Home oxygen pack - Oil free make-up and moisturiser.

[Chenille]

My mother-in-law has just been given a home oxygen pack. The manual advises NOT to use any oil when using it. She wants to wear make up and use moisturiser for her face and lips as they get extremely dry. Does anybody know what products she can use? Thank you.

[Hidden]

Sorry I don't but I would advise to ring the BLF helpline (click on red balloon in the corner) - they might be able to advise. TAD xx

[Cressie]

Hi Chenille,

Well I've been using ambulatory oxygen for almost three years. Like your Mum I wouldn't want to give up on moisturising etc and in fact use a moisturising face cream - all different makes - over my face, neck and lips. Although they are creamy they're not in fact oily but I make sure they're rubbed in, rather than just sitting on the surface of the skin. I also make sure to use it when I'm sitting so that I am comfortable without the oxygen for five minutes or so to let the cream dry off. Like this, and with lipstick, I have no problem with dry lips but if I did then I think I would check out lip balm with the BLF help line as suggested above.

Kind regards and best of luck to Mum.

[Toci]

Whatever you use, it is important to check that products are water based (rather than oil based) to avoid problems. It is relatively simple to check the labels.

[kimmy59]

I agree with Chenille I'm just careful and only use the cream when I'm not using the oxygen. That was my nurses advice anyway.

Kim

[Poppin]

My mum was advised to use a water based product only when she was on oxygen, the only product the pharmacist and I could find was KY jelly!!!

[moneal]

While training in the RAF years ago it was one of the favourite demo's by the instructors to show what happened when oxygen under pressure and oil mixed, the result was a large bang. I got the impression it was mineral based oils that caused the problem. Might be worth checking out

[Chenille]

Thank you all for your prompt responses.