How do i use oxygen at home?

As much as possible: While some recommendations call for nighttime use of oxygen only, the life prolonging effect of oxygen use for COPD comes from 24/7 use. Nighttime use does give some symptoms relief, but it's mainly for convenience.

Start low, go high: Most people need extra oxygen as their lungs have developed progressive disease. The patients begin to feel hunger for air when walking short distances. One should start with oxygen on a cart just when walking long distances. If the patient begins feeling shortness of breath at rest, then the oxygen is needed at rest in increasing levels until the hunger is satisfied.

Oxygen for sleep?: If you are told you need oxygen while you sleep, very often this is a result of sleep apnea. A test can be done in your home to test for sleep apnea. The treatment for that is giving the oxygen through a mask that makes a seal on your face or nose. This allows the oxygen to get to your lungs despite the blockage often by the tongue or palate.

Depends on need: A person generally must be tested to qualify for home oxygen use. If tested, this usually determines your need. You may need it only at bedtime. You may need it only when active or 24 hours a day if you have certain health conditions (usually heart or lung disease). Oxygen can be in a tank, canister, or home oxygen concentrator that connects to the nose, mouth, or face with tubing.