Oxygen for
Symptom Relief
(Palliative Oxygen)
Exceptional healthcare, personally delivered
This leaflet has been written for patients starting, or who have
just started, oxygen therapy and answers any questions that you
may have.
Why am I having oxygen?
The specialist nurse / physiotherapist or doctor has prescribed
supplementary oxygen to help with your symptoms of
breathlessness. You may find it helpful to use your oxygen
when you feel breathless, especially at times of exertion, such as
washing, dressing or climbing the stairs. You may need to use it
at rest to make yourself more comfortable.
How do I take oxygen?
You may be provided with either an oxygen concentrator or
cylinders and the oxygen is delivered to you via a mask or nasal
cannula.
Cylinders contain compressed gas that will run out once the
supply has been used. An oxygen concentrator is a machine that
filters oxygen from room air. It is about the size of a suitcase.
It runs off mains electricity and you will be advised on the best
position to place it in your home. The concentrator will provide
a constant supply of oxygen that will not run out unless the
electrical supply is interrupted. (You will be provided with a back
up oxygen cylinder in case of problems).
N.B. Unless advised to do so by your GP, the Hospice or a
member of the specialist hospital team, you MUST NOT
increase the flow rate. This is unsafe and may slow your
breathing rate down and make you dangerously sleepy.
Your prescribed flow rate is:
2
Oxygen for Symptom Relief (Palliative Oxygen)
You should use your oxygen at the prescribed rate through the
mask or nasal cannula when you exert yourself (i.e. climbing the
stairs, washing, dressing etc) and also after exertion to speed up
recovery. Use the oxygen for as long as you need in order to feel
comfortable. Once you feel back to normal, remove the oxygen
and turn it off. You may find you use it quite often or only once/
twice per day.
How do I obtain my oxygen supply?
Your specialist nurse / physiotherapist will order the oxygen
through Air Liquide who will contact you directly to arrange
delivery.
If you are provided with cylinders, it is your responsibility to
contact Air Liquide when your cylinders are running low. You
will need to allow 3 working days when re-ordering.
nn It is important that you do not rely on oxygen
instead of obtaining medical help or taking more
specific treatment. If you feel the oxygen is losing
its beneficial effects you should contact your GP or
Palliative Care Team who can arrange for you to be
reviewed.
nn Ambulatory oxygen (small portable cylinders) is available
for use outside the home (e.g. shopping trips/days out). For
more information on this, please talk to your community or
specialist team.
Oxygen for Symptom Relief (Palliative Oxygen)
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How to use oxygen safely
nn You must not smoke whilst having oxygen therapy.
Smoking is a serious fire hazard!
nn It is important that no-one smokes while you are using your
oxygen.
nn Do not use near fire, naked flame or a paraffin/gas heater.
nn Keep the cylinder away from sources of heat and ignition.
nn Do not use flammable products such as aerosol sprays, oil
based lubricants or paint thinners while you are using your
oxygen.
nn Warn visitors about the hazards of tripping over the oxygen
tubing and take care not to trip yourself.
How to care for your equipment
nn Check your nasal prongs/mask daily to ensure that the tips
are not blocked.
nn If required, wipe the nasal prongs/mask with a damp cloth.
nn Change your nasal prongs/mask at least every 4 weeks (or
more often if necessary). Your nasal prongs should feel
comfortable enough for you to forget they are there.
nn You can get nasal prongs/mask and tubing from: Air
Liquide, tel no. 0808 143 9999.
nn If your nose should get sore use a water based lubricant
such as Aqua gel.
nn Do not use petroleum based creams (i.e. “Vaseline”) or
decongestants (i.e. “Vaporub”/”Vicks”) as this hardens
the prongs and is a potential fire risk due to the grease
component of the product.
nn Each week, dust your oxygen concentrator cabinet with a
damp cloth, ensuring it is turned off at the On/Off switch
and the power lead is disconnected.
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Oxygen for Symptom Relief (Palliative Oxygen)
nn The air filter at the back of the oxygen concentrator must
be cleaned weekly. Simply remove the air filter from the
concentrator and replace it with a spare from the wallet.
Wash the filter you have removed in warm soapy water,
rinse thoroughly and allow to dry naturally. (See Air Liquide
booklet for more details).
Useful Do’s and Don’ts
nn Do inform your electricity supplier that you are using an
oxygen concentrator so that you will be put on a priority
list for reconnection of power.
nn Do inform your home insurance company. This should not
affect your premium, but if you have any problems contact
Air Liquide, who will help you.
nn Do have a smoke alarm in your home.
nn Do not leave your concentrator running for long periods
when it is not in use.
nn Do not leave your nasal prongs on the bed or chair with
the oxygen running, as there may be a build up of gas that
may be dangerous.
N.B. for further safety tips please refer to the Air Liquide booklet
supplied with your oxygen.
Oxygen for Symptom Relief (Palliative Oxygen)
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References
Joint Formulary Committee (2004) (47 ed) British National
Formulary. London: British Medical Association and Royal
Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
British National Formulary We Site available at: www.bnf.org.uk
[accessed July 2007]
NHS Constitution. Information on your rights and responsibilities.
Available at www.nhs.uk/aboutnhs/constitution
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Oxygen for Symptom Relief (Palliative Oxygen)
www.nbt.nhs.uk/respiratory
If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading
this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.
© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published May 2014. Review due May 2016. NBT002782