DonMuncy Posted June 24, 2014 Report Posted June 24, 2014 To avoid hijacking another thread; has anyone actually compared the oxygen consumption of masks, cannulas, oxysaver cannulas and the type system that only delivers when you inhale. Or have you seen any such test results.
N201MKTurbo Posted June 25, 2014 Report Posted June 25, 2014 I have the Precise Flight demand regulator and conserving cannulas. I don't have any data, but I would say the demand regulator uses about half as much as the cannulas. I don't think I would spend the money for one. I got the one I have on EBAY for $20. It was an estate sale and it was listed under medical devices. I just looked it up, the precise flow is $649. With the precise flow a 22cf bottle will last about 20 hours. I usually fly 14000 to 16000 if I go high.
larryb Posted June 25, 2014 Report Posted June 25, 2014 Don: http://www.mhoxygen.com/index.php/component/attachments/download/287 Mountain High lists times with various delivery options and cylinders. I have no way to verify their times. Larry
N201MKTurbo Posted June 25, 2014 Report Posted June 25, 2014 Their chart shows 19.2 hours with a 22cf bottle and their demand regulator at 15000. It looks like our data points are pretty close.
DonMuncy Posted June 25, 2014 Author Report Posted June 25, 2014 Thanks guys. I have the "Oxysaver" cannulas, and have never been caught having to buy FBO oxygen, but on a trip with 2 of us, to and from California (from Dallas), I have come pretty close. And this is only because part of the trip is usually done lower due to unfavorable winds higher up. I also usually fly at 14 to 16,000 on long trips, winds permitting.
N201MKTurbo Posted June 26, 2014 Report Posted June 26, 2014 Are you using a flow meter and needle valve with you oxysavers?
DonMuncy Posted June 26, 2014 Author Report Posted June 26, 2014 Yes, I use the needle valve and flow meter. Ideally, I think one ought to start with the calibration on the flow meter and then check with an oximeter and adjust to keep the blood O2 level correct. Unfortunately, I breathe through my mouth most of the time. I'll check with the oximeter and when it is low, I will force myself to breathe through my nose. I quickly forget and go back to mouth breathing. I really ought to use a mask, I just haven't bought one.
rainman Posted June 26, 2014 Report Posted June 26, 2014 Don, I have the oxysaver cannula, and also have a mask with microphone. I recommend the mask if you're a mouth breather. PM me if you can give me some tips on engine settings at higher altitudes. Ray
N201MKTurbo Posted June 27, 2014 Report Posted June 27, 2014 I have the same problem. I usually set the flow to 4000 feet higher then I'm flying.
aviatoreb Posted June 27, 2014 Report Posted June 27, 2014 I wonder what makes a person a mouth breather vs a nose breather? I guess I am a nose breather. I use oxyarm with my O2D2 right up to 18k and I have no problem maintaing 92+ O2Sat. I have a O2 mask with mic but I only use it starting at 19k which is not so often. I go often to 13k-18k even on flights of an hour or so since I like the glide-range when crossing hostile terrain, the quite airspace - even in the east where lower altitudes can be very busy, smooth air, good visual to avoid t-storms if it is a scattered day, speed.
DonMuncy Posted June 27, 2014 Author Report Posted June 27, 2014 I had a deviated septum in my nose for most of my life. It was difficult to get enough air to get by without mouth breathing. When I was about 60, I had nasal surgery to correct it, but now I do it out of habit.
Piloto Posted June 27, 2014 Report Posted June 27, 2014 You can save on oxygen by using a fingertip pulse O2 meter from Walgreens or CVS pharmacies. I found that I need less flow than required by the O2 flow meter. I guess it depends on the individual lungs condition. I keep the flow high enough to maintain 95% blood saturation but you may go lower if you don't fall asleep. You can get the O2 meters from $25 at CVS. They are very small and reliable. Jose
Recommended Posts