Home Oxygen – COPD Support

Home Oxygen Therapy

Why is home oxygen prescribed?

Your doctor might prescribe oxygen if your lungs are not getting enough oxygen to your blood (a condition called hypoxemia). Breathing prescribed oxygen increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, usually reduces shortness of breath and other symptoms, and helps increase survival. Prescribed oxygen might also help protect your heart.

The air you breathe every day contains 21 percent oxygen. The oxygen you will receive at home is close to 100 percent pure oxygen. Because it is a pure concentration of oxygen, home oxygen is considered to be a drug and must be prescribed by your doctor. Oxygen is not addictive and causes no side effects when used as prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe a specific amount of oxygen that is right for you. Some people might need to use supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day, while others might only need oxygen during exercise or sleep.

Home oxygen can help promote your independence and make it easier and safer for you to complete daily living activities.

What are the methods used to deliver home oxygen?

Three types of systems are available to provide home oxygen, including compressed oxygen (tanks), liquid oxygen, and oxygen concentrators. With all of these systems, oxygen is inhaled through a two-pronged lightweight tube called a nasal cannula, or on rare occasions, an oxygen mask.

A health care provider will discuss your options with you and might recommend one system based on your overall condition and your personal needs. You can also meet with home care representatives from a variety of medical supply companies to evaluate which product lines might best fit your needs. Your doctor can give you a list of companies that supply home oxygen equipment and supplies. (Please see section on “Important Oxygen Use Precautions.”)

Will my insurance cover home oxygen therapy expenses?

Not all insurance carriers are alike, and covered expenses vary among carriers. In most cases, however, oxygen therapy is covered when your physician provides the results of certain laboratory tests that prove that supplemental oxygen is needed for your well-being. These tests measure the amount of oxygen carried by the blood and were used to help your physician make the diagnosis.

Home oxygen is a benefit that might be partially or completely covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare, when prescribed according to specific guidelines. When these guidelines are not met, oxygen use might not be covered and can be expensive.

What is a compressed oxygen system?

Compressed oxygen comes in a tank that stores oxygen as a gas. A flow meter and a regulator are attached to the tank to adjust the oxygen flow. The tanks vary in size, from very large stationary tanks to tanks that are small enough to carry around.

The compressed oxygen system is generally prescribed when oxygen is not needed all the time, such as only when walking or performing physical activity.

What is a liquid oxygen system?

At very cold temperatures, oxygen changes from a gas to a liquid. When liquid oxygen is warmed, it becomes a gas so it can be delivered to you.

A liquid oxygen system includes a large stationary unit that stays in the home. It also includes a small, portable canister (weighing from 5 to 13 pounds) that can be filled from the stationary unit for trips outside the home. It can be hung over the shoulder (as shown, left) or pulled on a roller cart. How long it lasts depends on the size of the portable tank and the flow rate.

Even when not in use, evaporation will empty the portable canister over time. Always check your portable canister before use.

What is an oxygen concentrator system?

The oxygen concentrator is an electric oxygen delivery system about the size of a large suitcase. The concentrator extracts some of the air from the room and separates the oxygen from other gases in the air. Oxygen is then delivered to you through a nasal cannula. When in use, the concentrator should be placed in an open area. Never place it in a closet or other closed space.

Advantages

It allows the user to be mobile, promoting an active lifestyle. (User can fill own portable tank.)
It can deliver oxygen at a high flow rate.
It requires no electricity.
It doesn’t make much noise; it is relatively silent.
More oxygen can be stored in a liquid form than a gaseous form.

Disadvantages

The large tank needs to be refilled regularly by a service technician. Depending on the flow rate and the size of the tank, a liquid oxygen system might need to be refilled from once or twice a week to once a month.
The oxygen user must be home for scheduled tank fill-ups. The user must also return home to refill portable tank.
Contents of tanks evaporate, making it necessary to have the tank refilled often.

What are oxygen conserving systems?

Oxygen conserving devices are becoming increasingly popular. Since these devices conserve oxygen, smaller, portable systems (tanks or liquid vessels) can provide hours of oxygen while you are away from home. Unfortunately, not everyone can tolerate these devices, so it is important to ask your doctor before using a conserving device.

The most popular conserving devices are demand inspiratory flow systems. These devices deliver a burst of oxygen when you inhale and turn off when you exhale. This intermittent flow of oxygen allows small cylinders and liquid portables to last three to six times longer as compared to conventional continuous flow devices.

Other oxygen conserving devices include the demand nasal cannula and the reservoir nasal cannula.

Are there any other options?

Another option is the HELIOS personal oxygen system, which is smaller and lighter than other oxygen systems. It consists of two parts, the portable oxygen unit and a home liquid oxygen reservoir. The portable unit has a built-in device that allows oxygen to be delivered when you breathe in and stops when you breathe out. The reservoir stores the liquid oxygen for the portable unit. The portable unit can be worn on a waist belt, shoulder strap, or backpack, allowing for greater freedom.

Is home oxygen therapy safe?

Yes. Oxygen is a safe gas as long as it is used properly. Contrary to what most people believe, oxygen will not explode. Oxygen does, however, support combustion. Therefore, any material that is already burning will burn much faster and hotter in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. It is very important to follow the precautions listed on the next page so that you and your family are safe when you are using your oxygen.

What are the basic services I should expect from my oxygen supplier?

Basic services for home oxygen users include:

Home delivery and set-up of equipment
Supply of necessary portable oxygen and additional refills — With a liquid oxygen system, the technician should fill the portable tank for you during the initial set-up. The technician should also demonstrate the proper filling technique for you. It will be your responsibility to fill the portable tank after the initial set-up.
Instruction in the use of equipment
24-hour emergency services
Documentation to support the medical need as prescribed by physicians
Billing to various insurance carriers

How much does home oxygen therapy cost?

Using oxygen can be costly both for the oxygen supply itself and for the electricity needed to run the supply system. Please ask your home care supplier to discuss the expected costs with you before you choose a system.

Oxygen use precautions

Stay at least six feet away from any open flame or heat source (candles, gas stove, etc.) when you are using your oxygen system. If you must cook while using oxygen, make sure your tubing will not touch the gas flame or electric burner. (Tuck the tubing in your shirt or position it behind you.)
Do not store your oxygen system near any heat sources or open flames.
Do not smoke nor allow others to smoke in the same room as your oxygen system. Cigarette smoking is very dangerous. Sparks from a lighted cigarette could cause facial burns.
Post “No Smoking” signs in the room where your oxygen is kept.
Do not change the oxygen flow rate on your own. This can lead to serious side-effects. If you feel you are not getting enough oxygen, contact your physician and notify your home care supplier.
Never use more than 50 feet of oxygen tubing. This can dilute the concentration of oxygen that you are receiving.
Do not expose your oxygen equipment to electrical appliances (such as electric razors, hair dryers, electric blankets, etc.).
Be sure that all electrical equipment in the area near the oxygen is properly grounded.
Be sure to have a functioning smoke detector and fire extinguisher in your home at all times.
Keep the oxygen system away from aerosol cans or sprays, including air fresheners or hair spray. These products are very flammable.
Keep the oxygen system clean and dust-free. The person who delivers your oxygen will show you how to do this.
Do not use cleaning products or other products containing grease or oils, petroleum jelly, alcohol, or flammable liquids on or near your oxygen system. These substances cause oxygen to be flammable.
Keep the oxygen system in a place where it won’t get knocked over.
Always store your oxygen equipment in a well-ventilated area.
An oxygen cylinder must be secured at all times. Put it in a cart or lay it down flat.
Do not carry liquid oxygen in a backpack or other enclosed space. Carrying cases, shoulder or hand bags, shoulder straps, and backpack oxygen units are available that provide proper ventilation for the unit to ensure safety.
Never use extension cords with any medical equipment.
Secure loose cords and extra tubing so you don’t trip on them when using your oxygen system.
Secure floor mats and throw rugs so that you will not trip or fall when using your oxygen system.
Be sure doorways, hallways, and rooms can accommodate you if you have a portable oxygen system.
Notify your electric company if you are using an oxygen concentrator system so they can make your house a priority during a power outage.
Oxygen is a drug and must be used as your doctor ordered. Too much or too little can be harmful.
Take precautions to avoid skin contact when filling your portable liquid oxygen tank, as frost buildup could cause injury.
Always have backup tanks available, and know how to use them.

Myths and Truths about oxygen

Myth: Oxygen is addictive.
Truth: Oxygen is NOT addictive.

Myth: If I have a stuffy nose, I shouldn’t bother using my nasal cannula.
Truth: Oxygen can still be delivered even if you have a stuffy nose.

Myth: Once you start using oxygen, you’ll need it for the rest of your life.
Truth: Many people have discontinued oxygen use after other appropriate treatments have taken effect. This can take time, though.

Myth: People who need oxygen must be confined to their homes and cannot do anything, including travel.
Truth: People who use oxygen can lead a normal life. There are several types of portable oxygen systems available that allow people to be more active and mobile. Oxygen can improve exercise capacity. People who use oxygen can travel with advanced planning.

Myth: If a little oxygen is good, more oxygen is better.
Truth: Oxygen is a drug. Use it as prescribed or instructed. Like any drug, too much or too little can be harmful.

Myth: Shortness of breath means a lack of oxygen, so if you become short of breath you should use oxygen.
Truth: Shortness of breath is not always associated with a lack of oxygen. If low oxygen is not the cause, taking oxygen will not help. (Your doctor can test to see if you need oxygen by taking an arterial blood sample).