For anyone using supplemental oxygen, a nasal cannula is a critical part of your oxygen therapy. A nasal cannula channels oxygen from your oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank through a tube directly into your nose. Nasal cannulas are typically made of a soft vinyl that gently contours the nostrils with two prongs as it delivers oxygen to patients with respiratory illnesses.
When to Use a Nasal Cannula
Nasal cannulas will be used for a range of respiratory conditions with either an oxygen concentrator or an oxygen tank. Some common conditions include:
- COPD
- Severe asthma attacks
- Pneumonia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Late-stage heart failure
How Does a Nasal Cannula Work?
A nasal cannula delivers pressurized oxygen flow directly through the nose and into the respiratory system. The two prongs help keep the nasal cannula in place. The flow of oxygen increases blood oxygen levels and enhances impaired respiration.
What is a High-Flow Nasal Cannula?
In some instances, traditional flow nasal cannulas are not enough to manage a medical situation. Often high-flow nasal cannulas along with high-flow oxygen therapy are used. High-flow oxygen cannulas deliver oxygen at a higher pressure than traditional oxygen therapy and the flow is often heated and humidified. High-flow oxygen nasal cannulas are only used in supervised medical settings. While traditional nasal cannulas are used at home on a daily basis by respiratory illness patients.
The DeVilbiss Chad Oxymizer Pendant Nasal Cannula is a high-flow disposable oxygen conserver and reservoir that can be used for portable oxygen therapy. This cannula can provide up to 15 LPM of continuous flow oxygen, and is a great alternative to oxygen masks, allowing users to eat, drink, and talk while receiving therapy.
How to Maintain a Nasal Cannula
Using a nasal cannula at home is easy and is also easy to maintain.
Cleaning the Nasal Cannula
You should wash your nasal cannula about once a week. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to sanitize and clean the cannula. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before reusing.
Changing the Cannula
How often you change your cannula depends on how often you use it. If you use it daily, then it should be changed every ten days. If you use oxygen therapy less frequently, you may be able to change your cannula on a monthly basis.
Make sure you have the right size cannula. It should fit comfortably in your nostrils. Compare your old cannula with your replacement to ensure you have the right size.
Simply connect the cannula to the tip connector which links your cannula to your oxygen source. Make sure that the connection is secure to prevent leaks.
The Proper Way to Use a Nasal Cannula
If it’s your first time using your nasal cannula you can ask your doctor for directions to ensure a good fit. But when you change the cannula, you may forget. Here are some tips to ensure you can fit the cannula perfectly on your own.
- Make sure the cannula “spikes” are pointing up when you insert them into your nostrils. If they are pointed down, then they need to be re-inserted into the tip connector.
- If pointing upward, insert into your nostrils as far as you can comfortably.
- Loop the tubing over your ears and start your oxygen therapy!
Where Can I Buy a Nasal Cannula?
You can buy nasal cannulas at most medical supply stores. Many stores have nasal cannulas available in-store or online. Fortunately, online shopping lets you compare prices and select the right nasal cannula while sitting comfortably at home. Your nasal cannula can also be shipped conveniently to your front door when you shop online. Visit the Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop for a wide range of top-quality nasal cannulas at reasonable prices. You can also consult with our expert staff if you need help selecting the right nasal cannula for your specific oxygen therapy needs.
