PORTABLE AVIATION OXYGEN SYSTEMS
SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES/SIMILARITIES/DRAWBACKS

[SEE THE COMPLETE COMPARISON TABLE BELOW THE SUMMARY]

Aerox Oxygen Systems ($358—$824) remain the most accommodating by offering five different cylinders sizes—and various regulators which can service from 1 to 6 persons.  They are the only company who has been approved for using the comfortable and favored Oxysaver nasal cannulas.  Their proprietary in-line flow meter needs no securing clamps since high pressure is contained at the connector by placing the needle valve at that position.  Their low-profile regulator delivers the highest durations of any competing portable system.  In addition, their carrying case and harness has been awarded the highest rating by Aviation Consumer. [Their new glow-in-the-dark “flow meter” can be substituted for their regulator flow meter for an additional $25 per seat.]         .

Precise Flight aka Nelson Systems ($620—$750) offer extremely limited options, with regulators for only 2 or 4 persons—and only one cylinder size—the M cylinder (22cf)  The original Nelson flow meter is still being used by Precise Flight, thus still requiring the use of clamps to keep the high pressure from separating the tubing sections.  They continue to offer the Oxysaver nasal cannulas, and their carrying case/harness remains excellent.  Their pricing includes the carrying case. These systems are sold direct or thru their distributor.

Mountain High Systems ($476- $945) offer regulators to service 1,2, 4 or 6 positions, along with cylinders in four sizes.  Their newest XCP regulator, while an interesting concept/design,  does not deliver the durations  enjoyed by Aerox Systems.  It’s Nelson-like flow meter requires clamps to prevent the tubing from separating under high pressure. Their pricing includes the carrying case/harness which is adequate. These systems are sold direct—no distributors.

SkyOx ($530—$620) even with its newest still-unwieldy regulator, is unable to compete against Aerox, Precise Flight and/or Mountain High generally because of its continued use of the uncomfortable pendant cannula  and of its regulator’s inability to control precise flows for each altitude flown. SkyOx provides no duration charts for the different altitudes flown with the Oxysaver pendant.  In addition the system provides only an off/on flow indicator so the pilot is unable to confirm whether the flow is appropriate for a given altitude and/or if the hose is otherwise compromised.   The shoulder bag also remains inadequate for securing the cylinder in an airplane environment, and is priced separately. SkyOx sells direct or through its distributor.

Miscellaneous Medical Systems ($275-$650) are unable to compete against Aerox, Precise Flight/Nelson or even Mountain High not only because they are aviation knockoffs.  These companies provide only medical regulators—either low profile or  the awkward standard -which remain incapable of delivering durations anywhere close to its aviation competition. Medical regulators have but one outlet—from which are added manifolds for additional positions, making it impossible to deliver similar flow to each position.  Medical flow rates (1.5—15 lpm) are at best inappropriate for the aviation community—and refills require a medical adapter adding yet another cost.  These non-aviation systems often include standard masks (with no rebreather bag!) or standard cannulas  - neither of which provide adequate duration and/or comfort. Where they offer the Oxysaver cannulas for additional cost, be aware it is generally the uncomfortable pendant style and not the nasal style found in aviation systems. The nylon shoulder bags, included in their pricing, are thoroughly inadequate for securing the cylinder in an airplane environment.

© THE AIRPORT SHOPPE 2008

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