Oxygen therapy is a highly beneficial way to deal with most respiratory conditions. On the other hand, it’s also important that you’re safe while doing so or you can put yourself and others in danger. Indeed, oxygen is a safe, non-flammable gas; however, it can be subject to combustion as objects within the vicinity can ignite faster. Be preventive and take the extra steps you need to make sure you and others are safe when using oxygen concentrators.
Home Oxygen Safety Checklist
Checklists help us ensure we have every task in any chore completed, to create a home oxygen checklist. A checklist will help you cross off all the safety measure you took so that you or your loved one can be safe while using their home oxygen concentrator. Some safety precautions to include on the checklist are:
- Keep a “No Smoking” sign on the oxygen concentrator and every room it’s being used in to prevent any incidents. There are dangers of smoking around portable oxygen concentrators. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 89% of fire and home oxygen-related deaths are due to smoking.1 The AirSep VisionAire 5 LPM home oxygen concentrator, for example, is large enough to put a “No Smoking” sign noticeable enough to see.
- Use your home oxygen concentrator in a well-ventilated area. Oxygen tends to accumulate within a closed in area if proper ventilation isn’t available. Also, take care not to drape clothing or any other fabric over the oxygen concentrator to ensure there are no blockages around it. Oxygen concentrators like the Respironics SimplyFlo are built to last, but you wouldn’t want it damaged from lack of ventilation over time.
- Use ONLY lotions, creams, or any home care products that do NOT contain petroleum. Petroleum is susceptible to combustion when in the presence of oxygen. Lightweight portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G4 can be taken just about anywhere, so warn others to not use petroleum products when you’re out and about.
If you have any further concerns or questions on how to be safe while on oxygen therapy, reach out to our professionals here at Oxygen Always to learn more.
Sources:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Fatal Fires Associated with Smoking During Long-Term Oxygen Therapy — Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma, 2000–2007
At Oxygen Always, our oxygen therapy specialists strive to provide better quality of life with our premium stationary, portable, and pre-owned oxygen concentrators. Our company focuses respiratory health services to deliver exceptional oxygen therapy at home. Our priorities extend to more than just oxygen concentrators, but to remarkable customer support to find the best oxygen concentrator for your specific needs. If you are looking for top-quality pre-owned, home, or portable oxygen concentrators, contact our specialists today!
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