Posted by MaryEllen on 4/9/2008, 6:26 pm, in reply to "Re: From LOX to Inogen"
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Carol and CJ - When I traveled to Oregon at Christmas time, I traveled with only 1 piece of luggage, which I checked. I don't have family to drive me to the airport, so I used a shuttle bus that picked me up at my home and dropped me off at the airport. As you can probably tell, logistics played a big part of my travel plans so I had to think things over pretty carefully and plan well ahead of time. I had requested wheelchair accomodations since there is no way I can walk the course of the airport with my 02 let alone carry any luggage at the same time. I just don't have the endurance for that type of travel. However, once the wheelchair attendant had me seated, he placed the POC in my lap and my purse was on my arm and we were on my way. He had my suitcase checked for me so that was not a problem. We cleared through the security area quickly which is one advantage of using the wheelchair :>) and he had me seated in the boarding area before I knew it. Once the plane was ready to board, another attendant came and pushed the wheelchair to the door and the attendant assisted me to my seat and made sure I was comfortable. I was treated the same way when my plane arrived at my destination, and the attendant also retrieved my luggage from baggage area and brought it to me while I waited for my sister to arrive to pick me up. I tipped both attendants $5.00 each. The shuttle bus to and from the airport ran me an additional $60.00 round trip. I felt the convenience was worth it.
The Inogen is small enough when you are shopping for groceries, that it will fit in the area where you would put a child. I have no problem using a pulse dose, however, if you are continous use oxygen and find you cannot use pulse, you may want to look at the Sequal Eclipse POC. It is heavier than the Inogen and bigger, but it also offer one continuous oxygen up to 3 LPM and pulse after that. The Inogen goes to 5 LPM and I think the Elcipse Sequal also. There are pros and cons for both, which is why it is important to try before you buy. I rented the Inogen because Apria didn't offer nor had anything to offer me when I made my trip to Oregon. I do think you will be pleasantly surprised at the ease and comfort it offers though. I sure hope you will at least give it a try and I hope your trip will be as pleasant as mine was.
Best wishes,
Mary Ellen/CA
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