Oxygen at Home

Your care team usually checks oxygen levels with a fingertip pulse oximeter or a blood test, both at rest and sometimes while walking. If levels are low enough, they may write a prescription that sets the flow rate and when to use it, such as with activity, during sleep or all the time. Not everyone who feels short of breath has low oxygen, and in those cases other approaches may help more. Ask your doctor what your readings show and what target range they want you to stay in. Do not change your flow rate without talking to the care team.

A home oxygen concentrator plugs into the wall and pulls oxygen from the room air, so it does not need refilling. It hums and gives off some heat, and it needs a backup plan for power outages. Compressed oxygen tanks come in various sizes and are often used as backups or for short trips. Portable oxygen concentrators run on batteries and are lighter, which makes outings and travel easier. The supplier your doctor works with will set up the equipment, show you how to use it and explain delivery and maintenance schedules.

Oxygen makes fires burn faster and hotter, so safety rules matter. Never smoke or allow anyone else to smoke near oxygen, and keep equipment well away from candles, gas stoves, fireplaces and space heaters. Avoid petroleum-based products on your face and lips unless your team approves them. Keep tubing out of walkways to prevent trips, and store tanks upright and secured. Post a no-smoking sign on your door and let your local fire department know you use oxygen at home if they offer that service. Ask your supplier for written safety instructions.

1. 1

   Ask your doctor what oxygen level readings mean for you and when you should use oxygen.

2. 2

   Have the supplier demonstrate your equipment and write down their 24-hour service number.

3. 3

   Remove open flames and smoking from your home and post a no-smoking sign near the door.

4. 4

   Plan a backup for power outages, such as spare tanks, before you need one.