Home Oxygen Guide

Home Instructions

Simple instructions for using your home oxygen equipment safely, troubleshooting common problems, and knowing when to contact Bay View Homecare.

Using Oxygen at Home

Oxygen is a prescription medical gas that helps your body get the oxygen it needs.

Your healthcare provider will prescribe a specific oxygen flow rate, measured in liters per minute (LPM).

Important: Always use oxygen at the flow rate prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Do not increase or decrease your oxygen setting unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.

Oxygen Safety

Oxygen itself does not burn, but it can cause fires to ignite more easily and burn much faster.

Always follow these safety precautions:

• No smoking or open flames near oxygen equipment.
• Keep oxygen away from stoves, candles, fireplaces, heaters, and other heat sources.
• Keep electrical equipment at least 5 feet away from oxygen whenever possible.
• Do not use aerosol sprays near oxygen equipment.
• Avoid petroleum-based or oily lotions, creams, or hair products while using oxygen.
• Never put oil or grease on oxygen equipment or fittings.
• Keep oxygen tubing uncovered and free from obstructions.
• Turn oxygen off when it is not being used.
• Store oxygen in a well-ventilated area, never in a closet or other confined space.
• Secure oxygen cylinders so they cannot fall or roll.
• Never allow someone who has not been trained to adjust your oxygen equipment.
• Never attempt to repair oxygen equipment yourself.
• Keep oxygen away from radiators, heat ducts, steam pipes, and other heat sources.
• Open oxygen cylinder valves slowly.
• Never transport oxygen cylinders in the trunk of a vehicle.

If you have questions about the safe use of your oxygen equipment, contact Bay View Homecare.

Oxygen Concentrator Troubleshooting

Concentrator Will Not Turn On

• If your concentrator does not operate when you turn it on:
• Make sure the power cord is securely plugged into the wall.
• Try plugging the concentrator into a different electrical outlet.
• Check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box.
• If the unit uses a battery-powered alarm and the alarm is not working, contact Bay View Homecare.

Alarm Continues After Start-Up

• Some concentrators may alarm briefly while starting.
• If the alarm continues after the normal warm-up period:
• Make sure the concentrator is receiving electrical power.
• Try a different electrical outlet.
• Check your circuit breaker or fuse box.
• If your home has lost power, turn the concentrator off and use your prescribed backup oxygen supply.
• If power is available and the alarm continues, contact Bay View Homecare.

Concentrator Is Beeping

• If you hear an intermittent beep followed by a pause:
• Confirm the concentrator is plugged in properly.
• Try another electrical outlet.
• Check your circuit breaker or fuse box.
• Make sure your home has electrical power.
• If the alarm continues, contact Bay View Homecare.

Fan Is Running but Oxygen Is Not Flowing Normally

If the concentrator is running but you hear a continuous alarm or do not appear to be receiving normal oxygen flow:

• Try a different electrical outlet.
• Check that the flow meter is set to your prescribed LPM setting.
• Check the oxygen tubing for bends, kinks, or obstructions.
• Make sure nothing is sitting on or blocking the tubing.
• If you use a humidifier bottle, check that it is connected securely.
• Replace damaged tubing or the humidifier bottle if necessary.
• If the problem continues, contact Bay View Homecare.

Not Sure Oxygen Is Flowing?

Check that:

• The concentrator is turned on.
• The flow meter is set to your prescribed setting.
• The tubing is properly connected.
• The tubing is not kinked, pinched, or blocked.
• Your humidifier bottle, if used, is attached correctly.
• If you are still unsure whether your oxygen equipment is working properly, contact Bay View Homecare.

Cleaning Your Oxygen Concentrator

Regular cleaning helps keep your equipment working properly.

Air Intake Filter

• Wash the air intake filter approximately twice per week, or as instructed for your specific equipment.
• Remove the filter.
• Wash it with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Allow it to air dry completely before reinstalling it.

Concentrator Exterior

• Wipe the outside of the concentrator with a clean, slightly damp cloth or sponge.
• Do not attempt to open or repair the concentrator yourself. Contact Bay View Homecare.

Traveling With Oxygen

Planning ahead can make traveling with oxygen easier and safer.

• Secure oxygen equipment properly while traveling.
• Transport oxygen cylinders in the passenger compartment of the vehicle — never in the trunk.
• Keep the vehicle adequately ventilated while transporting oxygen.
• Keep oxygen away from cigarettes, vaping devices, flames, and heat sources.
• Bring more oxygen than you expect to need for your trip.

Contact Bay View Homecare before traveling if you need help planning for your oxygen needs.

Quick Oxygen Tips

Know Your Supply

A full oxygen cylinder is typically filled to approximately 2,000 PSI, depending on the cylinder and system.

Check your supply regularly and don’t wait until your last cylinder to request additional oxygen.

Bring Extra Oxygen

Even for short trips, make sure you have enough oxygen for unexpected delays.

Protect Your Tubing

Check tubing regularly for:

• Kinks
• Cracks
• Blockages
• Loose connections

Replace tubing as recommended or if it becomes damaged or uncomfortable.

Check Your Humidifier Bottle

If you use a humidifier bottle and oxygen does not appear to be flowing:

1. Make sure the bottle is tightened properly.
2. Check all tubing connections.
3. Make sure the tubing is not kinked.
4. Replace the humidifier bottle if necessary.

If the problem continues, contact Bay View Homecare.