Our veteran clinicians share their tips for success for oxygen therapy
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Today's Clinician
Lekisha Reed
Lekisha helps our CPAP and Respiratory patients in the Clarksville, TN area and has been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for 15 years. Lekisha is a mom to two wonderful sons and when she's not at work, she enjoys spending her time with her children and husband.
RESPIRATORY
Q. Can the portable oxygen that you carry on your shoulder be out in the sun for a few hours? Can I wear it to the pool (not go in the water obviously)?
A. The short answer is yes, you can wear it to the pool for a few hours. Portable oxygen concentrators are impacted by extreme heat though so do be aware of how long you are outside and look for signs that your machine is overheating. The signs would be a lot of heat coming off of your machine, an unusually loud noise or vibration coming from your machine, alarms or errors messages, or if the concentrator automatically shuts off.
If you're going to go outside on a hot sunny day, a safe bet is to try and sit in the shade to avoid direct sunlight.
Q. I'm going on a cruise and use an oxygen concentrator. Will I have to bring my own or does the cruise line have oxygen concentrators that they can provide their guests?
A. You will have to bring your own oxygen source. It's recommended to bring extra, fully-charged batteries with you and to check with your cruise ship line if there are any other requirements for bringing supplemental oxygen.
For more information: Traveling with oxygen.
Q. I use my oxygen all day so why do I need a CPAP to sleep? Isn’t my oxygen machine the same as a CPAP machine?
A. No, your oxygen therapy will not provide the same treatment as CPAP therapy. Oxygen therapy helps people with low oxygen levels in their bloodstream by providing them with oxygen-enriched air. CPAP therapy is for people who experience collapsed airways during sleep. CPAP provides pressurized air that is enough pressure to keep the airways open so that they can continue breathing during sleep.
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