Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen Therapy and Pulse Oximeters from Medline at Home

At-home oxygen therapy, or supplemental oxygen, is a respiratory therapy your doctor may prescribe if you suffer from pneumonia, asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis or sleep apnea. And the therapeutic pathway to feeling less breathless begins with oxygen tanks and oxygen tubing. While you need a prescription for medical oxygen, you don’t need one for oxygen tubing. Shop our large selection of crush-resistant oxygen tubing – the same tubing used by hospitals and healthcare clinics worldwide. Find clear tubing plus green and violet colored tubing that’s easier to see among a tangle of cords. Choose your length and your connector, standard or universal. And, find comfortable cannulas with tubing attached plus connectors and adapters. In this section you’ll also find mini oxygen regulators, pulse oximeters and cool mist humidifiers. Shop now and get everything you need to breathe better delivered safely to your door. 

Learn answers to commonly asked questions about oxygen therapy and respiratory products below.

What is oxygen therapy?
Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that delivers extra (supplemental) oxygen to breathe. You can receive oxygen therapy in the hospital or at home. If your doctor wants you to receive oxygen at home, you will need a prescription.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves the use of pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. It is not the same as regular oxygen therapy and it cannot be done at home.

What items do you need for oxygen therapy?
People suffering from low oxygen levels due to illness or chronic medical conditions are often given oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy can be used in the hospital or at home. If your doctor prescribes an at-home supplemental oxygen therapy regime you will need oxygen (from an oxygen concentrator, compressed oxygen or liquid oxygen) and a way to inhale the oxygen.¹ Face masks which cover the nose and mouth are required if you need a higher concentration of oxygen. Lightweight cannulas are nasal prongs attached to tubing that connects to the oxygen source. The type of delivery system and accessories you choose will be based on your oxygen requirements, lifestyle and personal preference as well as your doctor’s recommendations.

What is a cannula?
A cannula is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a noise or vein by a medical professional. A nasal cannula used for oxygen therapy is a prong-shaped device that rests gently inside the nostrils to deliver oxygen. A nasal cannula must be attached to oxygen tubing which is then connected to an oxygen source. Long-term oxygen users should look for products designed to minimize irritation, soreness and discomfort. Curved, non-flared prongs are a more comfortable choice.

What are SuperSoft oxygen cannulas?
Premium Medline SuperSoft Oxygen Cannulas were designed for hospital and healthcare use. They’re made from an advanced material that’s soft, flexible and non-sticky plus they have curved, non-flared prongs so they help reduce pressure and friction that can cause irritation and sores. They’re available with crush-resistant tubing that helps maintain a strong airflow and without tubing. SuperSoft oxygen cannulas are great for both new oxygen users and long-term oxygen users.

Medline bestseller: Medline SuperSoft Oxygen Cannula with 7ft. Tubing and Universal Connector HCSU4514S

What are Soft-Touch oxygen cannulas?
Hospital-quality Medline Soft-Touch Oxygen Cannulas for long-term oxygen users have curved, non-flared nasal prongs for greater comfort. They’re available with crush-resistant tubing that helps maintain a strong airflow and without tubing.

Medline bestseller: Medline Soft-Touch Oxygen Cannula with 4ft. Tubing and Standard Connector HCS4504B
Medline bestseller: Medline Soft-Touch Oxygen Cannula with 7ft. Tubing and Standard Connector HCS4514

How do I monitor my oxygen level at home?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of checking blood oxygen levels. A simple device caused a pulse oximeter allows you to check your levels at home.

What does a pulse oximeter do?
A pulse oximeter, also called a pulse ox, is a medical diagnostic tool that slips on your finger and uses beams of light to indirectly measure blood oxygen (SpO2) saturation. Most pulse oximeters are small, lightweight and easy to use. They are a convenient way to measure SpO2 because they don’t require a blood draw.

To get the best reading at home, the U.S. FDA² recommends following these simple steps:

1. Make sure your hand is warm, relaxed and placed below heart level. Remove any nail polish on the finger you plan to use.
2. Slip the pulse oximeter on your finger. Sit still, and don’t move your hand or arm.
3. Give the unit several seconds to work and wait until one steady number displays.

Medline bestseller: Medline High-Impact Fingertip Pulse Oximeter HCSFSATSPORT
Medline bestseller: Medline Soft Touch Fingertip Pulse Oximeter HCSM70R

References

1. American Lung Association, “Oxygen Therapy”
   Accessed on November 22, 2021
2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration, “Pulse Oximeters and Oxygen Concentrators: What to Know About at-Home Oxygen Therapy”
   Accessed on November 22, 2021