A. There are a few things that could be going on to cause your oxygen saturation to drop:

1. Mask or cannula issues: If your mask or cannula are not placed correctly or if there is a kink in the line, that will cause oxygen to not be delivered effectively, leading to a drop in oxygen.
2. You have inadequate flow: The flow rate on your concentrator may be set too low for what you need it to be. This could be because you primarily use your oxygen while you're active, which requires more oxygen for your muscles, leaving you breathless. Or, your condition has advanced and you may require more supplemental oxygen.
3. Environmental changes: Recent changes to altitude or even temperature can alter how your body uses oxygen. Higher altitudes requires your body to work harder for oxygen, and in higher temperatures your body generally uses more oxygen.
4. Concentrator performance: It could also be that your actual concentrator is not functioning properly. Portable oxygen concentrators are especially susceptible to not delivering the proper amount of oxygen as their batteries lose more and more of a charge.

If your oxygen stats are dropping while using your oxygen, it's important that you contact your local Apria branch and speak to a Respiratory Therapist so we can help you troubleshoot and see where the issue is.

A.  No, you should not use Vicks VapoRub because it is petroleum-based and contains oils that are flammable. Being so close to your face, as well as a large oxygen source, the combination can be very dangerous. This same rule goes for all products that are petroleum-based or oils, like Vaseline or baby oil. To prevent skin burns, oxygen patients should always avoid the use of oil-based products and use water-based products instead.

If you are experiencing nasal decongestion, speak to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe you a nasal decongestant to help with your symptoms, and at night a saline spray can help alleviate congestion discomfort.