Today's diagnosis of COPD or emphysema doesn't mean you file the daily activities you previously enjoyed under "happy memories" and head for the couch.

On the contrary, with portable oxygen therapy and 10 easy-to-remember safety measures, you can continue to live a full and active life, doing the day-to-day chores, errands and visiting you enjoyed before your diagnosis.

Technology has come a long way when it comes to medical equipment, especially the improvements in oxygen therapy.

Users are no longer required to sit under an oxygen tent or be bedbound: the miniaturization of components in the medical industry has led to smaller, lighter-weight devices that process room air into concentrated oxygen.

And they can do the same with filtered outside air so patients can do things considered unrealistic 40 years ago, such as take a cruise to Alaska or just drive down to the store for groceries.

These amazing machines are sturdy and built to last, but they do have their limits when it comes to the elements, care and handling. Learn how you can take care of your unit so it can take care of you.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a gradual degenerative form of lung disease that is associated with increased breathlessness, frequent coughing, and tightness in the chest.

Because there are many misconceptions about COPD, it is important that patients and caregivers know the following facts about COPD.

The diagnosis of pulmonary insufficiency and a prescription for oxygen aren't necessarily a reason to stop doing outdoor activities you once enjoyed.

Today's technology allows you to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, with the assistance of long-lasting batteries and portable 02 units.

Find out how easy it is to pursue those hobbies you may have considered abandoning, such as golf, walking, gardening and fishing, even if you require supplemental oxygen.

Oxygen therapy is a vital treatment for patients with respiratory ailments and lung diseases.

However, there are several misconceptions regarding oxygen therapy of which all patients and caregivers should be aware of.

For those who have been diagnosed as needing oxygen therapy for COPD, CPAP treatment of severe sleep apnea, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases, the oxygen concentrator is one of the most important devices.

It's the patient's lifeline both at home and on the go as it provides an enhanced quality of life.

Patients live longer. Exercise is often easier because oxygen reaches the muscles better. Oxygen also helps reverse the long-term effects of its deficiency on the heart.

It's also known to reduce sleep disruption, improve concentration, mood, and memory levels.

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are a new and innovative method for supplying oxygen while allowing users more freedom.

As manufacturers are always looking for ways to make their concentrators more effective and portable, oxygen patients tend to do the same thing.

Like yourself, fellow oxygen patients are always looking for ways to get more out of their portable oxygen concentrator.

Take a look at our list below to see how you can get more out of your portable oxygen concentrator.

Portable oxygen therapy has come a long way since it's inception. In the past the only option patients had for their portable oxygen was metal oxygen tanks.

With advances in technology came liquid oxygen and then portable oxygen concentrators. It wasn't until a few years ago that portable oxygen concentrators started becoming somewhat mainstream.

The situation with portable oxygen concentrators is very similar to that of the cell phone or computer when they first came out.

At first only a few people had them and eventually they became a household item.

Many doctors and oxygen patients alike are stuck believing oxygen tanks and portable oxygen concentrators are equal.

This is far from the truth. Here are just 5 things that portable oxygen concentrators can do that oxygen tanks simply cannot.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have major consequences if it goes untreated.

For starters, there are 3 types of sleep apnea; obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea.

If your sleep apnea goes untreated the consequences include high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and you could possibly fall asleep behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Sleep apnea is more common among men more so than women. Specifically African-American and Hispanic men. Other risk factors for sleep apnea include:

The standard portable oxygen concentrator package comes with all of the accessories patients need to operate their concentrator on a daily basis.

Things like accessory bags, batteries, power supplies, carrying cases, and travel carts (when necessary) are considered parts of the standard package.

There may be some accessories that have multiple features or uses.