Managing Supplemental Oxygen Supplies

For people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), supplemental oxygen is one of the most important therapies available when they experience reduced oxygen levels. But effectively managing oxygen can be challenging. To help, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has published tips for doing so, including managing tubing, keeping supplies clean, and practicing oxygen safety.

Managing Tubing

“Oxygen tubing is a frequent source of complaints from COPD caregivers and people who use oxygen,” notes NHLBI. Not only can oxygen tubing be a tripping hazard, but people can accidentally stand on it and cut off the oxygen supply. It can get caught in furniture, knock things over, or become a toy for pets (cats love to chew on tubing!).

To reduce these frustrations, ensure oxygen tubing stays close to the person with COPD and make sure there are clear pathways for walking, which will help prevent trips and falls. You may want to consider switching to portable or ambulatory oxygen tanks if they fit the needs of the person with COPD. Smaller with shorter lengths of tubing, these portable oxygen concentrators can be rolled in their own cases, worn in a backpack on the back or slung over the shoulder.

Keeping it Clean

Follow the cleaning instructions that come with oxygen equipment to keep it working properly. Your oxygen equipment supplier, or durable medical equipment supplier, can also share tips for proper cleaning and maintenance. NHLBI also provides the following checklist:

Check the instructions that come with the equipment. Don't hesitate to contact the equipment provider if you have questions.

• Clean the nasal cannula every week or as needed by washing in soapy water and rinsing with a solution of 10 parts water and one part vinegar. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and hang dry.
• An oxygen face mask, if used, should be cleaned twice weekly by washing with warm soapy water and rinsing with a solution of 10 parts water and one part vinegar. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and hang dry.
• Never wash or submerge the oxygen tubing in water, as doing so can cause mold growth inside it. Instead, wipe down the outside of the tubing routinely.
• Clean oxygen concentrator filters weekly with warm soapy water.
• Ideally, nasal cannulas should be replaced every two weeks and the long oxygen tubing attached to stationary equipment every three months.
• If the person you care for has been sick with a respiratory infection, replace the nasal cannula immediately.
• Store tanks that are in use in a stand or cart to prevent tipping and falling.
• Store extra, unsecured tanks flat on the floor.
• Keep oxygen supplies away from open flames.
• Review oxygen fire safety with your equipment provider.
• Post a “No Smoking” sign in every room where oxygen is used.
• Do not store oxygen systems in unventilated areas (e.g., closets or cabinets).
• Do not place clothing over oxygen systems.

Keeping it Safe

The size, shape and weight of oxygen tanks can make them difficult to physically manage and handle safely. But in this case “out of sight, out of mind” is not the safest approach. No smoking can be permitted in a room where the oxygen tank is located, nor can there be any open flames. Tanks should also be kept at least six feet away from any fire source (e.g., stove, fireplace, tabletop candle, etc.).

NHLBI provides the following safe oxygen equipment storage checklist:

Ensure you talk to your oxygen equipment supplier about oxygen device safety and oxygen tank storage tips.

More safety information can be found in NHLBI’s COPD Caregiver’s Toolkit, available here.