Respiratory Health FAQs

Respiratory diseases affect the lungs and airways, making it harder to breathe or get enough oxygen. Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, recovering from a hospital stay, or just beginning therapy, we’re here to help. Common diseases and conditions we support include: 

• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis): A progressive neuromuscular disease that weakens breathing muscles. 

• Asthma: Causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. 

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Check out our COPD reference guide here!

• Muscular Dystrophy: Genetic muscle disorders that can weaken respiratory muscles and affect independent breathing.

• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring and stiffening of lung tissue that limits oxygen transfer into the bloodstream. 

• Scoliosis & Kyphosis: Spinal curvature disorders that can reduce lung expansion and airflow. 

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Disrupt signals to respiratory muscles, often requiring mechanical ventilation. 

HMV – also referred to as non-invasive ventilation (NIV) – provides breathing support through a mask or mouthpiece—no surgery, tubes, or hospital stay required. It’s prescribed by a physician and used at home by people with conditions such as COPD or neuromuscular disorders.

HMV can ease the effort of breathing, improve sleep, and help keep you out of the hospital. Many patients say they feel more rested and have more energy during the day once they start therapy.  

How we support you: 

• We deliver and set up your equipment at home.

• A respiratory therapist shows you how to use it step by step. 

• You’ll have ongoing support, including real-time coaching if adjustments are needed.

You’re not doing this alone—we’re here every step of the way to make sure you’re comfortable, informed, and confident. 

• Pulse Dose POCs: Deliver oxygen only when you inhale, making them ideal for mobility and daytime use.  

• Continuous Flow POCs: Provide a steady stream of oxygen, recommended for higher oxygen needs or nighttime use.  

• Dual-Mode POCs: Some models offer both pulse and continuous flow settings, allowing users to switch based on their needs. 

• Pulse Dose: Oxygen is delivered in bursts when you inhale. This helps conserve battery life and oxygen supply. Pulse dose systems are generally not recommended for sleep unless prescribed.
• Continuous Flow: Oxygen flows continuously at a set rate (for example, 2 LPM). This option is preferred for nighttime use, higher oxygen requirements, or when using CPAP or BiPAP therapy.

Getting started is simple—and we’ll support you every step of the way. 

1. Prescription from Your Physician: Your doctor will evaluate your needs, write a prescription for therapy, and send it to us. 
2. Care Coordination & Benefit Verification: Our team works directly with your provider to gather documentation, manage authorizations, and verify your insurance coverage. 
3. Equipment Delivery: We’ll deliver your respiratory equipment right to your home for convenience and comfort. 
4. Setup & Coaching Session: We’ll schedule a one-on-one virtual or in-home appointment with one of our respiratory specialists. During this visit, we’ll walk you through your equipment, answer questions, and make sure you’re set up for success. 
5. Ongoing Monitoring & Support: After you’re set up, our team stays connected with you to track progress, review device data, answer questions, and help keep your therapy on track. 

If you ever need help along the way, we’re always here to support you.

• Nasal Cannulas: Replace every 2–4 weeks. -Oxygen Tubing: Replace every 2–3 months, or sooner if discolored, stiff, or damaged.
• Humidifier Bottles: Clean daily and replace per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Check for kinks or blockages in the tubing.
• Clean or replace the nasal cannula.
• Verify that the flow meter is set correctly.
• Clean or replace filters as needed.

• Confirm the device is plugged into a working outlet.
• Inspect the power cord for damage.
• Try a different outlet or reset the circuit breaker.

• Red Light: Critical issue such as low oxygen purity or system malfunction. Turn off the unit and contact support immediately.
• Yellow or Orange Light: Maintenance needed due to a dirty filter or kinked tubing. Clean and inspect the system.
• Beeping with No Light: Likely a power issue. Check the outlet and power cord.

• Use shorter tubing or water traps.
• Keep room temperature consistent.
• Use insulated tubing if condensation continues.

• Use anti-kink tubing or coil springs.
• Store tubing in wide loops.
• Limit tubing length when possible.

• Select the right FAA-compliant portable concentrator.
• Prepare for travel with batteries, settings, and backups.
• Provide documentation and prescriptions for airline approval.