Copd

[siestasue]

Is it OK to switch from pulse oxygen to continuous if I am doing something strenuous?

[Ian1967]

Hi siestasue, I would speak to your respiratory specialist, but I would have thought it would be OK. Have you been tested to see if you trigger pulse dose oxygen on exertion? As the name suggests, pulse dose works when it detects your pulse when breathing, whereas continuous flow is constant and requires no input from the patient, I use a pulse dose POC for when I’m walking or exercising, I also have to use a continuous flow concentrator and BiPAP at bedtime to treat CO2 retention, you cannot sleep using a pulse dose concentrator, because you wouldn’t trigger the pulse dose properly whilst sleeping.

I hope I have been some help, Ian.

[siestasue in reply to Ian1967]

Thanks for info Ian. I only use oxygen when moving about (2lts). But am finding that although pulse is working fine I quite often feel the need to switch to continuous to help me. I have been on oxygen less than a year so lots to learn. Thankfully I have an assessment on Monday (which has been delayed for 3 months) so will get some answers.

[Ian1967 in reply to siestasue]

Good luck with your assessment Sue, sorry to hear it’s been delayed, I suppose that’s because of Covid-19, do you use pulse dose outside your home, if you do depending how long you are outside your home for using a continuous flow POC, they are much heavier and need to be used on a trolley, also the battery life is much shorter.

Ian.

[siestasue in reply to Ian1967]

I have a self fill machine that comes with a small bottle which lasts 1.30 hours constant or 5. 30 hours on pulse. Also a larger one 2.50 constant or 9 on pulse.

[Spacecat1]

I use both the pulse one for when out and about. I tend to leave in the car ready for going out saves taking in and out of the house. And the cannister lasts a long time. The other oxygen I use for just in the house.

[siestasue in reply to Spacecat1]

Thanks for good tip on leaving cannister in car as it is a struggle in and out of home. Can I ask do you keep oxygen on when eating? I now find I need to in order to eat. Also do you clean the nose bit of the cannula? I also wonder if I need more than 2lts as I am finding it hard work to do anything.

[Spacecat1 in reply to siestasue]

No for some reason cannot est when I have cannula on. Not sure about cleaning. The oxygen company you get bottles from will give you some cannula have a look on their website you may be able to order on line if not ring then Monsay and they will put in post mine is Bayswater they are very helpful. Also ring respertory nurse at the hospital they may send you some. Someone on forum may know best way to clean. I do tend to use on the outside an antibacterial wipe just the inside bit sure could be heat affecting your breathing this week but if concerned. Ring your respertory nurse or consultant.

[siestasue in reply to Spacecat1]

Thanks. I have been told to change cannula every month ( I have plenty of them) but will wipe them as you do in between times. I have appointment Monday at hospital, delayed for 3 months, so should get answers then. Its not just this week I've been struggling but will ask respiratory nurses.

[Spacecat1 in reply to siestasue]

Hope all goes well Monday look after yourself

[siestasue in reply to Spacecat1]

👍