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Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I protect myself?
- Can I exercise when using oxygen?
- How do I organise oxygen therapy on holiday?
- Can I fly when using oxygen?
How can I protect myself?
Oxygen therapy can dry up your mouth, lips and nose.
- Take frequent sips of water
- Use a non–paraffin based moisturiser on your face
- Apply water–based lubricating jelly to nose and lips. Do not use hydrocarbon–based lotions such as Vaseline®.
You can also get sore ears / nose where the tubing or strapping sits. This can cause quite nasty sores. You can get oxygen tubing protectors through Health Facilities Scotland or from your Dolby service engineer.
There are other safety issues to consider when you are on oxygen therapy.
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Can I exercise when using oxygen?
Yes! You may need extra oxygen to help you increase the amount of exercise you can do.
An assessment with a timed walk test (with and without additional oxygen) can help to find out if you need more oxygen when exercising.
Depending on your circumstances you may be able to have oxygen cylinders at home to use when you exercise.
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How do I organise oxygen therapy on holiday?
If you are planning to go on holiday you need to plan ahead to arrange oxygen for when you are away.
- If you are staying with friends or family then using your own oxygen therapy should be ok.
- If you are staying at a hotel or guesthouse you will need to check that they will allow you to keep, and use, oxygen therapy in their premises.
If you use an oxygen concentrator at home, you should contact Health Facilities Scotland to arrange oxygen for your holiday. They will contact the relevant service provider at your destination. You should not attempt to take your own without consulting your supplier.
If you wish to use portable oxygen during your holiday you should contact Health Facilities Scotland. Portable cylinders, as with most oxygen cylinders, can only be filled by authorised licensed producers.
Portable oxygen cylinders can potentially be taken on a flight as long as they are empty and carried in the hold. However, connections for filling vary between the UK and other countries so it may not be possible to get private cylinders filled.
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Can I fly when using oxygen?
Depending on your circumstances it is possible to fly when you are using oxygen. You will need to be organised, plan ahead and get medical clearance to fly.
- If you use oxygen continuously, and will need it during the flight, you will have to let your airline know when you book your seat.
- Each airline will have its own policy regarding the supply of in–flight oxygen, e.g. what flow rates are available and what charges, if any, are applicable.
- Some airlines now prohibit in–flight oxygen during take off and landing. Ask your airline what its policy is.
- Most airlines will only provide oxygen for the flight. If you need oxygen on the ground you will need to provide your own for any transfer between flights.
- Ask your airline if your oxygen if your oxygen is included in your cabin baggage allowance.
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