oxygen concentrators

[damian]

Hi,

I tried to search if this had been discussed before but to no avail. If there is a thread please give me a pointer.

My partner has a cronic illness, (cronic fatigue with complications). Apparently most CFS sufferers have benifited from oxygen therapy. She has asked me to find out about home oxygen concentrators with a view to buying one.

I would be grateful for any experience or information anyone has.

I found some chinese ones on ebay for $400 delivered, but I suppose they won't be wonderful ? I have also seen mention of second hand units. We are reluctant to invest the $3-4k for a new one as we aren't sure of the benifit she will get nor how long she will continue to use the machine.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Sparhawk]

You may be able to rent from Chemists or Hospitals? Please be aware that the ones I have seen are a bit noisy.

[Terry B]

You may be able to rent from Chemists or Hospitals? Please be aware that the ones I have seen are a bit noisy.
and they are heavy on the electricity

[Sparhawk]

Not sure, they were being used to keep my grandfather breathing, so we weren't really concerned about running costs.

[damian]

I know they are noisy, and use electricity in proportion to the work they do. I guess my questions are:

are the chinese ones any good ? (given the name brands are probably built there anyway)

are there differences in efficiency/consumables etc ?

There are two second hand name brands on ebay just now and some chinese new machines. Links below. The other sources I've found on the web don't look that promising. I was hoping someone somewhere had some experience of the chinese machines to see if they are any good. She won't be relying on it to stay alive :) or alternatively recomend a retailer.


AMAZING USA AIRSEP NEWLIFE ELITE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR - eBay, Other, Medical, Special Needs, Beauty, Health. (end time 28-Jul-10 19:54:05 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150461472635&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)

Portable Oxygen Concentrator Generator Home/Travel e - eBay, Respiratory Aids, Mobility, Disability Medical, Health Beauty. (end time 03-Jul-10 03:22:39 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180515682714&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)

Oxygen Generator/Concentrator Oxygen 90% 10 year life - eBay, Respiratory Aids, Mobility, Disability Medical, Health Beauty. (end time 04-Jul-10 19:02:11 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220627183643&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)

Millennium M5 Oxygen Concentrator - eBay, Other, Medical, Special Needs, Beauty, Health. (end time 02-Jul-10 19:00:36 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220627621046&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)

[artme]

Not good Damian.


Have you tried the Red Cross place in Greenslopes, opposite the hospital.?

[damian]

I ended up getting her the chinese one. It seems to have helped. I haven't actually tested if it's producing oxygen at the concntration/flow advertised but she says it makes her feel better.

Noise is fine it's on the other side of a door. Electricity ? she doen't use it constantly and it doesn't seem to make much difference.

In case anyone is interested :)