Things To Keep In Mind When Using Oxygen at Home

Laura Castricone, CRT Article published Jul 31, 2021 Article updated Sep 06, 2023

Oxygen is a legendary drug and is regulated by the FDA it is by prescription only.
Medical grade oxygen is not the same as industrial grade oxygen
No smoking or open flames within 5 feet of oxygen source
If you need to cook with your oxygen, you may need to remove it from your face to prevent the flame from following the oxygen stream.
Oxygen is not combustible but it will accelerate a flame and make a fire bigger.
Always post “no smoking” signs on your front and back doors. This is not just to notify people coming to your home that oxygen is in use, but to let the fire dept. know where oxygen is in the case of a fire.
If you must smoke, you will need to remove your oxygen and keep it off for about 15 mins before you light up. It takes that long for the residual oxygen to be gone from your system and from clothing, bedding, and other fabrics.
Follow your doctor’s prescription (do not change how much you are prescribed to use or how often you are supposed to use it)
Have a backup plan in case of a power failure (i.e.: extra cylinders, battery-operated system, go to someone’s home that has electricity, or go to ED)
Never use petroleum products with oxygen (i.e.: Vaseline, Chapstick, or any other item on your face that has an oil base)
Store oxygen cylinders safely (lying down under a bed/dresser or in a rack)
Change your nasal cannula every week or sooner if needed. If using humidity with your oxygen, change the water every day and only use distilled water
As with all prescriptions, never share your oxygen with anyone and keep away from children.
Ask any questions you or your family may have about your oxygen therapy to your healthcare provider

Author Profile: Laura Castricone, Respiratory Therapist

Laura Castricone (Certified Respiratory Therapist)

My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.

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Laura Castricone, CRT

My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory ...

Things To Keep In Mind When Using Oxygen at Home

Laura Castricone, CRT

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