Oxygen Accessories
Oxygen accessories are a vital part of your oxygen systems and
will include pulse oximeters, flow regulators, cannulas and carrying devices as well as oxygen accessories for
concentrators, tanks and cylinders.
Portable Oxygen
Accessories
Most people who depend on supplemental oxygen will also need and want to recover their mobility -
their ability to move about and remain active.
Portable oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen tanks and cylinders are available for them. However as with so
many other things in life, you must have additional items to make everything work.
In the case of portable oxygen systems, this means oxygen supplies and oxygen accessories of different
types.
The range of oxygen accessories can be daunting at first, - so many things to think about and some
of these come with peculiar names. However the reasons behind these oxygen products are to make life easier for
patients that have respiratory problems and must receive additional oxygen.
One way of keeping things simple is to classify these oxygen supplies and although not every single item
is necessary, they do make life easier.
Oxygen Conserving Devises, Oxygen Regulators and Flow
Meters
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Oxygen Conserving Devises (OCD) or Demand
Oxygen Delivery Systems (DODS)
The idea behind an oxygen conserving devise is to provide oxygen as you need it. The other option is a
continuous flow which means that oxygen is delivered at a steady, continuous rate.
As nobody inhales constantly (the breathing process implies both inhalation and exhalation)
oxygen is wasted with a continuous flow. For oxygen tanks and oxygen cylinders that hold a limited amount of
oxygen (they are both oxygen storage systems) when not using a conserving devise, oxygen lasts less time and
the container is depleted that much faster.
The major benefit of an oxygen conserving device, also known as a Demand Oxygen
Delivery. System is that it extends the time that the oxygen lasts. Therefore there are
economic advantages (less wasted oxygen equals less refilling costs) and this provide the patient with more
time to practice a greater range of activities and this can be much more important for the well being of the
patient and his or her quality of life.
The way they work is that they are synchronized with your breathing and allow the release of
oxygen as you breathe in.
These meters measure the amount of oxygen that is being delivered to the patient. They are attached to
the oxygen delivery unit, be it an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen tank or an oxygen cylinders. This can be to
either a portable oxygen unit or a stationary of home machine.
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Oxygen Regulators | Oxygen Flow Regulators
As the name implies an oxygen regulator, regulates the pressure at which the oxygen is delivered. Anyone
prescribed with supplemental oxygen will be given instructions by their physician as to how much oxygen they
should receive and how often.
Typically this will be an indication of how many liters per minute during normal day to day
activities. Also at night if there are any changes or when exercising. The oxygen regulator is set to the
delivery system at the amount (pressure) required.
Oximeters
These are devices that measure the amount of oxygen saturation in the blood - the normal saturation is
between 95% and 100%. As handy, portable units, they are easily used so that patients can monitor their oxygen
saturation.
Although they only read the oxygen in the blood (and therefore ignoring the amount of CO2) they
are very practical on a day to day basis, especially as more and more people are able to maintain a healthier
level of activities and are less dependent on continuous clinic visits.
Tubing, Nose Cannulas and Face Masks
Another set of articles that are needed are those which direct the oxygen supply. These are nose
cannulas, face masks and the tubing through which the oxygen flows.
A plastic hollow tube that is connected from the tank, cylinder or concentrator, to the mask or nose
cannula. It can vary in length allowing for a certain amount of mobility, however they should not be
excessive in length as kinks and knots can develop, impeding the oxygen flow.
As shown in the image, these are placed on the nose cavity and usually with the tubing extended round the
ears to hold in place.
An alternative to the nose cannula allowing the oxygen to flow and be inhales through the mouth.
These are not indispensable but definitely help, especially in the long run as the tubing can cause
discomfort and soreness.
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Oxygen Tubing Swivel Connectors
Again these are not indispensable but can come in handy. Simple put they allow for extra tubing to be
added, eliminating problems relating to knots, twists, tangling and kinks in the tubing.
Oxygen Humidifiers
Mainly for oxygen concentrators and these provide moisture as the dry oxygen can cause discomfort.
Oxygen Bags, Carts and Packs
There are many alternatives, both purposefully made and made to measure. In this category you will find
both oxygen carts to carry tanks and cylinders; stands for your oxygen machine, and finally different types of
carrier bags, including shoulder and back packs.
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