POC rental for airplane

[Samuel Kirton]

Hi Masonryt,

I do not endorse any group but would make two suggestions for a POC. If you were on oxygen prior to your transplant reach out to the company that had your oxygen contract. They may have rental equipment.

There is also a company, special Neds Group, which rents oxygen supplies/equipment. They are at https://www.specialneedsatsea.com/.

Sam…

[Dave]

Thanks Sam for your response and information. According to my lung transplant doctor, he feels I should have no need for POC according to my spirometry tests. Therefore, I will take his advice and pray that all goes well with our Alaska flight. This will be my first flight since having single lung transplant in 2022 and don’t know anyone else that has had lung transplant and has flown. The higher altitude concerns me even though the airplane cabins are pressurized. Do you or anyone else have any input on airplane travel after lung transplant? Any tips or suggestions? Thanks much!

[John14392]

Plane cabin pressure is about 8000 ft. I think I would rather have it with me and not need it, then need it and not have it.

Let us know how your flying after transplant goes.

John

[Dave]

My thinking also John! Will update after my trip. Thanks

[jrh]

In the Chicago area there are pulmonary function labs that offer a HAST test or High Altitude Simulation Test. There is measurement of how a patient will do at high altitudes like Pike’s Peak and during plane travel. Interpretation and recommendations follow. I am waiting until spring to take my test. If such a test is available to you, I believe it could be quite helpful.

[Dave]

Thanks for your response! I suggested this to my pulmonary doctor who I follow up with after lung transplant. He is not familiar with this test and feels I don’t need this. However, he is willing to order it at my request and expense. I’m still debating if I should research it further??? Thanks

[Charlene]

Hi @masonryt,

Instead of renting a POC, is it an option to have your doctor fill out a Fit to Fly form for oxygen on the plane if needed? I’ve travelled with my Respironics SimplyGo a lot on a plane and just needed paperwork to support the use of it as needed. I also required 2x the length of the flight in battery power for the POC, but once I flew connected to the oxygen on the plane and it was super easy. Not sure if this is an option if it would make you feel safer?
Take care,
Charlene.

[Dave]

Thanks Charlene for your response. I will call my Pulmonary doctor and see if that is an option he will endorse. That would give me peace of mind! Thanks again

[tom1949]

Make sure you inform your airline that you will be bringing a POC with you, and check about their policy etc. Most airlines require that the battery will be sufficient to provide oxygen for 1 & 1/2 times the length of the flight. Translation: if the flight is going to take 8 hours, your battery must be able to last for 12 hours. Some airlines will deny you boarding if you cannot provide sufficient documentation to support this claim. Good luck and have a wonderful trip.