Philips Respironics Supports Cyclist on Alaskan Bike Tour Aided by Portable Oxygen

Philips Respironics, a unit of Royal Philips Electronics is pleased to announce their support of Mark Junge, a 69-year-old adventurer, cyclist and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) awareness advocate, as he embarks on a 225 mile bicycle tour to raise awareness for COPD and encourage oxygen-dependent people to stay as active as possible.

The Philips Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator (POC) strapped to the back of Junge’s bike will help him breathe more easily on his journey. The approximate 10-day ride begins in Homer, Alaska on July 24. Junge ultimately plans to bike the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States and Canada, all while relying on portable oxygen.

COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, impacting more than 12 million people, according to the National Institutes of Health. Junge and Philips Respironics set out to show patients that adjusting to COPD does not mean putting their lives on hold.

“My bike adventure shows the world that living with portable oxygen can’t stop me—and it shouldn’t stop anyone—from living the life they want,” said Mark Junge, cyclist, adventurer and COPD awareness advocate. “The Philips Respironics SimplyGo POC makes breathing easier for oxygen users. I am grateful for the chance to be an inspiration to millions while I pursue my passion.”

Junge’s bicycle tour aims to remove any misconception surrounding the abilities of individuals with COPD and those living with the aid of portable oxygen. His ride highlights advances made in portable oxygen technology and promotes an active lifestyle for individuals who are oxygen dependent.

Junge will be able to use SimplyGo at a pulse dose while riding, and set it to a continuous flow of oxygen while biking uphill and while sleeping. Since 2004, Junge has logged approximately 8,500 miles on a bicycle in order to raise awareness for COPD, a distance equal to nearly one-third of the earth’s circumference. Junge’s wife Ardath will coordinate the journey and ride alongside him in a support vehicle.

SimplyGo allows patients to be active outside of their home. It is the only portable oxygen concentrator (POC) to offer continuous flow and pulse-dose delivery in a single device weighing only 10 pounds.

“Mark and his adventurous spirit are an inspiration to us all,” said Eli Diacopoulos, senior director, general manager, home respiratory, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. “SimplyGo gives individuals with COPD the technology to maintain a high quality of life whether they use it for travel, exercise or completing daily tasks. It is designed so that even the most active people like Mark can pursue their goals and maintain as much comfort and independence as possible.”

More information on Mark Junge’s bicycle ride and Philips Respironics SimplyGo will be available online at www.gosimplygo.com/FollowMark.