How to Set Up Home Oxygen

People with chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require supplemental oxygen if they're not getting enough oxygen into their bodies due to their disease. For these people, physicians may prescribe oxygen therapy to improve the level of oxygen in their blood. Certain precautions need to be followed when oxygen therapy is being set up in the home.

Things You'll Need

• Oxygen delivery system
• Nasal cannula

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine what type of oxygen delivery system best meets your needs. Oxygen concentrators run on electricity (which means they also require a back-up oxygen source), while oxygen tanks do not. Refills are needed for oxygen tanks, while concentrators do not require them, because they extract oxygen from the air. Evaluate your lifestyle and finances to see which option fits you best.

• 2

  Decide where you want your oxygen equipment installed. It should not be in an enclosed space and should be placed at least 6 feet away from open flames or sources of heat. When your oxygen delivery system is delivered, direct the technician to the area of your home where you want it installed.

• 3

  Make sure the oxygen therapy technician instructs you on how to safely use the oxygen equipment. Place a no-smoking sign outside your home and refrain from smoking within your home. Ensure that there are no exposed wires close to your oxygen therapy equipment.

• 4

  Check your prescription to determine what flow rate your oxygen should be delivered at, and set this rate on the flow meter of your oxygen delivery device. Attach your nasal cannula to the oxygen outlet of your concentrator or tank. A nasal cannula is a long plastic tubing with two prongs at one end. Oxygen is delivered to your nose and lungs through the nasal cannula.

• 5

  Turn on your oxygen delivery device and place the prongs of your nasal cannula against your skin to make sure oxygen is flowing through it.

• 6

  Put the prongs of your nasal cannula into your nostrils and slip the rest of the plastic tubing behind your ears and under your chin.