Walgreens-OptionCare > Respiratory > Services and equipment > Travel oxygen

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Portable oxygen tanks contain pure oxygen, which is compressed to more than 2,000 pounds per square inch. This allows more oxygen to be carried in the tank. The size of the tank determines the volume of gas contained. You then can estimate how long that tank will last at a prescribed liter flow. Portable tanks are heavy and can be carried in a cart. Smaller tanks are lighter, but do not last as long. While steel tanks are still used, most home care patients prefer lighter-weight aluminum tanks. A device called a regulator is attached to the tank, which reduces the pressure of the oxygen and lets it out of the tank at a pressure that is safe. The regulator also allows the user to adjust the flow to the prescribed liter flow. Filling oxygen tanks is a complex and regulated process, so, in general, once a tank is empty, it must be returned to the oxygen supplier to be refilled. An E-tant will last about 5 hours when used at a flow of 2 liters per minute. Smaller tanks are available, but do not last as long. Portable oxygen tanks are the most commonly used method of providing oxygen outside the home.

Just because you are on oxygen doesn't mean you can't travel. In fact, staying active is one of the goals of oxygen therapy. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, make us your partner for uninterrupted oxygen service. We make it our business to help ensure continuous oxygen coverage whether you're traveling in or out of our service area, by land, sea or air.

Plan ahead: Contact your local Walgreens-OptionCare facility at least two weeks in advance of your trip to ensure enough time for us to make preparations on your behalf. If your oxygen needs are being supplied by another company, call them and request their assistance in locating oxygen for you on your travels.

Keep these travel tips in mind for a safe and healthy trip:

• Plan and arrange for your oxygen needs well in advance of your departure -- at least two weeks or more.
• Work with your respiratory therapist to discuss the best portable system for you. Keep in mind the length of the trip, desired mobility and how often refills can be accessed.
• If we can not provide oxygen for you on your travels, we will assist you in getting proper authorization. We will contact your physician to obtain a certificate of medical necessity, which explains your oxygen requirements for the out-of-town company to follow. Be sure to keep all paperwork -- including your prescription -- with you at all times.
• Be aware that if you receive oxygen from two different suppliers in the same month, Medicare does not cover the expenses from the second provider.

Tips for air, sea and road travel

• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) have revolutionized air travel. The FAA has approved select models for on-board use. Contact your airline carrier well in advance to find out their policy on POCs.
• When traveling by air, always carry written permission from your physician for your POC and make sure you have enough battery power to last prior to boarding, throughout the flight, during any connecting flights and at your destination.
• If traveling by car, remember that small concentrators (requiring AC current) are easy to take along. Small cylinders can be used while driving and refilled en route.
• Certain cruise lines provide oxygen. Oxygen may be delivered to the ship and picked up by the supplier when you return. Ask your oxygen supplier about oxygen-conserving devices that can extend the amount of time your oxygen lasts.
• Do not carry metal cylinders in your car trunk.
• Never let the metal cylinders reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher since gaseous oxygen is under pressure and could leak.
• Above all, remember to keep away from people who are smoking and other combustible agents while using oxygen.