Oxygen delivery systems are specialized medical setups designed to provide supplemental oxygen to individuals who cannot obtain enough oxygen from breathing ambient air. These systems include various devices and supply sources that work together to enhance oxygen levels in a person’s blood. The goal of this therapy is to ensure the body’s cells receive adequate oxygen, supporting essential bodily functions and preventing complications from low oxygen saturation.
When Oxygen Therapy is Needed
Oxygen therapy becomes necessary when medical conditions prevent the body from absorbing or utilizing enough oxygen. Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), frequently necessitate supplemental oxygen due to damaged airways and restricted airflow. Patients with severe COPD often require long-term, sometimes continuous, oxygen therapy to improve their quality of life and increase survival rates.
Acute respiratory distress, pneumonia, and severe asthma attacks also warrant oxygen administration to support breathing and maintain adequate blood oxygen levels. Heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, can lead to low blood oxygen, making supplemental oxygen beneficial. Sleep apnea, a condition disrupting breathing during sleep, often requires oxygen therapy delivered through devices like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to ensure steady oxygen flow. Infections like COVID-19 can severely compromise lung function, making oxygen therapy a supportive treatment to maintain adequate oxygenation.
Devices for Oxygen Delivery
A range of devices delivers oxygen, tailored to a patient’s specific needs and required flow rate. Nasal cannulas are a common choice for mild to moderate hypoxia, delivering oxygen through two prongs placed in the nostrils at flow rates between 1 and 6 liters per minute (L/min). This device allows individuals to speak and eat while receiving oxygen.
Simple face masks are used for mild to moderate hypoxia, providing oxygen concentrations between 30% and 40% at flow rates from 5 to 10 L/min. These masks cover both the nose and mouth, secured with an elastic strap. Non-rebreather masks are designed for moderate to severe hypoxia, delivering higher oxygen concentrations, up to 70% at 15 L/min, by utilizing a reservoir bag and one-way valves to minimize room air entrainment.
Venturi masks offer precise control over the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), delivering concentrations from 24% to 60%. These masks use color-coded jets or adjustable ports to mix oxygen with room air, making them suitable for conditions like COPD where careful oxygen titration is important. High-flow nasal cannulas (HFNC) provide heated and humidified oxygen at high flow rates, up to 60 L/min for adults. HFNC systems improve functional residual capacity and mucociliary clearance, which can reduce the work of breathing.
Sources of Oxygen Supply
Oxygen for medical use originates from several distinct sources, each suited for different settings and patient needs. Compressed gas cylinders, often called oxygen tanks, store oxygen under high pressure. These portable tanks are useful for individuals needing mobile oxygen or as a temporary supply, such as during transport in a hospital. They do not require electricity for operation.
Liquid oxygen systems store oxygen in a cryogenic, liquid form at very low temperatures. These systems are frequently used when high flow rates or larger supplies are needed, typically involving stationary reservoirs at home that are refilled by a professional supplier.
Oxygen concentrators extract oxygen directly from the surrounding air through a process called pressure swing adsorption (PSA). These devices filter out nitrogen and other gases, yielding high-purity oxygen, around 95.5% concentration. Available as stationary units for continuous home use or portable versions for mobility, concentrators offer a continuous and cost-effective oxygen supply without the need for tank refills.
Safe Oxygen Use and Monitoring
Using oxygen delivery systems safely requires adherence to specific precautions to prevent hazards, particularly fire. Oxygen itself is not flammable, but it significantly supports combustion, meaning materials burn more intensely in an oxygen-rich environment. Keep oxygen units and tubing at least six feet away from heat sources, open flames, and electrical appliances. “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs should be prominently displayed.
Certain products should be avoided when using oxygen, including aerosol sprays, petroleum-based jellies, or oil-based lotions, as these can be highly flammable. Water-based lubricants are recommended for moisturizing the nose and lips. Oxygen equipment should be stored properly; liquid oxygen units should remain upright, and tanks or concentrators should not be stored in enclosed spaces. Ensure proper airflow around concentrators by keeping them away from walls or curtains.
Monitoring oxygen levels is important to ensure correct delivery and prevent complications. Pulse oximetry, a common non-invasive method, measures blood oxygen saturation, aiming for 94-96% for most patients, or 88-92% for those at risk of carbon dioxide retention. Safe use also includes regular equipment inspection for damage, checking flow rates, and maintaining proper hygiene of devices like nasal prongs and humidifier bottles. Professional guidance from healthcare providers and oxygen suppliers is important for personalized instructions.