This post was originally published on October 20, 2021 and updated on October 16, 2023.
When oxygen therapy becomes a prescribed treatment, it’s best to find ways to make it a part of your lifestyle. Your life at home can be as normal as ever, just with the added benefit of oxygen therapy to help you stay healthy.
What is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is a prescribed treatment that uses supplemental pure oxygen to manage respiratory illnesses. The therapy aids those who typically have difficulty breathing due to conditions such as COPD, asthma, or heart conditions that have weakened normal breathing.
What is Home Oxygen Therapy?
Patients with respiratory illnesses can use oxygen tanks or oxygen concentrators at home for oxygen therapy. The treatments are safe and effective and allow most patients to stay healthy without staying for a prolonged period of time at the hospital.
How to get Oxygen Therapy at Home?
After seeing your doctor and they have prescribed oxygen therapy for the treatment of a respiratory illness, you can purchase supplemental oxygen tanks from a medical equipment supplier or you can choose a home oxygen concentrator.
Many patients prefer oxygen concentrators as they convert surrounding air into pure oxygen, providing a lasting supply, so they never have to be replaced like oxygen tanks.
How Does Home Oxygen Therapy Work?
Your oxygen therapy prescription will tell you how often to use your oxygen concentrator for treatment. The prescription may include setting recommendations to control how much oxygen you receive during treatments. Be sure to follow your prescription and recommendations from your doctor. It is possible to overuse your oxygen, which can lead to oxygen toxicity.
How to Prepare for Oxygen Therapy
- Get acquainted with your oxygen concentrator. Learn how to turn your oxygen concentrator on and off.
- Read the manual to check recommended oxygen tubing and cannulas.
- Follow the doctor’s prescription to set your flow setting. Do not set your flow setting any different from what has been prescribed for you.
- Follow all cleaning and maintenance recommendations for your oxygen concentrator and other supplies from the manual.
How to Maintain Comfortable Oxygen Therapy
If you experience nasal irritation from oxygen therapy, you can attach a humidifier to your oxygen concentrator. The humidifier will provide moisture to your oxygen flow which can help soothe nasal passages and make oxygen therapy more comfortable.
Learn About Oxygen Therapy
The more you know about oxygen therapy, the more you can get the best results. See how to take care of your equipment and stay safe with oxygen therapy.
Understand Your Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Requirements
Replace filters. Every oxygen concentrator is different in terms of the type of filtration it uses. Some will come with reusable filters that can be cleaned and reused. Reusable filters should be cleaned with soap and water about once a week. Other concentrators require filter replacement. Follow your manufacturer's guidelines for filter maintenance. Generally, replacement filters should be changed about every 6 months.
Clean the outside of your oxygen concentrator. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the outside of your oxygen concentrator to reduce lint and dust, which can end up in your machine if not properly cleaned.
How To Replace the Oxygen Concentrator Tubing
Be sure to also follow oxygen concentrator manufacturer recommendations for cannula and tube replacement as needed (usually every 3 to 6 months).
When the tubes become cracked or appear to leak, simply remove the old tubing from the machine connections and replace it with new tubing.
Having Spare Tubing and Cannulas
It’s good to keep spare tubing and cannulas handy. With lots of use, oxygen concentrator tubing and cannulas can become worn and less effective. Regular replacement ensures oxygen therapy compliance and good hygiene.
What Are the Fire Hazards of An Oxygen Concentrator?
While oxygen concentrators are generally safe, you should still keep them away from open flames like fireplaces. Pure oxygen can be highly combustible, so precautions should be taken. Also, avoid smoking around your oxygen concentrator.
How To Clean a Humidifier
Along with cleaning your oxygen concentrator, you must also clean your humidifier. Rinse with a solution of vinegar and water weekly to prevent bacteria so your humidifier continues to provide healthy, clean moisturized air.
What Should I Do in Case of a Power Outage?
If you experience a power failure while using your oxygen concentrator, unplug the unit from the wall to prevent a surge when power resumes. If power outages are a concern for interrupting oxygen therapy, you can also choose a portable oxygen concentrator with a battery that can operate for long periods without direct power.
Find Oxygen Concentrators Online
You can find both home and portable oxygen concentrators online at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Speak to our knowledgeable staff to help you select the best oxygen concentrator for your needs. Call 888-941-1688 or email us at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com.
