How do I choose the right oxygen equipment for me?

1. What type of equipment is available?
2. Where do I get my oxygen and equipment?
3. Who will pay for my oxygen and equipment?
4. How do I maintain my equipment?

How do I choose the right oxygen equipment for me?

Your healthcare provider and your oxygen supplier should work together to choose the right oxygen system for you, one that takes into account your lifestyle and activities, as well as the amount of oxygen you need. The goal is to have oxygen equipment that you can and do use, so you can continue enjoying your usual activities.

Below are some of the factors to consider when choosing your system and equipment:

• The amount of oxygen your doctor has prescribed for you (written as a flow rate of liters of oxygen per minute, such as 2 liters/min)
• How often and for how long do you leave your home?
• What activities do you do while you are away?
• Its size, strength and resistance against the weight of the equipment
• The size and layout of your home (for example, whether your home has two or more stories)
• Whether you breathe through your nose or mouth
• Your skill
• Your personal preferences

What type of equipment is available in portable form?

The three types of oxygen systems currently available are:

1. Compressed gas systems
   • Con regulador flujo continuo
     • Little time of autonomy
     • Uses continuous flow of oxygen
     • Heavy
     • Dry nose
     • Low initial cost
     • Easy to find
     • Your distributor will help you refill the oxygen cylinders.
   • With pulse regulator
     • Longer autonomy time than continuous.
     • Uses pulse method to save oxygen.
     • Limited to prescriptions no greater than 2 L/minute
     • Initial cost of the regulator is more than the continuous flow regulator.
     • Your distributor will help you refill the oxygen cylinders or purchase the regulator.

2. Portable oxygen concentrators (POC)
   • Longer autonomy time than continuous.
   • Uses pulse method to save oxygen.
   • Limited to prescriptions no greater than 2 L/minute
   • Higher initial cost than pulse regulator
   • Produces oxygen by extracting it from the air
   • Necesita baterías para producir oxigeno
   • Batteries are heavy and expensive.
   • Your dealer will help you rent or purchase this equipment.
3. Liquid oxygen systems
   • Longer autonomy time than continuous
   • It obtains oxygen in gas when it evaporates from the liquid state.
   • One liter of liquid oxygen is converted into 800 liters of gaseous oxygen, using fewer cylinders.
   • You can use the pulse method to save oxygen
   • It can give continuous flows greater than 2 L/minute
   • Higher initial cost than pulse regulator
   • Does not need batteries to produce oxygen
   • Liquid oxygen is heavy
   • Evaporates in 2-3 days whether used or not
   • Difficult to fester recharge.
   • More expensive than oxygen in compressed gas
   • Your dealer will help you rent or purchase this equipment.

The compressed gas system consists of a stationary concentrator, to be used at home, and a small oxygen tank, to be used outside the home. The liquid oxygen system consists of a stationary concentrator or tank for use while you are at home and an ambulatory tank for use when you go out. The portable oxygen concentrator can serve as both an ambulatory device and a stationary concentrator under certain circumstances.

Ambulatory versus portable oxygen equipment

Although the terms team de oxígeno portátil y ambulatorio are often used interchangeably, there is an important difference. In 1999, the 5th Oxygen Consensus Conference differentiated between portable and ambulatory oxygen systems.

Laptops are defined as easy-to-move devices that are not designed to be carried and weigh more than 10 pounds. Ambulatory devices are defined as those that weigh less than 10 pounds, are available for daily use, are designed to be carried by the patient, and last four to six hours at a rate of 2 liters per minute. They are typically small aluminum cylinders or containers of liquid oxygen fitted with oxygen conservation devices (OCD).

E tanks are the largest and oldest metal tanks that are transported on wheels. They may be the right choice for some people and situations, but they are not generally considered ambulatory devices. They are often used as home backup systems, in case the electrical power fails in the home.

Oxygen Conservation Device (OCD)

The oxygen conservation device (OCD) is the device on your small compressed gas tank that makes your oxygen supply last longer. It causes oxygen to be delivered only when you breathe. Not all TOCs deliver the same amount of oxygen as a continuous flow, so it is important that your oxygen saturation be assessed at rest and with activity while using the TOC, to ensure you are receiving enough oxygen.

Accessories

Various accessories come with your oxygen equipment. In addition, there are other accessories to make the use or transportation of oxygen more comfortable. Below are examples of some basic accessories.

1. nasal cannula Oxygen is usually administered through a tube and nasal cannula, sometimes called nasal cannulas. The nasal cannula end of the tube fits into the nose and is the most common delivery accessory. The stationary kit for home use comes with 50-foot tubes, so you can move around the house freely. Outpatient equipment comes with shorter tubes.
2. Oxygen masks Oxygen masks can also be used for higher oxygen needs. The Oxymask is a comfortable version.
3. A mustache or pendant Oxymizer can increase the amount of oxygen delivered or make the oxygen last longer.
4. Humidifier bottle Higher oxygen settings can dry out the lining of your nose. A humidifier connected to your stationary oxygen machine can help prevent this dryness.
5. Carrying cases, carts Ambulatory oxygen tanks can be rolled into small carts, carried in backpacks, and sometimes even worn as a fanny pack. Portable oxygen concentrators roll up into their own cases, worn on the back of your back, or slung over your shoulder.

Higher oxygen flows

Rates of 4 liters/minute or more are considered higher oxygen flow.

1. Liquid systems deliver higher flows of oxygen for longer periods of time. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain liquid oxygen systems.
2. Oxygen conservation devices may not provide enough oxygen. Continuous flow rates are best for flow rates greater than 4 liters/minute.
3. There are stationary high-flow concentrators that reach up to 10 liters/minute.
4. For oxygen settings greater than 6 liters/minute, a high-flow nasal cannula is required.
5. Certain oxygen face masks and reservoir cannulas can increase oxygen delivery and make high oxygen flows more comfortable.
6. For irritated nasal passages due to high oxygen flow, try RoEzIt.
7. Due to increased back pressure and flow resistance, disposable humidifier bottles are not recommended for flow rates greater than 6 liters/min.

Where do I get my oxygen and equipment?

Your provider can help you choose an oxygen company, or you can choose any company you want. Some insurance policies dictate which oxygen company you must use.

Who will pay for my oxygen and equipment?

Most insurance policies cover supplemental oxygen when a medical need for oxygen is demonstrated. This need is based on oxygen saturation or arterial blood gas measurements.

Typically, if your O2 saturation drops below 89 percent, or your paO2 drops below 60 mm Hg, whether at rest, with activity, or during sleep, then you qualify for supplemental oxygen. For more information, see The need for supplemental oxygen.

How do I maintain my equipment?

Your oxygen supply company will give you instructions for cleaning your equipment. Here are some basics:

1. The nasal cannula should be changed every week.
2. The long tube connected to your stationary equipment should be changed monthly. The nasal cannula and the long tube of your stationary equipment should not be washed.
3. If an oxygen mask is used, it should be cleaned twice a week with warm soapy water.
4. Oxygen concentrators generally require weekly cleaning of the filter with warm soapy water.
5. If you are using a humidifier, empty it at least once a day, wash the bottle with warm soapy water, making sure all the soap is rinsed away, and then refill the bottle with distilled water. Do not use tap water, as the minerals it contains can damage your equipment.

For more information on setting up, using and maintaining your oxygen equipment, consulte esta guía educativa creada por expertos de UCSF.

Next

1. Supplemental Oxygen: Oxygen Safety

Supplemental Oxygen Index:

1. Supplemental Oxygen: The Need for Supplemental Oxygen
2. Supplemental Oxygen: Your Oxygen Equipment
3. Supplemental Oxygen: Oxygen Safety
4. Supplemental Oxygen: Traveling With Oxygen
5. Supplemental Oxygen: More Resources

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.