Using a Nasal Cannula Properly

Many times, people need extra oxygen support due to a medical condition (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). In these situations, a nasal cannula is typically used to provide oxygen flow to the patient. These devices are simple to use and easy to install, but there are some things you should know about using them properly to get the maximum benefits from them.

Choose the right size nasal cannula - Nasal cannulas come in various sizes, typically for adults, children, and infants. Make sure you select the right oxygen cannula for your needs so you can enjoy a comfortable fit and proper oxygen flow.
Set the oxygen flow as directed by your doctor - Oxygen flow is typically measured in liters. Depending upon your health needs, your doctor will tell you how many liters to set your oxygen flow at. Always follow this advice strictly, and double check to make certain your oxygen tank is set at the recommended flow amount.
Ensure oxygen is flowing properly - After turning the oxygen tank on, make sure that oxygen is flowing through the nasal cannula properly. You can test this before putting the cannula on simply by placing your hand near the two nose prongs. If you donï¿½t feel oxygen flowing out, check to ensure the cannula is connected properly. If itï¿½s connected but still not flowing, make sure the nasal cannula isnï¿½t backed up with mucus or other substances.
Replace cannulas regularly to avoid infection - Because nasal cannulas have prongs that reside in the nose, they can get dirty quite easily. This means you should change your cannula regularly to avoid infection from mucus and other substances. While medical experts offer various opinions on how often to change the oxygen cannula, most people change theirs about 3 times a month or even once a week.
Replace cannula after getting sick - In addition to regularly changing out your nasal cannula, you should also replace it if youï¿½ve dealt with a cold, flu, or other illness. As soon as you begin feeling better, swap out the old cannula with a new one so that the bacteria from your sickness isnï¿½t still in contact with you.
Consider purchasing nasal cannulas in bulk - Now that you understand the importance of replacing the nasal cannula on a regular basis, this means youï¿½ll be purchasing quite a few of these respiratory devices. Rather than buying them individually, you should consider purchasing them in bulk to enjoy significant savings. Obviously, the more you buy at once, the larger the discount will be. If youï¿½re going to be on oxygen support for a long time, purchasing in bulk not only saves you money, but it also adds convenience as a simple one-time purchase ensures you always have a backup oxygen cannula on hand and ready to be used.

Using a nasal cannula properly is essential to avoiding infection and to getting the most from your oxygen therapy. Thankfully, these tips are easy to follow. Put these tips to use today!