How to Use Oxygen at Night

Patients with certain medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can benefit from long-term oxygen therapy. It can help prevent heart failure, increase your longevity and improve your quality of life. Some people may require uninterrupted oxygen therapy, but others will only need it during certain times, such as during exercise, while on a plane or at night. Your oxygen levels naturally drop overnight as your breathing slows. Using oxygen therapy only at night requires minimal change in your daily routine.

Things You'll Need

• Nasal cannula
• Gauze
• Tape
• Moisturizer
• Detergent

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid taking sleeping pills or other sedatives before bedtime; also avoid consuming alcohol. Using these substances with oxygen at night can cause shallow breathing. If you currently take medications close to bedtime, talk to your doctor about a safe dosing schedule.

• 2

  Wrap the tubing that lies over your ears in a piece of gauze. Tape it to secure the gauze. This helps prevent your ears from chafing.

• 3

  Dab a water-based moisturizer in your nostrils and on your lips to help prevent drying.

• 4

  Turn the oxygen tank to the correct setting. Only use the setting your doctor prescribed. If you feel as though you are getting too little or too much oxygen, consult your doctor before changing the setting.

• 5

  Hold your fingers to the prongs of the nasal cannula to check for air flow.

• 6

  Insert the nasal prongs gently into your nose.

• 7

  Drape the tubing over your ears and slide the fit connector to your chin. If the prongs feel as though they might slide out, apply a piece of tape over each tube to affix it to your cheek.

• 8

  Place the oxygen tank near your bed, but in an area where you will not bump into it during the night. Steady it against a wall, if possible.