Animations

Module 1: Using Your Stationary Oxygen Concentrator

Using Your Stationary Oxygen Concentrator

If you have a lung problem such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you might have low oxygen levels. If so, you may need oxygen therapy to help you breathe better and do the things you want and need to do. Oxygen therapy is given using special equipment. This animation tells you about using a stationary oxygen concentrator. A stationary oxygen concentrator is a machine that turns room air into oxygen. You breathe in the oxygen through a tube that connects from the machine to a device you wear in your nose or over your nose and mouth. A stationary concentrator is also called a home or standard oxygen concentrator. It stays in one place but has wheels so it can be moved inside the home. It plugs into the wall and runs on electricity.
Watch to learn how stationary oxygen concentrators work, their parts, and how to use them effectively and safely. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen equipment.

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Module 2: Using Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Using Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you have a lung problem such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you might have low oxygen levels. If so, you may need extra oxygen, or oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is given using special equipment. This animation tells you about using a portable oxygen concentrator. A portable oxygen concentrator is small and usually light enough to carry. It can help provide you with extra oxygen (oxygen therapy) while you are outside of the house. It is powered by a battery so it can be used while away by plugging into power outlets. Watch to learn how portable oxygen concentrators work, their parts, travel tips, and how to use them effectively and safely. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen equipment.

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Module 3: Using Oxygen Tanks

Using Oxygen Tanks

If you have a lung problem such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you might have low oxygen levels. If so, you may need extra oxygen, or oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is given using special equipment. This animation tells you about using an oxygen tank, also known as an oxygen cylinder. An oxygen tank is a metal cylinder filled with compressed oxygen. Oxygen tanks come in both large and small sizes. The large ones usually stay in one place, such as your home. The smaller ones are portable. You can roll them around with you or even carry them in a backpack. Watch to learn how oxygen tanks work, their parts, and how to use them effectively and safely. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen equipment.

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Module 4: Using Oxygen Safely

Using Oxygen Safely

If you have a lung problem such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you might have low oxygen levels. If so, you may need extra oxygen, or oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is given using special equipment (stationary oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, and oxygen tanks). This animation tells you about using oxygen safely, including keeping a backup source of oxygen in case of emergency, travel tips, fire prevention tips, safe storage, and more. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen equipment.

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This educational activity has been developed by American Thoracic Society, COPD Foundation and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The visuals provided are meant to be representations only. No specific brand of oxygen equipment is being promoted or endorsed.

This activity is supported by educational grants from:
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Gawlicki Family Foundation

Thank you to the funders of You And Oxygen Therapy. All content is developed independently by the American Thoracic Society, COPD Foundation, and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc. in collaboration with an Expert Faculty group; funders are allowed no influence on the content of You And Oxygen Therapy.

This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.