Home Oxygen Assessment (CW)
This leaflet explains what home oxygen therapy is and outlines the benefits and possible side effects of the treatment. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be happy to help.
What is long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)?
Not everyone with COPD will need home oxygen therapy. It is usually prescribed for those who have persistently low levels of oxygen in their blood (hypoxaemia). Breathing in oxygen at a higher concentration than room air may help reduce the strain on your heart.
Depending on your condition, you may be provided with an oxygen cylinder, an oxygen machine or both for use at home.
How long before I notice any benefits?
Many people notice some benefit within a few weeks of starting regular oxygen therapy. However, it usually takes several months to see a general improvement in your condition. It is important to remember that oxygen will not prevent or reduce breathlessness.
Understanding oxygen therapy—guidelines and benefits
You will not become dependent on oxygen, and using it more often will not reduce its effectiveness. It is important to follow your prescribed usage, which typically means using oxygen for around 16 hours per day, including overnight, whether you are awake or asleep.
It is not necessary to use oxygen constantly, so you can still go out and take breaks from home. While some people feel better within a few weeks, it usually takes several months to notice overall improvement. Remember, oxygen therapy will not prevent or ease breathlessness.
What is ambulatory oxygen therapy (AOT)?
Some people with lung conditions have normal oxygen levels at rest, but these levels may drop during physical activity. When this happens, oxygen may be needed during movement—this is called ambulatory oxygen therapy (AOT).
Using AOT can help you stay active and improve your ability to carry out daily activities.
Travelling abroad
If you plan to fly, you may need a fitness-to-fly assessment to decide whether in-flight oxygen is necessary. If you require oxygen while abroad, you’ll need to make arrangements in advance.
Air Liquide does not allow its equipment to be taken outside the UK, but they can usually advise you on arranging oxygen overseas. You will need to pay for oxygen while abroad.
If you are travelling by ferry or train with oxygen, contact the travel provider ahead of time to check what support they can offer.
Safety
Oxygen is a fire hazard, so please take the following safety precautions when using it at home:
- Do not smoke, or allow anyone else to smoke, while using oxygen.
- Keep oxygen away from naked flames or heat sources such as gas cookers or heaters.
- Avoid using flammable liquids (eg cleaning fluids, paint thinners, aerosols) while using oxygen.
- Do not use petroleum-based creams or lipsticks (such as Vaseline) when using oxygen.
Home oxygen assessment
My oxygen prescription
Long-term oxygen therapy (to be used between 15 and 24 hours per day)
Flow rate: __________ l/min
Ambulatory oxygen therapy (to be used when walking around or exercising)
Flow rate: __________ l/min
Contact information
Oxygen Nurse Specialists
T: 020 3315 5362 (Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm)
Air Liquide Home Oxygen (oxygen supplier)
T: 0808 202 2099
Note: Equipment cannot be taken outside the UK
For oxygen abroad, contact:
Asthma + Lung UK
T: 0300 222 5800