Home Oxygen Safety
(cont.)
Our freeline tubing is crush resistant, but
please always be vigilant that it does not
become kinked, trapped under furniture or
under a door, and that it remains connected to
your oxygen supply at all times.
If you use a static concentrator, your technician
will install a firebreak in the tubing. This will
make it safer in the event of a fire by stopping
the flame burning along the oxygen tubing and
towards the concentrator. You must
NEVER
remove the firebreak from the tubing but if it
does become disconnected, you can refit it
again. If your firebreak has a blue directional
arrow printed on it,
ALWAYS
ensure the arrow
on the firebreak points in the direction of
oxygen flow.
Your nasal cannulae and/or face masks should
be kept as clean as possible. Please check
the tubing regularly for signs of damage such
as splits and kinking and follow this advice for
maintaining them. You may wish to keep a note
of the cannulae size or product number so you
can easily re-order.
Oxygen Masks
Oxygen masks should be cleaned regularly
in hot soapy water, rinsed and then air dried
before use (do not dry with a towel/cloth). Any
mask with a reservoir bag attached should
NEVER
be submerged in water. Masks can
last approximately 6 months with regular
cleaning.
They should be changed when used for the
following hours per day:
l
0-12 hours change every year
l
12-24 hours change every 6 months
Nasal Cannulae
Your child’s cannulae can easily become
blocked by nasal secretions and mucus,
especially if they have a cold. Over time
nasal cannulae will become hard/brittle if not
changed and may cause nasal irritation and
discomfort.
The tips of the nasal cannulae can be
wiped with a warm soapy cloth, but
NEVER
submerge them in water because water
droplets can find their way into the tubing and
increase the risk of chest infections. Please
change your cannulae on the advice of your
healthcare professional – advice can depend
on your clinical condition but on average
it should be changed when used for the
following hours per day:
l
0-12 hours change every 2 months
l
12-24 hours change every month
Oxygen and dryness
Your child may experience some drying in
their nose and throat when they first start
using home oxygen. This can ease over time,
however if it is a problem, staying adequately
hydrated can help, together with regular mouth
and nose care (with suitable water-based
products). Please contact your healthcare
professional for further advice.
Nasal Cannulae Fitting
Secure your child’s nasal cannulae as you
have been advised to do so by your healthcare
professional. We can supply Tender Grips
(small stickers) on request, enough to last
between visits, to help secure the tubing to
your child’s face.
11
Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide
