Here are some commonly asked questions about the HELiOS® Personal Oxygen System
from Puritan Bennett.
What is the HELiOS Personal Oxygen System?
HELiOS is a portable liquid oxygen system for patients requiring supplemental oxygen. No other
portable system this small and light lasts so long.
Who can use HELiOS?
The HELiOS Plus Portable Oxygen Unit is best for active oxygen therapy users who can
use a conserving device with a prescription of 4 liters per minute or less. The HELiOS
Marathon Portable Oxygen Unit is ideal for oxygen therapy patients, who need higher
oxygen levels provided by continuous flow. HELiOS Marathon also benefits demand flow
patients who want to be on the go longer.
How does the HELiOS Personal Oxygen System function?
HELiOS is an easy-to-use, two-piece system. It includes a base reservoir that stores liquid oxygen,
and a portable unit, which is filled from the reservoir. The reservoir may only require filling once every
four to five weeks by your homecare provider. The portable unit is filled from the reservoir in about 40 to
90 seconds, depending on model.
Is the HELiOS system safe?
The FDA and the Compressed Gas Association document safe handling methods for all types of oxygen used in the
home. Liquid oxygen systems have been safely used by hundreds of thousands of patients. In fact, liquid oxygen
is stored under far less pressure than compressed gas cylinders that you may be currently using (22 psi vs.
2,000 psi).
What are the benefits of a liquid oxygen system over a gas system?
Unlike bulky, heavy gas oxygen cylinders that must be carted around, a HELiOS Portable Oxygen Unit
is so small and lightweight that it fits into a compact carrying pouch with either a shoulder or belt strap
or backpack, leaving your hands free. There's also less worry about running out of oxygen while out and
about, since the HELiOS portable units provide a long-lasting oxygen supply.
How can a device so small last so long?
The HELiOS Plus portable unit delivers oxygen only when you breathe in and stops when
you breathe out. This results in less waste and makes oxygen last longer between refills.
How does the system operate without the need for batteries or electricity?
The HELiOS portable unit uses an oxygen-conserving valve to deliver oxygen to the user. This valve
uses pressure rather than electricity to operate. Heat from the atmosphere around the portable causes the
liquid oxygen to constantly vaporize and maintain pressure in the unit. This pressure enables the conserver
valve to provide oxygen flow to the user.
How can I get a HELiOS system?
If you're already on oxygen, ask your doctor to authorize a prescription change. You may not need
an appointment. Just call your doctor and he or she should be able to submit the necessary paperwork
directly to your homecare provider, who will then schedule a date to deliver the HELiOS
equipment to you.
If you do not have a current prescription for oxygen therapy but believe you may need it, call your
doctor to set up an evaluation appointment to determine if the HELiOS system is right for
you.
Is the HELiOS system covered by insurance?
If you’re already on oxygen, most insurance providers will allow you to switch to a different
type of equipment without affecting your coverage. Check with your carrier to be sure.
If you are not currently on oxygen, your doctor will need to evaluate you and determine whether a
portable oxygen system is medically necessary. If your doctor determines that your condition
requires supplemental oxygen therapy and prescribes it for you, most insurance companies will
cover liquid oxygen systems, such as HELiOS. Please contact your insurance provider
for coverage verification.
Can I use HELiOS on airplanes?
Currently, airlines require passengers to use oxygen cylinders provided to the patient by the
airline at $75 per flight segment. Puritan Bennett is currently participating in an initiative
seeking to gain approval for other oxygen modalities in order to make airline travel easier and
less expensive for oxygen patients.
How do you coordinate overnight travel with a HELiOS system? Do you need to bring the main reservoir along?
The HELiOS Plus unit lasts up to 10 hours and is ideal for day trips away from home without refills. The
HELiOS Marathon Portable Oxygen Unit lasts up to 20 hours and is perfect for a long day away from home.
However, if your travel plans take you away overnight, consider also bringing the
Puritan Bennett® Companion® 21 Liquid Oxygen Reservoir,
which can be transported by car as long as it is in a secure, well-ventilated area.
You can then refill your HELiOS portable unit from the Companion 21 reservoir. Contact your
homecare provider for further assistance.
Is the HELiOS system available internationally?
The HELiOS system from Puritan Bennett is available in many countries around the world.
Puritan Bennett is a part of Tyco Healthcare. Please contact the appropriate Tyco Healthcare
representative in your region.
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