Tips for more comfortable oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy is essential for many COPD patients. Though it is life-saving and offers many benefits, being on oxygen for hours at a time can cause some uncomfortable effects. Mouth(belt anti-mouth breath), nose and throat dryness are common. Some patients may also experience nosebleeds and skin irritation. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make oxygen therapy more comfortable. 

Use a built-in humidifier. A humidifier is a bottle attached to your oxygen concentrator. It contains distilled water which helps moisten the oxygen before it is inhaled. This allows lesser chances of your nasal passages, mouth and throat getting too dry from the oxygen. Remember to change the distilled water in your humidifier every one to two days to keep bacteria from building up and preventing any chances of respiratory infection. 

Try using a room humidifier.Additionally, you can also use a room humidifier to add moisture to the air around you. This especially helps when you are sleeping, allowing moist air to be inhaled even if you breathe through your mouth. Make sure to keep your room humidifier clean to prevent it from harboring any dust, mold or bacteria. 

Use a nasal spray.Nasal sprays can greatly help lessen the dryness felt inside your nose and throat. A lot of brands are commercially available and can relieve any dryness. These usually contain a saline solution, which replenishes the moisture on your nose and throat membranes. These sprays are packaged with a nozzle for convenient spraying into the nostrils. Follow the instructions and frequency of dosing on the package to effectively keep nasal irritation at bay. Make sure to also clean the nozzle with clean tissue after every use. 

Use a nasal gel or lubricating jelly. Nasal gels, as well as lubricating jellies, are also available from the pharmacy. These products help prevent the escape of moisture from your nasal passages, thus preventing crustiness and irritation. Apply a thin coating on the inside of your nostrils and below your nose using a clean finger or cotton swab. You can apply this as often as three times a day. Remember to avoid using products that contain petroleum, as this is a fire hazard when used near oxygen tanks. 

Try a moisturizing balm or sesame seed oil.Similar to using nasal sprays and gels, a moisturizing balm keeps the dry, sensitive skin inside your nostrils intact. This allows protection against dryness and skin breaks, which can cause nosebleeds. Use the tip of a clean finger or a cotton swab to apply just the right amount of balm on the inside of your nose. A thin coating of sesame oil can also help, with its anti-inflammatory properties being beneficial to prevent irritated skin. 

Keep your equipment clean. Maintaining proper care of your oxygen concentrator, as well as the rest of your oxygen therapy equipment, can also help make oxygen therapy more comfortable. Additionally, it’s best to wash your humidifier, nasal cannula and rubber tubing every week. Use a mild, cleansing detergent and water. Rubber tubing and nasal cannula also have to be replaced every one to two months. 

The above tips can help you get used to oxygen therapy without any of the uncomfortable effects like dry nasal passages, throat and mouth, as well as nosebleeds and irritated skin around the nose. Also, staying hydrated and consuming enough fruits and vegetables can help keep your skin from getting too dry and flaky. 

Do you have any other tips for more comfortable oxygen therapy? What are your experiences with the above tips? Do share it with us in the comments below!