You and Oxygen Therapy

Animation - 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.

Slide Show - 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 slide show 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.
Click through 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.

Animation - 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.

Slide Show - 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 slide show 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. Click through 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.

Animation - 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.

Slide Show - 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 slide show 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. Click through 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.

Animation - 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.

Slide Show - 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 slide show 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.

Expert Video - What are the overall goals of oxygen therapy?

Jerry Krishnan, MD, PhD, of the University of Illinois at Chicago, explains the overall goals of oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy provides you with extra oxygen to help your lungs deliver the right amount of oxygen for the other organs in your body to function at their best. If you have a lung problem such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you might have low oxygen levels and need extra oxygen. Dr. Krishnan explains how oxygen therapy can help you breathe better and do the things you want and need to do, and the importance of talking to your doctor to determine whether oxygen therapy can help relieve symptoms of not getting enough oxygen.

Expert Video - What should people know about their oxygen prescription?

Dr. Jerry Krishnan of the University of Illinois at Chicago talks about the three key topics to discuss with your doctor when you have a prescription for supplemental oxygen: when will you need to use oxygen, how much oxygen will you need, and what equipment will you need? Learn terms for different oxygen delivery systems such as continuous flow and on-demand oxygen therapy, portable versus stationary oxygen concentrators, and when an oxygen tank might be right for you.

Expert Video - How can people get the oxygen therapy that best meets their needs?

Lung specialist Jerry Krishnan, MD, PhD, of the University of Illinois at Chicago explains how people can get the oxygen therapy that best meets their needs. He explains key questions and factors to discuss with your doctor and health care team. He recommends taking your oxygen equipment to your doctor's office or a respiratory clinic to have yourself tested and to learn if your oxygen system is providing enough support.

Expert Video - How can people adjust to everyday life with oxygen therapy?

Dr. Jerry Krishnan of the University of Illinois at Chicago discusses how to talk with your doctor, nurse, and respiratory therapist, about your daily oxygen needs, including walking, going outside, sleeping, and general activity level with oxygen. You can advocate for oxygen therapy equipment that fits your lifestyle and level of activity and learn to adjust its settings to help you feel your best.

Expert Video - How can nurses and patients work together to optimize oxygen therapy?

Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, of Stanford University, explains various ways that nurses and patients can work together to optimize oxygen therapy. She recommends asking a nurse manager who is an expert in oxygen therapy how to make the most of your oxygen prescription. She explains what to bring to your appointment, including your oxygen equipment. She tells you who besides your nurse you can ask for help, when to call the company that supplies your oxygen therapy equipment, and when you should call for equipment to be fixed. Is your equipment too heavy or complicated? Susan Jacobs explains how communication, even about simple things in oxygen therapy, can help you make the most of your oxygen prescription so you can be as healthy as possible.

Expert Video - How do patients get started on oxygen therapy? What is the process?

Do you need oxygen? Do you have a pulse oximeter to check your oxygen saturation during activity or while resting? Testing is the first step in learning if oxygen therapy could help you. Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, explains the 6-minute walk test, what oxygen level qualifies you to receive supplemental oxygen, and what exercise oximetry is. She discusses the differences between portable oxygen tanks and concentrators, how your durable medical equipment company and insurance company work together to provide equipment, and more. She also tells you how to check if you are getting enough oxygen and when you may need further testing.

Expert Video - How can patients work with their healthcare team to monitor their health and oxygen needs?

Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, a nurse specializing in oxygen therapy, tells you how support from family, friends, and the multidisciplinary care team can help you thrive even when you need supplemental oxygen. She discusses the importance of staying mobile, which activities may be possible with oxygen therapy, and why working with your health care team can help you do as much as possible of what you want.

Expert Video - What myths or misinformation is there online about oxygen therapy?

Myths about oxygen therapy are out there. Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, talks about whether you can get addicted to supplemental oxygen, what the fire risks really are, and how to be a savvy shopper when looking at oxygen therapy options online. She explains that talking to your doctor is essential before choosing an oxygen therapy device, no matter what the marketing says, and why your oxygen device should be FDA approved.

Patient Video - Jean's story: How did you get started using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2000 and has been using oxygen off and on since 2002. When she first found out she needed oxygen therapy, she was not experiencing shortness of breath or symptoms. However, her doctor insisted that she start using oxygen therapy after a pulse oximeter test revealed low levels of oxygen in her blood. Jean also describes what it was like when she first started using oxygen.

Patient Video - Karen's story: How has oxygen therapy helped to improve your health?

Patient advocate, Karen, shares how she has used oxygen therapy to improve her health. Karen has used oxygen therapy for many years for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and uses it when sleeping, on exertion, at altitude, and during exercise.

Patient Video - Jean's story: What benefits have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, discusses the benefits she has experienced since she started using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oxygen therapy has made it easier and more comfortable for her to walk and has helped her feel better and manage her shortness of breath while moving around.

Patient Video - Karen's story: What benefits have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, discusses the biggest benefits she has experienced from using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She can climb stairs while using her oxygen therapy, goes on shopping trips with her friends, and enjoys many other significant improvements in her quality of life that she was not able to have before.

Patient Video - Jean's story: What challenges have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, talks about some of the challenges she has experienced over the years using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She strongly believes there is no reason to be embarrassed about wearing oxygen in public and shares strategies for overcoming challenges. She talks about her weight loss journey which significantly improved her health, and shares advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

Patient Video - Karen's story: What challenges have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, talks about some of the challenges she has experienced using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She shares advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

Expert Video - Why might someone with COPD need oxygen therapy?

Jerry Krishnan, MD, PhD, an expert on lung disease from the University of Illinois at Chicago, explains how having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make it hard to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream and why oxygen therapy can help. He talks about activities that might require oxygen therapy, oxygen during sleep, and the importance of early COPD diagnosis. Dr. Krishnan also explains why improving the air you breathe can help slow COPD and help you be as healthy as possible.

Expert Video - How does someone with COPD know if their oxygen therapy is “working” for them?

Is your oxygen therapy helping your COPD? Dr. Jerry Krishnan of the University of Illinois of Chicago explains how you can tell and why shortness of breath doesn't tell the whole story. He explains the two main ways to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood (pulse oximeter and arterial blood gas), how skin color can affect the results, and which gives the most accurate results. Dr. Krishnan explains where to place a pulse oximeter on your body and why an arterial blood gas test is the gold standard to determine whether your oxygen level is low.

Expert Video - What is interstitial lung disease (ILD)?

Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, a nurse specializing in lung disease and oxygen therapy, explains what interstitial lung disease, or ILD, is and how many different conditions can damage the lungs in this way. She describes what pulmonary fibrosis is, and the causes of interstitial lung disease in general, including exposure, immune system disorders, and idiopathic (unknown) origin.

Expert Video - Why might someone with interstitial lung disease (ILD) need oxygen therapy?

Having interstitial lung disease, especially pulmonary fibrosis, can lead to the need for oxygen therapy. Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, explains what happens when you breathe in that keeps oxygen molecules from getting into the bloodstream, and how a simple test with a finger clip pulse oximeter can measure the lack of oxygen in the blood due to interstitial lung disease.

Expert Video - How does someone with ILD know if their oxygen therapy is “working” for them?

A pulse oximeter is one tool to help measure how well your oxygen therapy prescription is working. Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, explains how to check your oxygen level during activities and when to call your doctor. She also explains how your energy level, heart rate, and comfort when breathing can be clues to how well your oxygen therapy is working and why shortness of breath is not always the best way to measure effectiveness.

Expert Video - How do doctors determine who needs oxygen therapy after hospitalization?

You may go home with oxygen therapy after a hospital stay. Dr. Jerry Krishnan of the University of Illinois at Chicago explains how a breathing attack in the hospital can affect your need for oxygen therapy and how bronchitis or pneumonia can affect you. He also explains why hospital staff always check the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream when you arrive, what qualifies as low oxygen, what treatments and medications may be given, how long you might need oxygen therapy, as well as considerations for when you are ready to go home.

Expert Video - If a person needs oxygen after hospitalization, will they always need to use oxygen?

Jerry Krishnan, MD, PhD, explains whether going home from the hospital after a COPD attack means you will always need oxygen therapy. Based on studies, patients can typically stop using oxygen therapy at 30, 60, or 90 days after leaving the hospital, however, about 50% of patients will still need oxygen therapy after 90 days. Dr. Krishnan says it is difficult to predict and explains how a respiratory therapist, visiting nurse, or other health care provider can help you manage your breathing and determine if you need to keep using supplemental oxygen.

Expert Video - How do people arrange oxygen therapy in their homes?

Your doctor may not be an expert at setting up home oxygen therapy. So who can help? Dr. Jerry Krishnan of the University of Illinois at Chicago explains how your doctor develops a personalized oxygen prescription to fit your needs, the role of a respiratory therapist or a nurse, what a home medical equipment company can do for you, and how the members of your health care team communicate and work together to arrange oxygen therapy in your home.

Expert Video - What advice do you have for people using oxygen on how to effectively work with their healthcare team?

Jerry Krishnan, MD, PhD, a specialist in lung care from the University of Illinois at Chicago, explains what a center of excellence in respiratory care is and how your doctor, nurse, and respiratory therapist can help you work with a home health and medical equipment company if you use oxygen. Dr. Krishnan explains the importance of continually working with your health care team and why good communication is the key to getting effective and safe oxygen therapy.

Expert Video - What other conditions require oxygen therapy, other than COPD?

You may need supplemental oxygen even if you don't have COPD. Or you may have COPD and need oxygen therapy for reasons besides a flare-up. Dr. Jerry Krishnan of the University of Illinois at Chicago explains how pneumonia can lead to a need for oxygen therapy and who may need oxygen as part of COVID treatment. He also discusses other types of lung disease and heart problems that could require oxygen therapy and the ways to know if you need supplemental oxygen.

Expert Video - What advice do you have for someone who is new to oxygen therapy?

Jerry Krishnan, MD, PhD, of the University of Illinois at Chicago, gives advice if you need oxygen therapy to live a healthy life. How can educating yourself, working with an organization that specializes in helping people with lung disorders, and thinking of oxygen as a medication help you? Do you need checkups with a lung specialist? Dr. Krishnan discusses reasons to stay positive and keep oxygen therapy in perspective as a tool to help yourself live as well as possible.

Expert Video - What are some general health tips for people on oxygen therapy?

How can you stay well when you have lung disease and use oxygen? Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, discusses the importance of avoiding infections, keeping up with vaccinations, and more. Learn what a healthy weight and nutritious diet for COPD and other lung conditions are, how to reach your doctor and other health care team members, and who should be on your personal support team.

Expert Video - Which in-person or online support groups can help people on oxygen, and their caregivers?

Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, reviews online support groups available through many organizations for lung disease, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis. She also discusses available support groups in person, by phone, and in languages other than English. Are you a support person for someone using oxygen therapy? You may not consider yourself a caregiver, but family and friends of people who use oxygen can benefit from caregiver resources.

Expert Video - What are some best practices for exercising with oxygen therapy?

Does oxygen therapy prevent exercising? Should you exercise if you use supplemental oxygen? Susan Jacobs, RN, MSN, FAAN, explains the importance of exercising with oxygen therapy even if you have chronic lung disease. Learn what pulmonary rehabilitation ("pulmonary rehab") is, how staying active can help you breathe more easily and boost your mood, and how you can build endurance over time. Building muscle tone, increasing flexibility, and training with weights can all be part of a routine to improve how you feel.

Patient Video - Jean's story: Which oxygen therapy support networks have you found useful?

Patient advocate, Jean, talks about the support system she leans on to help her navigate her oxygen therapy journey, including her living community, professional network, and friends. She shares her experiences and advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

Patient Video - Jean's story: What advice do you have for air travel with oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, recounts her experiences using oxygen therapy during air travel and shares useful tips and points to consider when traveling with oxygen. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device while traveling.

Patient Video - Karen's story: What advice do you have for air travel with oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, discusses her experiences and shares practical tips for air travel while using a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). She talks about the importance of making arrangements with the airline well ahead of time, packing extra batteries, and carrying an oximeter during travel. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device while traveling.

Patient Video - Jean's story: What are some tips for using oxygen safely at home?

Patient advocate, Jean, discusses her experiences and shares practical tips for using oxygen therapy safely at home. She talks about keeping away from heat and flame, running your cannula down your back when cooking with a gas stove, using a curling iron carefully, and other safety considerations. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device.

Patient Video - Karen's story: What safety issues should people watch out for with oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, discusses a few specific safety issues to watch out for with oxygen therapy and shares tips for using oxygen safely while exercising and cooking with a gas stove. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device.

Patient Video - Jean's story: What advice can you share for people who are new to oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, discusses what she would share with people who are new to using oxygen therapy. She talks about the purpose and function of oxygen therapy and strongly recommends learning as much as you can about optimal oxygen usage, the equipment that is available, and how the equipment works. She shares advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

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