Whether you only need oxygen equipment overnight or 24 hours a day, it can be a lifeline that helps you stay as active and independent as possible at home and in the community.
Supplemental oxygen comes in many forms and is often used by people with COPD or lung cancer. Your provider may have prescribed one or more of the following:
- A home oxygen concentrator
- A portable concentrator
- Oxygen tanks
Cleaning and Replacing Your Mask, Nasal Cannula and Tubing
All forms of supplemental oxygen come with a nasal cannula or mask and tubing. A mask fits over your nose and mouth and usually has straps that go behind your head. Nasal cannulas have nasal prongs that fit into your nostrils, and tubing is secured behind your ears.
Do not try to clean your nasal cannula or tubing. Your equipment provider should give you enough tubing to replace it regularly. If not, ask them for some extra to have on hand. The tubing should be replaced every 1 to 2 weeks.
If the cannula, mask or tubing touches and irritates your skin, don’t stop using your oxygen. Instead, ask your provider for foam wraps to protect your skin. Foam wraps should be changed when you replace your tubing or when they show signs of wear.
Maintaining Your Home Oxygen Concentrator
Home concentrators are units that plug into the wall and deliver continuous oxygen. Many are on wheels to make them easier to move to different areas of your house.
Most home concentrators have a plastic bottle connected to the unit. This is a humidifier bottle. It helps keep your lips, mouth and nose from drying out while you use oxygen. It is very important to disinfect the reusable humidifier regularly. To take care of the bottle, first unplug the concentrator, then:
- Use soap and warm water to wash the bottle and rinse it well whenever you refill it.
- Only fill it with distilled water.
- Once a week, after you wash and rinse the bottle, use a mixture of three parts white vinegar and one part water to disinfect it. Let the bottle soak in the mixture for 20 minutes, then rinse well and let it air dry.
- After refilling, double-check that the bottle is reattached securely before turning your concentrator on.
- Get a new bottle once a month.
To maintain your home concentrator, do the following on a weekly basis:
- Remove, wash and let the filters air dry. Ask the medical equipment technician to show you where the filters are and how to install and remove them.
- Wipe the concentrator unit with a damp cloth.
- Replace the filters once a month.
Only plug the concentrator into the wall, not into an extension cord. When using the concentrator, ensure the unit is 10 feet away or more from furniture, walls and vents. Turn the concentrator off when you don’t need to use it.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator Care
Portable oxygen concentrators are small battery-operated machines that usually come with a carrying case. Instead of continuous airflow, most portable concentrators give a pulse of oxygen each time you breathe in.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down your portable oxygen concentrator weekly.
This type of concentrator comes in many different styles. Ask your medical equipment technician to show you how to remove, clean and reinstall the filter on your particular concentrator. Follow instructions on how and when to clean the filter and when to replace it.
How to Maintain Oxygen Tanks
Liquid oxygen has two parts—a portable unit and a stationary unit. Never touch the outlets on the stationary unit. It could cause a burn or frostbite. Clean off and dry the outlets on the portable unit with a paper towel before refilling them. Wipe the outside of the units with a damp cloth once a week. Always keep the units upright while cleaning your oxygen equipment. If you are concerned about the risk of burns or frostbite, ask for a demonstration on how to clean the units before you try it yourself.
Most metal oxygen tanks are used once and then returned to be refilled. If you refill your tanks at home, ask the medical equipment technician to teach you how to care for and refill the tank. If you use a tank bag or carrier, wipe it down weekly with a damp cloth.
Other Essential Rules for Oxygen Use
- Always keep tanks standing upright. If you are traveling with oxygen, sit the tank or concentrator upright on the floor or seat next to you and secure it with a seat belt. If you are changing altitudes or flying, check with your doctor. You may need a “high altitude test” to make sure your oxygen will still be effective.
- Avoid aerosols and oils, including hair spray, oil-based lip balms or rubs and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure your smoke detectors work.
- Keep all oxygen equipment at least 10 feet away from heat or flames. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, gas stoves and handheld appliances that may heat up, such as a blow dryer or electric razor.
- Tell the electric company that you use oxygen equipment. If there is a power outage, getting you power will be a priority.
More to Read
- Better Air Means Better Breathing With COPD
- COPD Management and the Importance of Taming Stress
- Build an Action Plan for COPD Flare-Ups
- The Facts About COPD and Preventing Lung Infections
Medically approved by Jason Heavner, MD and Gerald Marcus Jr, R.R.T.
