Here are some commonly asked questions about the HELiOS^® Personal Oxygen System from CAIRE Inc.

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. CAIRE Inc. 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 CAIRE Inc. 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 CAIRE Inc. is available in many countries around the world. CAIRE Inc. is a part of Chart Industries. Please contact the appropriate CAIRE Inc. representative in your region.