How To Safely Perform Oxygen Therapy At Home And While Traveling
Many people take breathing normally for granted, but when you have an illness such as COPD, breathing can be difficult. Oxygen therapy is an effective way to breathe comfortably and place your blood oxygen levels at a healthy rate. Safely using oxygen, like that from Home Medix Inc, at home and while you travel is essential to your ongoing health.
Oxygen is flammable.
Oxygen tanks are very flammable, so make sure you do not smoke while you are using oxygen, and always store your tanks away from a heat source. Oxygen tanks should be stored in a cool, dry location away from stoves, fireplaces, heaters, and furnaces. Place a sign on your door that you have an oxygen tank in use (you can get a warning sign at a supply store or from your doctor), warning people not to smoke near your property for everyone's safety.
Hoses can pose a hazard.
Your nasal cannula or mask requires a hose to transfer oxygen from the tank so you can use it to breathe. These hoses can be very long, allowing you to be more portable in your own home. Be careful to keep hoses away from chair legs and tables, where they can easily get tangled. You can place reflective or neon tape along your hose to make it more visible so you and others do not trip on it. As a precaution, it's a good idea to have many hoses as a backup in case yours gets twisted, tangled, torn, or otherwise damaged.
Being on oxygen, even temporarily, can seem daunting. With a few safety precautions, you can breathe easier everywhere you go and have your oxygen with you.
Travel safely.
You can travel with your oxygen supply so long as your doctor deems you safe to do so. If you are going to be flying, call the airline ahead of time to make sure they provide masks. Many airlines will allow you to use your own nasal cannula, but will provide masks for you. To ensure that the airline has noted you are bringing oxygen on your flight, confirm your reservation a few days before takeoff to avoid hangups when you arrive.
Not all cruise ships are willing to take the liability of guests with oxygen, so make sure any cruise line you are considering knows of your medical needs beforehand. They may require a doctor's release that you are safe to travel and indeed need your oxygen on a regular basis before they will allow you on their ship. This practice is done for your own safety and for the safety of other passengers.
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