Oxygen for
Symptom Relief
This leaflet has been written for patients starting, or who have just started, oxygen therapy and answers any questions that you may have.
Why am I having oxygen?
The specialist nurse / physiotherapist or doctor has prescribed supplementary oxygen to help with your symptoms of
breathlessness. You may find it helpful to use your oxygen when you feel breathless, especially at times of exertion, such as washing, dressing or climbing the stairs. You may need to use it at rest to make yourself more comfortable.
How do I take oxygen?
You may be provided with either an oxygen concentrator or cylinders and the oxygen is delivered to you via a mask or nasal cannula.
Cylinders contain compressed gas that will run out once the supply has been used. An oxygen concentrator is a machine that filters oxygen from room air. It is about the size of a suitcase. It runs off mains electricity and you will be advised on the best position to place it in your home. The concentrator will provide a constant supply of oxygen that will not run out unless the electrical supply is interrupted. (You will be provided with a back up oxygen cylinder in case of problems).
N.B. Unless advised to do so by your GP, the Hospice or a member of the specialist hospital team, you MUST NOT increase the flow rate. This is unsafe and may slow your
You should use your oxygen at the prescribed rate through the mask or nasal cannula when you exert yourself (i.e. climbing the stairs, washing, dressing etc) and also after exertion to speed up recovery. Use the oxygen for as long as you need in order to feel comfortable. Once you feel back to normal, remove the oxygen and turn it off. You may find you use it quite often or only once/ twice per day.
How do I obtain my oxygen supply?
Your specialist nurse / physiotherapist will order the oxygen through Air Liquide who will contact you directly to arrange delivery.
If you are provided with cylinders, it is your responsibility to contact Air Liquide when your cylinders are running low. You will need to allow 3 working days when re-ordering.
n It is important that you do not rely on oxygen instead of obtaining medical help or taking more specific treatment. If you feel the oxygen is losing its beneficial effects you should contact your GP or Palliative Care Team who can arrange for you to be reviewed.
n Ambulatory oxygen (small portable cylinders) is available for use outside the home (e.g. shopping trips/days out). For more information on this, please talk to your community or specialist team.
How to use oxygen safely
n You must not smoke whilst having oxygen therapy.
Smoking is a serious fire hazard!
n It is important that no-one smokes while you are using your oxygen.
n Do not use near fire, naked flame or a paraffin/gas heater. n Keep the cylinder away from sources of heat and ignition. n Do not use flammable products such as aerosol sprays, oil
based lubricants or paint thinners while you are using your oxygen.
n Warn visitors about the hazards of tripping over the oxygen tubing and take care not to trip yourself.
How to care for your equipment
n Check your nasal prongs/mask daily to ensure that the tips are not blocked.
n If required, wipe the nasal prongs/mask with a damp cloth. n Change your nasal prongs/mask at least every 4 weeks (or
more often if necessary). Your nasal prongs should feel comfortable enough for you to forget they are there. n You can get nasal prongs/mask and tubing from: Air
Liquide, tel no. 0808 143 9999.
n If your nose should get sore use a water based lubricant such as Aqua gel.
n The air filter at the back of the oxygen concentrator must be cleaned weekly. Simply remove the air filter from the
concentrator and replace it with a spare from the wallet. Wash the filter you have removed in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry naturally. (See Air Liquide booklet for more details).
Useful Do’s and Don’ts
n Do inform your electricity supplier that you are using an
oxygen concentrator so that you will be put on a priority list for reconnection of power.
n Do inform your home insurance company. This should not
affect your premium, but if you have any problems contact Air Liquide, who will help you.
n Do have a smoke alarm in your home.
n Do not leave your concentrator running for long periods
when it is not in use.
n Do not leave your nasal prongs on the bed or chair with
the oxygen running, as there may be a build up of gas that may be dangerous.
N.B. for further safety tips please refer to the Air Liquide booklet supplied with your oxygen.
References
Joint Formulary Committee (2004) (47 ed) British National
Formulary. London: British Medical Association and Royal
Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
British National Formulary We Site available at: www.bnf.org.uk [accessed July 2007]
