Overview

Oxygen therapy helps you get more oxygen into your lungs and bloodstream. You may use it if you have a disease that makes it hard to breathe, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or heart failure. Oxygen therapy can make it easier for you to breathe and can reduce your heart's workload.

Some people need extra oxygen all the time. Others need it from time to time throughout the day or overnight. A doctor will prescribe how much oxygen you need and how often to use it.

To breathe the oxygen, most people use a nasal cannula (say "KAN-yuh-luh"). This is a thin, plastic tube with two prongs that fit just inside your nose. People who need a lot of oxygen may need to use a mask that fits over the nose and mouth.

How to use oxygen therapy

If you need oxygen at home, it is important to learn how to use and take care of your equipment.

• Do not change the setting on your oxygen without talking to your doctor first. Turning the flow rate up or down could cause other serious problems in the body.
• Do not drink alcohol or take drugs that relax you while using oxygen. Alcohol, sleeping pills, or sedatives and other drugs can make you breathe too slowly.
• Keep track of how much oxygen is in the tank. Order more in advance so you don't run out.
• Be aware of tripping hazards. Make sure you are careful when you are moving around. You or someone else could trip and fall over the cords, oxygen tubing, or canisters.
• Take care of your nasal cannula and skin.
  • Use water-based lubricants on your lips or nostrils. Do not use an oil-based product like petroleum jelly. They may cause skin burns.
  • To keep your skin from getting sore, tuck some gauze under the tubing. Use a water-based lotion on rubbed areas.
  • Wash your cannula with a liquid soap and warm water regularly and as needed. Replace it every 2 to 4 weeks.
  • If you have a cold, change the nasal prongs when your cold symptoms are done.
• Use oxygen safely. Oxygen is a fire hazard. It will make a flame burn hotter and faster.
  • Never smoke or vape or let anyone else smoke or vape while you are using oxygen. Put up "No smoking" signs in your home.
  • Do not use oxygen near open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, gas stoves, barbecue grills, or gas water heaters. Do not use it near electric razors, hair dryers, heating pads, space heaters, or anything that may spark.
  • Do not use flammable products while you are using oxygen. These products include cleaning fluid, paint thinner, and aerosol sprays.
  • Keep a working fire extinguisher at home within easy reach. If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave your home. If you have an emergency, be sure to tell your fire department that you have oxygen in the home.
  • Keep oxygen tanks upright. Make sure they are secured so they do not fall over or get damaged. If an oxygen container is damaged, do not use it.
  • Do not let oxygen containers get hot. Store them in a cool place where there is airflow. Do not leave them in a car trunk or in a hot vehicle.
  • Avoid touching frost that can form on liquid oxygen devices. Frost can cause skin burns.
• Call your doctor. Let your doctor know if you:
  • Feel short of breath.
  • Feel restless or confused.
  • Feel very tired.
  • Feel like you are not getting enough oxygen.

Traveling while on oxygen therapy

Traveling while you are on oxygen therapy usually is possible if you plan ahead.

• See your doctor several weeks to months before your travel date. Ask your doctor to:
  • Figure out how much oxygen you'll need.
  • Complete the medical forms you'll need. This may include copies of your oxygen prescription.
  • Recommend a doctor in the places where you will travel, in case you need medical care during your trip.
• Before the trip, tell the travel company (airline, cruise ship, train, or bus) that you use oxygen. They may have rules that you'll need to follow.

Depending on what kind of oxygen delivery you use, you may need to:

• Learn how to use a portable oxygen tank. It's important to know how long it will last and to bring refills if needed.
• Get a portable oxygen concentrator. Some types of oxygen concentrators can be taken on airplanes, cruise ships, buses, and trains.

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