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.

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

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

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

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....