Oxygen delivery systems
Oxygen can be delivered in several ways:
- Concentrators, which take oxygen from the air, are the least expensive but are electrically powered and fairly heavy [about 13.5 kg (30 lb)]. This makes them difficult to carry.
- Cylinders of compressed or pressurized oxygen gas come in several sizes. The largest are too heavy to move around. Smaller cylinders can be carried and provide about 5 hours of oxygen.
- Liquid oxygen is more expensive than compressed oxygen gas, but the containers weigh less, contain more oxygen, and are more convenient to use. Liquid oxygen, however, is more flammable and potentially more hazardous.
Oxygen can be given using a flexible plastic tube inserted in the nostrils (nasal cannula), a face mask, or a tube inserted into the windpipe (transtracheal cannula).
- The nasal cannula gives you the greatest freedom for moving around and talking. However, this method may be more expensive than other devices because of oxygen lost to the air. The amount of oxygen actually inhaled may be less than with other methods of delivery.
- A face mask is less portable and gets in the way of talking and eating.
- The transtracheal cannula requires creation of a small opening in the neck leading to the windpipe (tracheostomy). The transtracheal cannula is not as easily seen, wastes less oxygen, and does not dry out the nose (which can occur with a nasal cannula). A transtracheal cannula requires more care and has a greater risk for infection.
Selecting the type of oxygen supply should be based on your ability to move around. People who seldom leave the house may find an oxygen concentrator gives the best combination of convenience and cost.
With all oxygen delivery systems, do not use oxygen around lit cigarettes or an open flame because the risk of fire or explosion is high. If you or those who care for you smoke, oxygen therapy may not be a good option.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 28, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology | |
 | ||
| |