Oxygen Use At Home

Oxygen comes in different forms:

• Pressurized oxygen in tanks
• Liquid oxygen in tanks
• Oxygen concentrator (a machine that converts room air into oxygen you breathe through tubing) 

The supplier will talk with you about which is best for your child. Your child may need an oxygen system for travel and one that stays at home.

Oxygen is a medicine prescribed by your child’s doctor. It must be used as the doctor orders. If your child shows signs of needing more oxygen, call the doctor right away. If it is an emergency, increase the oxygen slightly until your child sees the doctor.

• Keep oxygen at least 10 feet away from any flame or heat source such as candles, gas stoves or heaters.
• Do not use electrical appliances, such as electric razors, hair dryers and electric blankets, while using oxygen.
• Do not allow smoking in your home. If someone in the house is a smoker, they should do it outside. Post a “No Smoking” sign near your front door.
• Keep oxygen away from flammable things such as Vaseline, hand lotions, aerosol sprays, etc.
• Keep oxygen system in a place where it will not get knocked over. Secure it from falling or tipping over while traveling.
• Do not touch liquid oxygen or frosted parts of the liquid tank. It is very cold and can freeze your skin.
• If your child is using a concentrator, have enough cylinders to last 3 days in case of a power outage. Call your supplier.
• During waking hours, check the oxygen system settings every 8 hours.
• Never use more than 50 feet of oxygen tubing. This can reduce the amount of oxygen your child is getting.
• Do not carry liquid oxygen in a backpack or other enclosed container.
• Never use extension cords with any medical equipment.
• Secure loose cords, extra tubing, floor mats and rugs so that your child does not trip on them when using the oxygen system.
• Check that all electrical equipment in the area near the oxygen system is properly grounded.
• Always have a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher in your home.
• Make sure your family has a fire safety plan.

Change the nasal cannula weekly. Attach it to your child’s cheeks with baby tape, Tender Grips or other skin-sensitive product. When your child has a cold, they may have more mucus. Change the cannula more often when your child is sick.