Does anyone have experience renting an 02 concentrator?

[Karen Schneider]

Hello,

I am new to Boquete and have called several businesses to rent a 02 concentrator for my Mom when she comes to visit.  This type of 02 machine will last all night while she sleeps and makes 02 from the air.  I called Hogar y Salud but they only sell them.  Each time I called the Chiriqui hospital, it took a long time for the receptionist to answer and she told me that they do not offer 02 concentrators through the hospital.  Acetio Oxigeno only offers tanks and may be my only option for her.

[[e-mail]]

Perhaps Farmacia Anny on the main drag can help you with information. Could be that you'll have to go to the City to find one to rent. If your Mom has a portable condenser, they're FAA approved.  To rent one in U.S. is quite expensive. So is buying one. Maybe Jose Saenz in the City can find out for you.

[Susan and Pat]

Karen.......know that this area is prone to electrical outages - sometimes for long periods of time - and severe power surges - do you have a backup generator?  a good surge protector? or a plan B for back up oxygen for your mom in case this happens? maybe some tanks just in case?

[Doug Tyler]

Boquete Hospice and Health Support has a concentrator that they have been known to loan out for short periods. Try calling 6781-9250.

[Judith Lee]

My husband actually has an oxygen concentrator that we bought through Chiriqui Hospital (3 years ago).  Prior to buying it, we rented one. You have to go through the respiratory department.  Dr. Espinosa's nurse, Yuri, is married to the respiratory therapist at Chiriqui Hospital, and we did everything through him.  You can call Yuri at Dr Espinosa's office and ask her to ask her husband if they have one for rent...office phone number is 774-1435. She speaks mostly Spanish.

[Karen Schneider]

Thank you for the information.  I will call her Monday.

[Kathy Boucher]

Karen

With the elevation in the Boguette area, there is a bit lower partial pressure of Oxygen in the air.  What this may mean is that your mother may need an increase in her liter flow compared to what she is used to maintain a safe oxygen level.  When you speak with the Respiratory therapist see if it is possible to get an oxygen saturation to see if there is a need for an increase.

A worst case scenario is that your mother would need oxygen not just for sleep but full time at this altitude.  So watch her carefully.  If she complains of trouble breathing, or just being too tired to go out and do things she might need to be on full time oxygen while she is here.

Kathy

[Karen Schneider]

Hi Kathy,

That is a good idea.  I will let her doctor know as well before she comes to see what his 

recommendations are.

Karen