T y p i c a l Q u e s t i o n s & A n s w e r s
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T y p i c a l Q u e s t i o n s & A n s w e r s
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Q. Why can’t I use a cannula which is longer than 35 feet?
A.
The PulseDose triggering is not significantly affected by the cannula
length, but the delivery of oxygen is affected. If the cannula is longer
than 35 feet, the pulse of oxygen is delayed. Remember the therapeutic
moment during the inhalation cycle. If the oxygen is not delivered during
this time, the benefits will not be realized.
Q. I’ve always used humidifiers with oxygen. Should I use a humidifier
with PulseDose?
A.
No. PulseDose is not able to sense inhalation through the water in the
humidifier. Also, many patients find that humidification is not necessary
with PulseDose. They find that PulseDose improves comfort because it
delivers a very small amount of oxygen during the early part of
inhalation, while the rest of the inhalation is composed of normal room
air.
Q. When I’m breathing faster, I don’t get a pulse with each breath.
Don’t I need a dose every time?
A.
Because PulseDose breathes with the patient, it has an upper limit (40
Breaths Per Minute) that keeps you from getting too much oxygen. When
breathing slowly, you receive a dose with every breath. As breath rate
increases (up to 40 BPM) PulseDose still delivers a dose with every
breath. At this point, you are getting more oxygen per minute because
each pulse delivers the same amount of oxygen with each breath while
the number of breaths has increased. With continuous flow oxygen, the
oxygen delivered is constant. As you breathe faster, the enrichment of
inhalations actually decreases because each breath is being diluted with
a greater amount of room air.
Q. Why is my conserving device beeping every three seconds?
A.
The PulseDose conserving device will beep if breathing is not sensed
while the device is on. This could be affected by the cannula position or
mouth breathing/shallow breathing.
Q. How does PulseDose work? How does it know when I’m inhaling?
A.
When inhaling, your diaphragm moves down and causes a drop in
pressure in the lungs. Air flows in through the nose and mouth to
equalize the pressure. This negative pressure is also present at the nose
and mouth during inhalation. This pressure signal travels through the
nasal cannula to a pressure sensor in the PulseDose conserving device.
An electronic circuit then opens an electrical valve to deliver a precisely
metered dose of oxygen. When the valve is closed, the sensor is ready to
detect the next inhalation.
Q. The pulse seems so short. Am I really getting enough oxygen?
A.
Yes. PulseDose delivers a precise burst of oxygen at a relatively high flow
rate at the leading edge of each inhalation. This assures that the oxygen
delivered flows deep into the lungs for maximum benefit. PulseDose
requires less oxygen to deliver the same therapeutic benefit as
continuous flow oxygen delivery.
Q. I can’t hear the pulse. Is PulseDose working?
A.
If the pulse can’t be heard, simply look at the green PulseDose indicator to
see that the device is being triggered by inhalation. For further assurance,
hold the end of the cannula in front of your lips while inhaling through
your mouth and feel the pulse. PulseDose does not monitor the supply of
oxygen. Remember to check the oxygen contents gauge periodically to
verify that there is an adequate oxygen supply. If the oxygen supply runs
out, the green PulseDose indicator light will continue to illuminate,
indicating that the conserving device is being triggered by inhalation.
