Oxygen Information

What is 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. Your cells use oxygen and nutrition from the foods you eat to make the energy they need to function.

Supplemental oxygen is considered a drug. You must have a prescription from a Doctor for oxygen therapy. 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.

What kinds of oxygen containers are there?

 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.

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.

Oxygen Concentrator: An oxygen concentrator is an electric machine that takes oxygen out of the air and stores it. 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 that you get your power back quickly if it goes out.

What kind of oxygen delivery devices are there?

Nasal cannula: A nasal cannula is made of lightweight, flexible plastic tubing. One end attaches to the oxygen source. The other end has two prongs that fit just inside your nostrils.
Oxygen mask: An oxygen mask is attached to the oxygen supply by plastic tubing. The oxygen comes through the tube and fills the mask. A mask covers your nose and mouth, which allows you to breathe through either one and still get oxygen. It is usually held in place by an elastic strap that rests above your ears.
Transtracheal oxygen: Transtracheal oxygen is given through a small flexible plastic catheter. It is put directly into the trachea (windpipe) through an opening in the neck. A necklace holds the catheter in place. Your caregiver will teach you how to care for your transtracheal oxygen catheter.

How can I use my oxygen equipment safely?

 General safety tips:

• 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.
• 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.

Fire hazards of oxygen equipment

Oxygen allows a fire to start very easily. Sparks or materials that normally would not burn can start a fire because of the oxygen you use. It is very important to protect you, your house, and those around you when using oxygen.

• Never smoke or allow others to smoke near the oxygen.
• 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.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure everyone living in your house 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 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.