Home Oxygen Therapy
(Pulmonary Rehabilitation Educational Booklet)
Contents
Home Oxygen Therapy - Right Patient
Aim of Home Oxygen Therapy
Operation of Oxygen Concentrator (Flowmeter Ball Type)
Operation of Oxygen Concentrator (Turning Panel Type)
Right Amount and Right Period of Time in Home Oxygen Therapy
Cleansing and Disinfection
Safety Precaution
Maintenance and Repair
Usage of Portable Oxygen Cylinder
Usage of Portable Oxygen Cylinder – Duration of the Oxygen supply
Usage of Oxygen Conserving Device
Cautions in Using Oxygen Conserving Device
Other Oxygen Therapy Devices
Coordinating Committee in Occupational Therapy, Hospital Authority
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Home Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen is vital to human beings. We need to take in oxygen from air constantly in our daily
lives. Oxygen will be up taken by blood cells in the lungs while we inhale. The heart will
then pump the oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
Right Patient for Home Oxygen Therapy:
Patients with impaired lung functions will have problems of oxygen uptake and thus cannot
cope with the oxygen demand of their bodies. As a result, hypoxaemia and symptoms of
dyspnea will be induced. Physician will determine individual need of home oxygen therapy
according to patients’ severity of exertional desaturation in daily activities, arterial blood gas
results, etc.
Home oxygen therapy should be applied as physician’s prescription. Home oxygen therapy
lessens the degree of hypoxaemia by providing the body with supplemental oxygen, and there
is no addictive effect in using long term oxygen therapy.
Aim of Home Oxygen Therapy
Chronic hypoxaemia increases the loading of the right heart and may cause heart failure.
Supplemental oxygen can reduce the burden of the heart, and thus reduce the chance of
developing cor pulmonale. Proper use of home oxygen therapy can alleviate dyspnea and
other related adverse symptoms, which, in return, improves your tolerance in performing
activities of daily living. Moreover, it helps you to reduce the rate of hospital admissions and
enhance your quality of life.
Home Oxygen Therapy
One of the most commonly used home oxygen therapy equipment is oxygen concentrator. Its
function is to extract and condense oxygen particles from room air so as to generate highly
concentrated oxygen.
Operation of Oxygen Concentrator
1. Plug the oxygen concentrator into an independent socket.
2. Attach the nasal cannula to the oxygen outlet of the oxygen concentrator.
3. Switch on the oxygen concentrator.
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Flowmeter Ball Type
4. Turn the knob to adjust the flowmeter ball to the oxygen flow rate as prescribed by your
physician.
5. Adjust the oxygen flow rate back to zero before switching off the oxygen concentrator.
6. Switch off the oxygen concentrator.
Remarks: The centre of flowmeter ball should be adjusted to the corresponding flow meter
marking at eye level.
Turning Panel Type
1. Turn the panel to the oxygen flow rate as prescribed by your physician.
2. Switch off the oxygen concentrator directly after use.
Remarks:
For users having flow rate equal to or less than 4 Liter Per Minute (LPM), there is no need to
use the humidifier. The nasal cannula can be connected to the oxygen outlet directly.
For users having flow rate more than 4 LPM, you should seek advice with your occupational
therapist in determining the need of using the humidifier. In case you need to use the
humidifier, you should fill it with sterile water. The humidifier should be disinfected regularly
and the sterile water should be replaced daily.
Right Amount and Right Period of Time in Home Oxygen Therapy
1. Right Amount (Flow Rate)
Oxygen therapy, just like other pharmacological intervention, should be applied properly
according to the dosage prescribed by your physician. Inappropriate adjustment of the dosage
may induce undesirable effects to your health.
Upon performing activities with higher level of exertion, patients may need to increase the
oxygen flow rate by 1 LPM or above. Such increase should be based on the assessment of
your occupational therapists and the flow rate of oxygen must be adjusted back to the original
resting flow rate after completing those activities.
Physician’s prescribed dosage:
At rest
___________ LPM
During sleep
___________ LPM
Exertion activities ___________ LPM
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2. Right Period of Time (Duration)
-
Apply for at least 15 hours daily. The therapeutic effect of home oxygen therapy will be
the best if continuously using it for 24 hours a day.
-
Apply as necessary.
Cleansing
-
-
Clean the air inlet filter with soapy water once a week or whenever necessary. After
rinsing it with running water, dry the filter with towel thoroughly. Allow it to dry before
placing it back to the oxygen concentrator.
Use soapy water to clean the nasal part of the cannula so as to remove any attached nasal
-
secretion. Rinse it with cool boiled water thoroughly and then allow it to dry in room air.
Disinfect the nasal cannula at least once a week.
Disinfection
-
Prepare disinfectants in a clean container. It can be either a blend of white vinegar and
water in ratio of 1:3 or a blend of household bleach and water in ratio of 1:49.
-
Soak the nasal part of the cannula in the disinfectant, while the oxygen outlet of the nasal
prongs should be pointing downwards.
Recommended soaking time is 60 minutes for diluted white vinegar or 10 to 20 minutes
for diluted household bleach.
-
Rinse it thoroughly with cool boiled water. Allow it to dry in room air.
Advise to renew the whole set of nasal cannula and extension tubing every 2 to 3 months
or when they become hardened.
Safety Precaution
-
Smoking is contraindicated and strictly prohibited.
Use an independent standardized three flat pin socket for the oxygen concentrator.
-
Avoid hitting the portable oxygen cylinder against hard surface or objects.
Switch off the oxygen concentrator and turn off the portable oxygen cylinder whenever
they are not in use.
Stay away from open flame during cooking. Recommend flameless cooking with rice
cooker or induction cooker.
-
Use the extension tubing or longer nasal cannula, if necessary. Confine the overall length
of tubing within 40 feet and avoid bending or twisting of tubing to ensure unobstructed
oxygen flow.
-
Proper placing of oxygen tubing to avoid tripping over. Beware of fall risks due to messy
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-
-
oxygen tubing on floor.
Place or store the oxygen equipment in a dry, clean and well-ventilated area. Keep the
equipment at least 6 feet away from oil and grease contact, direct sunlight exposure,
lighting, heat and flammable items.
Keep the vent of oxygen concentrator 1 foot away from wall for better cooling and
ventilation effect.
Coil and place the unused nasal cannula and extension tubing in clean plastic bag for
better hygiene.
Maintenance and Repair
-
-
-
Oxygen equipment vending agency will provide free home-based maintenance for your
rented oxygen concentrator every 2 to 3 months.
If the alarm (usually red light with “beep” sound) remains on even though the oxygen
concentrator has already been switching on for a while, please check whether the oxygen
concentrator is properly plugged in. Contact your corresponding vending agent for
checking immediately, if the alarm persists.
There is a short period of beeping sound while switching on the oxygen concentrator (for
some models only). If the sound level is weak, please contact the vending agent for
replacing the internal battery.
If the flowmeter ball sinks below the set level, please check whether the nasal cannula is
broken or the oxygen flow is obstructed.
There is a label displaying the name and telephone numbers of the vending agency.
Contact the vending agency through its office number or emergency call number, in case
of problems or mal-functioning of equipment.
Operation of oxygen cylinder
1.
Turn the switch in anti-clockwise direction for about 180 degree. (use the key if needed)
2.
The gas pressure indicator of the regulator will move from the red zone towards the
green zone
3.
4.
5.
6.
Adjust the oxygen flow rate to the level as recommended by the physician
When switching off the cylinder, turn the switch in clockwise direction till it is tight.
Wait for the gas pressure indicator moves back to zero position
Adjust the oxygen flow rate back to "0" or "off".
Usage of Oxygen Cylinder – Duration of the Oxygen supply
If you plan to have outdoor activities e.g. medical follow-up, going to a restaurant, you can
use the oxygen cylinder. You should plan and estimate the time you will need for that travel
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and check whether there is sufficient amount of oxygen supply from the cylinder.
Duration of Oxygen Cylinder
Flow Rate (LM)
Supply (Hour: min)
Size of
Oxygen
Cylinder
Capacity
(Liter)
1
2
3
4
5
B
170
2:50
1:25
0:56
0:42
0:34
C
230
3:50
1:55
1:16
0:57
0:46
D
406
6:46
3:23
2:15
1:41
1:21
(Different vending agencies will have cylinders of different capacity. The above information is just for reference purpose.)
Remarks:
When you turn on an oxygen cylinder, with full capacity, the gas pressure indicator should
point at the green zone, e.g. at “2000”. If the gas pressure indicator drops to the red zone (it
indicates that only one fourth or less of the total capacity has left), you should contact your
vending agency to renew the oxygen cylinder as soon as possible.
You can purchase a trolley from the vending agency to ease the burden of carrying a larger
oxygen cylinder (e.g. D size cylinder). You can enquire about the possibility of using an extra
oxygen cylinder from your vending agency if it is indicated. Please note that, according to
the Fire Service Ordinance, each housing unit should not store more than 2 oxygen cylinders.
Usage of Oxygen Conserving Device
In case of having prolonged outdoor activities, the duration of oxygen supply from the
oxygen cylinder may become insufficient. You can seek advice from your occupational
therapist for adding an oxygen conserving device to the existing cylinder that can increase the
usage duration by 2-3 folds.
1. Oxygen Conserving Device - Electronic Type
1. Connect the oxygen conserving device to the oxygen cylinder and then plug in the nasal
cannula.
2. Turn the switch of the cylinder in anticlockwise direction for around 180 degree (use the
key if needed).
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Oxygen Conserving Device – Electronic Type (Cont’d)
3. Check whether the duration of oxygen supply is sufficient or not.
4. Adjust to the appropriate flow rate.
5. Switch to the oxygen conserving mode.
6. Switch off the main switch by turning it in clockwise direction after usage.
• And switch it back to the mode of continuous flow.
7. The indicator of the flow meter will drop back to zero position.
•
Then adjust the flow rate back to the lowest level.
Oxygen Conserving Device – Pneumatic Type
1. Connect the oxygen conserving device to the oxygen cylinder and plug on the nasal
cannula.
2. Switch on the cylinder by turning it in anti-clockwise direction (You can use a key if
needed).
3. Check whether the duration of oxygen supply is sufficient or not.
4. Adjust to the appropriate flow rate, and switch to the oxygen conserving mode.
5. Switch off the main switch by turning it in clockwise direction after usage and switch it
back to the mode of continuous flow.
6. When the indicator of the flow meter drops back to zero position, adjust the flow rate
back to the lowest level.
Cautions in Using Oxygen Conserving Device
1. When using oxygen conserving device of electronic type, a green light will flash to
indicate that you are breathing in properly. On the other hand, the red light and the
audible alarm will be on if your breathing is not deep enough (e.g. for around 15 seconds).
If that happens, you should check whether the nasal cannula is properly attached and also
beware of breathing pattern as well. If the red light or audible alarm persists, you should
contact your oxygen vending agency for maintenance immediately.
2. In case the conserving function is not working properly, you can simply switch it back to
the mode of continuous flow to ensure adequate supply of oxygen.
3. For those using the electronic type, you should replace the battery as soon as possible if
the low battery signal light is on.
*There are some variations in terms of the functions of the different kinds of oxygen
conserving devices. You should enquire with your occupational therapist about the different
functions and operations.
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Other Oxygen Therapy Devices & Accessories
Oxymizer (Reservoir Cannula)
•
The reservoir should be kept dry in order to maintain performance. You should renew it
in case it becomes wet inside.
•
•
Need regular replacement, approximately every one month.
Oxymizer cannot be used together with other oxygen conserving devices (whether it is
the electronic type or pneumatic type).
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
•
Portable Oxygen Concentrator is a kind of compact, light, portable oxygen concentrator.
It is operated with rechargeable battery so as to facilitate the user to participate in longer
duration of outdoor activities or traveling.
•
It supplies the oxygen flow from 1LPM to 6LPM; according to the different types of
model.
With different flow rates of oxygen output, the duration of oxygen supply will also be
different (approximately around 50 min to 10hrs).
*There are some variations in terms of the functions of the different kinds of Portable
•
Oxygen Concentrators. You should enquire your occupational therapist about the different
functions and operations.
Emergency: Out of power or the concentrator has broken down
•
•
•
•
You should keep calm, reduce your exertion as possible and take more rests.
Try practicing some relaxation exercises and maintain the tranquil mind.
You can use the portable oxygen cylinder during such situation.
Contact your oxygen vending agent for maintenance immediately.
Conclusion
Home Oxygen Therapy aims at providing supplemental oxygen to reduce hypoxaemia and its
associated pathophysiological changes in the body, allowing the patients to cope with daily
activities and at the same time relieving dyspnea. Proper use of home oxygen therapy enables
you to maintain your usual daily activities such as self-care, work and leisure. It can also
increase your confidence in coping with your life situations, allow you to maintain good
quality of life and also enhance life expectancy.
If you have any enquiry, you can contact your occupational therapist Mr. / Ms. ___________
by the following number ______________ .
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_____________ Hospital
Occupational Therapy Department
Oxygen Usage Instruction
Name: _____________________
Date: __________________
Activity
Flow
Rate
Sleeping (includes nap)
Resting and Light Activity:
such as - talking, eating,
grooming (while sitting),
watching TV or desk work.
Moderate Activity:
such as - Dressing, toileting,
walking around your own home
or doing light housework, e.g.
making a bed, sweeping floor,
vacuuming, preparing simple
meal (no-flame).
Heavy Activity:
such as – shower (in standing
position), shopping with
grocery-carrying, walking
upstairs/uphill or doing heavy
housework, e.g. scrubbing
floors, washing & hanging heavy
clothes.
Remark: Please seek advice from physician if increase distress.
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