Long story short, my insurance network changed suppliers and the new supplier is requiring a new authorization which I won't be able to get until I see my neuro on Tuesday.  I need something to tide me over until then and Apria says they're no longer accepting self pay. 

Can anyone recommend a place where I can get welding O2 in the San Fernando Area, preferably close to Sherman Oaks?  Looks like Airgas in Burbank or Pacoima are my best bets but I'm wondering if I have other options nearby.

I'm assuming purchasing a tank is more cost effective than renting one?  What kind of tank should I be looking for - something like this?

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I have an old Harbor Freight regulator that I used on my Apria M-tanks.  That should work right?

Also, will they ask what I'm using it for?  If so, I should just say welding?

I can't recommend a supplier, as I live south in San Diego. I just jumped on to say that my experiences when I had to use Apria were bad beyond description. Billing, deliveries, and masks were always wrong. I don't see how they stay in business unless it's a monopoly.

slacker032 wrote on Nov 15^th, 2018 at 1:19pm:

Long story short, my insurance network changed suppliers and the new supplier is requiring a new authorization which I won't be able to get until I see my neuro on Tuesday.  I need something to tide me over until then and Apria says they're no longer accepting self pay.

That's insane.....


Quote:

Can anyone recommend a place where I can get welding O2 in the San Fernando Area, preferably close to Sherman Oaks?  Looks like Airgas in Burbank or Pacoima are my best bets but I'm wondering if I have other options nearby.

This part I can't help ya with.....


Quote:

I'm assuming purchasing a tank is more cost effective than renting one?  What kind of tank should I be looking for - something like this? START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Most people get the larger tank...keep in mind that sucker is HEAVY. If you can't haul it into your house it won't help you much. If you are only needing it for a short time....rent.....if you are going to use this as a permanent back up...buy it.


Quote:

I have an old Harbor Freight regulator that I used on my Apria M-tanks.  That should work right?

Should work fine.


Quote:

Also, will they ask what I'm using it for?  If so, I should just say welding?

They could, yes. Some just answer with "A friend is teaching me how to weld so I'm putting together my own rig."

Racer1_NC wrote on Nov 15^th, 2018 at 5:31pm:

Quote: I'm assuming purchasing a tank is more cost effective than renting one?  What kind of tank should I be looking for - something like this? START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Most people get the larger tank...keep in mind that sucker is HEAVY. If you can't haul it into your house it won't help you much. If you are only needing it for a short time....rent.....if you are going to use this as a permanent back up...buy it.

I believe the one that I linked is the biggest one.  Just how heavy are we talking here? 

I have an elevator in my building and a dolly I can use to wheel it around.  I'd just be worried about loading and unloading that thing in my truck.

Quote:

I believe the one that I linked is the biggest one.  Just how heavy are we talking here?

Full....over 125 pounds. Bring a friend or get a smaller tank.


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I'd just be worried about loading and unloading that thing in my truck.

As well you should. It's why I brought it up. While O2 works well for CH, it does not do a damn thing for hernias.

A little supporting documentation here:
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Racer1_NC wrote on Nov 17^th, 2018 at 10:19am:

Quote: I believe the one that I linked is the biggest one.  Just how heavy are we talking here? Full....over 125 pounds. Bring a friend or get a smaller tank. [quote]I'd just be worried about loading and unloading that thing in my truck.

As well you should. It's why I brought it up. While O2 works well for CH, it does not do a damn thing for hernias.

A little supporting documentation here:
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Thanks. 

I ended up renting a 150 cu/ft tank which is still pretty damn heavy but manageable.

Found a place (TechAir in North Hollywood) that doesn't charge a rental fee and $35 per refill.  Just had to put down a $200 deposit.