Our veteran clinicians share their tips for success for oxygen therapy
ASK APRIA
Today's Clinician
Lee Ann Skrzypek
Lee Ann has been helping Apria's Sleep and Respiratory patients in Pennsylvania for nearly 10 years. While not at work, you can find Lee Ann camping, crafting, or watching her kids' sporting events & dance recitals.
RESPIRATORY
Q. I’m a first-time oxygen user at night, how do I know that I’m using my oxygen therapy correctly?
A. To ensure that you are using your oxygen therapy correctly, you will need to know your prescribed nocturnal liter flow. If you are unsure of this, please contact your MD as settings may change at rest, with activity, and during sleep. On your concentrator, you will adjust the knob so that the ball is eye level with you and the number prescribed. You will then put on your nasal cannula with the prongs angled towards you, and only wear while sleeping (since you were prescribed oxygen at night).
Q. How do you balance having tubing that’s long enough to go through the house but also avoid it getting tangled up in your feet and walker?
A. While walking and wearing your oxygen, it’s best to hold a portion of the tubing closest to your body in one hand to avoid your feet and walker from getting tangled.
Q. Is there a way to be certain that my portable oxygen concentrator is delivering oxygenated air and not just blowing air?
A. Yes, but this can only be observed from a technician and/or Respiratory therapist. They will need to put the portable concentrator in auto pulse mode and check the purity with an oxygen analyzer. Also, Concentrators are normally equipped with an internal analyzer that will alarm if the oxygen purity drops below an acceptable level. If you're concerned about your portable oxygen concentrator not delivering oxygenated air as prescribed, please call your local Apria branch to schedule a check.
Do you have a question for our Respiratory Therapists to be answered in a future email?
We want to hear from you!
