Home Oxygen Therapy

More and more people are using oxygen therapy outside the hospital setting, permitting them to lead active, productive lives. People with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, occupational lung disease, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis or congestive heart failure may use oxygen therapy at home or even away from home.

WHY IS HOME OXYGEN PRESCRIBED?

Your doctor may prescribe oxygen if your lungs are not getting enough oxygen to your blood (a condition called hypoxemia). Breathing prescribed oxygen increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, usually reduces shortness of breath and other symptoms, and helps increase survival. Prescribed oxygen may also help protect your heart.

The air you breathe every day contains 21% oxygen. The oxygen you will receive at home is close to 100% pure oxygen. Because it is a pure concentration of oxygen, home oxygen is considered to be a drug and must be prescribed by your doctor. Oxygen is not addictive and causes no side effects when used as prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe a specific amount of oxygen that is right for you. Some people may need to use supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day, while others may only need oxygen during exercise or sleep.

Home oxygen can help promote your independence and make it easier and safer for you to complete activities of daily living.

ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT:

There are three common ways of providing oxygen therapy. Oxygen can be delivered to your home in the form of a gas in various sized cylinders, as a liquid in a vessel or by using an oxygen concentrator. Each method is examined in more detail below.

COMPRESSED GAS

Oxygen is stored under pressure in a cylinder equipped with a regulator that controls the flow rate. Because the flow of oxygen out of the cylinder is constant, an oxygen-conserving device may be attached to the system to avoid waste. This device releases the gas only when you inhale and cuts it off when you exhale. Oxygen can be provided in a small cylinder that can be carried with you. The large tanks are only suitable for stationary use.

LIQUID OXYGEN

Oxygen is stored as a very cold liquid in a vessel very similar to a thermos. When released, the liquid converts to a gas and you breathe it in just like the compressed gas. This storage method takes up less space and can be transferred to a small, portable vessel at home. Liquid oxygen is more expensive than the compressed gas, and the vessel vents when not in use. To prevent waste, an oxygen-conserving device may be built into the vessel.

OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR

A concentrator is an electrically powered device that separates the oxygen out of the air, concentrates it, and stores it. This system has a number of advantages because it doesn't have to be resupplied and is not as costly as liquid oxygen. Extra tubing permits the user to move around with minimal difficulty. Small, portable systems have been developed that afford even greater mobility. An oxygen cylinder is usually kept on hand as a back-up in the event of a power failure. Your local power company must be notified that you are receiving oxygen therapy so that priority service can be provided to you in the event of a power failure.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EACH DELIVERY SYSTEM:

COMPRESSED GAS

Advantages include:

1. Tanks are small, lightweight and portable for "away from home" usage.
2. Can deliver oxygen at a high flow rate.
3. Contents do not evaporate.
4. No electricity is required.
5. Easy mobility.

Disadvantages:

1. Contents under pressure, hazardous if dropped.
2. Small tanks have a limited usage.
3. Large tanks are heavy and cumbersome. Suitable for stationary use only.

LIQUID OXYGEN

Advantages include:

1. Allows the user to be mobile.
2. User is able to fill their own portable tanks.
3. Oxygen delivered at a high flow rate.
4. Requires no electricity.
5. Relatively quiet while in operation.

Disadvantages:

1. User must return home to refill portable tank.
2. Contents of tank evaporate over time.

OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR

Advantages include:

1. Minimal maintenance needed.
2. Does not need to be refilled.
3. Provides unlimited oxygen supply.
4. Can be moved easily from room to room.

Disadvantages:

1. Requires electricity and will increase your electric bill.
2. Is affected by power surges and outages.
3. Requires a back-up system.
4. Cannot deliver oxygen at high flow rates.
5. Motor produces noise and heat.

WHAT ARE OXYGEN CONSERVING SYSTEMS?

Oxygen conserving devices are becoming increasingly popular. Since these devices conserve oxygen, smaller more portable systems (tanks or liquid vessels) can provide hours of oxygen while you are away from home. Since not everyone can tolerate these devices, it is important to consult with your doctor before using a conserving device.

The most popular conserving device is called an inspiratory flow system. This device uses a sensor to detect when inspiration begins (breath intake) and delivers oxygen only during inspiration. This conserves oxygen during exhalation. The demand system can be used with either compressed or liquid oxygen.

Other oxygen conserving devices include the demand nasal cannula and the reservoir nasal cannula.

WHAT BASIC SERVICES SHOULD I EXPECT FORM MY OXYGEN SUPPLIER?

1. Home Delivery and set-up of equipment.
2. Reliability of supply for necessary portable oxygen and additional refills.
3. Patient Education - the technician should be able to demonstrate the proper filling technique for you after the initial fill-up. Plus, should discuss and give instruction on the proper use and safe handling of the equipment.
4. 24/7 Emergency Service - Your supplier should have the capability to provide you with emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
5. Documentation - Your supplier should be willing to provide any documentation to support medical necessity as prescribed by your physician to your insurance carrier.
6. Billing Services - Your supplier must not only be capable of billing to all of the major insurance carriers, but must also have knowledge of all of the up-to-the-minute billing rules and regulations.

IS HOME OXYGEN THERAPY SAFE?

YES.......Oxygen is a safe gas, as long as it is used properly. Contrary to what most people believe, oxygen will not explode. Oxygen does, however, support combustion. Therefore, any material that is already burning will burn much faster and hotter in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. It is VERY important to follow these precautions so that you and your family are safe when using oxygen.

1. Stay at least six feet away from open flame or heat source (candles, gas stoves, etc.) when you are using your oxygen system. For example, if you must cook while using oxygen, make sure your tubing will not touch the gas flame or electric burner. Tuck the tubing into your shirt or position it behind you.
2. Do not store your oxygen system near any heat sources or open flames.
3. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in the same room as your oxygen system. Cigarette smoking is very dangerous. Sparks from a lighted cigarette can cause severe facial burns.
4. Post "NO SMOKING" signs in the room where your oxygen is kept and/or used.
5. Do not change the oxygen flow rate on your own. This can lead to serious side effects. If you feel you are not getting enough oxygen, contact your physician and notify your home care supplier.
6. Never use more than 50 feet of oxygen tubing. This can dilute the concentration of oxygen that you are receiving.
7. Do not expose your oxygen equipment to electrical appliances such as electric razors, hair dryers or electric blankets, etc.
8. Check that all electrical equipment in the area near the oxygen is properly grounded.
9. Be sure to have a functioning smoke detector and a fire extinguisher in your home at all times.
10. Keep the oxygen system away from aerosol cans or sprays, including air fresheners or hair spray. These products are very flammable.
11. Keep the oxygen system clean and dust-free.
12. Do not use cleaning products, or any product containing grease, oils, petroleum jelly, alcohol or flammable liquids on or near your oxygen system. These substances cause oxygen to be flammable.
13. Keep the oxygen system in a place where it will not be knocked over.
14. Always store your oxygen equipment in a well ventilated area.
15. An oxygen cylinder must be secured at all times. Put it in a cart or lay it down flat.
16. Do not carry liquid oxygen in a backpack or other enclosed space. Carrying cases, shoulder or hand bags, shoulder straps and backpack oxygen units are available which provide proper ventilation for the unit to ensure safety.
17. Never use extension cords with any medical equipment.
18. Secure loose cords and extra tubing so you do not trip on them while using your oxygen system.
19. Secure floor mats and throw rugs so that you will not trip or fall when using your oxygen system.
20. Be sure that doorways, hallways and rooms can accommodate you if you have a portable oxygen system.
21. Notify your electric power company if you are using an oxygen concentrator so that they can make your house a priority in the event of a power outage.
22. Oxygen is a drug and must be used under doctors' orders. Too much or too little can be harmful.
23. Take precaution to avoid skin contact when filling your portable liquid oxygen tanks as frost buildup can cause injury.
24. Always have a back-up tank available and know how to use it.

We at Marra's Home Care are dedicated to the health and well-being of our customers and continually strive to provide comprehensive and compassionate service.