researchers have noticed after a viral illness (such as Epstein-Barr) many people develop symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis.

You can’t control your age or genetics, but you can control your exposure to tobacco smoke (primary and secondary) and long term exposure to occupational toxins. Key to preventing lung disease is to quit smoking (even better, don’t start). If you (or a loved one) already suffer from pulmonary fibrosis (PF or IPF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ActiveForever.com has a variety of oxygen therapy, mobility aids, and independent living aids to help those diagnosed live full, engaging lives.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that can be caused by exposure to gases, fumes, air pollution, second hand smoke and more often SMOKING (just another reason to quit). Two common forms of this disease are Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Chronic Bronchitis can be defined as a consistent cough and buildup of mucus for a long period of time. Emphysema is a long term lung disease which causes a shortness of breath. COPD is diagnosed by your doctor after extensive monitoring. Any form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is very serious; symptoms to watch out for include but are not limited to coughing with mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling in the legs and feet, fatigue and frequent respiratory infections.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease however there are treatments that you doctor can prescribe to you to help from the disease getting worse and to have a better quality of life. The first one would be to STOP SMOKING! Depending on the stage of COPD there different treatments such as a bronchodilator; there are four forms of bronchodilators, Inhaled, tablet, liquid and injectable. Another treatment may be the use of inhaled glucocorticosteriods or possibly participating in pulmonary rehabilitation program. Using a Positive Expiratory Pressure therapy system for Respiratory Training, or PEP Therapy Device, is a common terrific item used for lunch diseases such as COPD. There two types which and they are color coded, one is green and made for high-flow and the other is blue for low-flow. Use of oxygen as needed is another treatment for COPD. Oxygen might be provided by such units as the Respironics EverGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator. This amazing device allows people who want to travel and maintain an active lifestyle to do so with oxygen therapy.

COPD is a very serious disease and if you think you have symptoms please (quit smoking) and contact your doctor, then come see us for our products to allow you to continue an active lifestyle.

The Acapella PEP Vibratory Therapy System is an ingenious pulmonary therapy device that uses the air in the lungs to help break up mucus and other fluids and help restore healthy lung function.

Positive Expiratory Pressure, or PEP, therapy increases the resistance during exhalation, which forces the lungs to work harder and expand the walls. The added rocker mechanism in the Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System causes the outward flow of air to vibrate inside the lungs, loosening the phlegm and mucus that builds on the walls of the pulmonary system. Ideal for people suffering with lung and airway impairments such as Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, or COPD, the Acapella device breathes new life into any tired chest.

Simple and easy to use, the Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System accommodates any lung capacity, from pediatric applications to geriatric applications, and anyone in between. The 22mm diameter mouthpiece allows the unit to be used with a breathing mask or Nebulizer. With adjustable resistance tuning also built into the device, customizing the beneficial expiratory pressure to a variety of different individuals is as simple as turning a dial.

The Acapella PEP Vibratory Therapy System is available in both low and high pressure options, color-coded, each with their own resistance dials to customize the exhalation rate. The green Acapella-DH unit is designed for high flow heavier breathers, with the capacity to exhale at 15 lpm and above for three seconds. The blue Acapella-DM is for lower expiratory flow rates, or 15 lpm and below. A new model, the Acapella Choice PEP Vibratory Therapy System allows for a greater range of resistance tuning, and as an added benefit, the device can be disassembled and cleaned in the dishwasher.

All models of the Acapella respiratory device can be used in virtually any position, as opposed to many resistance breathing devices which require the individual to lay flat or perform certain movements during applications. The Acapella is different, the unique vibrating rocker arm works independent of the device's orientation, and will not simply stop because the user's head is at an angle.

Because of the Acapella PEP Therapy Device's compact size and lightweight design, it can be easily carried along wherever it is needed. Providing the same complete resistance and vibratory therapy applications that are found in many respiratory hospitals and pulmonary centers, the Acapella allows patients to mobilize pulmonary secretions from the comforts of their own homes. Patients are more likely to administer treatments when they are readily made available, and the low cost of the Acapella System allows a greater number of patients the option for safe, effective treatment.

Whether suffering from debilitating respiratory limitations, or simply trying to efficiently remove chest congestion without resorting to taking medications or costly doctor's visits, the Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System is a perfect choice. The convenient ability to adjust for various users, the simple interface, a compact lightweight design and remarkably effective results all combine to create one outstanding therapy device.

Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that provides extra oxygen to the tissues of the body through the lungs, a process known as respiration.

What is the information for this topic?

Oxygen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is essential for the body to survive. The heart relies on oxygen to beat and pump blood. If not enough oxygen is circulating in the blood, it becomes increasingly difficult for the heart muscle to pump.

The air contains approximately 21 percent oxygen; normally, this is more than enough for an individual to maintain adequate oxygen in the blood just by breathing air through the lungs.

However, some medical conditions result in a shortage of oxygen to the tissues of the body, for different reasons. These include:

• asthma, a chronic disease causing intermittent narrowing of the airways
• chronic bronchitis, with long- term irritation of the airways
• anemia, or a low red blood cell count
• pneumonia
• pulmonary edema, a condition in which extra fluid accumulates in the lungs
• congestive heart failure, a condition in which a weakened heart fails to pump enough blood to the body cells
• pulmonary fibrosis, in which the lungs become scarred