Patient Information
Dept. of Respiratory Medicine
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Parkville, Vic 3050
Tel 9342-7708 Fax 9342-8493
HOME OXYGEN THERAPY
The air we breathe normally contains 21% oxygen. Many lung conditions reduce the amount of
oxygen reaching your blood and using additional oxygen may help your condition.
How is oxygen supplied ?
Home oxygen is generally supplied as either portable oxygen cylinders or as an electrically
operated machine called and oxygen concentrator. You will normally be advised to use nasal
prongs to breathe your supplemental oxygen.
Oxygen (portable) cylinders are usually 30-50cm in height and are either carried in a shoulder
pack or wheeled in a small trolley. These cylinders are usually called C-cylinders size. They
contain approximately 460 litres of oxygen (depending on the brand) and last a few hours. You
may take portable cylinders with you when you are away when from home. They may be used to
help with physical activity or for emergencies. You will usually be given two or three small
cylinders and be taught how to change them when one becomes empty.
Portable oxygen cylinders are usually fitted with an oxygen conserving device, which is usually
battery operated. This device senses when you breathe in and supplies a flow of oxygen. When
you breathe out it switches the oxygen flow off, thereby conserving oxygen.
The cost of rental for 4 c-size cylinders and attachments is about $60 per month.
A. Oxygen cylinder
with shoulder pack
B. Oxygen cylinder
& trolley
C. Rollator oxygen carrier for a wheelie
walker that fits under the basket
An oxygen concentrator is an electrically operated machine, about half the size of a standard
chair, which draws in room air and pumps out a low flow of oxygen. The concentrator can be left
on for many hours at a time. This type of oxygen is usually used for at least twelve hours per day,
mostly at night when you are sleeping. An oxygen concentrator is usually placed away from
bedrooms because it does make a noise when operating; and in a position that will allow the
oxygen tubing to reach common living areas.
Oxygen concentrators can be purchased for approximately $3,000. Rental costs are about
$120/month.
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Oxygen
concentrator
Other forms of oxygen supply are available.
· Larger cylinders are available, but these can be very heavy and potentially dangerous if they
fall.
· In some countries oxygen can be supplied in liquefied form. Refilling cylinders can be
difficult. Home liquefied oxygen is not currently used in Victoria.
· Portable oxygen concentrators (slightly bigger than a large box of tissues) are available, but
not usually for long term use. These may be used with either domestic electricity supply, a car
battery outlet or with a rechargeable battery. These are available for purchase from some
oxygen companies and are suitable for travel. These are relatively new and at present cost
about $7,000 to purchase. They are not available through the Dept. Human Services Aids and
Equipment Program.
Portable oxygen
concentrator
How much oxygen should I use ?
When it is delivered, your oxygen equipment will be set to the flows prescribed by your doctor.
This will depend on your condition. Some patients are very sensitive to oxygen and using a flow
higher than prescribed, may suppress breathing. You should keep to the oxygen flow prescribed
by your treating doctor or your specialist respiratory nurse or physiotherapist.
Portable oxygen cylinders are usually used at a flow setting of 2-4 litres/minute and are used for
between a few minutes and a few hours at a time. They are mostly used to help with physical
activity. If you also have an oxygen concentrator at home, you should use the concentrator for
physical activities such as showering or work in the home, in addition to your long term use. You
should reserve the cylinders for activities outside the home.
If long term oxygen is prescribed by a concentrator, it is necessary to use it for at least 12-hours
daily to get any lasting benefit. Most of this should be at night when you are asleep as this is
when oxygen levels are usually lowest. In most cases, the more hours per day you use oxygen, the
more benefit you will have. Oxygen concentrators are usually used at a flow of 2 litres/minute,
but this may vary from person to person.
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Who pays for home oxygen ?
Dept. Human Services (Aids and Equipment Program) or Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs will fund
oxygen for certain medical conditions, if your measured oxygen tests are below a specified level
and if you do not smoke.
If you require home oxygen after discharge from hospital, the hospital will pay for the first month
of home oxygen following your discharge. You will then need to attend the Respiratory
Laboratory one month after your discharge from hospital, to have a lung function measurement,
an arterial blood test and a walking test. If your tests are still in the eligible range, then long term
oxygen may be needed. We then apply to Dept. Human Services (Aids and Equipment
Program) or Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs to continue funding of your oxygen.
If you are on long term home oxygen, you may be eligible for a concession on your electricity
account. Please contact your local electricity supplier for the necessary forms for either us or your
local doctor to sign.
If your oxygen equipment is no longer required, please let us know so that we can arrange to pick
it up as all oxygen is charged to the hospital account or the Government.
Home oxygen is only supplied for specified conditions, if your tests are below a certain level. If
your tests are better then the specified level, then home oxygen will be of no proven benefit.
Under these circumstances, if you wish to have oxygen at home, you can pay for the supply
yourself. Renting an oxygen concentrator will cost at least $120 per month. Portable oxygen
cylinders will cost about half this amount, depending on mow many you use per month.
How is home oxygen delivered?
BOC Gases / Oxycare currently supply oxygen for this hospital. Other oxygen suppliers are Air
Liquide and L&R (Lifestyle and Rehabilitation).
We usually need one full working day to arrange delivery of Home Oxygen in the metropolitan
area. Someone must be at home to receive the oxygen delivery. They must understand English so
that they can be instructed in its use. When your oxygen is delivered, you will be given a booklet
about the equipment and a phone number to call if you are having difficulty with your oxygen
equipment.
Is oxygen always helpful ?
There are some medical conditions in which breathing extra oxygen is of no benefit. If you have
certain structural conditions of the heart or circulation, supplemental oxygen may not be of
benefit. If you have significant impairment of your lung function, but have reasonable oxygen
levels, then extra oxygen will not relieve your symptoms. In addition, extra oxygen will not help
breathlessness or tiredness symptoms due to anaemia and other conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who moves my concentrator if I move from one place to another ?
§ Your Family or friends
What do I do for sore ears because of the tubing?
§ There are products available to pad the tubing. Contact your oxygen company or
respiratory health professional.
Can I attach a mask to my concentrator?
§ No, unless advised by your health professional. The concentrators provide only a limited
flow of oxygen with less pressure than hospital supplies or cylinders. So do not put a
mask on this without the proper advice.
What is the best treatment for a dry nose?
§ Water based gels – Ask you Pharmacist/Chemist for advice. Also the oxygen supplier
may have products available for sale. Do not use any other products unless you have
checked they are safe – ask your oxygen company for advice.
What do I do if my nose is blocked / bleeding?
§ First, use a water based gel as described above. Adhesive strips (eg, BreatheRightâ
Nasal Strips) will often keep nostrils open without need for medication. Sometimes an
anti-allergy nasal spay is helpful. Decongestant sprays may be used for a few days if
needed, but are not recommended for long term use as you can develop resistance to
them, then the nasal blockage can get worse and worse.
§ If your nose has been bleeding, use a water-based gel to keep the lining moist and free of
crust. Do not scratch or pick at the crust. You may need to stop using your oxygen for a
few days. If you have uncontrolled bleeding, seek medical advice. Also consider
contacting your respiratory professional, as you may need your home oxygen equipment
modified for a while.
How can I co-ordinate travel?
§ Some companies can deliver oxygen to your destination (within Australia) at your cost,
so enquire with your supplier. Other companies may operate in certain areas if your
supplier cannot help. You may wish to consider the purchase of a portable concentrator
(see above).
§ If you are flying, discuss oxygen supplies during flight with your airline. They will advise
you of the equipment permitted, or the equipment they can supply. In most cases, this
will be an additional cost.
I have been told I am at my maximum amount of oxygen available under the government
equipment scheme but I require more, what can I do?
§ The Dept. Human Services has limitations on the conditions for which it will supply
oxygen and the amount per month it can fund. You may purchase extra oxygen yourself
from any company that supplies it. Please discuss this with your respiratory professional.
Precautions.
You must not smoke if you have been prescribed oxygen, as there is a burn risk to yourself and
others. There should be no smoking in the home because of this.
Oxygen should not be used near naked a flame. A clearance of 3-5 metres is needed from gas
appliances such as cook tops or heaters.
Do not attempt to lubricate or adjust oxygen equipment. This may cause fire or sparking. If your
equipment is not working, please call your oxygen supplier.
Your oxygen supplier will instruct you on precautions when using oxygen in the home. Please
read their booklet carefully.
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