Oxygen Therapy outside the hospital is allowing more and more people to lead active and productive lives. Individuals with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung disease and cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congestive heart failure are finding that using home oxygen therapy has assisted in providing them more freedom in their daily lives.
Bemes Home Medical carries a number of products for your oxygen therapy needs. Our Respiratory Therapists can fill your doctor’s prescription, and supply you with your reoccurring supplies.
For our Respiratory Therapists to assist you fully a prescription is necessary for oxygen therapy. The prescription from your physician will dictate the details needed for proper usage of the oxygen: to include; the flow rate, how much oxygen you need per minute in liters (LPM), and when you need to use the oxygen. Some people use their oxygen therapy only while exercising, and others find it beneficial when they are sleeping. While others require their oxygen therapy both day and night. A discussion with your physician will result in determining what your specific needs are.
We can provide oxygen to our patients in three different forms. The first being gaseous oxygen in a various-sized cylinder, liquid in a vessel and an oxygen concentrator.
Compressed Gas – Oxygen provided in a small cylinder that is convenient to be carried around with you, this form is stored under pressure equipped with a regulator that controls the flow rate. Some oxygen cylinders may have an oxygen-conserving device attached to save on waste, since the flow of oxygen out of the cylinder is a constant stream.
Liquid Oxygen – This form of oxygen is stored as a very cold liquid in a thermo-type vessel. The liquid converts to a gas when it is released. The liquid form of oxygen can be transferred to a small, portable unit at home, to allow for greater convenience. Like the compressed gas, an oxygen-conserving device may be attached to save on waste.
Oxygen Concentrator – The unique machine, separates the oxygen from the air, concentrates it, and stores it for patient use. One major advantage is it does not need to be resupplied. Additional tubing permits the patient to move around. For even more mobility, small, portable systems are available. If you are using oxygen therapy, you should contact your electric company, in the event there is a power failure, you may be eligible to receive priority service. In the event there is a power outage, a back up cylinder of oxygen is highly recommended.
Oxygen Delivery Devices – The most common device used with oxygen therapy is a nasal cannula. This is a two-pronged tubing device inserted in the nostrils and connected to the oxygen cylinder. The tubing can rest on the ears or be attached to the frame of your eyeglasses.
Patients whose noses are irritated by the cannula or clogged by a cold, might prefer a mask. This is also a great device, if you require a high flow of oxygen. Some patients enjoy the freedom of the cannula during the day and a mask at night while sleeping.
A small flexible catheter, held in place by a necklace, in the trachea or windpipe is required for someone who needs transtracheal oxygen therapy. A humidifier is necessary for this type of therapy because the oxygen bypasses the nose, mouth and throat.
As a safety precaution, you should never smoke while using oxygen. Please also warn visitors not to smoke in your presence when you are using oxygen. We will provide our patients with “no-smoking” signs for your home, to have a constant reminder for your guests. When dining out with your portable oxygen equipment, please ask to be seated in a no-smoking section. You should also stay at least five feet away from gas stoves, candles, fireplaces and/or other heated sources. While you are using your oxygen, please refrain from using cleaning fluid, paint thinner, and other aerosol sprays.
To properly educate our patients on the care of your equipment, we will spend time with you to provide you with instruction on care and maintenance of your oxygen equipment. We do suggest that the nasal prongs are washed with liquid soap and rinsed thoroughly at least once a week. Please check with your Respiratory Therapist about having them replaced approximately once a month. And if you have a cold, it is a good practice to change them once you cold has passed.
When using an oxygen concentrator, be sure to unplug the unit before cleaning it. It is a good suggestion to use a damp cloth to wipe down the cabinet and completely dry it on a daily basis. The air filter should be cleaned at least twice per week. When our Respiratory Therapists visit you to set up the concentrator, they will step through the process of cleaning and properly maintaining your equipment to achieve the best life of your equipment.
Please be sure to call Bemes Home Medical when you need more oxygen. We would appreciate as much notice as possible, so we can ensure that you do not jeopardize running out.
When using lubricants on your lips and nostrils, please only use water-based lubricants, as the oil-based products; like petroleum jelly, can increase the risk of fire.
At any time, if you have questions or concerns about your oxygen therapy equipment, please do not hesitate to contact Bemes Home Medical and one of our Respiratory Therapists will be more than happy to assist you.