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Our veteran clinicians share their tips for success for oxygen therapy

ASK APRIA

Today's Clinician

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Ashley Greyeyes

Ashley has been a Respiratory Therapist at Apria for nearly 7 years, and serves our patients in Colorado. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children. She also enjoys camping, traveling, RZR riding, and the Arizona Cardinals.

RESPIRATORY

Q. How do you know when to replace the columns in your concentrator?

 

A. Portable oxygen concentrators display a message on the screen when it’s time for column replacement. Usually, the message will display when the columns need to be changed within 30 days. Depending on the device, you will have to change the columns between 1 to 2 years of use. When you get this message, make sure to contact you local Apria branch to receive a replacement.  

 

Q. I’m on oxygen therapy and CPAP therapy. When I’m on oxygen alone my oxygen saturation is 97-99%, so why do I need a CPAP?  

 

A.  Many patients believe they don’t need CPAP because their oxygen saturation levels are great when they're using their oxygen concentrator, but oxygen alone does not treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction in your airway which stops you from breathing during sleep. CPAP therapy treats sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air that keeps your airway open, allowing you to breathe during sleep. 

Oxygen therapy, however, delivers air that is enriched with oxygen for patients who have low oxygen saturation in their blood.

For more information: Common Questions About Oxygen Therapy

Q. My concentrator is blinking with a yellow light, what does that mean?

 

A. A yellow blinking light on your concentrator indicates that there’s a reduction in oxygen flow or the device needs maintenance. You can troubleshoot this issue by doing a few things:

  1. Check to make sure the filters are clean and free of any debris.
  2. Look at your tubing and make sure there are no kinks, twist, or leaks.

If the issues persist after checking the tubing and filters, please contact you local Apria branch for assistance. 

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