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 Patient Resources
Oxygen makes up 21% of the air we breathe every
day. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that our bodies use
all the time. Supplemental oxygen is considered a prescription drug
because instead of inhaling room air (that contains only 21% oxygen) oxygen
equipment can produce nearly 100% oxygen. Oxygen in this form should only
be used as prescribed by a doctor.
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Every cell in our bodies needs oxygen to live. The
lungs transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Our red blood cells then carry
the oxygen to the organs and tissues of our bodies. If the airways of your
lungs are blocked or constricted, your lungs may not be able to take in enough
oxygen from the atmosphere. Or, if you have heart problems, your heart may
not be able to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the cells that need it. As
a result, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen. Oxygen therapy
will provide your body with the oxygen it needs to remain healthy.
It Will Help:
- You Breathe Better
- You Sleep Better
- You Feel Better
- Your Body Function Better
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You may need supplemental oxygen if you have any of
the following symptoms: decreased ability to exercise, difficulty breathing,
fatigue easily, periods of disorientation, or loss of memory.
The need for supplemental oxygen is determined by
measuring the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Your doctor will do
several tests to determine whether or not the amount of oxygen in your blood
(your saturation level) is at a critical level. Some people only need
supplemental oxygen when they are sleeping or exercising, others need it all the
time. Your healthcare provider will determine when to wear your oxygen and
at what level. It is important to wear your oxygen when and at the rate
your doctor prescribes. Using your supplemental oxygen at a higher rate or
longer than prescribed tells your brain to slow down your breathing. Using
it at a lower rate or not long/often enough deprives your vital organs of oxygen
which prevents them from working their best.
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Oxygen is not addictive and has no negative side
effects when used as prescribed. In fact, oxygen can help to improve the
quality of your live by making it easier for you to complete daily living
activities, and by helping your body function at a healthy oxygen level.
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When your doctor prescribes oxygen for you, be sure
to request Oxygen One as your provider of choice. Once we receive a
prescription and the other necessary paperwork from your doctor, we will speak
with you to discuss your options and what system works best with your lifestyle.
Oxygen One will deliver the oxygen equipment to your house and help you learn
how to use it. We will provide you with supplies, such as a small plastic
tube, called a nasal cannula. It is attached to your equipment and worn
under your nose and around your ears, much like glasses. Oxygen flows
through this from your tank or concentrator to your body. Within a few
days, a State Licensed Clinician will come to your home to see how you are
doing. The clinician will assess your body’s response to the supplemental
oxygen and provide education on the equipment provided and why you need the
oxygen. They will answer any questions you may have and make suggestions
when needed.
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 There are three main types of systems:
- Liquid Units
- Concentrators
- Gas Cylinders
Each system has advantages and disadvantages.
Where one system may work for someone, it may not work for you. Talk with
your delivery technician or clinician to help you decide which is right for you.
Liquid Oxygen Unit
When oxygen is cooled to a very low temperature,
approximately -297 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes a liquid, and if it is kept at
a low temperature and high pressure it will remain in a liquid state. One liter of
liquid oxygen can provide 860 liters of gaseous oxygen, so liquid oxygen for
home oxygen therapy is a highly efficient method. A liquid oxygen system
includes two major parts: a stationary unit that stays at home; and a small,
portable canister that is filled from the stationary unit for trips outside the
home.
 Oxygen Concentrator
An oxygen concentrator is an electrical machine
that takes the air we breathe, which is 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, filters out
the nitrogen and delivers approximately 90% (or more) oxygen to you. As
long as the concentrator is plugged in and turned on, it provides an unlimited
supply of oxygen without depleting the oxygen in your room air.
Compressed or Cylinder Oxygen Systems
Oxygen is compressed into a steel or fiberglass
cylinder under high pressure and is stored as a gas until released. A flow
meter and/or a regulator are attached to the tank to adjust the oxygen flow.
These tanks vary in size from very large stationary tanks to tanks that are
small enough to carry around.
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Oxygen “supports combustion” which means it is not
flammable and does not burn by itself. However, it is one of three
ingredients necessary to start a fire. The other two ingredients are
combustible material (a fuel) and a source of ignition (a flame). Make
sure you follow the safety guidelines laid out by your provider. Here are
some general safety guidelines.
- Smoking/Open Flames/Heating Sources
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke near you.
- Stay at least 5 feet away from open flames or other heat and
ignition sources.
- Do not store oxygen equipment near radiators, heating ducts, or
steam pipes.
- Oil, Grease, or Petroleum Products
- Do not use flammable products, such as aerosol sprays, paint
thinners, gasoline, or oil based lubricants while using oxygen.
- Do not use oil or petroleum based cosmetics, lotions, or lip balms.
These products can react with oxygen and cause a fire. It is safe
to use water-based products.
- Household Electrical Appliances
- Do not use any household electrical appliances in an oxygen-enriched
environment, such as electrical heaters, electric blankets and electric
razors.
- Do not use an extension cord with your concentrator. A power
strip acceptable, if needed.
- Do not keep cylinders under bed linens, behind curtains, or in
closets as these items may become oxygen enriched and a spark could
ignite a fire.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and place a sign visible in a
window or on a door to alert fire department personnel that oxygen is used
in your home
- Do not attempt to fix or repair oxygen equipment on your own.
- Do not touch frosted fittings on liquid systems with your bare hands.
- Store your cylinders in a well-ventilated area
- Secure your cylinders so they cannot be knocked over
- Open cylinder valves slowly
- When traveling by car, keep the windows slightly open for ventilation.
Never store tanks in your trunk.
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