How to stay safe while using a home oxygen concentrator

1. How to stay safe while using a home oxygen concentrator We can’t live without the oxygen we breathe from the air. Oxygen becomes more critical for you when you have lung diseases and other medical complications, such as asthma, sleep apnea, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. Your doctor advises you to be on oxygen therapy after doing the required checkups. The doctor prescribes when you should use home oxygen concentrators (HOC)and how much oxygen you need in a minute. After the doctor’s prescription, you shop a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) and start using it as per the recommendation of your doctor. Some of you may be afraid of using an oxygen concentrator, especially when you are going to be on oxygen therapy for the first time. Here are some useful tips for your safety:

2. Maintain a distance from flammable source You need to stay away at least 3 feet from a source of heat, like the gas stove, candle, electric stove, or anything that can cause to catch fire. Never smoke or let anyone smoke when you are using your POC. Further, you need to avoid the use of flammable items, such as oil, petrol, cleaning fluid, sprays (hair sprays and fresheners), and aerosol cans. Plug well You should plug the power supply wire of your HOC into the grounded electrical board. Avoid plugging it to a power board or an extension cord. Connecting your respiratory to the grounded electrical outlet is beneficial and safe for you, as it saves your device from short circuits. Handle properly You need to pay the utmost attention to the care of your HOC when you are using/storing it. Your proper care will protect its cylinder from any structural damages. Before carrying an oxygen concentrator with you, ensure that you have secured it well. Follow the instructions of a respective state if you using a vehicle for your transportation. As far as possible, try to use your personal car to save yours and others’ life. Have regular checkups and servicing When you have a prescription for oxygen therapy, you have to use a POC when to take exercises, sleep and do the activity that requires frequent oxygen supply. Here, it is clear that you can’t live without this respiratory device and you need to keep your HOC in a good working condition all the time. You can do it by letting your oxygen concentrator checked and serviced regularly. Store well Being on the oxygen therapy doesn’t mean you have to use it 24 hours a day if your doctor hasn’t prescribed it for you. Here, you need to store your respiratory device well when you are not using it. While storing it, ensure that you have placed it in the upright secure position, the area is well-ventilated, and it has no direct association with a heat source or sunlight. Summary The write-up has disclosed that how you can maintain your safety while you are on oxygen therapy. It has discussed the useful tips to ensure the safe use of your home oxygen concentrator.