How to use your Long Term Oxygen Therapy.

The oxygen company will provide you with an oxygen concentrator machine and a backup cylinder for emergency use only.

You should use your oxygen at _ _______ Litres/minute (L/min).

You should use the_________________________________ (Device)

In order for you to get the greatest benefit, you should use your oxygen for a minimum of 15 hours per day. Up to 24 hours is fine, but do not let this limit your lifestyle.

The 15 hours of oxygen can be used to fit around your individual lifestyle. These hours can be broken up to make it easier for you to use oxygen without it being too disruptive. We would recommend that you use the oxygen overnight, and make up the rest of the hours in blocks during the day. Alternatively you may choose to use the oxygen for set time frames per day.

You may be provided with ambulatory cylinders to supplement your long term oxygen therapy hours per day for when you leave your home. The flow rate of oxygen should be used at the same flow rate as noted above.

However, if the cylinders have been provided to increase your level of activity, it may mean that you are advised to use variable flow rates.

It is important that you do not change the flow rate of your oxygen. Unless advised, changing the flow rate without a proper assessment can be dangerous. This is because oxygen is a prescribed medication and should be treated like any other prescribed medication you may take. Never let anyone else use your oxygen, as it may cause serious harm.

Safety Precautions.

• Never smoke or let anyone else smoke near you when using the oxygen equipment. This includes electronic cigarettes.

• Never charge an electronic cigarette or similar device close to you when using your oxygen equipment or near the equipment itself.

• Never use or store oxygen equipment within 3 metres of open fires or naked flames such as matches, lighters, gas cookers or candles.

• Never use or store oxygen equipment within 1.5 metres of other heat sources such as electrical fires, gas heaters, boilers, radiator or white goods.

• Never use petroleum, oil or paraffin based products (for example Vaseline) when using your oxygen. It is highly flammable and it can react with the oxygen causing irritation or burns to the skin. Use only water soluble products (e.g. KY Jelly).

Further information is located in the Home Oxygen supplier’s handbook. This handbook is provided when the oxygen supply is initially installed.

When to contact the Home Oxygen Team.

• If you have any questions following your recent review.

• If you require advice and support regarding oxygen equipment.

• If you have been suffering with occasional nasal blood spotting, scabbing and/or nasal dryness, we may consider an alternative device to provide Oxygen, prescribe a topical ointment to help lubricate the nasal mucosa or complete a referral to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for advice.

• If you have active nasal bleeding which has not stopped within 20 minutes, it is advisable to seek urgent medical attention via your GP or the nearest accident and emergency department

How to contact the Home Oxygen Team.

• If you have any enquiries, concerns or require further information, the team can be contacted on 01253956972. The team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Please note we have an answer machine and messages are checked regularly throughout the day. Please leave your name, contact number and a brief message.

• If your health is deteriorating please seek urgent medical advice either via your GP surgery, community team, call 111 or in a life threatening situation call 999.

Useful Contacts:-

Asthma and Lung UK

Website: www.asthmaandlung.org.uk

Helpline 0300 222 5800

Pulmonary Hypertension Association

Website: www.phassociation.uk.com

Helpline: 01646 651 979

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Helpline: 01223 785725

Stop Smoking Service

Website: www.smokefree.nhs.uk

Telephone: 0800 022 4332