Essential Tips for Safe and Effective Oxygen Therapy
Ready to learn how to use oxygen therapy correctly?
Oxygen therapy products are growing in importance. Respiratory conditions are on the rise. Millions of people use supplemental oxygen to improve and sustain their health and quality of life.
The problem is, a lot of people don’t use oxygen therapy safely. Mistakes can happen any number of ways: equipment failures, leaks, impurities, or incorrect usage and dosages. There are dozens of ways oxygen therapy can go wrong.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. You can use oxygen therapy safely and effectively. By following a few important rules, you can keep yourself, your family and your equipment safe.
In this article, we’re diving in and covering:
- How To Understand Your Oxygen Therapy System
- Important Oxygen Therapy Safety Rules
- Oxygen Equipment Maintenance Best Practices
- Mistakes To Avoid With Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is serious business.
There are more than 380 million people around the world with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD. Millions of them rely on oxygen therapy to breathe.
If you’re using oxygen therapy or just want to be prepared, your respiratory health depends on the details. If you’re using a conventional oxygen concentrator, portable oxygen concentrator or hyperbaric chamber for sale, you need to understand how to use it properly to stay safe and healthy.
But here’s what many people don’t know…
You need to use oxygen therapy properly. It’s not enough just to have the equipment. You need to follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and your family.
Read on to learn more about what you should and should not do with oxygen therapy products.
Step 1: Understand Your Oxygen Delivery System
Oxygen therapy is not one-size-fits-all.
There are a number of different types of oxygen therapy equipment on the market. The most common include portable oxygen concentrators, stationary concentrators, compressed oxygen cylinders, liquid oxygen systems and oxygen conserving devices.
Portable oxygen concentrators offer more freedom of movement. Stationary oxygen concentrators are great for home use. Cylinders and liquid systems are higher-flow and typically used for severe conditions.
What is most important to understand is this: your doctor prescribes a flow rate for a reason. Do not alter your flow rate on your own.
Medical professionals carefully calculate the amount of supplemental oxygen you need based on your particular health condition. It’s important to use exactly the prescribed amount to be safe.
Step 2: Follow The Safety Rules For Oxygen Therapy
Safety first! Here are a few safety rules that you simply cannot ignore.
Keep Oxygen Equipment Away From Heat Sources
This is non-negotiable…
Oxygen is a natural fire accelerant. It’s easy to think that the oxygen equipment itself can’t cause fires. After all, the device isn’t burning or hot to the touch. But oxygen as a gas has unique and serious risks.
Keep your equipment 5-10 feet from open flames, gas stoves, heaters, candles, and cigarettes. Avoid using electrical equipment near your oxygen concentrator or tanks, and do not store the oxygen devices in small, enclosed spaces.
Smoking while using oxygen therapy is the most common fire risk. It’s not just a warning, it’s the truth. The oxygen therapy market size continues to grow as more people suffer from respiratory problems, but accidents do happen when safety guidelines aren’t followed.
Proper Ventilation Is Critical
Proper airflow for your equipment is important for a few reasons.
Allow concentrators to sit at least 6 inches from walls and furniture for proper air circulation. This airflow prevents your equipment from overheating.
Do not cover your oxygen concentrator, cylinder or other devices with blankets or towels. This can create a fire hazard and cause the device to malfunction.
Step 3: Maintain Your Equipment Properly
Cleaning and maintenance of your oxygen therapy products isn’t optional, it’s required.
Clean your nasal cannula or mask every day with warm soapy water. This will prevent bacteria from building up and causing infections. Replace your disposable cannulas weekly or when they become stiff or discolored.
Clean or replace the air filter on your oxygen concentrator according to the manufacturer instructions. Most filters should be cleaned or replaced every 1-2 weeks. A dirty filter forces your machine to work harder.
Inspect all your tubing, connectors, cannulas, and equipment daily for cracks, loose connections, wear and tear, and unusual noises or vibrations.
Monitor Your Oxygen Levels
Another easy mistake that’s all too common…
Just because you’re using oxygen therapy doesn’t mean you’re getting the right amount. Use a pulse oximeter to check your blood oxygen saturation levels regularly.
Aim to maintain oxygen saturation levels between 90-95%. If your oxygen levels are consistently outside this range, you should contact your doctor or other healthcare provider.
Step 4: Avoid Common Mistakes With Oxygen Therapy
Avoid these common oxygen therapy mistakes…
Don’t Share Your Equipment With Others
Your oxygen prescription is individualized to your specific needs. Sharing your oxygen therapy equipment with family or friends, even those with similar conditions, is a bad idea.
Avoid Petroleum-Based Products
Oil-based and petroleum-based products are no-nos.
Use water-based lubricants only. Petroleum jelly, oil-based lotions, balms and similar products are a fire hazard. Keep these items away from your oxygen equipment and nose at all times.
If your nose becomes dry, ask your doctor about safe moisturizers. Stay away from petroleum-based products.
Don’t Increase Oxygen Flow Rates On Your Own
Feeling short of breath?
The temptation when you’re feeling short of breath is to increase your flow rate to compensate. This is the wrong move.
Too much supplemental oxygen is just as dangerous as too little supplemental oxygen. Excessively high levels of oxygen in your system can lead to oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity can cause lung damage.
Always consult with your doctor before making any adjustments to your oxygen therapy.
How To Travel Safely With Oxygen Therapy
Travel with oxygen therapy is easier than you think.
Portable oxygen concentrators are approved for air travel by the FAA. Notify the airline at least 48 hours before traveling. Bring extra batteries (at least 150% of your flight time), your prescription and a letter from your doctor. Research oxygen suppliers at your destination before you travel.
If you’re driving, keep a spare oxygen system in your vehicle. Oxygen concentrators, tanks and other equipment should not be left in a hot vehicle for an extended period of time.
When to Call Your Doctor
Know the warning signs that something is wrong with your respiratory health.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Increased shortness of breath while using your oxygen therapy equipment as prescribed
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Severe headache
- Rapid heart rate
- Blue lips or fingernails
Be Prepared In An Emergency
What do you do when there’s a power outage?
If your home oxygen concentrator is not a stationary, non-electric model, be prepared for emergencies. Keep a spare, charged, portable oxygen concentrator with you. Store oxygen cylinders in a cool, safe location for use in emergencies.
Make sure to register with your local power company as a medical needs customer in order to receive priority power restoration in case of emergency.
Additional Tips To Optimize Your Oxygen Therapy
Get the most out of your oxygen therapy treatment with these helpful tips:
- Stay active as much as your health allows. Engage in light exercise to help your body use oxygen more efficiently. Consult your doctor for ideas of safe activities you can do with your condition.
- Practice good posture. Sitting or lying in a slouched position compresses your lungs and makes breathing more difficult. Sit upright and use pillows to prop yourself up while resting if necessary.
- Stay hydrated. Oxygen therapy dries out your airways. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Wrap Up: Safe Oxygen Therapy Is Simple
Oxygen therapy is a life-saving treatment.
When used and maintained properly, your oxygen therapy products will work hard for you for years to come. The most important rule to follow is safety first. Always do exactly as instructed by your doctor. Never cut corners when it comes to your oxygen therapy equipment.
The keys to a successful oxygen therapy routine are education, vigilance and maintenance. With these 8 essential tips, you can rest easy knowing your oxygen therapy is safe and effective.
Take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you.
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