i dont' have a helios, but i think i've heard that you can only use like 3 liters per minutes with it. so, if you go up above that, it wouldnt' be any good. or so i think. (i have the delivered kind. and yes they are heavy if you have to carry them.)
margaret

I do not use the helios...but my carry along is about 6 -8 lbs and It is in a back pack sort of thingy...I hold mine like a second purse...From what I have read about the helios I would think its probably lighter then that and on 2 liters it suppose to last 7 -10 hours...I am not at all sure if medicare will cover the helois....But good luck and good question...Wish I could be of more help....

Love and Blessings, Serenity

I use a helios. It's great.
There are also very small tanks that can be provided making it easier for you to get around. Your doctor should be able to send a prescription to your oxygen provider for this. I'm not sure where you are in this disease,, but I'm not allowed to carry more than 10lbs. (that means push or pull too!). SO please contact your doc.
Meanwhile, welcome!
Hugs
Donna

Does anyone know if medicare covers the cost of any imogene portable concentrators or others
that are for traveling?

It actually depends on whether your provider will provide the liquid oxygen. Your doctor can write a prescription for it then they will supply it. I have lincare as my provider and they were happy as a lark under the new policy to provide me with it, so I switched lincare. Where I live you can't get anything from Apria and from what I am reading many areas are having the same problem with them. Talk to your doctor tell your wants and what you NEED to get around. I'm sure he would be happy to write for it.

Have a great day!!

Things they are a changin.. in oxygen land. WE need to keep up with that.....

I've been using helios for about 1 1/2 years and I think it is the greatest thing. I was on the concentrator but at pulmonary rehab, they suggested the helios system. All I had to do is get a prescription from the doctor for liquid oxygen. I had to change suppliers because the original supplier said he didn't have helios. It is lightweight for travelling and the portable system I have goes up to 4 liters and the stationary one I use at home goes up to 10 liters. It is also a savings. My electric bill went down by $18.00 a month when I changed to the liquid. Good Luck and breathe well. Florcia

Wow, the time limit is 5 years now! It used to be 3 years. Anyway. Tell your Pulmo doc you want liquid O2. You need to get a prescription from your him first for the kind of O2 you need..If you need liquid, then it must be specified on the prescription. Then you give it to the O2 service provider. They send Medicare a copy of the script. Then they bring you whatever your doc specified. This is where it gets fuzzy, After 5 years, the service has made so much profit on you they must give it to you for free (or a minimum charge). Clear as mud? lol sorry. Hope this helps a bit. Laurie

P.S. Helios regulaters go from .50 LPM up to 4.0 LPM.

I admit I am confused???? I have a concentrator.
Have had it for years. Through Lincare. I have
to pay (my portion) of the cost; which is almost
$40. per month.
Should I now OWN my concentrator?
Can I have a little portable tank instead of the
big thing on rollers? I hate taking that thing
out, as I only have one hand free. Actually, no
hands free, as my other hand holds my little Katie's
leash (my servive dog and best friend).
It is quite a juggling actl with me trying to roll
the big (back-up) tank around and trying not to
have Katie run circles and get all tangled up with
my tank. LOL

Someone please send me helpful information!!!

I have my own concentrator bought and paid for and I also have small tanks that I fill at home with my Invacare homefill also bought and paid for. Now that I am on Medicare I would love to get one of the newer ones that you can take with you no matter where you go and that don't weigh very much.The Imogene 1 is one of those kind. Does Medicare allow them? Like Sally said it's too hard pulling those tanks.

Would someone please explain what helios is and what it entails...thanks..xoxo katie

Katie, helios is a small portable oxygen cylender (so to speak) that you fill with your liquid oxygen. It is light weight and wonderful to carry around because it is so light. I think it only weighs about 4 1/2 lbs.

Thanks Sassy, and if you have questions about what medicare will pay for, a good place to start is the supplier. If they do not furnish liquid 02 then find a supplier that does and ask them if medicare pays for the small portable units.

Sally, if your concentrator was furnished under medicare, then there probably is a good chance that you need to be asking whoever you are paying the $40 to what the contract really is.

All have a good breathing day,
Anna