So my neurologist finally prescribed oxygen, but the bad news is that my insurance won't cover it at all for the use of cluster headaches! So does anyone know if it is possible to rent an oxygen machine because right now I am looking at paying close to $400 :'(, and I am unemployed student, so even though it will help me I can't afford to do that!
Anyone have any suggestions at all? :-/

I don't think an Oxygen machine will provide you what you need. You need pure 100% oxygen at a high flow rate ~25 lpm.
I use welder's oxygen from my local welding supply store. Usually I don't bother with a regulator or mask either. I just crack the valve and breathe it in. Not saying it works for everyone, but it works for me. Been doing it that way for over 20 years.
Good luck!

Welder's oxygen. It's the very same stuff. No impurities. When you get it, just don't tell 'em what you're using it for. Tell 'em you're learning how to weld, and that you already have a tank of acetylene and a torch.

Get on ebay, buy a high-flow 540 regulator (goes up to 25 liters per minute or more), buy an O₂ptimask from this site (ch.com store), and start huffing your way to real relief - fast.

I bet you can do all this for right around $150. Refills on the tank are next to nothing - around $20.

Brew wrote on Jan 26^th, 2010 at 4:24pm:

Welder's oxygen. It's the very same stuff. No impurities. When you get it, just don't tell 'em what you're using it for. Tell 'em you're learning how to weld, and that you already have a tank of acetylene and a torch. Get on ebay, buy a high-flow 540 regulator (goes up to 25 liters per minute or more), buy an O2ptimask from this site (ch.com store), and start huffing your way to real relief - fast. I bet you can do all this for right around $150. Refills on the tank are next to nothing - around $20.

When asked about getting acetylene to go with the oxygen, I tell them I am transporting live fish. They bought it.

Don't bother with the concentrator, get tanks.  My insurance doesn't cover it either so I priced all my local suppliers and came up with Praxair.  I spend $36 per M tank which isn't too bad considering I don't have insurance coverage.  The good thing is you got that script.  That's the golden key :)

NovellRed wrote on Jan 26^th, 2010 at 4:21pm:

I don't think an Oxygen machine will provide you what you need. You need pure 100% oxygen at a high flow rate ~25 lpm. I use welder's oxygen from my local welding supply store. Usually I don't bother with a regulator or mask either. I just crack the valve and breathe it in. Not saying it works for everyone, but it works for me. Been doing it that way for over 20 years. Good luck!

   So you been pissin in the wind for twenty years. That's pathetic.

                 Potter

Potter wrote on Jan 27^th, 2010 at 2:14pm:

NovellRed wrote on Jan 26th, 2010 at 4:21pm: I don't think an Oxygen machine will provide you what you need. You need pure 100% oxygen at a high flow rate ~25 lpm. I use welder's oxygen from my local welding supply store. Usually I don't bother with a regulator or mask either. I just crack the valve and breathe it in. Not saying it works for everyone, but it works for me. Been doing it that way for over 20 years. Good luck!    So you been pissin in the wind for twenty years. That's pathetic.                  Potter

Not sure what your point is. My point is I have found something that works for me. O2 is no longer a big production. I got rid of masks, humidifiers and regulators a long time ago. Grab a bottle, crack a valve and a few minutes later it is all over. Clean, simple, efficient.

NovellRed wrote on Jan 27^th, 2010 at 4:27pm:

Potter wrote on Jan 27th, 2010 at 2:14pm: NovellRed wrote on Jan 26th, 2010 at 4:21pm: I don't think an Oxygen machine will provide you what you need. You need pure 100% oxygen at a high flow rate ~25 lpm. I use welder's oxygen from my local welding supply store. Usually I don't bother with a regulator or mask either. I just crack the valve and breathe it in. Not saying it works for everyone, but it works for me. Been doing it that way for over 20 years. Good luck!    So you been pissin in the wind for twenty years. That's pathetic.                  Potter Not sure what your point is. My point is I have found something that works for me. O2 is no longer a big production. I got rid of masks, humidifiers and regulators a long time ago. Grab a bottle, crack a valve and a few minutes later it is all over. Clean, simple, efficient.

The point is that you don't paint a very vivid picture of how you do this without a regulator. Do you just have it blow into your face from the bottle? Do you have a hose attached?

Brew wrote on Jan 27^th, 2010 at 4:42pm:

NovellRed wrote on Jan 27th, 2010 at 4:27pm: Potter wrote on Jan 27th, 2010 at 2:14pm: NovellRed wrote on Jan 26th, 2010 at 4:21pm: I don't think an Oxygen machine will provide you what you need. You need pure 100% oxygen at a high flow rate ~25 lpm. I use welder's oxygen from my local welding supply store. Usually I don't bother with a regulator or mask either. I just crack the valve and breathe it in. Not saying it works for everyone, but it works for me. Been doing it that way for over 20 years. Good luck!    So you been pissin in the wind for twenty years. That's pathetic.                  Potter Not sure what your point is. My point is I have found something that works for me. O2 is no longer a big production. I got rid of masks, humidifiers and regulators a long time ago. Grab a bottle, crack a valve and a few minutes later it is all over. Clean, simple, efficient. The point is that you don't paint a very vivid picture of how you do this without a regulator. Do you just have it blow into your face from the bottle? Do you have a hose attached?

I just crack the valve open and put my mouth to the outlet and inhale as deeply as I can. I take my mouth off the outlet to exhale. With the small bottles I carry in my motorcycle saddlebags I don't use anything else. With the large tank I keep the high pressure hose that I use to transfer O2 attached to the tank and put my mouth to that.
It isn't hard to get the flow rate you want. With the valve just cracked off its seat, the outlet pressure is a non issue.

NovellRed wrote on Jan 27^th, 2010 at 7:57pm:

Brew wrote on Jan 27th, 2010 at 4:42pm: NovellRed wrote on Jan 27th, 2010 at 4:27pm: Potter wrote on Jan 27th, 2010 at 2:14pm: NovellRed wrote on Jan 26th, 2010 at 4:21pm: I don't think an Oxygen machine will provide you what you need. You need pure 100% oxygen at a high flow rate ~25 lpm. I use welder's oxygen from my local welding supply store. Usually I don't bother with a regulator or mask either. I just crack the valve and breathe it in. Not saying it works for everyone, but it works for me. Been doing it that way for over 20 years. Good luck!    So you been pissin in the wind for twenty years. That's pathetic.                  Potter Not sure what your point is. My point is I have found something that works for me. O2 is no longer a big production. I got rid of masks, humidifiers and regulators a long time ago. Grab a bottle, crack a valve and a few minutes later it is all over. Clean, simple, efficient. The point is that you don't paint a very vivid picture of how you do this without a regulator. Do you just have it blow into your face from the bottle? Do you have a hose attached? I just crack the valve open and put my mouth to the outlet and inhale as deeply as I can. I take my mouth off the outlet to exhale. With the small bottles I carry in my motorcycle saddlebags I don't use anything else. With the large tank I keep the high pressure hose that I use to transfer O2 attached to the tank and put my mouth to that. It isn't hard to get the flow rate you want. With the valve just cracked off its seat, the outlet pressure is a non issue.

The absurdity in your method of delivery is almost sublime.

              Potter

It's kinda like using O2 for Clusters at 15 lpm O2:

If it works, how can I say it's wrong?

Red,

It's the risk-reward ratio that's shakey...  For starters...  There's a high probability your lips-on-valve procedure will eventually result in gas embolism...   All it takes is one slip and crack the valve open too far...  a little harder and you could do serious flap damage to your lips...  and if you're really good at taking it all in... there's always thoracic barotrauma...

You can cut the risk to darn near zero if you get a good CGA-540 regulator capable of 25 liters/minute.  They cost well under $100 if you watch eBay... and an excellent new CGA-540 regulator with 0 to 60 selectable flow rates for $137...  Both of these regulators will fit both welder's and M/H/K size medical oxygen cylinders...  If you add an O2PTIMASK™ kit from this site, you'll have one of the most cost effective systems possible...

Take care,

V/R, Batch

please excuse my ignorance, but is there an expiration date/shelf-life on o2?

no

If I'm right medical O2 has 2 years expiration. But pure oxygen can't go bad [smiley=twocents.gif]

What is the difference between medical o2 and pure o2?  Is it safe to assume that welders o2 is pure o2?

LasVegas wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 12:23pm:

What is the difference between medical o2 and pure o2?  Is it safe to assume that welders o2 is pure o2?

      I'm assuming the gummint has a hand in this. Kinda like a box of wheaties.

              Potter

LasVegas wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 12:23pm:

What is the difference between medical o2 and pure o2?  Is it safe to assume that welders o2 is pure o2?

There is no difference in the gas. Only in the tanks into which it is put.

Brew wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 12:38pm:

LasVegas wrote on Jan 30th, 2010 at 12:23pm: What is the difference between medical o2 and pure o2?  Is it safe to assume that welders o2 is pure o2? There is no difference in the gas. Only in the tanks into which it is put.

So if there is no difference in the gas and only a difference in the tank, is there a shelf life/expiration on particular tanks and no expiration on other type of tanks?

LasVegas wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 12:41pm:

Brew wrote on Jan 30th, 2010 at 12:38pm: LasVegas wrote on Jan 30th, 2010 at 12:23pm: What is the difference between medical o2 and pure o2?  Is it safe to assume that welders o2 is pure o2? There is no difference in the gas. Only in the tanks into which it is put. So if there is no difference in the gas and only a difference in the tank, is there a shelf life/expiration on particular tanks and no expiration on other type of tanks?

     Food grade oxygen versus welders oxygen.  I just guessin.

                     Potter

LasVegas wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 12:41pm:

Brew wrote on Jan 30th, 2010 at 12:38pm: LasVegas wrote on Jan 30th, 2010 at 12:23pm: What is the difference between medical o2 and pure o2?  Is it safe to assume that welders o2 is pure o2? There is no difference in the gas. Only in the tanks into which it is put. So if there is no difference in the gas and only a difference in the tank, is there a shelf life/expiration on particular tanks and no expiration on other type of tanks?

there are strict rules on drugs. all meds have expiration date.

100% O₂ is not a "med" in the strict sense of the word. It stays O₂ ad infinitum unless it goes through a chemical reaction with another element.

It doesn't expire.

Brew wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 1:37pm:

100% O2 is not a "med" in the strict sense of the word. It stays O2 ad infinitum unless it goes through a chemical reaction with another element. It doesn't expire.

  Yep it does expire. It's five years. My son-in-laws dad is the oxygen dude at Deaconess hospital and Home oxygen supply.  I asked him and that's the scoop.  .

          Potter

What, pray tell, happens to it at 5 years and one day?

Sorry, but I'm not buyin'. If I had a tank that had been sitting for 10 years and I suddenly needed it, I'd use it. You would too.

Brew wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 2:50pm:

What, pray tell, happens to it at 5 years and one day? Sorry, but I'm not buyin'. If I had a tank that had been sitting for 10 years and I suddenly needed it, I'd use it. You would too.

That wasn't the question. Yes I would huff her up in a heartbeat.  He is gonna dig up all the regs. from the FDA who mandate this crap.

              Potter

FDA regs and actual degradation are two entirely different things.

LasVegas wrote on Jan 30^th, 2010 at 12:11am:

please excuse my ignorance, but is there an expiration date/shelf-life on o2?

This was the question........And the answer is YES five years.  I ain't guessin no more. (My kid married the oxygen suppliers son)He won't even give me a shit mask without a script.  He's so tight  ya couldn't pound a needle up his ass with a sledge hammer.(Thanks Brew)

          Potter

Probably has more to do with the valve on the tank than the O2.

Brew you make me crazier.

             Potter

Actually that's a good point Brew, valves get dry and crack after a while- it's the o-rings. Rubber don't last forever.

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

This isn't an official website but it has information about why oxygen expires and how to tell when.

Good news!!!! My insurance covers oxygen! The company that I called didn't know what they were talking about, and unfortunately where I live all the home oxygen places are owned by the the same company so when I called another place they said the same thing! But it is all worked out and I am waiting as writing this for my delivery! Thank you all for your input and advice!

pasuranyi wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2010 at 11:45am:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE This isn't an official website but it has information about why oxygen expires and how to tell when.

Well, as I suspected, there is no explanation as to the "why." Only this:


Quote:

Q. What are you talking about when you say "expiration date" for the Oxygen? A. An expiration date was added a few years ago for all compressed gas cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders are only good for five years. So Oxygen compressed gas cylinders which were changed out in 2004 will expire in 2009. Recently, we have found several expired compressed gas tanks, including an oxygen tank on an emergency cart that expired in 1998. The expiration sticker looks like a white price sticker that you would see in a store. If you have oxygen tanks on your emergency cart, an "H" reserve tank or any compressed gas tanks, please check to see that they are in date. As of today 9/23/04, Marty Palen is making rounds on all the JHH units. He is checking volume of compressed gases present in each unit, storage conditions of the compressed gas cylinders, expiration date and whether the compressed gas cylinder is full. He is currently finding a lot of empty tanks. His recommendations:     * DO NOT open the tank to see if it still has gas. It is very difficult to shut off these valves so the tanks will continue to leak until they are empty. Don't turn on a tank unless it is being used on a patient.     * As he makes round, he is checking the expiration dates on all of the compressed gas cylinders he finds and replacing those tanks which are expired. So the only thing you need to do now if you find a compressed gas cylinder that is expired is make sure no one uses it .     * Exception: If the expired tank is your only tank of oxygen, do call him immediately     * Starting 11/15/04 - if you find an expired tank or a missing expiration label, contact Marty Palen at (410) 955-6530 or mpalen@jhmi.edu

Looks to me like it is a rule designed to keep oxygen suppliers a little busier than they were prior to the rule.

Color me cynical, but I believe oxygen expiring is bullshit.

Brew wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2010 at 11:53am:

pasuranyi wrote on Feb 2nd, 2010 at 11:45am: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE This isn't an official website but it has information about why oxygen expires and how to tell when. Well, as I suspected, there is no explanation as to the "why." Only this: Quote: Q. What are you talking about when you say "expiration date" for the Oxygen? A. An expiration date was added a few years ago for all compressed gas cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders are only good for five years. So Oxygen compressed gas cylinders which were changed out in 2004 will expire in 2009. Recently, we have found several expired compressed gas tanks, including an oxygen tank on an emergency cart that expired in 1998. The expiration sticker looks like a white price sticker that you would see in a store. If you have oxygen tanks on your emergency cart, an "H" reserve tank or any compressed gas tanks, please check to see that they are in date. As of today 9/23/04, Marty Palen is making rounds on all the JHH units. He is checking volume of compressed gases present in each unit, storage conditions of the compressed gas cylinders, expiration date and whether the compressed gas cylinder is full. He is currently finding a lot of empty tanks. His recommendations:     * DO NOT open the tank to see if it still has gas. It is very difficult to shut off these valves so the tanks will continue to leak until they are empty. Don't turn on a tank unless it is being used on a patient.     * As he makes round, he is checking the expiration dates on all of the compressed gas cylinders he finds and replacing those tanks which are expired. So the only thing you need to do now if you find a compressed gas cylinder that is expired is make sure no one uses it .     * Exception: If the expired tank is your only tank of oxygen, do call him immediately     * Starting 11/15/04 - if you find an expired tank or a missing expiration label, contact Marty Palen at (410) 955-6530 or mpalen@jhmi.edu Looks to me like it is a rule designed to keep oxygen suppliers a little busier than they were prior to the rule. Color me cynical, but I believe oxygen expiring is bullshit.

   I said that.

       Potter

Potter wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2010 at 12:02pm:

I said that.        Potter

You said what? What I said, or what this hopkins medicine faq stated?

Five years.  Brew yer makin me crazier.Bwaaaaaaaaaaaa.

  Potter

Lots of words without information about why O2 would "expire"

Potter wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2010 at 12:29pm:

Five years.  Brew yer makin me crazier.Bwaaaaaaaaaaaa.   Potter

"Because I said so" isn't a valid argument between adults. It works with your kids, but not here. There is, so far in this thread, not one fact or reason why oxygen expires in five years. The closest we've come is that the cylinders expire in five years. Says nothing about the contents.

Put up or shut up.

Well from the horses mouth the reason is................because the FDA makes the rules and if you want to supply oxygen you follows them.  He didn't say much more than that.  Maybe it goes stale like a spud chip.

                   Potter

Potter wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2010 at 1:22pm:

Well from the horses mouth the reason is................because the FDA makes the rules and if you want to supply oxygen you follows them.  He didn't say much more than that.  Maybe it goes stale like a spud chip.                    Potter

"Because the FDA says so" doesn't fly either. I have seen no evidence to prove that oxygen expires. Maybe the tank does, maybe the valve does, but not the oxygen.

Oxygen stays oxygen until it chemically interacts with something else.

Brew wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2010 at 1:31pm:

Potter wrote on Feb 2nd, 2010 at 1:22pm: Well from the horses mouth the reason is................because the FDA makes the rules and if you want to supply oxygen you follows them.  He didn't say much more than that.  Maybe it goes stale like a spud chip.                    Potter "Because the FDA says so" doesn't fly either. I have seen no evidence to prove that oxygen expires. Maybe the tank does, maybe the valve does, but not the oxygen. Oxygen stays oxygen until it chemically interacts with something else.

    I'm with you on that.  Kinda like fookin propane tanks.

               Potter