Travel With Oxygen Concentrator: High Altitude Travel Guide

Travelling to mountainous regions is exciting, beautiful, and refreshing, and as a travel oxygen concentrator user, you don’t need to deprive yourself of such an incredible experience. But how do you pull off travelling with oxygen at high altitude? With a little bit of planning, knowledge, and informed thinking!

Why Oxygen Matters More at High Elevation?

But first, let’s address a simple question. Why are high altitude oxygen levels considered difficult to manage?

As altitude increases, oxygen levels in the air decrease, and this makes it difficult for your body to get the oxygen it needs.

Your body needs to work harder to maintain normal oxygen levels, and for a lot of people, this leads to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, light-headedness, and even trouble sleeping. For people who need medical oxygen and those with lung diseases, heart problems, low blood oxygen levels, etc, these effects can be stronger and appear more quickly.

Essential Equipment for High-Altitude Travel

These are some of the most important tools and safety items you should take when travelling with oxygen at high altitude:

1. Portable Oxygen Concentrator for Travel

Using a travel oxygen concentrator is one of the safest and most reliable ways to maintain oxygen levels at altitude.

Oxygen concentrators are useful because:

Produce oxygen on demand
You don’t need to carry any heavy tanks
Approved for air travel by most airlines
Safe to use in hotels, cars, and even during hikes
More reliable than oxygen cylinders in cold weather

Portable oxygen concentrator for travel are available in multiple models, including Inogen Rove 6, Airsep Freestyle Comfort, Sequal Eclipse, GCE Zen-O, and more. Each model has unique benefits. You can learn more about these different travel oxygen concentrators and then decide which one works best for you.

If you already use oxygen therapy at home, ask your doctor if you need to increase your flow rate at high altitude because many travellers require a higher setting in such locations. You need to be fully aware of your needs so you can manage high altitude oxygen levels effectively.

2. Backup Batteries and Chargers

High-altitude regions can be remote, and power outlets may not always be available.

Make sure to pack:

Multiple fully charged batteries
Car chargers, if you plan to drive
Universal adapters for international destinations
A small power bank (if compatible)

3. Best Oxygen Supplement for High Altitude

While your main support should be a concentrator, you can also carry oxygen supplements for emergencies and short-term relief. Some of the best oxygen supplement for high altitude include:

Altitude RX OxyBoost Complex
Anti Altitude Relief Pills
O2 Blast

But do keep in mind that supplements are never to be used as a replacement for medical-grade oxygen. Always ask your doctor before using any of these.

Oxygen Cylinder Safety (If You Choose Cylinders)

Even though travel oxygen concentrators are much easier to travel with, sometimes oxygen cylinders are still an option.

But if you choose this option, you need to fully understand oxygen cylinder safety guidelines:

It’s never a good idea to store cylinders in extreme heat or direct sunlight
Keep them upright and properly secured
Do not place cylinders near flames or sparks
Check for leaks before use

How to Prepare for Travelling With Oxygen at High Altitude

Talk to Your Doctor First

Before you travel, speak with your doctor about your oxygen needs. They can tell you if you require a higher flow rate, if you’ll need oxygen only at altitude or throughout the whole trip, and whether a travel oxygen concentrator is suitable for you or not. You can also ask them to provide a medical clearance letter, which is especially helpful if you are flying with oxygen.

Know Your Destination’s Altitude

Different destinations sit at different altitude levels, and this can affect your breathing. At heights that are above 12,000 ft, you are much more likely to experience altitude sickness. So, make sure to always check the altitude of your accommodation and not just the city, as many mountain hotels are located higher than the main town.

Ascend Slowly

Your body needs time to adjust to lower oxygen levels, so you need to ascend gradually. It’s also best to avoid going straight from sea level to a very high altitude. Ideally, you should try to spend one to two days at a mid-altitude to let your body adapt.

Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested

This one is a no-brainer, but drink enough water! Altitude can impact your hydration, breathing, and sleep, so make sure to drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and rest properly.

Tips for activity days

Make sure your concentrator is fully charged before heading out, and use a backpack-style carrier to stay mobile and comfortable. Take frequent breaks and avoid pushing beyond your comfort level because your body is already working harder. In case you feel dizzy, unusually tired, or short of breath, please stop immediately, rest, and request help right away. Symptoms like a severe headache, chest pain, persistent coughing, blue lips or fingertips, difficulty breathing even while using oxygen, or extreme fatigue and confusion can also indicate high-altitude sickness and require immediate attention to keep you safe during your trip. These simple practices can make your high-altitude adventures safer and more enjoyable while helping you manage your high altitude oxygen levels effectively.

Conclusion

If you prepare well, choose a reliable concentrator like these travel oxygen concentrator models, understand how altitude affects your body, and plan your activities wisely, you can easily manage high altitude oxygen levels and enjoy your journey to its fullest!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. As a trusted UK-based provider of portable oxygen concentrators, we at Travelling with Oxygen take great pride in serving our customers worldwide and are here to make sure you can travel the world with freedom and confidence.

Want some advice on how to build confidence as you go on a holiday with a portable oxygen concentrator for travel? Make sure to check out our travel guide here!

Conquering Altitude: How to Manage Oxygen Levels During High-Altitude Holidays