Search results
Step 1: Check Your Supply. Wash your hands. Pressurize your compressed oxygen tank or turn on your portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Follow the instructions from your healthcare provider or medical supply company. Check the oxygen gauge on the tank to be sure you have enough. Your medical supply company will tell you when to call for more ...
- Supporting Someone on Oxygen
Learn How To Use Oxygen "Learn as much as you can about the...
- Using Oxygen Safely
Don’t use oxygen while cooking with gas. Don’t use any...
- Oxygen Delivery Devices and Accessories
Liquid oxygen is a type of oxygen delivery where oxygen is...
- Traveling With Oxygen
Most cruise lines require a four- to six-week notice to...
- Video
Liquid oxygen is a good option for people who need high...
- Better Breathers Club
Please use our online form to communicate your interest in...
- How Can Oxygen Help Me
Oxygen therapy may help you become more active and get you...
- Getting Started With Oxygen
A representative from your oxygen company (sometimes...
- Supporting Someone on Oxygen
- Overview
- Procedure Details
- Risks / Benefits
- When to Call the Doctor
- Additional Common Questions
Oxygen tanks are medical devices that store supplemental oxygen. You may need an oxygen tank if you have a lung condition that affects your breathing. There are three main types of oxygen tanks: compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen and oxygen concentrator. A healthcare provider will teach you how to use your oxygen tank.
Contents
Arrow Down
OverviewProcedure DetailsRisks / BenefitsWhen to Call the DoctorAdditional Common Questions
Contents
Arrow Down
How do I use an oxygen tank?
Your oxygen tank should come with a type of sleeve or carrier. Make sure the tank is in the carrier and in a secure position. A regulator fits on the valve on top of the oxygen tank. It tells you how much oxygen is in the tank. When the needle is in the green area, the tank is full. The needle will gradually move to the red area as you use your oxygen tank. Once it reaches the red area, the tank is empty. A healthcare provider will tell you how much oxygen you need. Adjust the knob on the side of the regulator to the prescribed amount. Your oxygen tank should have a small wrench that hangs off the top. Use the wrench to open and close the valve and adjust the regulator. Turn it to the left to open and to the right to tighten it. There’s an outlet on the side of the regulator. Listen or feel for oxygen flow on the outlet nub. Adjust the valve and regulator with the wrench if you don’t hear or feel oxygen. Attach your nasal cannula or oxygen mask to the outlet. Adjust the tubes for the nasal cannula or oxygen mask. Secure them behind your ears (like eyeglasses). You can place the rest of the tubes under your chin or behind your head. Turn off the airflow when you’re not using your oxygen tank. All portable oxygen tanks have the same basic valve shape and size. Once you learn how to use one type of oxygen tank, you should also be able to use other types. It’s a good idea to keep your oxygen tank equipment clean to help prevent illness or infection: Wash your plastic tubing at least once a week with soap and water. Replace your nasal cannula or mask at least once a month. Replace your nasal cannula or mask after you’re sick.
What are the potential benefits of using oxygen tanks?
The main benefit of using an oxygen tank is that it helps you breathe easier. It isn’t a cure and might not completely relieve shortness of breath. But it should make it easier for you to breathe. Other benefits include: More energy. Your mind and body can feel tired if you’re not getting enough oxygen. An oxygen tank can deliver more oxygen to your bloodstream, increasing your energy levels and allowing you to be more active, including exercise. Sleep better. More oxygen in your blood allows you to sleep better at night.
What are the risks or complications of using oxygen tanks?
Oxygen isn’t flammable. But it makes fire burn hotter and faster and can result in an explosion. Make sure you keep your oxygen tank at least 10 feet away from open flames, sources of high temperatures and flammable materials, including: Cigarettes and cigars. Fires. Ovens. Grills. Gasoline. Oil. Paints and paint thinner. Rubbing alcohol. Oil-based products, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®). It’s a good idea to put “No smoking” signs around the entrances of your home. If you need a topical or lubricating ointment, use a water-based product, such as K-Y Jelly®. You should also avoid using electrical equipment around your oxygen tank. There’s a risk that electrical equipment can spark and cause a fire. This includes items such as: Hairdryers. Electric blankets. Space heaters. Electric razors. Vape pens. If you use an oxygen concentrator, it’s a good idea to keep at least one extra set of fully charged batteries handy in case your power goes out. You should have enough batteries available to run your oxygen concentrator for a few days. Oxygen tanks can also be heavy. A falling oxygen tank can cause an injury or break. If it breaks, escaping air could send the tank soaring through the air. Always secure your oxygen tank in a carrier or cart. Avoid contact with liquid oxygen. Exposure to your skin can cause cryogenic burns or frostbite.
When should I call a healthcare provider?
While using an oxygen tank, you should call a healthcare provider if you have symptoms that affect your breathing, as well as: Dizziness. Confusion. Memory loss. Headaches. Nausea and vomiting. These are signs of oxygen poisoning. Oxygen poisoning is when breathing in too much supplemental oxygen damages your lungs. You should also contact a healthcare provider if you think your oxygen tank or regulator isn’t working properly. Have a provider check your tanks at least twice a year to ensure they work correctly. Advertisement
Do you need a prescription for an oxygen tank?
Yes, you need a prescription from a healthcare provider to get an oxygen tank.
Can you buy oxygen tanks?
You can’t buy oxygen tanks over the counter. If you need a new oxygen tank, reach out to a healthcare provider or a medical supply company. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you have a condition that affects your breathing or are going to spend time in a high-altitude area, you may need an oxygen tank. Using a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask may be uncomfortable at first. And transporting a portable tank may require some adjustments. But an oxygen tank shouldn’t prevent you from participating in many of your regular activities. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any questions or feelings of uncertainty. They can help you acclimate to using an oxygen tank. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/04/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
Always follow these safety tips around oxygen: Never smoke, and don’t let others light up near you. Keep away from open flames, such as matches, cigarette lighters, and burning tobacco. Stay 5 ...
Oxygen Therapy: Getting Started with a Home Oxygen Concentrator. A home oxygen concentrator is prescribed for patients who need constant oxygen while they are at home and/or asleep. In this video, we will explain the parts of home concentrators, how they work and how to take care of them. Always consult your doctor if you have questions about ...
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that separates nitrogen from the air around you so you can breathe up to 95% pure oxygen. You may need an oxygen concentrator if you have a condition that affects your breathing. Some oxygen concentrators are stationary and run on electricity. Others run on batteries and are portable.
Feb 3, 2024 · You will need other equipment to use your oxygen. One item is called a nasal cannula. This plastic tubing wraps over your ears, like eyeglasses, with 2 prongs that fit into your nostrils. Wash the plastic tubing once or twice a week with soap and water, and rinse it well. Replace your cannula every 2 to 4 weeks.
People also ask
What equipment do you need to use oxygen?
How do I Use my Oxygen unit?
Which type of oxygen should I use?
There are 3 types of devices that can be used to give you oxygen: an oxygen concentrator; large oxygen cylinders; portable cylinders; An engineer will install the equipment and explain how to use it safely. Oxygen concentrator machine. An oxygen concentrator is recommended if you need to have oxygen for most of the day (including when you're ...
