Why Oxygen
Every cell in the body needs energy to function. Cells get their energy from a combination of the food we eat plus oxygen from the air we breathe.
Food + Oxygen = Energy + Carbon Dioxide
Thus, energy enables us to use our muscles to breathe, perform work, and carry out all bodily functions.
Oxygen is an element, a gas, and a drug. Because it is a drug, it must be prescribed by your physician. An exact flow rate given in liters per minute (LPM) has been ordered to increase your oxygen level.
Oxygen is normally delivered to you through a nasal cannula (pronounced CAN-YOU-LA), also called a nosepiece, or an oxygen mask.
Concentrators
The air we breathe is made up of approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Oxygen concentrators filter nitrogen out of room air, collect the remaining oxygen, and dispense it at the prescribed flow rate at 90-95% purity. The use of this concentrator does not reduce the oxygen in the room air because of the small amount of oxygen required.
- Plug the concentrator into a properly grounded wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord and do not plug into an outlet controlled by a switch or dimmer.
- Attach your cannula to the oxygen outlet.
- Set the power switch to the On position.
- Turn the flow adjustment knob until the flow meter registers the flow rate prescribed by your doctor.
- Put on the cannula and adjust for comfort. [See instructions included with your cannula.]
- If you are using a humdifier, refer to the manufacturer’s instruction sheet included with your humdifier for proper use and maintenance.
- Remove the nasal cannula.
- Set the power switch to the Off position.
- It is not necessary to turn the flow control off after it has been set properly. It should be checked, however, each time the concentrator is turned on and periodically during use. The flow control may require minor adjustments from time to time.
- The outer surfaces of the concentrator should be cleaned with a soft, moistened towel once a week.
- Do not operate the oxygen concentrator without a filter or with a dirty filter.
- Do not operate the oxygen concentrator with an extension cord.
- Do not attempt to service the concentrator beyond those guidelines that you have been given.
- Do not allow an open flame within 5 feet of the oxygen.
- Do not use any type of aerosol sparay near the oxygen concentrator.
- Do not use any portable heaters in the same room that the oxygen is being used or stored in.
- If the mechanical failure alarm doesn’t sound appropriately when you first turn the unit on; the alarm sounds while you are using the machine; OR you have a power failure: turn the unit Off and use your back-up oxygen cylinder (see below) and notify us (716.667.9600).
Pure oxygen gas is stored under pressure in metal containers and is delivered at prescribed flow rates via regulator and nasal cannula.
Equipment needed includes the cylinder itself, an oxygen pressure regulator, gauge, flowmeter, and nasal cannula or mask.
- Select a location in your home for the cylinder that is convenient for use. Check to make sure the location is away from curtains, walls, or other obstacles that may obstruct access to the cylinder. Do not place the unit near a radiator or other heat source such as a fireplace or kerosene heater.
- Place the end of the wrench on the cylinder valve and turn slowly counter-clockwise until you see the needle on the pressure gauge move.
- Turn the dial at the end of the regulator clockwise until the indicator registers the proper liter flow. Do not alter the flow rate without your doctor’s permission.
- Put on the nasal cannula or mask and adjust for comfort.
- When finished using the oxygen, remove the nasal cannula or mask, place the end of the wrench on the cylinder valve and turn clockwise, watching the contents of the gauge drop to zero, then turn the dial at the end of the regulator to off.
- Make sure to check the gauge each time you use your oxygen and reorder refills before it is empty, especially during bad weather.
- All cylinders should be secured to prevent them from falling over.
- If you hear a hissing noise or notice your tank is emptying too quickly, the tank may be leaking oxygen. Call Pro2 right away for assistance.
- Do not smoke near the cylinder.
- Do not allow oil or grease to come in contact with the cylinder, regulator, or accessory parts.
- Do not allow an open flame within 5 feet of the oxygen equiment, including the cylinder.
Portability
A wide variety of compressed oxygen cylinders are available to meet your needs. The length of time available for usage will depend upon your specific oxygen liter flow.
Please see the charts below to help you plan your outings.
Oxygen Cylinder with Regulator:
|
Liter Flow:
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
D tank (full)
|
6 hours
|
3 hours
|
2 hours
|
1.5 hours
|
|
D tank (1/4 left)
|
1.5 hours
|
.75 hours
|
.5 hours
|
.25 hours
|
|
B tank (full)
|
2.25 hours
|
1.25 hours
|
.75 hours
|
.5 hours
|
|
B tank (1/4 left)
|
.5 hours
|
.25 hours
|
X
|
X
|
|
E tank (full)
|
10 hours
|
5 hours
|
3 hours
|
2.5 hours
|
|
E tank (1/4 full)
|
2 hours
|
1 hour
|
.75 hours
|
.5 hours
|
D tank (full)
1 Liter – 6 hours
2 Liters – 3 hours
3 Liters – 2 hours
4 Liters – 1.5 hours
D tank (1/4 left)
1 Liter – 1.5 hours
2 Liters – .75 hours
3 Liters – .5 hours
4 Liters – .25 hours
B tank (full)
1 Liter – 2.25 hours
2 Liters – 1.25 hours
3 Liters – .75 hours
4 Liters – .5 hours
B tank (1/4 left)
1 Liter – .5 hours
2 Liters – .25 hours
3 Liters – X
4 Liters – X
E tank (full)
1 Liter – 10 hours
2 Liters – 5 hours
3 Liters – 3 hours
4 Liters – 2.5 hours
E tank (1/4 full)
1 Liter – 2 hours
2 Liters – 1 hour
3 Liters – .75 hours
4 Liters – .5 hours
Oxygen Cylinder with Bonsai Conserving Device:
|
Liter Flow:
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A tank (full)
|
7.2 hours
|
4.3 hours
|
2.9 hours
|
2.4 hours
|
|
B tank (full)
|
10.5 hours
|
6.2 hours
|
4.3 hours
|
3.5 hours
|
|
D tank (full)
|
27.2 hours
|
16.1 hours
|
11.1 hours
|
9.1 hours
|
|
E tank (full)
|
43.6 hours
|
25.8 hours
|
17.7 hours
|
14.5 hours
|
A tank (full)
1 Liter – 7.2 hours
2 Liters – 4.3 hours
3 Liters – 2.9 hours
4 Liters – 2.4 hours
B tank (full)
1 Liter – 10.5 hours
2 Liters – 6.2 hours
3 Liters – 4.3 hours
4 Liters – 3.5 hours
D tank (full)
1 Liter – 27.2 hours
2 Liters – 16.1 hours
3 Liters – 11.1 hours
4 Liters – 9.1 hours
E tank (full)
1 Liter – 43.6 hours
2 Liters – 25.8 hours
3 Liters – 17.7 hours
4 Liters – 14.5 hours
No Smoking Pledge
Smoking & Oxygen:
Unlike what most people think, oxygen doesn’t burn. But it does accelerate the combustion of flammable materials such as clothing, bed sheets, curtains, and paper.
When you use oxygen, the tubing used to deliver that oxygen to your nostrils may catch on fire and cause severe damage to your face and body. That’s why it’s important to not smoke nor expose yourself to an open flame when using your oxygen. Cigarettes, fireplaces, candles, and matches all pose a threat to you while using supplemental oxygen.
The Pledge:
We ask our patients using supplemental oxygen to take our No Smoking Pledge.
Simply read the pledge which outlines the importance of not smoking or being near an open flame while using oxygen. Then add your name, today’s date, and sign at the bottom. You can mail the pledge back to us or bring it in the next time you stop by our office.
Troubleshooting
Changing your tubing and cannula regularly will help alleviate many problems. However, if you are experiencing any issues, please see our troubleshooting section below or call us for assistance.
Power Problems:
- Make sure you are using your portable or back-up unit so that you continue to receive oxygen.
- Check to make sure the unit is plugged in.
- If you are using an extension cord, unplug the concentrator from the extension cord and plug it directly into the wall.
- If the unit is still not functioning, plug it into another outlet on the other side of the room or on a different circuit.
- If the outlet is controlled by a light switch, make sure the switch is in the “On” position.
- If none of the above work, push the Reset button and turn the machine on again.
- If the unit is still not functioning, please call the office (716.667.9600).
Flow Problems:
- If the machine is running and not alarming or making major noise, then something is blocking the flow. Pull off the tubing at the concentrator nipple (Xmas tree) and feel for flow.
- Turn the flow level up and down and see if you feel the flow change. Then put your flow level back to what your physician prescribed.
- Place the cannula in a glass of water and see if it bubbles.
- Walk the length of the oxygen tubing, running your hand along it looking for kinks and holes. Straighten out any kinks you find and put the cannula in a glass of water again to see if it bubbles.
- Make sure the tubing connectors are not broken.
- Change the cannula and put in a glass of water to see if bubbles appear.
- Connect the cannula directly to the concentrator (not using the 25 or 50 foot oxygen tubing).
- If you are still not receiving flow from the unit, please call our office (716.667.9600).