Cart
The higher you climb, the thinner the atmosphere gets, which makes breathing hard which may result in altitude sickness. Altitude sickness, known as acute mountain syndrome (AMS), results in hypoxia or low blood oxygen levels. A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) can help you overcome altitude sickness.
This article will compare some of the best portable oxygen concentrators at 10,000 feet above sea level. We will highlight the key features such as portability, battery life, and altitude compatibility that make them stand out.
It is a portable oxygen concentrator that works well for patients with low to medium oxygen needs. ReadyO2 is the ideal oxygen machine for high altitudes and comes with a competitive price.
The device battery lasts longer compared to other models. It also has more innovative tools to support its use.
Inogen One One G5 is a high-output oxygen machine that can work well in altitudes above 10,000 feet. It is a machine that can provide oxygen therapy for patients needing large volumes of oxygen.
The model is ideal for high oxygen demands. However, it is only capable of operational altitudes up to 10,000 feet.
The device is ideal for persons with a low need for oxygen therapy in high altitudes. ReadyO2 is the most suitable mountain climbing for people suffering from AMS and no other underlying respiratory conditions.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the 5 portable oxygen concentrators recommended for high-altitude use.
Machines generally work under specific environmental conditions. For example, extreme temperatures, altitude level, while in water or on land, etc.
A POC is not exceptional. Some models may not work well in higher elevations. Here are the key considerations for a POC when using high-altitude oxygen therapy.
Choose a lightweight model portable oxygen concentrator. You need a device that you can carry comfortably in your outdoor activities. Mountain climbing involves a lot of hiking, and you need an oxygen machine that reduces strain while walking.
Luckily, there are portable oxygen concentrators that weigh less than 3kg. These devices come with carry bags to ease their use when doing other activities. A few kilos may be light at the beginning. However, holding a heavier device for an extended time will exhaust you faster.
Parts of mountainous areas do not have a connection to primary power sources. When looking for a POC for high-altitude therapy, go for a device with a long battery life. A portable oxygen concentrator uses a lithium-ion battery, which lasts 3-10 hours.
You can also look for a model that supports a double battery. However, the 16-cell battery slightly increases the weight of the POC.
An oxygen concentrator works by filtering the surrounding air. A compressor then compresses oxygen for delivery. Depending on the air within the environment you are in, the oxygen output level of the POC may vary.
A portable oxygen concentrator for high altitudes should operate efficiently in areas with reduced oxygen levels, up to 16,400 feet or more. A POC with such a rating can work in high-altitude areas like the Colorado Mountains.
So, how do you choose the right oxygen concentrator for use? First, we must mention that oxygen concentrators need a healthcare provider's prescription on purchase. Your doctor diagnoses your oxygen needs and the correct mode of delivery.
The two criteria help to determine the oxygen machine's capacity according to your needs.
Here are tips for selecting the correct oxygen concentrator for high altitudes.
We all have different physical capacities. Your body condition determines the load you can carry comfortably without strain. Distance of travel also contributes to the choice of luggage and its weight.
You need to choose an oxygen concentrator that you can carry comfortably outdoors. So, go for lightweight options.
A portable oxygen concentrator for use outdoors should have a long battery life. Some mountainous areas do not have primary power sources.
Always have a backup power source to avoid downtime. Hypoxia can be fatal.
If your planned destination is Colorado, where some areas exceed 10,000 feet above sea level, you need a compatible POC for the altitudes.
The air we breathe thins out the higher you climb. You may get altitude sickness if coming from low-altitude areas.
Do your travel plans involve air travel? You need to confirm whether your machine is FAA-approved for use in an airplane.
Some oxygen systems, like oxygen tanks, are not flight-friendly.
In our list of portable oxygen concentrators recommended for high altitude, ReadyO2 Lite stands out. Here is why ReadyO2 Lite stands out as a POC for mountain climbing.
We all have different physical capacities. Your body condition determines the load you can carry comfortably without strain. Distance of travel also contributes to the choice of luggage and its weight.
You need to choose an oxygen concentrator that you can carry comfortably outdoors. So, go for lightweight options.
ReadyO2 Lite weighs just 1.32 lbs or less than a kilo. It is a comfortable weight when wearing the oxygen machine. You will wear the device and engage in hiking or climbing without strain.
ReadyO2 Pro, which can cater to patients with high oxygen needs, is also lightweight compared to other models in its league.
ReadyO2 offers extended usage for demanding conditions.
Long battery life reduces the need to charge often and gives peace of mind while using the machine outdoors. You will also eliminate the need for multiple backup batteries.
ReadyO2 has come up with devices that spur beyond previously achieved operational altitudes. Both ReadyO2 models excel at high altitudes, up to 16,400 ft.
Most POCs for high altitude have operational altitudes up to 10,000 ft or lower, which means that some models will not function optimally in some areas of Colorado.
Compared to similar models, ReadyO2 products come with competitive prices. Their models cost less than $2,000.
If you are looking for value and working with minimal finances, ReadyO2 is there for you.
There are portable oxygen concentrators that you can use to mitigate acute mountain syndrome (AMS). These are devices that can operate at high altitudes.
ReadyO2 Pro can deliver up to 1,000 ml/min of 93% pure oxygen. Ready02 Lite and Ready02 Pro have the highest operational altitude of 16,400 feet.
When looking for an oxygen concentrator for mountain climbing, look for a lightweight POC with a long battery life.
