Home Oxygen Therapy - Safety and Travel Tips

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 20 December 2022

Pulmonary Phsyiotherapist Mrinmayee Koltharkar talks of the hygiene protocols, do’s and don’ts of home oxygen therapy and tips on managing travel with oxygen therapy. 

In the previous article, she explained what is Oxygen therapy, when it is prescribed, symptoms of low oxygen to watch out for, how it is delivered and types of delivery systems and complications related to oxygen therapy. 

What are the hygiene protocols one should follow when using oxygen systems at home ?

To ensure good delivery of oxygen and to prevent infections, all patients needing oxygen therapy & their caregivers should be well versed with following protocols

  • Regular inspection and servicing of the machines is needed for good functioning and better oxygen purity. Please refer to the machines manual for recommended service intervals
  • Place the oxygen delivery system in a clutter-free environment that is well ventilated, smoke free, away from combustible materials
  • Avoid using an oxygen concentrator in a dusty environment 
  • It is recommended to clean the machine internal filter at least once a month
  • Make sure the particle filter is completely dry before reinsertion
  • Clean the outside of the concentrator and external filters (if applicable) weekly
  • Use alcohol to wipe down the tubing connected to the nasal cannula regularly
  • Replace nasal cannulas/face masks and tubing monthly if using oxygen continuously or every 2 months if using oxygen intermittently
  • Post flare-up, cold, or infection replace the nasal cannulas/face masks after infection is subsided, even though if it was recently changed
  • When not in use, avoid randomly throwing the nasal cannulas/face masks on floor or any potentially risky surface for infection. Prefer keeping it in a clean container or a bag
  • Daily changing of distill water from the humidifier bottle
  • Regular cleaning of humidifier bottle with mild soap and suitable antiseptic solution 

Any other do's and don'ts that patients should observe while using oxygen?

Oxygen is a safe, non-explosive gas when handled correctly. However, any material that is already burning will burn much faster in an oxygen-enriched environment, so the following precautions should be observed when you use home oxygen,

  • Keep the oxygen at least 3 metres from any open flame or heat source, such as candles, diya, incense stick or a gas stove, or from anything that could cause a spark
  • Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke near the oxygen equipment
  • Avoid using anything flammable near the oxygen, including petrol, cleaning fluid, and aerosol cans or sprays such as fresheners or hairspray
  • Do not allow oil or grease to come into contact with oxygen supply devices i
  • People on home oxygen should avoid using facial cream, vicks, balms as they contain emollients or petroleum jelly that is flammable.  Alternative use of water based products is recommended. Heating pads are best avoided
  • Check that all electrical equipment in the vicinity of the oxygen is properly grounded (earthed)
  • Avoid using electrical appliances such as hairdryers, microwaves, toasters, razors while oxygen is in use
  • Make sure you have smoke alarms in your house
  • Keep the oxygen equipment clean and dust free
  • Always plug your oxygen concentrator into a grounded electrical outlet. Never use an extension cord or power board
  • As the oxygen concentrator becomes hot when in use, locate it in a well-ventilated area, away from curtains or drapes
  • Rest the concentrator for 20 – 30 minutes after continuous usage for 7 – 8 hours, it might become too hot otherwise 
  • Store oxygen cylinders in an upright secure position in a well-ventilated area away from any open flame, heat source or direct sunlight. Do not cover with cloth or plastic.
  • Handle oxygen cylinders with care to avoid damaging them
  • Secure and transport oxygen cylinders correctly. Check with your states department of transport regarding the transport of oxygen in cars as safety standards may vary from state to state
  • Use the correct pressure gauge and regulator
  • When a cylinder is almost empty, close the valve and mark the cylinder empty
  • If you have been prescribed oxygen 24 hours a day you may need a back-up oxygen cylinder. Discuss with your doctor whether this is the case for you
  • Discuss emergency plans for power loss, natural disaster, symptoms of low oxygen, or depleted oxygen supply. Instruct the caregiver to call emergency and to notify the  health care practitioner

Additional tips for patients using oxygen therapy

  • You can comfortably shower with oxygen on. Keep tubing safely over a curtain rod. If needed use a long cannula while bathing. Remove cannula safely while washing face. Keep the oxygen machine/cylinder outside in a dry area while bathing
  • To avoid tripping over the oxygen tubing, tape the tube to the back of your shirt/ top 
  • Use water based gels for face, nose and lips instead of petroleum jelly

What to consider when traveling by air with oxygen?

Many airlines allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators to provide in-flight oxygen. There are a number of these devices approved for airline use but do contact your individual airline to obtain a list of approved devices and required documentation for use of portable concentrators on their airplanes. You will be required to use the battery on the portable concentrator during the flight. Ask your provider to rent or loan you enough batteries to last the duration of your flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires enough batteries to run the concentrator for 150 percent of travel time (including layovers).

Will I become addicted to oxygen if I use it?

This is unfortunately a myth. You will definitely not become addicted to using oxygen. Starting oxygen when it is clinically necessary will help protect your organs from long term effects of hypoxemia and may also help to stabilize your condition. 

Finding your “new normal” with oxygen might be a challenging at times, but I have patients that go to movies, malls, office, travel extensively and garden as well while wearing oxygen. I would encourage you to start wearing oxygen as prescribed and look for more user friendly oxygen systems to lead a active lifestyle. Because ultimately if you can’t breathe nothing else matters!

Mrinmayee Koltharkar, Pulmonary Physiotherapist |Researcher

CEO & Founder of The Pulmonary Rehab and Caring Conversations
Vice President The Society of CVPR | International Speaker

M.P.Th., B.P.Th., M.I.A.P., Mumbai India | https://linktr.ee/ThePulmonaryRehab

References

ATS Guidelines for oxygen therapy (https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/epdf/10.1164/rccm.202009-3608ST?role=tab)

BTS Guidelines for administration of oxygen therapy (https://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/bmjresp/4/1/e000170.full.pdf)

American lung association (https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/how-can-oxygen-help-me)

National Jewish Health (https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/medications/on-the-go-with-oxygen)

NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/home-oxygen-treatment/)

Changed
01/Jan/2023
Community
Respiratory and Pulmonary
Condition
COPD

Stories

  • Smoking Kills in Many Ways, Quit Smoking Now
    Why become a victim of cancer and other ugly diseases, when life has so much to offer, says Dr Lancelot Pinto, consultant respirologist and smoking cessation therapy specialist at Mumbai's PD Hinduja Hospital. How important is it to stop smoking? One cannot emphasize enough the benefits of stopping to smoke, both in terms of the gain in quality of life, and the prevention of smoking-associated illnesses, which cover a very wide spectrum. What is encouraging, however, is that…
  • COPD Diagnosis and Tests
    Your doctor may recommend the following tests: Spirometry: This measures the amount of airflow obstruction in COPD patients and it is a commonly used test to diagnose these conditions. This test is performed with a hand- held device, called a spirometer. The patient is asked to inhale deeply, then rapidly blow out the air. Based on the amount of exhaled air, the stage of COPD can be diagnosed. Chest X-ray Complete blood count: This is to exclude the presence of other…
  • Try Tai Chi To Build Immunity And Reduce Stress
    Tai Chi, the ancient martial art from China, may be widely known as a self-defense art, but has abundant health benefits that can help cure ordinary ailments to life threatening diseases, says Tai Chi guru Carlton Hill.  What is Tai Chi? How is it different from other martial arts? Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is a five thousand year old martial art practised in China. Though, in present times, it is mostly practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan is unique because one can…
  • A man coughing and looking for ways to Improve lung function
    5 Activities To Improve Lung Function
    Dr Shital Raval tells you 5 tips how to heal lungs and improve lung function, especially if they are weakened by smoking. But first, quit smoking. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. Patients with COPD have impaired lung function, and one of the first things that you have to do to improve lung function is to quit smoking. A recent study by the Glasglow University stated that quitting can better lung function test scores by…
  • COPD Management
    It is important to manage COPD if you do not want the complications to set in. The possible complications are: Heart failure Respiratory failure Food and nutrition  Drink plenty of fluids. You should drink at least 6 to 8 -ounce glasses of non-caffeinated beverages each day to keep mucus thin and easier to cough up. Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, several carbonated beverages such as cola, and chocolate) as it might interfere with some of your medicines. Control sodium (salt)…
  • COPD Treatment
    There is no known cure for COPD, but the symptoms are treatable and its progression can be delayed.  For smokers, quitting smoking is a key priority.  Supplemental oxygen, which can be supplied to the patient through masks and cylinders. This supplemental oxygen enables normal body functions in patients with COPD.  Talk to your doctor about taking an influenza vaccination every year and a pneumococcal vaccination once every five years.  If possible, reduce your exposure to…
  • COPD Types and Stages
    There are three types of COPD: 1. Emphysema: This is a common type of COPD in which the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, causing them to enlarge and burst. This makes it difficult for people to expel air from their lungs. 2. Chronic Bronchitis: This causes inflammation and irritation of the airways. When the air tubes are inflamed and irritated, thick mucus begins to form in them. Over time, this mucus plugs up the airways and makes breathing difficult. 3. Bronchiectasis: This is…
  • Symptoms of COPD
    The most common symptoms of COPD are: Sputum production Shortness of breath. Patients often say, "My breathing requires effort", "I feel out of breath" or "I can't get enough air in”. Typically the shortness of breath is worse on exertion, of a prolonged duration, and worsens over time. Many people with more advanced COPD breathe through pursed lips and this action can improve shortness of breath in some. Cough with mucus (known as a productive cough). A chronic cough is usually the first…
  • COPD Prevention
    Can COPD be prevented Most cases of COPD are potentially preventable. The best ways to prevent COPD is  to stop smoking and reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke and air pollution.  Those with COPD are recommended annual flu and influenza vaccinations to reduce exacerbations and hospitalisation.  Here's how you can improve lung function after you quit smoking:  http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/improving-lung-function-after-you-quit-smoking  
  • COPD Causes And Risk Factors
    What causes COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Smoking tobacco is the most common cause of COPD. Other factors such as air pollution and genetics play smaller roles. Typically these exposures must occur over several decades before symptoms develop.  Smoking tobacco - This is the most common cause of COPD. Twenty per cent of smokers will develop COPD. Among lifelong smokers, about half will develop COPD. Women are more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke than men. …