Prior to the portable oxygen tank, having a disease or condition that required portable oxygen mostly meant a confined lifestyle. Many oxygen tanks were bulky and often they didn't hold enough oxygen for long outings. Nowadays -- with around 15 million Americans diagnosed with COPD and other respiratory conditions -- more people are relying on portable oxygen devices to live their lives. Being able to transport much-needed oxygen tanks is a must. Along came carrier bags and pouches, allowing patients the chance to be mobile once again. With hundreds of carrier bags on the market, these three stand out: Drive Medical OP-150T Oxygen Cylinder Carry Bag, AirLift Small Backpack for Small Liquid Oxygen Portables and Cramer Decker Medical CD1009 M6/M9 Horizontal Medical Cylinder Bag. Read on to learn more about these top-rated portable oxygen carriers.
You might have noticed when shopping, that there are literally hundreds of bags to choose from. First , locate the size and dimensions of your oxygen tank from manufacturer directions. Then determine if you need a upright bag or can use an over the shoulder variety. Most tanks allow for either carrying position. Ensure the bag has room for all of your supplies, such as tubing.
With a wide array of bag options, picking the one that suits your needs might prove difficult. Options include an over the shoulder bag, back pack, rolling bag and carriers that attach to a wheelchair or walker. Once the size is determined, find out which bag fits your individuals needs. The Drive Medical bag is an over the shoulder variety, The Airlift is a backpack only carrier while the Cramer Decker can be used as either a shoulder bag or back pack.
Price depends on several factors, including size of the bag, material and style. Oxygen bags and carriers run the gamut from around $10 for small bags that attach to a wheelchair to upwards of $135 for those with extra storage compartments and insulation.
If you plan on being out in the rain, it might help to know if the bag you have chosen is water proof. Most bags are waterproof as manufactures understand today's active person needs all all season carrier. All three of our top choices are waterproof and able to handle any deluge Mother Nature brings your way.
Many new oxygen tank users wonder about taking care of their tank during a cold snap. Some bags are insulated, however it is not necessary to have an insulated bag because of oxygen's extremely low low freezing point. If you do wish to have an insulated bag, there are some on the market, so research your options.
Mass production makes products cheaper. This is one reason that many items, such as oxygen carrier bags, come in only a couple of colors options. The Drive Medical bag and Cramer are sold in only black while the Cramer Decker is offered in blue. Some bags come in designer colors and designs, but often cost more.
Anyone who uses portable oxygen, realizes it is important to have somewhere to store your oxygen tank accessories. Not all bags come with accessory pockets. The Drive Medical,Airlift and Cramer Decker carriers are all equipped with outside storage pockets for convenience.
Because of their constant use, oxygen carrier bags do tend to get dirty. It is vital that these cases remain clean and sanitary to prevent contamination of supplies or the tank itself. All three of our top choices are machine washable. However, check each to verify it they can be dried in a dryer.