What Pro2 is Up2

Some oxygen patients may wonder what a conserving device is used for and why it's so important. Today we'd like to tell you just that!

Pneumatic oxygen conservers include a combination of a low pressure regulator and an oxygen conserver. These are designed for use with a cylinder as an ambulatory oxygen system.

When we breathe, approximately one-third of the time is spent inhaling. The remaining two-thirds of that time is spent exhaling. As a result, oxygen delivered by continuous flow is wasted during exhalation. By eliminating oxygen flow during exhalation, a two-thirds savings is possible.

This then gives us the advantage of prolonging the time an oxygen cylinder will last. Oxygen patients who use portability will be able to enjoy extended time away from home using the same oxygen cylinder.

Visit the portability section of our website for basic guidelines on how long cylinders will last while using a conserving device.

Using CPAP has many benefits, some of which we've documented right here on the blog already: no more snoring; getting a good night's sleep; lowering the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke; and an overall improvement in one's quality of life.

But new benefits are always surfacing due to studies being conducted and released. In December we told you that using CPAP may reduce one's sensitivity to pain.

Another study was just released last month showing that CPAP therapy may actually help asthma patients. Asthma is characterized by airway hyperreactivity and is treated primarily with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents.

In the study, adults with stable asthma were given CPAP to use for 7 nights. A control group was also used. The study revealed that those who had used CPAP therapy had a significant decrease in airway reactivity. [Meaning, their sensitivity to stimuli and response to sensitive stimuli decreased.]

Further studies will indicate whether or not using CPAP may decrease asthma symptoms and help lessen the need for asthma medication. Click here to read the full study.