It is widely known that we can’t live without oxygen. Our system ensures we inhale the right amount of oxygen (via our lungs) from the air and then send it into our bloodstream to supply our vital organs. And pretty much that’s how we live.
However, many medical conditions do not let your lungs get enough oxygen in your blood. So, if your blood oxygen levels are low, then you may need home oxygen therapy.
But what is this? Let’s see all you need to know about oxygen therapy at home!
What is home oxygen therapy?
Home oxygen therapy is a type of therapy that delivers extra oxygen to people who need it due to low oxygen levels caused by certain medical conditions.
The patient breathes air with a higher amount of oxygen through a mask or a tube connected to a medical device.
Benefits of oxygen therapy at home
Using oxygen therapy at home offers several advantages:
- Better sleep: Proper oxygen levels support deeper, more restful sleep.
- More energy: Reduces fatigue, making daily activities easier.
- Improved concentration: Helps maintain mental clarity and focus.
- Easier exercise: Boosts endurance and reduces shortness of breath.
Who needs home oxygen therapy?
It is a common misconception that breathlessness means you need to take up oxygen therapy. But that is not the case.
You need home oxygen therapy only if you have a medical condition (usually lung-related) and your blood oxygen levels are low. If your oxygen levels are normal, then no such therapy is required.
Oxygen treatment can help with conditions like:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Severe asthma
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Heart failure
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (which may be treated with CPAP devices and their CPAP masks as well)
Oxygen therapy assessment
But how are patients assessed? How do they know if they need to be treated with oxygen?
First of all, only a doctor can assess whether you need oxygen treatment.
The tests that may be needed to assess whether you need to be treated with oxygen include:
- Pulse oximetry (pulse oximeters are devices that are clipped to your finger to measure your blood oxygen levels)
- Blood test
- Spirometry
- Walking test on a treadmill
- Electrocardiogram (checks how well your heart is working)
Oxygen therapy at home is only prescribed if the test results indicate it is necessary. If prescribed, your doctor or healthcare professional will determine the proper oxygen flow rate.
Different types of home oxygen therapy
There are different types of home oxygen therapy, each suited to different needs:
- Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) → Used to keep the patient’s oxygen levels high for many hours a day (15 hours or more).
- Ambulatory oxygen therapy (AOT) → Oxygen delivered by portable (ambulatory) devices. Designed for patients who need supplemental oxygen only during physical activities (e.g. exercise) or other daily tasks.
- Nocturnal oxygen therapy (NOT) → Oxygen is administered only while sleeping but not during the day.
- Palliative oxygen therapy (POT) → Oxygen used for relieving breathlessness in advanced or life-limiting diseases.
Home oxygen therapy equipment
There are different options for delivering oxygen therapy at home. The equipment needed varies based on the type of treatment and includes:
1. Oxygen concentrator machine
An oxygen concentrator (there are stationary as well as portable oxygen concentrators) is recommended if you require oxygen for extended periods, including while sleeping.
This device is similar in size to a bedside table and runs on electricity or batteries.
Oxygen concentrators remove nitrogen from the air and supply the patient with pure oxygen.
2. Large oxygen cylinders
A large oxygen cylinder (or oxygen tank) is usually prescribed for short-term use and to tackle sudden and short episodes of breathlessness.
3. Portable oxygen cylinders
A portable oxygen cylinder allows mobility, whether inside the home or outdoors.
These cylinders store oxygen under pressure, enabling them to hold a larger supply and provide oxygen for several hours.
On average, a portable cylinder provides oxygen for approximately 3-4 hours, but this depends on the oxygen flow rate that the patient needs.
4. Nasal cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight device that consists of a plastic tube that has two small prongs at one end. These prongs are placed inside the patient’s nostrils to deliver oxygen to them.
It is commonly used for patients requiring low-flow oxygen and allows them to speak, eat, and drink comfortably while receiving oxygen therapy.
5. Face mask
A face mask covers the nose and mouth to deliver oxygen at higher levels. The patient can’t eat or drink while wearing it.
Home oxygen therapy safety guidelines
To use oxygen therapy at home safely, make sure you follow these precautions:
- Do not smoke, or allow others to smoke near your oxygen equipment. You should nevertheless quit smoking, as it damages the lungs and can worsen your condition.
- Maintain a distance from heat sources (e.g. gas stoves, candles, fireplaces, etc.).
- Avoid flammable products (e.g. paint thinners, cleaning fluids, etc.).
- Avoid oil-based products such as Vaseline.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Oxygen treatment at home – FAQs
1. What is an oxygen concentrator, and how does it work?
An oxygen concentrator pulls air from the surroundings, removes nitrogen, and delivers concentrated medical oxygen through a nasal cannula or a face mask. For more information on how an oxygen concentrator works, read our related article!
2. Does using oxygen therapy at home weaken the lungs?
No, supplemental oxygen at home supports breathing and does not weaken lung function.
Everything about home oxygen therapy – Conclusion
Now you know everything about home oxygen therapy and more specifically:
- What it is
- Its benefits
- Its types and the equipment needed
- The medical conditions it can help with
- How patients are assessed
- Safety guidelines
If you have low blood oxygen levels and your doctor has determined that you need specific treatment, explore Advanced Healthcare’s oxygen therapy section and find everything you need!
