If your Physician has determined that you require supplemental oxygen, (oxygen above what is supplied through breathing room air), he/she will prescribe oxygen that is supplied by an oxygen concentrator. Oxygen concentrators work by drawing in room air and “concentrating” the oxygen to a purer form. The Physician will prescribe a “liter flow” in liters per minute. This can be set by a flow meter on the machine to regulate the amount of “extra” oxygen you will receive.
The concentrator is used in the home. Portable oxygen tanks that come in different sizes are used when you go outside the home. For our clients who are very active and require a lot of portable tanks, we can provide home fill systems that allow the client to fill his/her own tanks at home through a special concentrator.
Commonly Asked Questions about using Home Oxygen
What is oxygen? Oxygen is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is necessary for life. When we take a breath, we draw air containing 21% oxygen into our lungs. The oxygen passes from our lungs into our bloodstream, where it is carried in the red blood cells to all the organs and tissues of our bodies. Oxygen is needed to maintain life.
How is oxygen made and stored? ~Room air is pumped through a fine filter that traps all but the oxygen, which is allowed to pass through. This is known as an oxygen concentrator. ~The oxygen gas is compressed and stored in heavy steel pressurized tanks. These are portable tanks.
How do I use home oxygen? A small, adjustable plastic tube (called a nasal cannula), worn much as you would wear eye glasses, is placed under the nose. This tubing, through which the oxygen will flow, is attached to the oxygen tank.
Will Medicare and/or my insurance pay for it? If your Physician has ordered oxygen and your condition warrants it, your insurance will cover the oxygen. Once we have all of the information (order, diagnosis, your insurance information , etc.), we will let you know if you have a deductible that has or has not been met and whether or not you insurance will cover the oxygen. Most insurances cover the oxygen at 80%. If you have two insurances, it will likely be 100% covered. To be sure your policy does cover home oxygen, call your claims representative.
Why do I need supplemental oxygen? Normally oxygen passes readily from the lungs into the bloodstream and is pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. When lung disease occurs, oxygen may not be able to pass as readily into the bloodstream. When the heart is diseased, it may not be able to pump as much oxygen-carrying blood. Either of these situations can result in not enough oxygen reaching the organs and tissues of the body, preventing them from functioning properly. This can cause many undesirable effects, such as decreased ability to exercise, difficulty breathing, fatigue, confusion, loss of memory, etc. Breathing supplemental oxygen increases the amount of oxygen that passes into the bloodstream and is carried to the organs and tissues.
Do all patients with lung or heart disease require supplemental oxygen? It is estimated that over 4 million patients with lung or heart problems either are benefiting or could benefit from supplemental oxygen.
Will oxygen relieve my shortness of breath? Oxygen frequently does help, but there are reasons other than lack of oxygen for shortness of breath. In such cases, oxygen may not relieve the condition. By itself, shortness of breath is not life-threatening.
Do I have to use oxygen all the time? Your physician will determine how many hours per day you should use the oxygen. Some need oxygen 24 hours a day, while others need it only while sleeping. Be sure to follow your Physicians’ directions carefully.
How do I get around in my home while using oxygen? Usually, the concentrator is placed in the room where you use your oxygen the most. It can be moved from room to room. Up to 250 feet of oxygen tubing may be used to move from room to room freely.
Can I cook and eat while using oxygen? You can carry on your normal activities as long as you use common sense while you're using oxygen - don't cook on an open flame; don't smoke; and be careful that your oxygen tubing does not come in contact with hot burners, pots, pans or anything that could cause the plastic tubing to melt. Using oxygen while eating may well be beneficial in reducing the shortness of breath that many patients experience during and after eating.
Can I use electrical appliances while using oxygen? Electrical appliances that get hot or spark during operations should be kept at least 25 feet away from the oxygen system.
Can I use oxygen around smokers? Yes, as long as no one smokes within 25 feet of the equipment or the person using the oxygen.
How heavy are portable tanks? Portable tanks vary in weight from 6 to 15 pounds. These tanks may be carried in a shoulder bag during use or pull carts may also be available.
Can I drive a car or travel while using oxygen? Yes. Again, all you need do is use common sense. When driving, secure the oxygen unit so it will not tip over. Leave a window open slightly for ventilation so the oxygen will not accumulate in the car. You can also travel on public transportation while using oxygen. Be sure to make reservations early, alerting the reservations people to any special needs you may have, so they will have time to accommodate them.
Are there any hazards involved in using oxygen? While oxygen does not burn, anything that can burn will do so more easily and more rapidly in an oxygen-rich environment. Therefore, do not use oxygen near an open flame, burning cigarette or electrical equipment that sparks during operation. Do not use oil, grease or Vaseline on oxygen equipment.
The concentrator is used in the home. Portable oxygen tanks that come in different sizes are used when you go outside the home. For our clients who are very active and require a lot of portable tanks, we can provide home fill systems that allow the client to fill his/her own tanks at home through a special concentrator.
Commonly Asked Questions about using Home Oxygen
What is oxygen? Oxygen is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is necessary for life. When we take a breath, we draw air containing 21% oxygen into our lungs. The oxygen passes from our lungs into our bloodstream, where it is carried in the red blood cells to all the organs and tissues of our bodies. Oxygen is needed to maintain life.
How is oxygen made and stored? ~Room air is pumped through a fine filter that traps all but the oxygen, which is allowed to pass through. This is known as an oxygen concentrator. ~The oxygen gas is compressed and stored in heavy steel pressurized tanks. These are portable tanks.
How do I use home oxygen? A small, adjustable plastic tube (called a nasal cannula), worn much as you would wear eye glasses, is placed under the nose. This tubing, through which the oxygen will flow, is attached to the oxygen tank.
Will Medicare and/or my insurance pay for it? If your Physician has ordered oxygen and your condition warrants it, your insurance will cover the oxygen. Once we have all of the information (order, diagnosis, your insurance information , etc.), we will let you know if you have a deductible that has or has not been met and whether or not you insurance will cover the oxygen. Most insurances cover the oxygen at 80%. If you have two insurances, it will likely be 100% covered. To be sure your policy does cover home oxygen, call your claims representative.
Why do I need supplemental oxygen? Normally oxygen passes readily from the lungs into the bloodstream and is pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. When lung disease occurs, oxygen may not be able to pass as readily into the bloodstream. When the heart is diseased, it may not be able to pump as much oxygen-carrying blood. Either of these situations can result in not enough oxygen reaching the organs and tissues of the body, preventing them from functioning properly. This can cause many undesirable effects, such as decreased ability to exercise, difficulty breathing, fatigue, confusion, loss of memory, etc. Breathing supplemental oxygen increases the amount of oxygen that passes into the bloodstream and is carried to the organs and tissues.
Do all patients with lung or heart disease require supplemental oxygen? It is estimated that over 4 million patients with lung or heart problems either are benefiting or could benefit from supplemental oxygen.
Will oxygen relieve my shortness of breath? Oxygen frequently does help, but there are reasons other than lack of oxygen for shortness of breath. In such cases, oxygen may not relieve the condition. By itself, shortness of breath is not life-threatening.
Do I have to use oxygen all the time? Your physician will determine how many hours per day you should use the oxygen. Some need oxygen 24 hours a day, while others need it only while sleeping. Be sure to follow your Physicians’ directions carefully.
How do I get around in my home while using oxygen? Usually, the concentrator is placed in the room where you use your oxygen the most. It can be moved from room to room. Up to 250 feet of oxygen tubing may be used to move from room to room freely.
Can I cook and eat while using oxygen? You can carry on your normal activities as long as you use common sense while you're using oxygen - don't cook on an open flame; don't smoke; and be careful that your oxygen tubing does not come in contact with hot burners, pots, pans or anything that could cause the plastic tubing to melt. Using oxygen while eating may well be beneficial in reducing the shortness of breath that many patients experience during and after eating.
Can I use electrical appliances while using oxygen? Electrical appliances that get hot or spark during operations should be kept at least 25 feet away from the oxygen system.
Can I use oxygen around smokers? Yes, as long as no one smokes within 25 feet of the equipment or the person using the oxygen.
How heavy are portable tanks? Portable tanks vary in weight from 6 to 15 pounds. These tanks may be carried in a shoulder bag during use or pull carts may also be available.
Can I drive a car or travel while using oxygen? Yes. Again, all you need do is use common sense. When driving, secure the oxygen unit so it will not tip over. Leave a window open slightly for ventilation so the oxygen will not accumulate in the car. You can also travel on public transportation while using oxygen. Be sure to make reservations early, alerting the reservations people to any special needs you may have, so they will have time to accommodate them.
Are there any hazards involved in using oxygen? While oxygen does not burn, anything that can burn will do so more easily and more rapidly in an oxygen-rich environment. Therefore, do not use oxygen near an open flame, burning cigarette or electrical equipment that sparks during operation. Do not use oil, grease or Vaseline on oxygen equipment.
