Home oxygen – non-respiratory

This is for patients who are not receiving follow up from the respiratory clinical nurse specialist team.

Name:

NHS No:

You have been prescribed oxygen therapy at ___ L/m or ______% for _____hours per day.
This may be temporary or permanent depending on your condition.

Oxygen

The air we breathe contains 21% oxygen; a gas vital to every cell in our bodies.

People who have low levels of oxygen may have to work much harder to obtain all of the oxygen they need. This can cause breathlessness and tiredness, particularly after walking or coughing. For some people, breathing air with a higher concentration of oxygen can reduce these symptoms.

How is oxygen prescribed?

Your medical team will assess the amount of oxygen you will need based on your oxygen blood levels whilst in hospital and will prescribe the most appropriate form of oxygen therapy for you. Your details will be sent to the oxygen supply company for your area, who will contact you, or a named contact, to arrange delivery of the oxygen equipment required.

Types of oxygen equipment

1. Oxygen concentrator

An oxygen concentrator is a machine approximately two feet square and two and a half feet high that is plugged into the ordinary household electricity supply. It filters oxygen from the air in the room. This oxygen is then delivered by plastic tubing to either a facemask or nasal cannula (small tubes placed in the nostrils). In some instances, a smaller portable concentrator may be advised if you need to use oxygen for long periods when going out.

The machine is quiet and compact, and the engineer will explain to you, or to a friend or relative, how to use it and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

2. Oxygen cylinders

There are various sizes of oxygen cylinders. The size of cylinder delivered will depend on an individual’s need, and the amount of oxygen required. Cylinders can be provided for use outside the house if this is necessary. This will be discussed with you when you are initially assessed.

Safety

Oxygen itself is a non-flammable gas; however, it makes things burn much more than normal.

Smoking and naked flames

It is really important when you are prescribed oxygen, that any smokers are informed that they must not smoke inside the house or anywhere near your oxygen at any time. If you are a smoker and require oxygen, you must have either given up smoking or demonstrate a willingness to do so before oxygen is installed. Do not use your oxygen near open fires or naked flames such as candles or gas cookers.

Storage

Keep in a well-ventilated area, which is clean and dry and away from any sources of heat. The area should be free from flammable materials such as paint and large quantities of combustible material such as paper or cardboard. Always turn off your oxygen equipment when not in use.

Oils and grease

Do not use oils or grease with your oxygen equipment. Only use authorised creams and moisturisers (use water-based moisturiser like KY jelly for lip care). Do not use aerosol sprays such as hairspray or deodorants whilst using oxygen.

E-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes should not be used whilst receiving oxygen and the batteries of e-cigarettes should not be charged near the person receiving oxygen or the oxygen source itself.