How to Use Home Oxygen Providers

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the collective name for disorders that cause difficulty breathing, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. With this disease, blood cannot get sufficient oxygen from the damaged lungs. The patient's physician may prescribe supplemental oxygen to be used at home. The oxygen provider can be an oxygen concentrator for use inside the dwelling or an oxygen tank that can be used either indoors or outside.

Instructions

• 1

  Plug the concentrator into an electric outlet. Never use an extension cord. The back and sides of the concentrator must have at least 12 inches of clearance from walls and draperies so that nothing blocks air flow. The concentrator draws air from the room and purifies it.

  The concentrator comes with a long tube that allows movement around the home. Attach the tube and insert the nasal cannula into your nose with the prongs pointing down. Most concentrators have filters that must be cleaned regularly. Do not change the flow rate that is prescribed. Your home medical equipment supplier will instruct you on how to care for the compressor and will also provide you with one or two backup oxygen tanks. A smaller portable tank can be used for traveling.

• 2

  Store the oxygen tanks upright in carts in an area where they will not be knocked over. If you do not have a cart, lay the tank flat. Never store tanks in an enclosed space like a closet or car trunk. The home medical equipment dealer will instruct you on how to use the cylinder tank flow meter and regulator and how to attach the tubing to the tank. You will need to set up a replacement schedule for the tanks. Oxygen tanks are generally used when supplemental oxygen is not used continually.

• 3

  Prevent falls by keeping your eyes on the tube while walking so you don't trip. Hold the tubing behind you, gathering it as you walk. To avoid the chance of fire, stay at least five feet away from open flames, lighted fireplaces, stove and furnace pilot lights and candles. Don't cook over an open flame while you are using oxygen. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke while you are using oxygen. Keep electrical equipment like hair dryers and electric shavers at least five feet away from your unit. Don't use aerosol products like hair spray and petroleum-based products near the oxygen equipment, and use only water-based lubricants on your lips.