Oxygen concentrator for land trips at altitude?

I ordinarily have zero breathing difficulties, and hope it stays that way for a long time.

However, we've been going to Colorado every year for a conference, and even though it's not really high (~8,000 ft), I have significant difficulties with just getting out of breath.

Apparently some people adjust fairly quickly, and others... just don't.

(It's NOT "gasping for breath" or anything like that, and there is NO known medical problem. I just get fatigued even walking across a room, which ordinarily doesn't ever happen.)

We know that others also have problems at about that altitude. One colleague's wife got serious "altitude sickness" even at this moderate altitude, so they are no longer able to attend this conference at all.

The hotels all have cars and vans to shuttle people around, even just a few blocks, so I know that "I am not alone" ;)

I'm thinking that perhaps renting an oxygen concentrator might be worthwhile.

I figure if they "work" for people with more serious conditions that *require* more oxygen, then it could make a real difference in how I feel, and just being able to walk around more and enjoy the beautiful area (before calling the hotel to "please come get me" :( ).

Does this make sense, or is it ridiculous given there isn't any actual "medical condition"?

IF it's helpful, I'll be sorry I didn't think of this sooner, but better late than never, etc.

Thanks.

GC

I know climbers of Fuji-san get what basically amounts to pony bottles of oxygen to take if they want. not sure of the official technical term, I just remember them being smaller than an average fire extinguisher

I don't see why something similar wouldn't be an option. I could ask my AF friends to see if they have any ideas.

Since an oxygen unit (even POC’s) are durable medical equipment, you will need a DR’s prescription to rent one. Pls talk to your primary care physician and/or your pulmonary specialist to determine if this is the proper avenue to take, and if so, what unit type is a best fit for your needs. The small, compact POC’s may be enough for your purpose, but you will need to try one before using it, to understand how to breathe properly with one.

I know climbers of Fuji-san get what basically amounts to pony bottles of oxygen to take if they want. not sure of the official technical term, I just remember them being smaller than an average fire extinguisher

 

I don't see why something similar wouldn't be an option. I could ask my AF friends to see if they have any ideas.

I used to use something like this (I think, if I understand what you are describing), but they stopped making the type I used. The "other brands" just didn't work as well.

Also, it wasn't any sort of continuous "flow", and one needed to keep stopping an "take a spray", sort of, more like "an inhalation". So a single inhalation (or even a couple/few in sequence) was helpful, but not ideal.

If you have a brand you recommend, and it's available in the USA, that would be good to know.

Thanks!

GC