Oxygen Therapy

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Every part of our body relies on oxygen to function

Although it should be an effortless act, breathing for people with a lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis (PF) can be a painful, challenging experience.

It is common for people with PF to use supplemental oxygen, although not everyone needs it. Feeling breathless is a complicated process. Some people feel out of breath, but their oxygen levels are within the normal range. And some people won’t feel out of breath when their blood oxygen levels are too low (hypoxemia). Supplemental oxygen will only help you if your blood oxygen levels are too low.

Woman in wheel chair trying to catch her breath

Knowing when you need supplemental oxygen

Your doctor will know if you need supplemental oxygen by doing tests such as the 6-minute walk test, arterial blood gases, and checking your pulse oximetry. You may need oxygen all the time, only with physical activity, or when you sleep.

You will be tested for your oxygen saturation; how much of the hemoglobin contains oxygen. It should be greater than 90 per cent at all times. Your physician will also test your arterial blood gases by taking a small amount of blood from an artery, usually the wrist. You may be tested while at rest and while walking. These tests will determine whether you qualify for oxygen therapy.

Doctor checking patient for oxygen with stethoscope

Oxygen therapy benefits

Supplemental oxygen will NOT cure your PF, however many people report that they have less breathlessness, fatigue and can live a more active lifestyle. Even if oxygen therapy does not take away your breathlessness, it can help you maintain proper blood oxygen levels which is important for your muscles, organs, and brain to function properly.

You cannot get addicted to oxygen. It is important to treat your oxygen as a prescription and use it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Using oxygen therapy

It can take time to adjust to using supplemental oxygen. There are some things that might be more difficult with supplemental oxygen. For example, it may be more challenging leaving the house and carrying your oxygen, but newer models are increasingly light and portable. It can also make some things easier since you may experience less breathlessness, and you may get less tired doing activities.

There is some stigma associated with using oxygen in public. You may feel embarrassed. Try to focus on how oxygen therapy enables you to do the things you love, rather than consider it a failure or an indication that your disease is progressing towards the end. Explain to your family and friends how oxygen therapy helps you, to increase everyone’s comfort level.

Man in kitchen holding chord from oxygen machine

Oxygen therapy systems

There are different types of machines that you can use to get supplemental oxygen. They are increasingly becoming lighter, more portable and easier to use. You will decide which option(s) is best for you with your doctor and your supplemental oxygen supplier.

Learn more about how supplemental oxygen equipment can be set up and used at home to help you go about your daily activities.

Oxygen Concentrator

For patients who are less mobile, an oxygen concentrator takes oxygen from the air in a similar way to how a dehumidifier takes water from the air. The device runs on electricity in your home so you usually need to have some spare oxygen tanks in case there is a power outage.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)

For more active individuals, depending on your prescribed oxygen ﬂow rate, a portable oxygen tank may be used and can last up to a few hours. Your doctor will determine what dose is sufficient to maintain a normal blood oxygen level during your usual normal daily activities at home and away.

Oxygen Storage Pendant

Reduces the oxygen supply ﬂow necessary to achieve adequate oxygen levels. It requires the use of a reservoir designed like a necklace, away from the face and hidden from view by the patient’s clothing.

Long Oxygen Tubes with Canula

To assist with your mobility at home, patients may ﬁnd it is beneficial to have an oxygen tube at home as long as 50 feet. This will give you the ability to move around without dragging a portable tank with you all the time.

If you live in a smaller space, this length of tubing may not be necessary. The length of tubing should allow you to move around high traffic areas of your home without having to carry your oxygen tank with you.
If you have a two-story home with your bedroom upstairs, you may want a second tube in your bedroom long enough to reach the bathroom.

Although traveling can be tiring if you have PF, there is no reason to stay at home while others take vacations, visit family, or travel for business. Even if you are on supplemental oxygen, with proper advance planning, you can travel safely.

Planning for Travel with Supplemental Oxygen

Traveling with supplemental oxygen may mean that you encounter some extra challenges, but with planning, you can be comfortable and safe on the road or in the air. Also check if your ﬁnal destination has medical oxygen available.

Ensure you have travel insurance if visiting the United States, as medical costs there can be extremely expensive.

As a Canadian citizen, you have health coverage for travel anywhere in Canada.

If you use supplemental oxygen, plan travel in advance
Work with your healthcare team to improve your breathing ability
Check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to travel
Decide how you will be most comfortable traveling; by car, bus, train, plane, or ship
If your destination is at a high elevation, ask your doctor about additional oxygen needs
Ask your doctor for a letter stating the medications you are on and take your original prescription bottles with you
Always carry a list of the medications you are taking in case of an emergency

Ground Travel

While some people load the car with their oxygen tanks and make road trips, others prefer the comfort of a train or bus.

Travel requirements change frequently on trains or buses, so check with your carrier for the latest and most accurate information.

Make reservations as far in advance as possible
Speak with someone in Customer Relations when making reservations
Do not depend on on-board electrical power
For longer trips, plan for a 12-hour, backup oxygen that does not require electricity
If transporting your oxygen by car, be aware of safety issues
Bring enough oxygen for the length of your trip, plus 20 percent extra to allow for delays

Air Travel

Each airline has different rules that can change at any time.

Click here for Air Canada’s travel tips for travelling with oxygen.

You may be required to provide a doctor’s statement of your ability to travel and of your oxygen needs before you will be allowed to take or use oxygen on a commercial airline ﬂight.

Contact the airline as far in advance as possible
Speak to airline’s special services
As about bringing your own oxygen equipment
If you must use airline‐supplied oxygen, ask about the cost
Airlines often do not provide oxygen for use in terminals; if you must change planes, you may need to make other arrangements
Call your current oxygen provider; they may be able to provide helpful information
For more information, contact your travel agent or airline directly