Traveling while using oxygen can sometimes be very difficult but with some planning it can be a safe and simple process. The most important step involved in traveling with oxygen is to properly plan in advance. The best way to do this is to first call Orbit Medical's customer service department ten days before you leave to ensure all your oxygen needs are taken care of. The good thing about calling Orbit is that they will do most of the work arranging for your equipment.

To travel by air, first check with your physician to make sure it is safe for you to travel. Next contact the airline and ask about their requirements for in-flight oxygen use. You will need to talk to them at least two days in advance for some carriers and others at least seven days. Most U.S. air carriers provide service for passengers requiring oxygen but do not allow you to bring your own oxygen on board. All airlines will charge for oxygen but the prices vary.

Going on a cruise is also possible for oxygen patients. Most cruise lines require you to bring your own oxygen and equipment and also to make a ten day advance notice. Talk to their special services department and ask about their requirements for those traveling with oxygen.

Train and bus travel also requires first talking to the customer service department. Oxygen equipment can be brought on board, but prior arrangement must be made in advance. Traveling with oxygen on a train is a little more restricted and arranging with a company to re-supply your oxygen at stations along the way may be necessary. It is highly recommended to make reservations as far in advance as possible and confirm arrangements a day or two prior to leaving. This way all your oxygen needs will be taken care of.

The best advice I can give in one sentence to someone traveling with oxygen is to make arrangements as far in advance as possible.

Labels: in-home oxygen

As physical mobility decreases and we start looking into assistive devices for ourselves or others we are faced with some questions. Which should I get a motorized wheelchair or a mobility scooter? Are they same? Which one is better for me? Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters have a lot in common and have some differences. For more information on motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters go to the blog post titled Electric Wheelchair.

A mobility scooter has a seat with a flat area for the feet and is steered by a handlebar. This makes it less like a wheelchair and more like a temporary vehicle. While this is good for some it often presents challenges for others. Scooters are helpful for persons who can stand and walk short distances but are physically unable to walk long distances due to fatigue. A scooter user needs to be able to sit upright without support and be physically able to steer the handlebars.

The drawback to the mobility scooters is that they require upright posture and some upper-body mobility and strength. A mobility scooter is often more affordable than a power wheelchair, however, insurance providers are less likely to pay for a scooter because it is not considered medical necessity. Scooters are also usually heavier and longer are less maneuverable than wheelchairs. Scooters are also more restricted to the places they can go and limited to accessibility of public places like buses. Persons with severe arthritis in the shoulders, hands or arms or a weak heart should not consider a mobility scooter.

Electric wheelchairs are typically used by those without the physical ability to use a manual wheelchair, those mostly chair or bed bound, and those with severe mobility issues. Motorized wheelchairs are simple to operate and require less physical functions. An individual with a condition that will reduce physical function in the near future should consider a motorized wheelchair instead of a mobility scooter.

If a motorized wheelchair would improve your life and you would like to see if you can qualify for the power chair through your insurance then please talk to a mobility specialist by filling out this form. You will be contacted by phone shortly for a simple mobility consultation. If there is any other questions please make a comment at the bottom of this post.

Labels: electric wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs