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What do I need to know about using and maintaining oxygen equipment?

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Contents indicator or pressure gauge:
This tells you how much oxygen is left in the container. It is important to keep track of how much oxygen you have left so that you do not run out. Order your new supply of oxygen two to three days before you will need it, or when the gauge reads one-quarter full.

Flow meter:
This controls the rate (how fast) the oxygen comes out of the container. The flow rate of oxygen is usually measured in liters per minute (LPM). Set the flow meter so that you receive the amount of oxygen per minute that your caregiver has prescribed for you. Some flow meters use a needle or numbered dial. Some flow meters use a ball that rises as you increase the oxygen flow. Look at the center of the ball when measuring your oxygen flow rate. Never change the flow rate on your oxygen without your caregiver's OK. Too much oxygen may be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.

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 (hu-MID-i-feye-er) 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.

Using an oxygen cylinder:

• Open the oxygen cylinder by turning the valve counter-clockwise (to the left). Turn the valve until the pressure gauge or contents indicator shows how much oxygen is in the container. Always turn the valve slowly when opening or closing an oxygen cylinder.


• When you are done using the cylinder, turn the valve clockwise (to the right) to seal it. After closing the valve, "bleed off" the remaining oxygen in the regulator by turning on the flow meter until the pressure gauge goes to zero. This helps prevent wear on your equipment and lets you know that the cylinder is really turned off. It also prevents you mistakenly thinking the tank is turned on and giving you oxygen when it is not.


• An easy way to remember which direction to turn the valve is to remember this phrase: "Left makes it loose, right makes it tight."

Using an oxygen concentrator:

• Check the air filter on the concentrator every week to make sure it is in place and clean. Wash it in soap and water if it is dirty. Then rinse it, pat it dry, and put it back on the machine. Follow the instructions that came with the concentrator, or the instructions given to you by your oxygen company.


• If your oxygen concentrator has an alert buzzer, check it weekly. Turn the unit off, unplug it, and then push the power switch to "on". The alarm buzzer should sound, which tells you there is no power supply. If the buzzer does not sound, use a different oxygen source and call the oxygen company.


• Push the power switch to turn on the unit. The power light should come on. With some concentrators, the alert buzzer should sound for 60 seconds.


• Turn off your oxygen concentrator and call the oxygen supply company if you have any of the following problems. Use a backup oxygen supply until your concentrator is fixed or replaced.


• The alert buzzer does not come on when it should.


• The power light goes out and the alert buzzer sounds while you are using the oxygen concentrator. Check your electrical outlet and your fuse box before you call your oxygen supply company.


• The alert buzzer sounds even though the power supply and oxygen flow has not stopped.

General tips:

• Keep the phone number of your oxygen supply company in a place where you can find it. Call them if you have any problems.


• Plan ahead. If a holiday or bad weather is expected, order extra oxygen in advance.


• Have a back-up oxygen supply to use in an emergency.