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Foundation Staff
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 02:13 |
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The need for supplemental oxygen
Oxygen is an invisible gas that your body needs to live. Your lungs take the oxygen out of the air you breathe and put it into your blood. Your blood takes the oxygen to your brain and all of the cells in your body. Then the waste carbon dioxide is taken back to the lungs where you breathe it out. Your cells use oxygen and nutrition from the foods you eat to make the energy they need to function.
Sometimes a person needs more oxygen than he can get just by breathing. You may need extra oxygen if you have lung disease, anemia, or heart disease. You may need extra oxygen when traveling to high altitudes or traveling by plane.
When the lungs are not perfusing oxygen well, as evidenced by a low oxygen saturation level, the heart beats faster to compensate. The use of supplemental oxygen is deemed warranted by Medicare standard when oxygen the oxygen saturation level fall below 90% by pulse oximeter. Insurance companies often follow that guideline to determine if they will pay for oxygen.
If you meet that standard, it may be advantageous to also have the more invasive blood gases measurement via arterial puncture. This will determine the amount of oxygen you can safely receive. Patients who have obstructive lung disease may retain too much carbon dioxide (which can suppress respirations) when they get too much oxygen. Most folks with Th1 inflammation of the lungs have restrictive lung disease, not obstructive, and can use higher levels of oxygen. But, if you have never had blood gases done, it might be good to know before you begin oxygen therapy, if you are a carbon dioxide retainer.
Oxygen therapy may help you feel better. You may sleep better, be more alert, and be in a better mood. You may be able to carry out your daily activities without feeling as tired or as short of breath and may have less intercostal pain. You may only need supplemental oxygen during certain activities, such as sleeping or exercising. You may need to have oxygen on all of the time.
Using supplemental oxygen is not a step backward or an admission of failure. It is a palliative treatment to prevent the heart muscle from overworking and to relieve the distressing symptom of dyspnea (shortness of breath). Neither symptom is lethal but you would be more comfortable and perhaps able to tolerate the immunopathology better if you used oxygen while lung inflammation is resolving.
Supplemental oxygen may be useful or necessary in some cases, even though it may be needed only for a few hours a day for a few months. When correctly administered, oxygen may help resolve problematic symptoms like disconcerting shortness of breath, chest pain and low pulse/oxy readings.
Supplemental oxygen is thought of as a drug. You must have a prescription from a doctor for oxygen therapy in order to get it. The prescription will include how much oxygen you should have, and how often. Getting too much oxygen may be dangerous. Always use your oxygen as directed by your caregiver.
This article in the British Medical Journal says, "Subjective relief of breathlessness has been shown in some patients even in the absence of arterial hypoxaemia and a controlled trial of oxygen may be warranted."
Sarcoidosis and other diseases affecting lungs
From the American Lung Association:
"Some lung diseases, such as emphysema and sarcoidosis, reduce lung function to the extent that supplemental oxygen is needed to continue normal bodily function. For many people with end stage lung disease, supplemental oxygen allows their bodies to get the oxygen that they need and may also help them be more active."
"Supplemental oxygen can improve their sleep and mood, increase their mental alertness and stamina, and allow their bodies to carry out normal functions. It also prevents heart failure in people with severe lung disease."
This e-medicine article on sarcoidosis says supplemental oxygen should be provided to all patients prior to hospital care. So, ask your doctor for a trial of home oxygen to attempt to avoid a deterioration that might possible lead to a hospital stay, if possible.
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For just the same reason as you will eventually be able to recover some of the lung function you thought was irreversibly lost, the bacterial die-off will often (maybe usually) make breathing difficulties worse before they get better.
Whenever I talk with a physician about healing from sarcoidosis, I try and remember to remind the physician to make bottled oxygen available to the patient.
..Trevor..
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"It may be a good idea to have your doctor check your oxygen level via pulse oximeter and have portable oxygen on hand (for travel) and an oxygen generator with a pulse oximeter at home for use in times of need. A little oxygen can go a long way in helping people with guppy breathing and bad air starvation attacks, and it is always better to be safe. If other people further along are indicators, you would eventually get to the point where you would not need the extra O2." ~P.Bear.RN
Pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter is an excellent tool for someone with restrictive lung disease (sarcoidosis) who is on oxygen. The readings will help determine your level of oxygen need in different situations so you can adjust your oxygen flow to maintain oxygen saturation of 90% or higher.
Members experiences wth oximeters
I did go ahead and bought an oximeter off ebay today. Instead of bidding I did the buy now thing. I had been watching them and the final price wasn't much different. It is the small portable fingertip unit. It is similar to the one my Dr uses. Cost was $125 with no shipping fee. It has been shipped already so I should have it in a few days. ~RevDennis
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You will find out that your oxymeter has its own little quirks. It needs time to register. Make sure your green light is on before you rely on your readout. Once in a while hubby's oxymeter will give unusual results, that can't possibly be happening. He usually keeps his sats about 95-97% unless he is going without the oxygen, then he is happy keeping it between 90-92%. Heck, he has buddies that register about 92% and they are not even using O2. (told you everyone wants to try that thing didn't I )
Initially, if we saw a really low heart rate on the oxymeter I would grab his wrist or press his neck and check his pulse rate. No problem, it would be OK. One can also have little irratic beats occasionally and the oxymeter doesn't really know how to measure these. Sometimes it isn't seated snugly over the end of the finger, cold hands can affect the reading and if your sats are really low it takes time to register. A drop of a few seconds probably is the oxymeter, if it continues- Its you. Take precautions. You will get used to the ideosyncrasies of your meter and grow to really appreciate its usefulness. ~Jill, R.N.
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I'm really glad to have my pulse oxymeter. I used it today to regulate oxygen flow. My objective was to have a saturation of 95 percent or higher while sitting around. I started at 4 L min, dropped to 3, still 99, dropped to 2, still 99, dropped to 1---93%. I then moved up to 1 1/2 L/min. This brought it up to 97 and slowly it rose to 98 and 99 if I was inactive.
My idea was to stay above 90 percent even if active. I went upstairs, slowly and carefully, and it dropped to 92 percent. I feel so in control right now. I have had less coughing and mucous today. I suspect my high flow rates were contributing to that. Going up the stairs my heart rate went up to 120 bpm. most of the day it was 95-105bpm. Tonight it has dropped to the low 80's. That's what I have thought my resting heart rate was for a long time, however I was only checking it in the evening. I hate to see my heart rate this high when I'm not doing anything, however when training I used to always run it up to 160 or I didn't think I was working hard enough.
Life is semi-good---numbers make me feel in control. ~Morris
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There are several things to keep in mind when using the pulse oximeter:
-The measurement becomes inaccurate in hypothermic patients.
-Chronic smokers have residual carbon monixide in their blood, so their readings may give false highs.
-Extremely bright lights might interfere with the sensor's function.
-Inadequate perfusion due to poor arterial circulation, or the use of a blood pressure cuff on the same extremity
-as the sensor, may prevent proper operation of the device.
-Patient movement, dysfunctional hemoglobin, and certain intravascular dyes, can also affect the reading.
-Very dense fingernail polish or acrylic nails may interfere with sensor function.
-Anything that compromises venous return may alter the reading. Keep the sensor at heart level whenever possible.
Probably the most important thing to remember about the pulse oximeter is that it is just a machine, just another tool to help you. Don't let it dictate your treatment.
Excerpted from: Pulse Oximeter User's manual. Palco Labs, Santa Cruz, CA. Brady Emergency Care, 6th edition. Grant, Murray and Bergeron. Bureau of EMS - State practical Examination
Caution to members in phase 3 with pulmonary problems
Be also aware that sarcoidosis patients with extensive pulmonary fibrosis will experience ongoing bouts of pulmonary immunopathology (which includes extreme SOB) as the fibrotic collagen remodels. Remodelling occurs as the the vitamin D metabolites normalize, for much the same reason as arthritic joints recover during the several years of phase 3.
Those who have been on 24/7 oxygen should be encouraged to keep the concentrator handy for a year or two into phase 3, out of an abundance of caution...
more on fibrosis @ What degree of healing FAQ
Can the body become dependent on the use of O2?
No, you will not become physically dependent on oxygen. The process of oxygen transport into the circulatory system is inhibited by the anatomical changes of the disease process. Changes in the lung anatomy are usually progressively worse causing a greater need for oxygen. Folks with obstructive lung disease cannot simply turn up the oxygen. Folks, like you, with restrictive lung disease can use oxygen on the highest setting if needed to relieve shortness of breath.
As your lung function improves, there is the possibility of psychological dependance on oxygen, especially if anxiety is one of your symptoms. But you will be less physically dependant on oxygen as your lung inflammation resolves and oxygen is more easily exchanged in the pulmonary tissues.
Members experiences with oxygen
"In spite of hating to drag oxygen around with me I use it because I want to have a fully functioning heart when my lungs recover."
Morris
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(Some doctors are reluctant to order oxygen)
Without the MP, the doctors think all folks who need oxygen have an incurable illness as most of these folks never have their health return to get off oxygen. ~Jillbc
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Belinda said when the medical equipment folks came to her home to take the oxygen that she no longer needed, they were flabbergasted that she was fine without it now. They said that never happens. Belinda is out living her life to the full now.
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(Faulty oxygen equipment)
I am writing to relate a recent scare..... I was dropped off at the hospital to visit my mother ( with my O2 tank.) I stopped at the coffee kiosk and my O2 wasn't working! It was very early in the morning and I was alone and didn't know what to do...I remembered that the Pulmonary Therspists said I could get O2 from rehab in an emergency...so I slowly walked to rehab....when I got there I took my O2 saturation and it was 68% with 132 bpm heart rate.
I went in and told the first therapist that I needed O2, that it was an emergency! Jennifer got me O2 ASAP. When my sats returned, we tried to figure out what happened to my tank....no luck it was not frozen, but it wasn't flowing O2 either. With great trepidation she loaned me an O2 tank, so I could walk upstairs and visit my mother!
After an hour visit, my O2 started working...so I returned the rehab tank..much to Jennifer's delight! When I was picked up, we drove directlly to medical supply for a new O2 tank!What a scare! I was reminded of my limitations...once again! ~Sue Lyons
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"When I got home oxygen equipment, it was my primary care physician who agreed to prescribe oxygen.
I described how my ability to use my chest muscles was okay early in the morning, but as the day progressed and my strength waned, breathing became progessively more difficult. My husband verified, and thank goodness my PCP had compassion to write the order.
Maybe if you discuss using oxygen *as needed*, when your chest muscles are weak, the PCP will have the logic and compassion to order it. I used oxygen as needed, and that was usually from noon-time on, but not at night. Perhaps if the doctor realizes your use of oxygen will be just a long-term coping tool, he will be comfortable ordering it, since it requires a doctor's prescription. A brief summary of the Medicare guidelines for covering supplemental oxygen are here. " ~Belinda
-I shared with the doc my power company experience. He suggested, and signed a form, for me to submit to the power company since I'm on oxygen. One still has to pay their bill, but if you're late you won't be cut off. Additionally, if there's a power outage, you are designated as one to be powered up first. ~ToniD
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Breathing Tips has links to all the breathing/ respiratory information.
What should I know about respiratory immunopathology?
Last edited on Sat Jun 7th, 2008 12:54 by Foundation Staff
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Foundation Staff
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 02:15 |
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(filelink)
Evaluating the need for oxygen
When determining if a patient needs oxygen, the clinician will ask the patient to perform an activity of daily living which requires the most exertion. This usually involves walking some distance or climbing stairs. Some doctors will even have the patient walk outside in cold weather to be sure the oxygen level remains okay under those conditions.
During that time the patient wears a pulse oximeter on their finger and the nurse or doctor will note the oxygen level during different activities. You will not be expected to exert yourself beyond your limits. When you become breathless and your oxygen level falls, the test is over.
The determining factor here in the US is an oxygen saturation level that falls below 90% as indicated by pulse oximeter. This number has been determined by Medicare and most insurance companies follow this quidleine to determine if they will reimburse the cost of oxygen.
A doctor can order oxygen even if the patient doesn't meet this criteria and may do so if the oxygen saturation is borderline but the insurer has no obligation to pay for it. In that case you would have to pay 'out-of-pocket'.
When you are evaluated for oxygen need, it would be a good idea if you can time your antibiotics so that your immune system reaction will be peaking and if you perform the most strenuous activity you can. Your need for oxygen may not be constant but those times you need it are critical. Try to present a picture during the evaluation that reflects those times.
Obtaining Supplemental Oxygen
Supplemental oxygen does require a physician's prescription. Any physician can prescribe oxygen. The prescription will indicate the rate of oxygen flow needed. Oxygen is highly regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The requirements for medical coverage are different for different insurance carriers. Private insurance is likely to have less stringient requirements than Medicare.
If, after using the Breathing Tips offered on the site, you feel you may benefit from home oxygen, discuss it with your physician.
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In Canada
"The Oxygen Funding available in each of Canada's Provinces requires meeting certain program criteria. Information regarding initial and long-term oxygen funding is available from your local Medigas Praxair supplier or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional/Municipal Social Assistance Programs or your Private Insurance Carrier."
Last edited on Wed Mar 14th, 2007 01:23 by Foundation Staff
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Foundation Staff
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 02:17 |
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Oxygen Equipment in the Home
(filelink)
How do you use portable oxygen? A portable oxygen system lets you move around your house easier. With a portable oxygen system you can also travel outside your house. Portable liquid oxygen units may be light enough to carry on a strap over your shoulder. Portable oxygen tanks may be rolled around on a small-wheeled cart. Check the contents indicator or pressure gauge often to see how much oxygen is left in the tank.
Supplemental oxygen is dispensed several ways. The oxygen system that is right for you depends on the amount of oxygen you use and how active you are.
Liquid oxygen, which is made by cooling the oxygen into a liquid form, can be stored in even smaller containers. However, it's costly and must be used up quickly before the gas evaporates.
You may get steel or aluminum tanks or cylinders of compressed oxygen gas. The tanks come in different sizes, including portable ones that can be used outside the house. Larger tanks may have a wheeled carrier to make them mobile.
You can also receive oxygen via an oxygen concentrator, an electric device that concentrates the oxygen that is already in the air. The advantages of this delivery system is that it costs less and is easier to maintain, primarily because it doesn't need refilling. But the oxygen concentrator is about the size of a bedside table, which makes it non-portable.
The most usual prescription provides for combination of an oxygen concentrator and portable tanks. A medical equipment provider delivers the equipment to the home and regularly replenishes portable oxygen tanks and checks and maintains equipment in your home. They will also educate you on how to use the equipment and provide you with a supply of tubing, cannulas, masks and humidifiers as needed.
Liquid oxygen
Liquid oxygen is kept very cold in an insulated container. Liquid oxygen warms and turns into a breathable gas when it is released from the container. Liquid oxygen takes up less space than compressed oxygen, so it is more portable. You can refill small, lightweight liquid oxygen tanks from a big tank kept in your home. Liquid oxygen may cost more than other oxygen systems. Your liquid oxygen supply may not last as long as compressed oxygen because it can evaporate. Liquid oxygen is very cold and may burn your skin if it spills. Keep your liquid oxygen container in an upright position. Secure the container when you travel so that it does not tip. Liquid oxygen is kept very cold in an insulated container. The oxygen is warmed before you breathe it in.
- The liquid oxygen container has different parts.
- Contents indicator: This tells you how much oxygen is left in the container.
- Flow meter: This controls the rate (how fast) the oxygen comes out of the container.
- Humidifier bottle and adapter: Water is mixed with the oxygen before you breathe it. This helps to prevent your nose, mouth, and throat from becoming too dry.
- Filling connector: This connector is used to fill a portable tank with oxygen from the main liquid oxygen container.
- How do you use liquid oxygen?
- Check the water level in the humidifier. If it is near or below the fill line, pour out any left over water. Then refill the bottle with sterile or distilled water. Or, use a pre-filled bottle. Do not use tap water because there are minerals and other things in tap water. Empty and refill the bottle at least once a day.
- Hook the oxygen tube to the humidifier. Hook the other end of the oxygen tube to the tubing on the nasal cannula or mask.
- Turn on the oxygen supply if you are using an oxygen tank. Open the tank by turning the valve at the top counter-clockwise until the needle on the pressure gauge moves.
- Set the flow meter. Turn the dial to the number that your caregiver has suggested. Or, turn the dial until the metal ball rises to the correct level on the scale. Never increase the flow rate on your oxygen without your caregiver's permission.
Compressed oxygen
Oxygen is often supplied in a metal cylinder under pressure. This compressed oxygen does not need electrical power to operate like an oxygen concentrator does. Compressed oxygen cylinders are heavier than liquid oxygen containers. Small cylinders and wheeled carts are available so that you can move around while using compressed oxygen. The stem of a compressed oxygen cylinder must be protected from damage. Cylinders should always be stored in an upright position and secured so that they do not fall over.
- The oxygen tank has different parts.
- Pressure gauge: This shows how much oxygen is left in the tank.
- Flow meter: This controls the rate (how fast) the oxygen comes out of the tank.
- Humidifier (hew-mih-dih-fi-er) bottle: Water is mixed with the oxygen and the oxygen is warmed before you breathe it. This helps to prevent your nose, mouth, and throat from becoming too dry.
- How do you use an oxygen tank?
- Check the water level in the humidifier. If it is near or below the fill line, pour out any left over water. Then refill the bottle with sterile or distilled water. Or, use a pre-filled bottle. Do not use tap water because there are minerals and other things in tap water. Empty and refill the bottle at least once a day.
- Hook the oxygen tube to the humidifier. Hook the other end of the oxygen tube to the tubing on the nasal cannula or mask.
- Turn on the oxygen supply if you are using an oxygen tank. Open the tank by turning the valve at the top counter-clockwise until the needle on the pressure gauge moves.
- Set the flow meter. Turn the dial to the number that your caregiver has suggested. Or, turn the dial until the metal ball rises to the correct level on the scale. Never increase the flow rate on your oxygen without your caregiver's permission.
Oxygen concentrator
An oxygen concentrator is an electric machine that takes nitrogen gas and other things out of regular air. This leaves only the oxygen from the air. This oxygen is stored in the container and given back to you through a mask or cannula. You must have a backup cylinder of oxygen with you at all times in case there is a power failure. Let your electric company know that you have electrically-powered medical equipment. They will put you on a priority list so you will more quickly get your power back if there is an interruption of service.
- Oxygen concentrator:
- There are different types and sizes of oxygen concentrators but most have the following parts.
- Power switch and light: This switch turns the concentrator on and off. The light shows you that the concentrator is working.
- Flow meter: This controls the rate (how fast) the oxygen comes out of the container.
- Alarm buzzer: The alarm goes off whenever the power stops for any reason.
- Humidifier bottle: Water is mixed with the oxygen and the oxygen is warmed before you breathe it. This helps to prevent your nose, mouth, and throat from becoming too dry.
- How do you use an oxygen concentrator?
- Check the air inlet filter to make sure it is in place and clean before you plug in the unit. Wash it in soap and water if it is dirty. Then rinse it, pat it dry, and put it back on the machine.
- Check the alert buzzer if your oxygen concentrator has one. Push the power switch and the buzzer should sound. If the buzzer does not sound, use a different oxygen source and call the oxygen company. If the buzzer did sound, push the power switch again to turn it off.
- Set the flow meter to the correct number chosen by your caregiver.
- Check the water level in the humidifier. If it is near or below the fill line, pour out any left over water. Then refill the bottle with sterile or distilled water. Or, use a pre-filled bottle. Do not use tap water because there are minerals and other things in tap water. Empty and refill the bottle at least once a day.
- Hook the oxygen tube to the humidifier. Hook the other end of the oxygen tube to the tubing on the nasal cannula or mask.
- Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet. Push the power switch to turn on the unit. The green power light should come on and the alert buzzer should sound for 60 seconds.
- After the alert buzzer goes off, put on the breathing device and begin breathing the oxygen.
How do you use each type of oxygen breathing device?
- Nasal cannula: A nasal cannula is a tube with two prongs that fit into the openings of your nose. A nasal cannula lets you breathe extra oxygen in through your nose.
- Put the two prongs into your nostrils (nose openings). Make sure the prongs face upward and follow the curve of your nostrils.
- Make sure the flat tab by the prongs rests above your upper lip.
- Put the tubing for the nasal cannula behind each ear and adjust it below your chin.
- Mask: An oxygen mask is a mask hooked to a tube. The oxygen comes through the tube and fills the mask. A mask allows you to breathe through your nose or your mouth.
- Put the mask over your face covering your nose and mouth.
- Put the elastic strap over your head so that it rests above your ears.
- Make sure the mask fits firmly against your face.
If you think that oxygen is not coming through the tubing:
- Check for oxygen flow by holding your mask or cannula up to your ear and listening for air flow. If you have a nasal cannula, you can dip the prongs in a glass of water. If the water bubbles, there is oxygen coming through the tubing.
- Check your pressure gauge or contents indicator to make sure there is still oxygen in the container.
- If you use an oxygen concentrator, make sure it is turned on and plugged in.
- If you use a cylinder, make sure the valve is open. The pressure gauge may have a reading even if the valve is shut off.
- Look for kinks, blockages, or water in the tubing. Make sure the tubing is still connected to the oxygen source.
Using a humidifier with your oxygen system:
- A humidifier bottle holds clean water. The water is mixed with the oxygen before you breathe it. This helps to prevent your nose, mouth, and throat from becoming too dry. You may need a humidifier if you receive oxygen at a flow rate over one or two LPM. Your caregiver may want you to be on humidified oxygen depending on your illness.
- Empty and refill the humidifier bottle with fresh water at least once a day. Wash the bottle with soap and warm water, making sure all the soap is rinsed out. Then refill the bottle with sterile or distilled water. A pre-filled bottle can also be used. Do not use tap water. There are minerals and other things in tap water that could damage your equipment. Hook the humidifier to your oxygen tank. Attach the tubing of your nasal cannula or mask to the humidifier.
How do you prevent skin problems while using oxygen?
- Place 2 inch gauze pads against your cheeks and behind your ears. This helps keep your skin from getting sore where the cannula tube or mask strap rests against your skin.
- Don't pull the cannula too tight...it will be gentler on the skin.
- Oxyears and oxynose is a product that provides small padded tubes that can be applied to the cannula where the tubing fits over the top of the ears or under the nose to prevent skin breakdown.
- Check around your nose and ears for redness every 2 hours. If you see redness, rub the area gently. Then wash your face and dry it well. Call your caregiver if the redness does not go away.
- Oxygen can make your nose and mouth dry. If dryness is a problem, use a water-soluble lubricating jelly, such as K-Y Jelly® on your lips and nose. Do not get the lubricating jelly in the cannula or mask.
- Take off the cannula or mask two or three times a day and wipe it clean with a wet cloth.
When to call your caregiver:
- You may not be getting enough oxygen if you have these symptoms.
- Becoming short of breath.
- Breathing that is not regular.
- Heartbeat is not regular or is too fast.
- Feeling restless, anxious, or sleepy.
- Blue fingernail beds or lips.
- Trouble thinking or being confused.
- As soon as possible if your oxygen tank is running low.
- Immediately if your oxygen tank has run out completely.
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Oxygen per face tent
Humidified oxygen face tent is a nice for a break from the cannula in your nose, but it is difficult to adapt to most home systems due to lack of the amount of oxygen generated.
You might be able to use a venturi setup with your home equipment to rest your nose, but some people don't like the face mask part when they are coughing a lot. Hypoallergenic oxygen tubing
Tygon tubing for oxygen masks To outgas this tubing, bring distilled water and baking soda to a boil. Remove from heat and insert tubing. Let stand for an hour. Air dry. Repeat if necessary.
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Foundation Staff
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 02:17 |
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Oxygen safety tips:
(filelink)
- Keep a written list of what rate (how much) oxygen you use. Never increase the flow rate on your oxygen without your caregiver's permission.
- Keep the phone number near of the company that brings the oxygen to your home. Call them if you have any problems.
- Be sure you know how to turn the oxygen on and off, and set the flow rate. Never increase the oxygen flow above the prescribed level.
- Use a water-based lubricant, rather than petroleum jelly, on the lips and cheeks.
- If the nasal cannula rubs your upper lip, you can put a small piece of gauze or fabric under it for padding. There are also commercial products that make this tubing more comfortable for the nose and ears.
- Keep a new tank of oxygen available at all times. Even if you use an oxygen machine (concentrator), you will need the tank for leaving the house and during power failures.
- If you use a tank, be sure it is attached to a stable cart so it won't fall or roll.
- Do not smoke or go near sparks or flame while using oxygen. Keep sparks and flames away from tanks, oxygen machines, and tubing.
- Have a back-up oxygen system to use in an emergency.
- Order your new supply of oxygen 2 to 3 days before you will need it or when the gauge reads 1/4 full.
- Check the tubing if you are not sure the oxygen is coming through the tube. Look for kinks, blockages, or to see if the tubing has become disconnected from the oxygen container. Also check if the oxygen is turned on.
- You need to be informed about how to use your equipment safely and correctly. Do not accept delivery of unfamiliar equipment until your oxygen supply company has taught you how to use it.
- Check the label on every oxygen container before you use it. Liquid oxygen should have "Oxygen Refrigerated Liquid U.S.P." on the label. Compressed oxygen cylinders should have "Oxygen Compressed U.S.P." on the label. If the label of a container reads differently, do not use the container. Call your oxygen supply company immediately.
- Keep all cords and tubing neat. Do not leave cords or tubing running across an area where you or someone else may trip on it.
- Keep oxygen containers from becoming too hot. Store containers in an area with good air flow. Never leave an oxygen container in a car trunk or a hot vehicle.
- Keep oxygen containers secured in an upright position.
- Oxygen containers should always be secured in a stand, holder, or to a fixed object. Containers can be damaged if they fall over.
- Oxygen in cylinders is stored under pressure. If the cylinder is damaged, it can become a missile and shoot off at a high rate of speed. This may cause serious injury. Aim the cylinder valve away from you and other people when opening or closing the valve. Always open or close the valve slowly.
- If an oxygen container is dropped or damaged in some way, do not use it. If you hear loud hissing from an oxygen cylinder after it is damaged, get away from it immediately. Let your oxygen supply company know about any cylinders that may be damaged.
- Oxygen can cause fires. It is very important to protect you, your family, and your house when using oxygen.
- Call your fire department and tell them that oxygen is being used in the house.
- Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure you and your family knows how to use it.
- If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave the house.
- Keep the oxygen container away from heat and open flames, such as a gas stove.
- Keep the oxygen container upright. Turn off the oxygen system when it is not being used.
- Do not put the oxygen tubing under clothing, bed covers, furniture, or carpets
- Put signs on all the doors of your house to let visitors and emergency personnel know that oxygen is in use. "No smoking" signs should be posted as well.
- Do not use oil, lubricants, or anything greasy on or around your oxygen equipment.
- Do not use anything flammable while you are wearing your oxygen. This includes cleaning fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, aerosols, or alcohol-containing sprays.
- Do not use electric razors, hair dryers, or any electrical appliance that has a motor while you are wearing your oxygen.
- Avoid using appliances with control boxes, such as heating pads, while wearing your oxygen. The control box may cause a spark.If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave the house.
- Keep the oxygen container away from open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, gas stoves, or hot water heaters. Do not go within eight feet of an open flame while you are wearing your oxygen.
- Turn your oxygen container or concentrator off when you are not using your oxygen.
- Watch for signs of oxygen leaking from the container. If you hear a loud hissing from your tank or if it empties too fast, stay away from the container. Open windows to help clear out any extra oxygen in the room. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home right away.
- Do not use an extension cord with an oxygen concentrator. Also, do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other appliances plugged into it.
- Turn off your oxygen concentrator and use a backup oxygen system if you have any of the following problems. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home to tell them of your problems.
- The alert buzzer does not come on when you push the power switch.
- The power light goes out and the alert buzzer sounds while you are using the oxygen concentrator.
- The alert buzzer sounds even though the power supply has not stopped.
- If you hear oxygen hissing or if the tank empties too fast, turn off all flames like candles. Remember to also turn off the pilot light on a stove. Open windows to help clear out any extra oxygen. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home right away.
Electrical safety tips:
- When using an oxygen concentrator, plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet. A grounded outlet has three holes, and can take a three-pronged plug. Never alter a plug or use an adapter that allows you to plug a three-pronged plug into a two-hole outlet. This can ruin your electrical equipment, cause an electrical shock, and even cause a fire.
- Do not plug in your oxygen concentrator if the cord looks damaged. Call your oxygen supply company.
- Do not use an extension cord to plug in your oxygen concentrator.
- Do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other appliances plugged into it. Overloading an electrical outlet can cause a fire.
- Unplug the concentrator before cleaning the unit or the filter. Make sure your hands are dry before you plug the concentrator back in.
- Make sure your oxygen supply company services and inspects your oxygen concentrator regularly. It should be serviced every 9,000 hours of use.
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Foundation Staff
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Posted: Tue Dec 12th, 2006 14:13 |
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Flying With Supplemental Oxygen
(filelink)
In air travel, the airplane often flies at about 30,000 feet, with the cabin pressure adjusted to between 5,000 to 8,000 feet. This is equivalent to being at high altitude and the oxygen level may drop compared to the sea level value. A person who usually only uses night-time oxygen may need supplemental oxygen during air travel. Your doctor should determine the oxygen flow (usually available either with 2 or 4 liters per minute). Some people only need to be sure a small portable oxygen tank will be available in order to get on and off the plane or leave their seat to use the bathroom.
You may not be allowed to use your own oxygen tanks during flight. Instead, most airlines provide you with oxygen for an extra fee. Charges can range from $50 to $150 for each leg of your trip.
You can find Tips for air travelers requiring supplemental oxygen on this NHLBI page. Search on that page for "oxygen."
Guide to Air Travel for people with pulmonary disabilities.
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Members experiences
Flying is tough when you need extra oxygen and you could have run into trouble. The fisherman's thing was passing out on the plane right after he ate. He did that a number of times before we realized what was going on.
The fisherman has flown 3 times with oxygen this past year and found that he has needed it in the air. The last time he was feeling better when we flew to the LA conference and didn't need it in the airports while waiting. He was using Oxygen tanks at that time and the airline only provided the tanks while on the plane.
You are lucky that you have a portable Oxygen machine, it is so much more convenient than tanks. You can use it in the airport while you are waiting and you will need it if there are any ramps. BUT don't walk up any ramps. Notify the airlines that you are coming ( I think they need 48 hrs) and you are using oxygen and will need a wheelchair. You have probably told them that you will be bringing oxygen. Check that they allow the portable concentrator and won't insist that you purchase their oxygen. (at up to $150 per leg of the flight)
Now about the wheelchair!! I struggled with the fisherman about the need for a wheelchair. He was all against it, said he could make it fine and he didn't need it. Male pride. But I insisted . After the trip he had changed his mind. It was great. They will pick you up at the counter and will drive you through the airport, sometimes taking side entrances to avoid all the crowds, take you to the head of the line in security and get you to the plane on time. We had a tight connection in Calgary last June and if we hadn't had the wheelchair and attendant with her walkie- talkie we would have been Veeery stressed. I would have needed oxygen too.
Are you travelling from a small airport? If you have to walk up the stairs to the plane tell them you can't make it and they will put you into the plane with the lift that they deliver the food with. The fisherman enjoyed that ride, said he felt like a grocery delivery.
Your travel agent should be able to make all the arrangements. Have a great trip out west. Wish you were coming a little farther, then we could say hello in person. If you have anyother questions about flying with O2, just PM us.
Take care, cheers from jill and the fisherman
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Foundation Staff
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Posted: Fri Mar 9th, 2007 05:12 |
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(filelink)
Cleaning aerosol and oxygen equipment
Inhaler chamber
Disposable plastic parts of nebulizer
Oxygen tubing, mask, cannula
BEFORE EACH USE:
-Wash hands
DAILY:
-Take apart and wash with hot soapy water
-Drip dry
WEEKLY:
-Wash oxygen concentrator filter in soapy water, let air dry and replace
-Soak inhaler chamber, disposable plastic parts of nebulizer, oxygen cannula or mask in 1:3 vinegar/water for 30 minutes, drip dry and replace
-wipe nebulizer and/or oxygen concentrator with a clean, damp cloth
EVERY TWO WEEKS
-Change the nasal cannula
MONTHLY
-Change oxygen tubing, portable oxygen tubing, mask and disposable nebulizer parts
Check nebulizer filter every week and change if dirty
These measures are important to prevent a respiratory infection.
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