For many patients who have COPD, oxygen therapy is a major feature of day-to-day life. If you use oxygen during the daytime, managing oxygen tanks and equipment inevitably becomes a routine part of almost every daily task and activity.

Supplemental oxygen can be a huge hassle to use every day, especially if your equipment is uncomfortable, unwieldy, or difficult to use. Because of this, the kind of supplemental oxygen equipment you use can have a major effect on your daily routine, and even affect your overall quality of life.

But if you choose equipment that's convenient and comfortable, you'll feel much less restricted and be better able to integrate supplemental oxygen therapy into your everyday life. That's why it's so important to review your options and choose an oxygen delivery system that is right for you.

Your supplemental oxygen therapy is a lifeline, not a tether, and it should be as simple, easy, and comfortable as possible. If you do your research and take the time to understand the different options, you'll be much more likely to find equipment that is convenient, comfortable, and adds a minimal amount of hassle to your daily life.

In this post, we're going to help you get the most out of supplemental oxygen therapy by showing you all of the different options that are available, including different types of oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators, oxygen masks, and nasal cannula. We'll help you you understand the pros and cons of each oxygen device and delivery system so can find the equipment that is most comfortable and convenient for you.

More knowledge allows you take a more active role in your COPD treatment, and explore options outside of what's standard. Armed with information about all the different kinds of oxygen therapy devices and equipment will allow you to better work with your doctor and insurance provider to get the option that's right for you.

When you first start using supplemental oxygen, the whole process can be overwhelming, in part because of all the equipment you have to care for and keep track of. But learning more about supplemental oxygen delivery systems and how they work can help you feel more comfortable and at ease.

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Choosing the Right Supplemental Oxygen Equipment

When choosing what kind of oxygen equipment to use, there are two main decisions to make: what kind of therapy device to use (e.g. compressed gas tanks, liquid tanks, or oxygen concentrators) and what kind of delivery system equipment to use for delivering the oxygen to your nose or mouth (e.g. Nasal cannula, face masks, and tubing).

Oxygen therapy devices tend to be very expensive, and many patients' choices are limited by what their insurance or medicare supplier will provide. However, many patients are able to get the therapy device they prefer by working with their insurance company, their oxygen supplier, budgeting, applying for financial assistance, or financing with low monthly payments.

Other oxygen equipment, like oxygen masks and tubing, tend to be much more affordable for the average COPD patient, although they have to be replaced regularly. You can choose from countless types of tubing, masks, and cannula that come in variety of different sizes, shapes and materials.

What kind of oxygen therapy device and delivery system is right for you depends on a variety of factors, including your oxygen prescription, doctor's recommendations, your activity level, face shape, and even your clothing choices. Much of it comes down your personal habits and preferences, and what's right for someone else will not necessarily be what works best for you.

Here are some of the major factors you should consider when choosing oxygen therapy devices and delivery system:

• Oxygen flow rates supported
• Oxygen concentrations supported
• Comfort
• Travel & portability
• Total oxygen capacity
• Ease of refilling or replacing
• Aesthetics
• Discreteness
• Cost

In the following sections, we'll introduce you to all the major options for oxygen devices delivery systems that are out there to choose from. We'll show you how each piece equipment works, explain what makes each one unique, and discuss the pros and cons of each option with regard to features, price, portability, aesthetics, and ease of use.

Types of Oxygen Therapy Devices

There are three main types of oxygen therapy devices: liquid oxygen tanks, compressed gas oxygen tanks, and oxygen concentrators. Oxygen tanks (also known as oxygen canisters) always have a limited supply of oxygen and must be replaced regularly, while oxygen concentrators create purified oxygen from ambient air.

The first thing you need to consider when choosing an oxygen therapy device is whether or not it can supply the oxygen concentration and oxygen flow rate that your doctor prescribed. It's important to have at least one device that can deliver the maximum amount you need; so if you use three liters per minute of supplemental oxygen at rest and six liters per minute during exercise, you must have an oxygen therapy device that can deliver the higher, six-liters-per-minute flow rate.

Oxygen equipment is expensive, and what you use might depend on what your insurance company will cover or what your medicare supplier can provide. The vast majority of oxygen tanks are provided as rentals, but, in some cases, you can work with your insurance company to cover some or all of the purchase price of some equipment (such as a home or portable oxygen concentrator).

The kind of oxygen therapy device that's best for you depends on your lifestyle, activity level, and the flow rate that your oxygen prescription requires. In the next sections, we'll introduce you to the three types of supplemental oxygen devices and compare their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

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Compressed Gas Oxygen Tanks

Compressed gas tanks have long been the standard device used for supplemental oxygen therapy. They are simple, inexpensive, and come in many sizes to accommodate use both in the home and outside of the home.

The tanks are made of thick metal to contain the oxygen, which is highly pressurized inside the canister. Because of this, you have to handle the tanks very carefully, taking care to keep them upright and away from anything that could cause damage. If the tank becomes punctured, it could cause the tank to explode or turn into a dangerous projectile rocket.

Compressed gas tanks are designed for basic functionality and are extremely simple to use; all you have to do is turn a key to open or close the valve, which turns the oxygen flow on and off. They contain a moderate amount of oxygen and need to be replaced regularly as they get depleted.

Most people who use compressed gas tanks for oxygen therapy rent their tanks from an oxygen supply company, which comes to haul away empty cylinders and replace them with full tanks on a regular basis. It is typical for oxygen patients to have one or more large compressed gas oxygen tanks at home and a couple smaller, portable canisters for when they go out.

Large and medium-sized oxygen tanks can be placed in carts for easy wheeling around your home, or kept stationary in a secure place. Small, portable tanks can be carried by hand or secured in a special carrying case.

Here is a breakdown of the major pros and cons of compressed gas oxygen canisters:

The benefits of compressed gas oxygen tanks:

• Simple and easy to use
• Reliable
• Relatively inexpensive
• Come in a variety of sizes
• Always covered by insurance

The drawbacks of compressed gas oxygen tanks:

• Large and bulky
• Heavy and difficult to transport
• Can be dangerous if damaged, punctured, or leaky
• Have to be replaced at regular intervals
• Must always be secured upright in a safe place
• Compressed gas is volatile and requires extra care and caution

Liquid Oxygen Tanks

Liquid oxygen tanks are similar in appearance to compressed gas oxygen, except they hold liquid oxygen instead of gas. In order to store oxygen in liquid form, it must be kept at super-cold temperatures, around -300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since liquid oxygen is much more dense than gaseous oxygen, liquid oxygen tanks can hold much more oxygen than gas tanks. They can also store oxygen at a lower pressure, making liquid tanks less volatile and reducing the danger of leaks and punctures.

Like gas oxygen canisters, liquid oxygen tanks are usually rented and have to be refilled regularly by your oxygen supply company. However, unlike gaseous tanks that all come pre-filled, liquid oxygen is usually supplied from a large home reservoir that you store in your home, which you can use to fill up smaller canisters as needed.

Like gas canisters, liquid oxygen canisters come in a variety of sizes, with small tanks for portability and larger ones for home use. Many patients prefer liquid tanks because they are relatively light, safe, and last longer than compressed gas tanks.

However, liquid oxygen tanks don't come without any risk; contact with the pure liquid oxygen or touching the cold parts of the canister or tubing can cause serious burns or frostbite. The liquid oxygen itself is also extremely dangerous, and you must exercise extreme care when refilling canisters from your reservoir.

Also, the liquid oxygen in the tank has a limited lifespan; it evaporates and leaks out over time whether or not you use it. The liquid oxygen in the tank must be used up within one or two weeks, otherwise it will become depleted on its own.

Just like compressed gas oxygen cylinders, liquid oxygen cylinders can be transported in special carts and cases. Full tanks must also be kept upright and secured to prevent damage and leaks.

Now that you understand how liquid oxygen tanks work, here's a closer look at the pros and cons:

The benefits of liquid oxygen tanks:

• Reliable
• Lighter than compressed gas tanks
• Contain more oxygen and last longer than compressed gas tanks
• Less dangerous because oxygen is stored at lower pressure
• Come in a variety of sizes

The drawbacks of liquid oxygen tanks:

• Must refill tanks by hand from reservoir
• Oxygen depletes with time even if you don't use it
• Risk of frostbite and burns from cold liquid oxygen
• Higher cost
• May or may not be covered by insurance

Oxygen Concentrators

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There are many different types of oxygen concentrators, both stationary and portable. They work by pulling in normal, ambient air and purifying it to create concentrated, breathable oxygen.

Home Oxygen Concentrators

Home oxygen concentrators are a great alternative to large tanks and reservoirs for home oxygen use. Most can provide up to 95 percent pure oxygen and provide up to 10 liters per minute of flow.

Home oxygen concentrators are very convenient because they never run out of oxygen or have to be replaced as long as they are plugged into a power source. Many are also light and easy to wheel around the house.

The sleek, plastic casing that home concentrators are made of is much more aesthetically pleasing than old, worn-out tanks, and they stand out in a room much less than large canisters do. They are also relatively lightweight and easy to wheel around the house, their compact design making them less of a nuisance and helping them stay out of your way.

Another great thing about oxygen concentrators is that they are very safe, and carry no risk of high-pressure explosions if punctured, as compressed gas oxygen canisters do. You also have to worry much less about leaks and flammability; oxygen concentrators have no risk of leaking oxygen into your home when not in use.

However, because oxygen concentrators need electricity to function, you should always have a backup supply of oxygen tanks if you use a home concentrator as your primary oxygen therapy device. In the case of a power outage or malfunction, you will need to use an alternative source of oxygen until your home concentrator can operate again.

The benefits of home oxygen concentrators:

• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Small, compact, and discrete
• Easy to transport around the home
• Don't require refilling or replacing
• Unlimited supply of oxygen
• Very low maintenance
• Decreased fire risk and reduced risk of oxygen leaks
• Can be cheaper than liquid or gas tanks if you use a large volume of oxygen every week

The drawbacks of home oxygen concentrators:

• Most only supply low to medium oxygen flow rates
• Can be noisy while operating
• Requires a backup oxygen supply in case of power outages and emergencies
• Tends to be more pricey than gas or liquid tanks unless you use a large amount of oxygen

Portable Oxygen Concentrators

The main difference between portable and home oxygen concentrators is that portable concentrators are much smaller and can operate off of battery power instead of just A/C. Even though their battery power is limited, keeping multiple batteries and switching them out as they get depleted can make them last for many hours in-between charges.

Many portable oxygen concentrators are much lighter and less bulky than portable tanks, making them ideal for using during physical activity and when you go out and about. Many even come with comfortable carrying bags so you can carry them on your back or over your shoulder.

Portable concentrators vary widely in size, shape, design, and function, so it's important to look at all the different brands and types available. Many can only deliver very low flow rates of 1-2 liters per minute. However, more and more new portable oxygen concentrators are being designed to provide higher flow rates so they can serve a wider number of oxygen patients.

The best thing about oxygen concentrators is that purify oxygen from the ambient air, which means they will never run out of oxygen. The only thing you have to worry about is keeping the batteries charged or making sure you have an outlet to plug your concentrator in to.

Oxygen concentrators also have the benefit of being much more sleek and stylish than the bulky, unwieldy gas and liquid oxygen tanks. They look more like small appliances or electronics than medical equipment, making them much more discrete than other oxygen therapy devices.

Many patients use portable oxygen concentrators as a secondary or backup oxygen therapy device. For example, they might use compressed gas tanks at home and during exercise, while using their portable concentrator when they leave their home. Even if a portable oxygen concentrator cannot provide the maximum flow rate you need, you can still use it during sleep, rest, and other less strenuous activties as long as it can provide the minimum flow rate in the range that your doctor prescribed.

Most insurance and medicare providers don't cover portable oxygen concentrators, but there are ways to get financial assistance or even get your insurance to cover some or all of the cost. Here at LPT Medical, you can even finance your portable concentrator and make it much more affordable with low monthly payments.

Although they will not work for everybody, portable oxygen concentrators are by far the lightest and most transportable oxygen therapy device available, and is one of the only types of supplemental oxygen that you can take with you on an airplane. Getting a portable oxygen concentrator can cut a great deal of hassle out of oxygen therapy and make a huge improvement in your quality of life.

Now that you have a better understanding of portable oxygen concentrators, let's break down the pros and cons:

The benefits of using a portable oxygen concentrator:

• Simple to use
• Rechargeable (many include car chargers, too)
• Can be used with batteries or plugged into wall power
• Don't need to be refilled or replaced
• Variable flow rates
• Many have digital interfaces for convenience
• Many are allowed on airplanes (check your brand and model before flying)
• Multiple batteries available to extend battery life
• Convenient and comfortable carrying cases
• Small and compact
• Stylish and discrete

The drawbacks of using a portable oxygen concentrator:

• Can only deliver lower flow rates
• Limited battery life (when away from A/C power)
• May not work efficiently at very high altitudes
• Some can be noisy while operating
• Many work best on pulse-flow and have limited continuous flow options

Types of Oxygen Delivery Systems: Masks, Nasal cannula, and Tubing

Choosing the right oxygen therapy device can significantly improve the convenience of oxygen therapy and make it easier to travel and stay active. However, choosing the right delivery system for breathing the oxygen is just as important, and can spare you a great deal of discomfort and pain.

Some oxygen masks and nasal cannula can be very uncomfortable to wear on your face every day, and put weight on your ears that can cause severe discomfort over time. However, you can make your oxygen experience much more pleasant if you take the time to find the right mask or cannula that fits you snugly and comfortably.

There are many different options to choose from; cannula and masks come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and materials. Some are even designed for specific functions, like high-flow oxygen or for recycling carbon dioxide. What works best for you depends on the contours of your face, your aesthetic preferences, and what personally feels more comfortable for you.

However, it's important to understand that your options may be limited depending on your prescribed oxygen concentration, flow rate, and other aspects of your individualized oxygen therapy. Make sure to talk to your doctor before buying a new oxygen face mask or nasal cannula to make sure that it is appropriate for your condition.

Nasal cannula

A nasal cannula is a type of tubing that delivers oxygen to your nose through two hollow prongs, one for each nostril. Nasal cannula are preferred by the majority of patients for low flow, continuous oxygen use because they are convenient, hands-free, and less bulky.

The best thing about nasal cannula is that they are discrete and stay out of the way, allowing you to eat, talk, and breathe without interruption. However, most can only provide limited oxygen concentrations and low flow, so they are generally only used by patients in stable condition whose blood oxygen saturation levels are only slightly below normal. Standard nasal cannula can only deliver up to 30 percent oxygen at up 4 liters per minute, and special high-flow cannula are necessary for anything above 4 liters per minute.

The main problem that oxygen patients tend to have with nasal cannula is ear discomfort, which affects the majority of oxygen patients who use them. This is because nasal cannula are held in place by hooking over your ears, and the weight of the tubing pulls down and causes ear pressure that can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful after awhile.

Because of this, there are many different types of nasal cannula that try to solve this problem through softer materials and creative design. What is most comfortable for you will depend on the unique shape of your face and ears and how sensitive you are to the pressure.

Nasal cannula can also dry out your nose and hurt the skin on your face. The tubing can irritate your skin from abrasion and the nasal prongs can wear on the inside of your nose. That's why it's important to find a cannula with nasal prongs that are soft enough for your skin and to position them correctly in your nose.

When it comes to choosing the right nasal cannula, you may need to try a few different types before you find the best fit. You might even want to keep several different kinds of nasal cannula around to use on different occasions; for example, you might want to use a bulkier, more secure nasal cannula at home and use a slimmer, more discrete cannula when you go out.

Here are some of the main types of nasal cannula to choose from.

Standard Nasal Cannula

Standard nasal cannula are worn across your face by hooking the tubes over your ears and inserting the prongs into your nostrils. They can only handle low oxygen flow rates up to six liters per minute and oxygen concentrations up to 40 percent.

High Flow Nasal Cannula

High-flow cannula are designed for patients who require higher oxygen concentrations and a higher flow rate. They can deliver oxygen concentrations up to 90 percent at a flow rate of up to 40 liters per minute.

However, many patients cannot tolerate high-flow nasal cannula because they can be very loud and uncomfortable. In fact, even with a standard cannula, flow rates above 2 liters per minute tend to cause nasal dryness and discomfort.

Soft Touch Nasal Cannula

Both standard and high-flow cannula are available in versions made with softer, more flexible tubing materials. These cannula are designed to cause less ear discomfort and reduce skin irritation and chafing.

Single-sided Nasal Cannula

Recently, some oxygen equipment stores have begun selling a new kind of single-sided nasal cannula. This cannula is meant to be less bulky, more discrete, and reduce ear pressure, and it comes with a clip to secure the tubing to your clothes, protecting it from getting yanked or tugged out.

One type of single-sided cannula, the Oxy-Breather, is made with extremely soft tubing and has a single hook that goes over one ear, instead of two. Another type, the Uni-flo, has a similar design but only has one nasal prong, instead of two.

The best part about single-sided nasal cannula is that they hook on to one ear and come across only one cheek, leaving the other side of your face completely free and uncovered. This makes single-sided cannula much less noticeable and less in the way of your face.

Oxy-Glasses

Another type of specialty nasal cannula is the Oxy-Glasses, which are designed for even more discrete and unobtrusive oxygen use. The tubing from the nasal cannula is actually built into the glasses, so that the tubes are hidden by the glasses frames instead of being draped across your face.

You can use Oxy-Glasses with plain glass lenses or, if you have an eyeglass prescription, you can get them fitted with prescription lenses. However, Oxy-Glasses are pricey and not covered by insurance or Medicare.

The Pros and Cons of Nasal cannula

Now that you have a better understanding of how nasal cannula work and what options are available, let's take a closer look at the pros and cons:

The benefits of using a nasal cannula:

• Simple to use
• Inexpensive to buy
• Covers only a small part of your face
• Discrete
• Hands-free
• Doesn't interfere with eating, drinking, or talking

The drawbacks of using a nasal cannula:

• Can only be used for lower oxygen concentrations and flow rates
• Ear pressure and discomfort
• Nasal dryness and discomfort
• Skin irritation and chafing
• Doesn't work for mouth breathing
• Not recommended for high flow rates

You may need to try several different kinds of nasal cannula before you figure out what is most comfortable for you. If the standard delivery system that came with your oxygen tanks or concentrator is not comfortable for you, don't suffer needlessly; there are many different options out there to choose from, and you're bound to find one that works and fits you well.

Oxygen Masks

Many patients, especially those with more severe breathing problems, use oxygen masks instead of nasal cannula as a primary means of breathing supplemental oxygen. While they are more bulky and cover both your nose and mouth, they have other benefits, including the ability to deliver high-flow oxygen and treat severe hypoxemia.

You can use an oxygen mask by hand, raising the mask to your face whenever you take a breath, or you can secure it onto your face for more continuous use. Most masks come with straps on the back so you can secure it to the back of your head.

Oxygen masks also have the benefit of being able to deliver higher oxygen concentrations, higher flow rates, and have the means to better control the amount oxygen and carbon dioxide that you breathe with each breath. Some masks, called re-breathers, have reservoirs with one-way valves that can keep outside air out and control the amount of carbon dioxide you take in with every breath.

The main drawback of using an oxygen mask is that it covers up so much of your face. It can also make it very difficult to eat, drink, and talk, since you have to remove the mask every time you speak or take a bite.

Some people need to use oxygen masks instead of nasal cannula because masks can better control higher oxygen concentrations, carbon dioxide re-breathing, and how much ambient air mixes in with the oxygen. Others cannot tolerate the discomfort of nasal cannula and simply find oxygen face masks more comfortable to wear.

There are several different types of oxygen masks designed for high- or low-flow oxygen and patients with

Beginning supplemental oxygen therapy is a huge life adjustment and comes with a lot of new concerns and responsibilities. With all the new equipment and guidelines to follow, it can be overwhelming and confusing at first.

That's why we've put together a variety of practical resources to help you understand and navigate oxygen equipment as you begin to integrate oxygen therapy into your daily life. In this article, we're going to show you how to perform standard cleaning and maintenance on all the oxygen devices and equipment that you use.

Many of the different pieces of your oxygen delivery system have the potential to get dirty and worn down, which is why they have to be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis. If you forget or neglect proper cleaning, harmful bacteria, mold, dust, and other grime can contaminate your equipment and cause you to get sick.

Since COPD weakens your immune system and makes you especially prone to respiratory illnesses and infections, it's vital for your health to keep your equipment free from germs and harmful particles. To do so, you need to know how to wash and maintain all the different parts of your oxygen delivery system, including your nasal cannula, oxygen mask, humidifier bottle, tubing, and even your oxygen tanks or oxygen concentrator.

Neglecting proper maintenance can also harm your equipment, causing clogs or wear that could damage your equipment or cause it not to function properly. This can also hurt the effectiveness of your oxygen therapy, reducing your oxygen flow or hurting the quality of the air you breathe.

For many patients, supplemental oxygen is a lifeline, which is why it's vital to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance. If you neglect your oxygen equipment, then you put yourself and the effectiveness of your oxygen therapy at risk.

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How to Clean & Maintain Your Nasal Cannula, Mask, and Tubing

It's important to clean your oxygen delivery equipment—which includes your nasal cannula or oxygen mask and humidifier—regularly to protect yourself from illness and bacteria. As a general rule of thumb, you should clean them at least once a week to prevent them from getting clogged or contaminated with germs.

Because of this, it's important to keep a spare set of oxygen delivery equipment around. That way, you will have an extra nasal cannula or oxygen mask to use while you're washing your equipment or waiting for it to dry.

However, you should not wash the long tubing (called extension tubing) that connects your nasal cannula or mask to your stationary oxygen device. Instead, you should leave it alone and simply replace it with fresh tubing about once per month.

How Often Should You Wash your Equipment?

As we mentioned above, you should generally make sure to give your nasal cannula or oxygen mask a thorough cleaning at least once per week. However, you might need to wash it more often depending on how dirty it gets and what your doctor and the manufacturer recommends.

In addition to a thorough weekly wash, you should also wipe down your equipment with alcohol swabs every day. In the next section, we'll walk you through the process of performing daily and weekly cleanings.

Here are some general guidelines for how frequently you should wash your oxygen delivery equipment:

• At a minimum, wash your nasal cannula or oxygen mask at least once every seven days.
• Check the manufacturer's instructions for your oxygen mask or nasal cannula to see how often they recommend cleaning and replacing your equipment.
• Clean your nasal cannula or oxygen mask whenever you notice any mucus build-up (you may need to wash it more than once per week to keep it clean)
• When you are sick, especially with a respiratory illness, you should clean your equipment more often. This will prevent clogging, kill bacteria, and help ward off secondary infections and exacerbations.
• In-between uses, give your nasal prongs or the inside of your oxygen mask a quick clean by wiping it down with an alcohol swab.

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How to Wash Your Oxygen Delivery Equipment

To do your weekly equipment cleaning, start by detaching your nasal cannula or oxygen mask from your oxygen delivery device. If there are any removable parts or tubes, take these apart as well.

Then, wash all the parts of your nasal cannula or oxygen mask in warm, soapy water. Make sure you are thorough, squeezing and scrubbing the tubes to wash out any mucus or other build-up. Make sure you thoroughly rinse off all the soap after it's totally clean.

Next, get ready to sanitize your equipment by mixing up a batch of one part vinegar to ten parts water. This creates a gentle disinfectant that will kill any bacteria that is still on your equipment without damaging the delicate tubing.

Pour the vinegar-water mixture into a large bowl or another container and submerge your equipment in the liquid. Then, use your hands to gently scrub and swish your cannula or oxygen mask around until you are satisfied that it is thoroughly rinsed through.

Finally, rinse your mask or cannula one final time with hot, running water and hang it up on a line to dry. This allows it to drip dry and prevents moisture from getting trapped in the tubing.

As soon as your oxygen mask or nasal cannula has had time to dry out completely, you can hook it back up to your oxygen tank or concentrator and begin using it again as normal.

Daily Cleaning

In addition to weekly cleanings, you should disinfect your nasal prongs or oxygen mask at least once per day. However, daily cleanings are simple and quick, and you only need a store of alcohol wipes or swabs to do it.

To disinfect your nasal cannula, all you have to do is use an alcohol swab to wipe off the outside of the nasal prongs and the outside of the surrounding tubes. To disinfect an oxygen mask, simply wipe off the inside and outside of the mask, paying special attention to the parts that come into contact with your face.

Then, all you have to do is wait for it to dry before you can you re-attach it to your oxygen source and use it again. You should clean your mask or cannula this way in-between each use (or every time you take it off), or at least one time each day.

Replace Your Nasal Cannula or Oxygen Mask Regularly

Unfortunately, nasal cannulae and oxygen masks don't last forever; they're made of fragile plastic materials that get worn out over time. Because of this, it's important to replace them at regular intervals to avoid getting sick and prevent damage and tears that could reduce the effectiveness of your oxygen therapy.

Even if your mask or nasal cannula appears to be clean and undamaged, it's important to replace it at least once every two to four weeks if you use it regularly. Even if there is no visible wear and tear, cracks and tears at the micro level can still collect harmful bacteria and germs.

How long you can use your equipment depends on the brand and manufacturer, and how frequently you use it. Most recommend replacing your nasal cannula or mask at least once every month if you use oxygen every day, while others suggest throwing them out after only two weeks. If you use oxygen less often, or only occasionally, you may be able to use the same nasal cannula or oxygen mask for even longer.

However, some oxygen equipment manufacturers recommend replacing your mask or cannula as often as once every ten days as a safety measure to reduce your risk of illness and infection. If you're not sure how often you should replace your equipment, talk to your doctor or refer to what the manufacturer recommends for the specific product you use.

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Replace Your Extension Tubing

Your extension tubing—the tube that connects your nasal cannula or mask to your oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank—has to be replaced regularly as well. The frequency depends on what your doctor and the tubing manufacturer recommends; some types of extension tubing can be used for up to three months at a time, but some need to be replaced more often.

However, you should still check your extension tubing regularly in-between replacements for any damage and grime. If your tubing is dirty, worn, stiffened, or has visible cracks or tears, you should replace it with new extension tubing immediately.

You should also replace any additional parts attached to your extension tubing at least once every three months. This includes the swivel connector that attaches the extension tubing to your oxygen tank or concentrator and the connector piece that attaches the tubing to your oxygen mask or nasal cannula.

Also, remember that your extension tubing should never be longer than 25 feet; any longer and you might not get the correct dose of oxygen from your oxygen source. Make sure to measure new tubing before you install it and trim it to the correct length if necessary.

Cleaning and Replacing Your Oxygen Humidifier

. Image Courtesy of Kathryn Rotondo

Using supplemental oxygen, especially at high flows, can dry out your nose and airways. Because of this, many oxygen patients have a humidifier attached to their oxygen delivery system.

Humidifiers can make oxygen therapy much more comfortable and prevent nasal dryness, nosebleeds, and discomfort. However, if you use one, it's important to remember to clean it regularly along with the rest of your equipment.

In general, you should wash out your humidifier bottle thoroughly at least once a week and rinse it out with hot water every time you refill it. It's easy to remember if you make it a habit every time you go to fill it up.

To do weekly cleanings, simply wash the humidifier bottle with warm, soapy water. Then, rinse it with the same water-vinegar mixture you use to clean your nasal cannula or mask (see the the instructions in the previous section for more details).

Remember, while it's okay to wash your humidifier bottle with tap water, you should never refill it back up with water from the tap once it's clean. You should always fill your humidifier bottle with distilled water from the store, so make sure you keep plenty of it around the house.

Like the rest of your oxygen delivery equipment, your humidifier bottle won't last forever and will need to be replaced at regular intervals. In general, you should replace the bottle at least once per month, or more often if directed by your doctor or the manufacturer.

How to Clean and Maintain Oxygen Tanks and Concentrators

Just as it's important to keep your oxygen delivery equipment clean, you also have to care for your oxygen delivery device. Whether you use liquid oxygen tanks, compressed gas canisters, or a home or portable oxygen concentrator, it's important to clean and inspect them regularly to keep them safe and in good working order.

Most oxygen delivery devices are much easier and simpler to maintain than oxygen delivery equipment like nasal cannulae and oxygen masks, needing only minor cleaning and occasional checks for damage and wear. As long as you follow proper storage and handling guidelines, taking care of your oxygen delivery device should be simple, quick, and hassle-free.

Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance and Cleaning

The best thing about home and portable oxygen concentrators is that they don't need to be refilled, replaced, or swapped out like oxygen canisters do. However, you still have to perform regular oxygen concentrator cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good working order.

Even so, oxygen concentrators are still very easy to care for and remain one of the most convenient, hassle-free oxygen devices available. If you use a portable or home oxygen concentrator, regular cleaning and maintenance shouldn't take more than a few minutes of your time each week.

Clean the Filter(s) Regularly

Many (but not all) oxygen concentrators have one or more external filters that have to be cleaned regularly. Most oxygen concentrators are designed to make this very easy, but you may need to refer to your device's manual the first time you do it to figure out where the filters are located and how to remove them.

Most filters require a simple wash with warm, soapy water at least once per week. However, you should check the manufacturer's guide first to see if there are any specific cleaning or maintenance instructions.

Here are the basic steps for cleaning your oxygen concentrator's filters:

• Locate and take out all the external filters from your oxygen concentrator machine. Refer to your user manual if you're not sure where they are or how to remove them.
• Rinse off your filters under warm water and wash them with a non-moisturizing detergent. It's important to choose a soap that doesn't have added lotions or oils.
• Rinse off all the soap and give the filters a final rinse under hot water.
• Then, gently squeeze or press on the filter to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Lastly, use a clean, dry towel to pat the filters dry and set them in a clean, dry place with plenty of air circulation to finish drying. Once they are totally moisture-free, you can re-insert the filters and begin using your oxygen concentrator once more.

It's a good idea to keep an extra set of filters to replace the dirty ones with while you're cleaning them, especially if you use oxygen continuously. However, you can always use a backup oxygen source, such as an oxygen tank, while you wait for your filters to dry.

Clean the Outside of Your Oxygen Concentrator

Whether your concentrator is portable or stationary, you need to wipe it down regularly to remove dust, dirt, and grime. This will help reduce the amount of dust and other particles that get trapped in the filter and prevent contamination of other oxygen equipment that comes into contact with the machine.

To clean your oxygen concentrator, all you have to do is a take damp cloth with a dash of soap and wipe off the outside of the plastic casing. Give it another wipe with a dry cloth and it will be clean and good to go.

This shouldn't take you more than a minute or two, and you should do it once or twice per week. It will not only help you stay healthy, but it will keep your concentrator looking nice and sleek.

Protect Your Oxygen Concentrator from Dust and Particles

The way an oxygen concentrator works, it is constantly pulling outside air in and circulating it through the machine. This air passes through your oxygen concentrator's filters, where it traps dust, mold, and other airborne particles so they won't make it into your lungs.

However, using your oxygen concentrator in a very dusty environment causes the filters to get clogged up more quickly, which can reduce the purity of the oxygen that the machine outputs. If this clogs your concentrator's non-removable, internal filters, they could be very difficult and expensive to replace.

In the case of removable external filters, excess dust makes it necessary to clean and replace the filters much more often. In general, a dusty environment is not healthy for your oxygen concentrator machine and can hurt both its lifespan and its ability to function efficiently.

Because of this, it's important to keep your home as clean and dust-free as possible. There are many ways to improve the air quality in your home; in fact, we discussed a variety of practical habits and techniques for doing just that in our previous article about how to improve your indoor air quality. You can also get separate air purifying machines or whole-house HVAC air purifying devices to reduce the amount of bacteria, mold, dust, and other particles in your home.


You can also protect your oxygen concentrator from picking up excess dust and dirt by covering it and turning it off when you clean around the house. Some cleaning tasks, like dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping tend to stir up extra dust and kick it into the air, where it will then get sucked up into your oxygen concentrator machine.

Watch Out for Overheating

While most home oxygen concentrators are designed to be able to operate for at least 24 hours at a time, some have a tendency to overheat. When they get too hot, they turn off abruptly and won't operate until they cool down.

If this happens to your machine, you can prevent it by running it for shorter periods of time and turning it off to allow it to cool down in-between. For example, try only using your home oxygen concentrator for about 7-8 hours at a time, and then shut it off for about thirty minutes to give it a rest.

You might have more trouble with this during the summer when outside temperatures and humidity levels are higher. If your oxygen concentrator overheats regularly or doesn't operate up to specs, you should have the machine inspected and serviced by a licensed technician.

Oxygen Tank Cleaning and Maintenance

Photo by Rick

If you use liquid and compressed gas oxygen canisters for oxygen therapy, then you shouldn't have to worry about much extra cleaning. The only oxygen tank maintenance you should have to personally worry about is preventing damage and storing your canisters properly.

However, unlike oxygen concentrators, oxygen tanks and reservoirs have to be refilled or replaced on a regular basis, usually at least once every two weeks. So, even though you don't have to perform regular cleaning or maintenance, you do have to keep track of how much oxygen use you use and make sure that your tanks get refilled or replaced on time.

Store Your Oxygen Canisters Safely

The main safety concern with oxygen canisters is keeping them upright, secured, and safe from getting damaged. Holes or leaks in compressed gas tanks, especially, can result in dangerous fires, explosions, or projectile hazards.

Anytime you move or transport an oxygen tank, remember that it contains volatile, pressurized gasses or liquids that must be handled with care. Never let oxygen canisters fall over, drag against the floor, or bang against objects or against one another.

You should also be very careful to keep your oxygen tanks safely secured whenever you take them anywhere, whether you're transporting them in your car or simply wheeling them from one room to another. Always secure your tank snugly in an oxygen cart or container designed specifically to hold oxygen canisters.

Here are some tips for properly and safely storing oxygen tanks:

• Always keep your oxygen tanks in a cool, dry place. Never allow them to be exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Always keep your tanks upright and never store them on their sides.
• Secure extra tanks in a special stand, cart, or chain them up securely so they won't fall over.
• Do not store oxygen tanks on shelves or in any elevated space. Always store them on the floor, where there is no danger of them falling from a dangerous height.
• Always keep your oxygen tanks in an open, well-ventilated space, even when storing or transporting them. Make sure there is plenty of air flow and crack your car window when transporting them via your vehicle. This will ensure oxygen doesn't build up in a small space and reduces flammability risk.
• Always practice proper oxygen fire safety, including posting no smoking signs and being careful to never use oxygen near open sparks or flames.

Check Your Oxygen Tanks for Leaks and Damage

Damaged or leaky tanks could be dangerous or ineffective for oxygen therapy, which is why it's important to inspect your canisters for damage before use. Always handle your oxygen tanks with care and never use a tank that is leaky, damaged, or shows signs of excessive wear and tear.

To inspect your tank, check all around the canister for any leaks, dents, scrapes, or holes. You should also inspect the valve for any leaks and make sure that it turns and operates properly.

The oxygen tanks that your supplier gives you should already be well cared for and maintained, but it's a good idea to inspect them yourself for your own safety. You should give each new tank you use a quick check before hooking it up and be sure to thoroughly inspect any tanks that have been banged, dropped, or may have otherwise been damaged.

Getting Your Oxygen Refilled or Replaced

The most important part of maintaining your oxygen tanks is to make sure they get refilled or replaced on time. That means ordering more oxygen before you run out, which is why you should always keep an eye on how much you have left in your supply.

You should always be aware of the pressure in your oxygen tanks or the volume of oxygen you have left in your liquid oxygen reservoir. If you begin to run low before the next time that your oxygen supplier is scheduled to bring you a refill, you should call your oxygen supplier and order more right away.

If you are worried that you will run out before your next supply arrives, you can conserve oxygen and reduce discomfort by reducing your activity level and taking it easy. By limiting physical activity you can lower your respiration rate and reduce strain on your lungs.

However, if you keep track of your oxygen supply every day and order more before it gets too low, you shouldn't ever run into this problem. If you do run out of oxygen and experience severe symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, or other symptoms of acute hypoxia, you should seek medical attention or call 911 immediately.

Keep a Clean Environment for Oxygen Therapy

Having COPD puts you at a higher risk for illnesses and infections, which can quickly turn into serious exacerbations that can make your disease permanently worse. In order to protect your lungs and keep yourself healthy with COPD, you have to keep your equipment and your environment clean and free from germs and grime.

That means not only cleaning your equipment as directed, but also making sure to store and wash your equipment in a clean environment. For example, if you clean your equipment in a dirty sink or set it out to dry on a dusty counter top, you'll just immediately re-contaminate your equipment with harmful dirt and bacteria.

Because of this, it's very important to keep your home clean and the indoor air free from dust, mold, and allergens. You should also make sure to wash your hands and give any nearby surfaces an extra wipe-down right before you do your weekly equipment cleanings.

You should also avoid cleaning your equipment near open windows or directly after vacuuming. That way, you're not setting your equipment out where it has a high chance of encountering dust, allergens, and other airborne particles.

You Can Breathe Easy When You Know Your Equipment is Clean and Safe

Supplemental oxygen therapy is an important part of COPD treatment and improves the quality of life for many patients with respiratory diseases and conditions. However, it doesn't come without risks, which is why it's important to take cleaning and replacing your equipment seriously.

If you have trouble remembering to do daily and weekly maintenance, write up a schedule so you can remind yourself when it's time for daily and weekly cleanings. Set an alarm on your phone or put notes up in your house where you will see them every day if you need to.

You should also have a schedule for replacing equipment like nasal cannulae, oxygen masks, humidifier bottles, tubing connectors, and extension tubing. Since they all need to be replaced at different intervals, it can be difficult to keep track of what you should replace when if you don't have a written reminder. Ordering new equipment and switching it out with old ones is generally simple and inexpensive to do, but it can also be an easy thing to forget or neglec