Home oxygen therapy is a vital treatment for individuals with low blood oxygen levels due to chronic lung disease or other health conditions. It allows patients to receive the right amount of oxygen conveniently in their own homes, improving lung health and overall quality of life.
This article explains how to get started with oxygen therapy at home, including necessary assessments, equipment, and safety considerations.
Understanding Home Oxygen Therapy
Home oxygen therapy involves breathing air that contains more oxygen than normal via a device in your home. The primary reason for this kind of therapy is to address hypoxia, a condition where the body’s tissues don’t get enough oxygen. Other common conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure, and severe asthma. The therapy helps increase the amount of oxygen in your blood, supporting vital organ function and reducing symptoms like shortness of breath. You may use either a nasal cannula or mask, depending on your prescription.
While the process is basically the same, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is distinct from standard home oxygen therapy in that it involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a specially designed pressurized chamber, often at pressures two to three times higher than normal atmospheric levels. This increased pressure allows the lungs to absorb more oxygen than would be possible through regular oxygen therapy, where oxygen is typically delivered at normal air pressure via a nasal cannula or mask.
HBOT is used under medical supervision to promote healing in conditions like chronic wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues, which supports cellular repair and reduces inflammation.
Getting a Prescription
To begin the therapy at home, you must first be assessed by a healthcare provider who can determine if you need to supplement oxygen, based on tests like pulse oximetry or arterial blood gases. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or supplier for further evaluation. Only use oxygen that has been prescribed for you; purchasing the gas without a prescription can be dangerous or may be illegal. Once your need is confirmed, your provider will specify the flow rate and hours per day to keep your blood oxygen at a safe level.
Choosing the Right Equipment
There are several types of equipment for home use. The most common are concentrators, which extract the gas from the air and provide a continuous supply, and tanks (compressed cylinders or liquid oxygen tanks) that store oxygen for use. Concentrators are ideal for people who need oxygen most of the day, while portable concentrators and portable tanks offer mobility and freedom to leave home. Additional accessories include nasal cannulas (soft tubes in the nostrils) or masks, humidifier bottles to prevent dryness, and tubing of various lengths. Your supplier will help select the device that fits your medical needs, lifestyle, and prescription.
Setting Up Therapy at Home
Once prescribed, a supplier or respiratory therapist will deliver and install your equipment at home. They will show you how to operate the device, set the flow rate as prescribed, and connect the delivery system, such as a nasal cannula or mask. It’s important to follow the provided guidelines carefully and never adjust your oxygen flow without medical advice. You may also be instructed on the use and care of humidifier bottles if provided, which help keep your airways moist and comfortable.
Daily Use and Maintenance
Using it at home daily requires following safety and hygiene routines to keep the equipment functioning properly. Regularly check your level gauge or concentrator display to ensure you have enough supply and call your supplier before you run out. Clean your nasal cannula and mask weekly and replace them typically every 2 to 4 weeks or when they show signs of wear. Clean humidifier bottles as instructed, using sterile or distilled water only. Replace air filters and tubing according to supplier recommendations. Keeping equipment clean prevents infections and ensures effective delivery.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Oxygen supports combustion, so safety is paramount when performing home therapy. Never smoke or allow open flames near your equipment, and avoid using oil-based or flammable products such as cleaning fluids, aerosols, or petroleum-based creams around your delivery device. Always keep tanks secured upright and stored away from heat sources, and inform local fire departments and utility companies that you use oxygen at home, so they know what necessary precautions to take.
Using a humidifier bottle is important, especially when oxygen is delivered at higher flow rates, to keep your airways moist and comfortable while preventing dryness and irritation. However, only sterile or distilled water should be used in humidifiers to avoid introducing bacteria or other pathogens, which could lead to respiratory infections or pneumonia by allowing fluids or contaminants into the lungs.
Edema, or fluid buildup causing swelling (often in the lower extremities), can be a concern for some patients using oxygen therapy, especially those with underlying lung or heart conditions. In addition to peripheral edema, pulmonary edema—where excess fluid accumulates in the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli)—can occur, making breathing difficult and lowering oxygen levels further. While oxygen itself does not cause edema, both low levels (hypoxemia) and improper use can affect cardiovascular function and fluid balance, potentially worsening these conditions. If you notice swelling, shortness of breath, or other signs of edema while undergoing therapy, notify your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and treatment adjustments if needed.
Regular equipment checks, cleaning nasal cannulas and masks, and timely replacement of tubing and filters are essential to maintain a safe and effective delivery system. Never adjust your flow rate without medical advice, and always follow fire safety protocols, including having working smoke alarms and “No Smoking—Oxygen in Use” signs in visible areas. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, equipment malfunction, or worsening health, contact your healthcare provider without delay.
Insurance, Cost, and Support
Getting home therapy may involve dealing with insurance providers for coverage of equipment and supplies. Your healthcare team and supplier can help you navigate insurance paperwork and document your medical need properly. While costs vary, some programs may offer assistance or discounts to reduce financial burden. Many suppliers and healthcare organizations, including the American Lung Association, provide educational resources and support groups to help you successfully manage your therapy and recovery journey.
Traveling and Living with Home or Portable Oxygen
Portable concentrators and tanks make it possible to maintain the therapy while outside the home or traveling. Portable devices are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, often fitting in backpacks or carrying cases. If planning to travel by air, it’s important to notify airlines in advance and follow guidelines for flying with oxygen equipment. Maintaining consistent therapy during all activities helps you stay healthy and active without interruptions.
Final Thoughts from Quantum Wellness Center
Home oxygen therapy is an effective way to get the oxygen your body needs while enjoying the comfort and convenience of your own home. Starting therapy requires a proper medical assessment, prescription, and close coordination with your healthcare provider and supplier to get the right equipment and support. Following safety tips and maintaining your personal delivery system are essential to ensure therapy is both effective and safe. With the right care, home oxygen therapy can significantly improve your lung health and quality of life.
While home therapy may be advantageous for those with mobility issues, it’s also advisable to undergo oxygen therapy like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a luxurious and peaceful environment such as the Quantum Wellness Center in Sarasota, Florida. We offer personalized, results-driven care in a calming, supportive atmosphere designed to enhance your overall well-being. Led by expert medical professionals, we at Quantum Wellness Center combine advanced technology with a serene setting to accelerate healing, reduce fatigue, and promote cellular rejuvenation for a truly comprehensive wellness experience.
