Hi everyone!  It's been a while since I've posted.   I hope you all are well.  Life's been... interesting but we are still hangin' in there. 

The company for which Randy had worked for 16 years was sold this past summer.  He has since been unable to find work and we are without health insurance. 

Apria is currently my O2 provider.  I am paying $187 a month, out of pocket, to keep my service.  I'm wondering if it would be a significant savings to go the welder's route?  If so, can anyone just go in and get tanks?  Are they sized the same way using the same terminology? (e.g.   M and E sizes?)  I wouldn't want to walk in there claiming to want tanks for welding and appear to know nothing about what I'm doing. 

I would appreciate any advice you guys can give. 

PF wishes'

Jeannie

Claim you need them to oxygenate your live bait tanks.

Have you asked Apria if they can cut you a cash deal because of your situation? Lay it on the line for them - It's either something less than $187/mo. or nothing.

I had received a statement from my insurance company saying that I would possibly be charge over $800.  When I called and spoke to a rep at Apria, she said that the $187 was the "private pay" price.  I guess I could try and haggle.

Thanks for your response, Brew. 

Jeannie

Also shop around Jeannie. For years Kaiser would not cover my 02. I was renting E-Tanks for about $5 a month each, and refills cost me about $13. I was using a local supply store called Physicians Medical Supply. I had my own regulator so didn't have to rent that.

If i had to do it again I'd go the welders route as it's far cheaper.

Joe

Thanks, Joe.   

Hi Jeannie,
Welders o2 can be obtained same day, just need to go pick up a tank.  Same quality o2 as medical o2.  Do NOT tell them you are breathing it!

Of course you will need a high flow (25 lpm recommended) regulator and one that properly fits the tank.  And don't forget your Non-rebreather mask which as you know can be purchased from the CH.com store.

Welder supply shops do not use the same terminology of tank sizes as Apria or other medical o2 providers.  E tanks, M tanks, etc are medical terms to describe o2 tanks.  Welders o2 tanks term description by tank capacity, not letters.

I would recommend getting a 200 cubic foot tank, stands about 4 & 1/2 ft tall, similar capacity as an M tank.  Smaller tanks comparable to an E tank would require a different size regulator and in my opinion would be a burden going back n forth to the welder supply shop to swap them out way too often.  Bigger IS Better! ;)

You most likely will benefit most by purchasing the tank, cost including 1st fill estimate $300 bucks.  Whenever you need to fill it, bring it back to the welder supply shop an swap it out for another same size tank that is filled with o2, estimate $30 bucks.

This is a small price investment if you look at the financial big picture compared to what you are paying with Apria or even if you were to lease a tank from the welder shop. 

If you need further advice, please don't hesitate to PM me and I will give you my phone # and walk you through it.  Hope this reply helps ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Thanks, Gregg.   I already have my own masks and regulators so the tanks are all I need.   I appreciate the clarification on sizing and estimated price. 

You must have a vehicle you can safely transport the tanks in.  you have to have them secured in a stand (or cart) of some sort and secured for shipment, or else they must be laid down with the to toward the back of your vehicle and secured so they will not move about. 

Jerry

Jeannie,
 
I have insurance but still opt to use welder's tanks because of a series of lousy experiences with Apria. 
 
Anywhoo, when I went into the welding supply store for the first time to get a tank, my story was as follows:

- My buddy is a sculpture artist that specializes in metalwork and was going to visit soon.  He thought we could do a project together as a fun activity.  You know - teach me how to weld.

  - He was driving in with his torch and safety gear, but asked me to pick up a fresh tank of O2.  My neighbor gave me a half-full tank of fuel.

  - Before going in, I spent about 20 minutes browsing a DIY welding forum to pick up on some lingo.  I also read a welding-supply catalog.

It worked.  The guy at the shop did question me about why I was only buying the tank, but swallowed the story without any issue.

Good luck.

-Ken 

These are the welders tanks and letters that describe them
You can get any tank you need just tell them you are learning to weld or use a cutting torch and am picking up a tank for your friend....Never tell them you are using it for breathing as they won't help you then....Best of luck....Johnny :)
I use 2 Q tanks... also check out my thread about "No Insurance Alternative o2 setup" on the medications and treatments page....

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