11 replies to this topic

[tigerlily]

Just started with oxygen 24/7. I'm in Chula Vista. I'm not sure where would be the best place for me to go or the best thing to do if we have a power outage.

Also, should I notify the CFE about my oxygen needs?

Thanks in advance!

[JayBearII]

I'm no expert, but...I'd get a gas-powered generator as a back-up. This would be particularly good if you have live-in help who could crank it up. That way, you never have to worry where you are going or who to call. Gotta be faster than going somewhere. We used to live in lower Chula Vista, and we often had power outages particularly due to the abundance of old trees that fall on the wires.

[Luke]

It couldn't hurt to notify CFE about the oxygen either. Not that they can probably do anything about keeping your power on in an outage, but maybe they would give you a break on the electric bill which will go up considerably. Ours went from about $80.00 U.S. each two months to $300.00 - $400.00 each two months when my Mom was on oxygen just part time.

[jaykay]

Totally agree with the above poster. It's a good idea to have a backup power source even if you aren't sick. Even a small generator
will support the three important things: Oxygen, TV and microwave. OK, maybe a small light too.

[Mainecoons]

Yes, get a generator. Good prices on these at Costco and Sams. Do it right away as we are in the stormy season and power outages tend to be more frequent.

[The traveler]

You could check with the medical supply store at the top of the hill going west out of Ajijic lake side and ask if they could get you a large oxygen tank. The 02 is under pressure and you just have to put the regulator and nasal canula on the tank valve and open it to what ever liters you use per minute. It doens't require electricity. In the olden days this is all we had for our patients.
Also everyone using 02 should have a humidifier on it. 02 is very drying. You'll need distilled water (auga sin minerales) for the humidifier.
You can get it at Wal-Mart, a gallon.

[jrm30655]

I have no idea what a O2 generator uses for energy but if it is 150 watts or so, a Universal Power Supply (UPS) modified to use a deep draw marine battery will supply power quietly for about 24 hours. If the battery runs down, you can jumper cable it to any car battery and recharge it in 30 minutes.

Total cost would be about 50% of a generator, quiet and not have the problems of a generator.

The problem of a gas powered generator is the gas. Gas deteriorates over time. You have to keep fresh gas or add additives. To really be sure that the generator works when needed, gas should be drained after use and fresh gas added when needed. Generators are more delicate than cars with what they will accept.

A propane powered generator solves that problem. They are much easier to maintain and much more reliable. A small propane generator with 4000 wts is about $300

[gwynne]

A propane powered generator solves that problem. They are much easier to maintain and much more reliable. A small propane generator with 4000 wts is about $300

OK.....after last night, we're in the market for a generator. I've never seen one that's propane powered. Can you buy them here? If so, where?

[otbdiane]

At one time I was on oxygen 24/7 and my electric bill doubled. I would definitely get an oxygen tank to have handy in the house. If you need oxygen, trying to get a generator started or anything else is extremely difficult and further very terrifying. You need something handy that you can just switch over to. Also, they now have portable tanks and also portable oxygen converters that you can carry around. Check with the medical supply store or even your doctor. You do not want to wake up in the middle of the night and have no oxygen available. Been there, done that....PANIC only makes things worse. Good luck!

[jrm30655]

OK.....after last night, we're in the market for a generator. I've never seen one that's propane powered. Can you buy them here? If so, where?

I haven't looked for one here. Home Depot had some in the US.

This website will give you some info and a starting point: http://www.poweredge...generators.html

[jrm30655]

I haven't looked for one here. Home Depot had some in the US.

This website will give you some info and a starting point: http://www.poweredge...generators.html

Sams Clubs in the US have them. My Spanish is not good enough to search here: http://www.samsclub....equestid=124206

[jrod]

Tigerlily, I know nothing about portable oxygen tanks or their cost, but here's a link to mercadolibre for a variety of portable oxygen tanks:
http://listado.merca..._AuctTypeID_AFP

Also, we have a gasoline-powered generator we purchased several years ago in Guad, I think in Home Depot. Haven't checked availability, but it may be a seasonal item, and this is the season. Here is the link from the home depot Guad website, searching for "generador", showing several models and sizes: http://www.homedepot...hTerm=generador

Good luck!