Your Frontier Oxygen Therapy Program

When your doctor prescribes supplemental oxygen therapy, turn to Frontier Home Medical for the best care and service. We pride ourselves on being oxygen therapy caregivers, in addition to being an equipment supplier, delivery and pick-up provider and health resource.

The Frontier Oxygen Therapy Program offers:

• Expertise to find the right oxygen product for your unique needs
• Diverse selection of oxygen devices and accessories
• Access to on-staff Respiratory Therapists
• Consultation with trained Patient Care Technicians during equipment set-up
• Educational Materials
• On-call staff are available for oxygen set-ups
• Expertise in oxygen insurance coverage
• Routine maintenance checks to keep oxygen devices running smoothly
• Oxygen tank pick-up and delivery options
• 24/7 After Hours Emergency Line

Your Frontier Oxygen Team includes:

• Respiratory Therapist (RT) who oversees your care and compliance
• Patient Care Technician (PCT) who delivers and services your oxygen equipment
• Customer Service Representative (CSR) who answers billing and scheduling questions

When to Call Frontier Home Medical

Frontier is here to provide nothing but the very best service and equipment. We are here to help! Our friendly staff is here to assist with your questions and needs. Please call your local Frontier Home Medical location if you experience any of the following:

• If you notice a decrease in your oxygen flow.
• If you are unable to use your back-up system.
• If your equipment is not functioning properly.
• If you have a change in your prescription.
• If you are hospitalized.
• If your address or insurance changes.
• If you need additional supplies.
• If you are planning on traveling.

Your Lungs & the Importance of Oxygen

We all need oxygen for our bodies to function properly. When you breathe in, the air is cleaned, heated and humidified. The air moves through your windpipe (trachea) and into the bronchi of your lungs. As you inhale and exhale, your chest and ribs expand and contract.

At the end of each airway are clusters of air sacs called alveoli; this is where oxygen gets filtered into your blood stream via small capillaries. Oxygen passes through the alveoli into the capillaries, then into the blood stream and is transported all throughout your body. Oxygen is your body’s fuel to live a healthy life.

Chronic Hypoxemia

Chronic hypoxemia means long-term low oxygen levels. Having hypoxemia is a symptom usually caused from another disease itself. There are several causes of chronic low oxygen levels in your blood stream. Your doctor helps determine what is causing your low oxygen levels and coordinates the best treatment plan.

Symptoms of Hypoxemia

• High heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Paleness
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Restlessness
• Sleepiness (somnolence)
• Disorientation or confusion
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Loss of coordination
• Impaired judgment
• Slow reaction times
• Manic-depressive activity
• Blue color to fingers/toes

Common Causes of Hypoxemia

• Heart Disease
• COPD
• Chronic Respiratory Failure
• Emphysema
• Erythrocythemia
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Anemia

Benefits of Oxygen Therapy

Having enough oxygen in your body is one of the most important parts of staying healthy, especially when you are experiencing compromised respiratory function. Participating fully in your oxygen therapy can bring a variety of benefits, including:

• Improvement in mood and mental alertness
• Increased stamina for physical activity
• Better quality of sleep
• Better exercise tolerance and endurance
• Safer air travel
• Improved social life
• Improved stamina during intimacy
• Lower physical and mental stress levels
• Reduced COPD complications
• Lessened COPD symptoms

Coping with Oxygen Therapy

Adhering to oxygen therapy can be a complex and difficult task with many barriers, including the physical difficulty of using the oxygen, self-consciousness, a sense of social stigma and lack of perceived benefit. How do you overcome this and start benefiting from the use of supplemental oxygen?

How to Best Adhere to Your Oxygen Therapy

Equipment Functionality

The use of oxygen can increase your ability to be active and mobile. Your doctor and Frontier clinicians will determine the modality that is best suited for your needs.

Social Pressure

Some may experience self-consciousness while wearing oxygen—they may even feel guilt or shame. Daily routines with friends and family can help you to overcome social anxiety. Practice makes perfect!

Health Consciousness

Oxygen therapy can be a supplement for you to remain independent. When you have concerns, contact your physician. Close interaction with your medical team—as well as your own involvement with your care—will lead to greater success.

Symptom Management

Remember the bigger picture. Oxygen plays a vitally important part in your life! Allow feeling better to motivate you to continue your oxygen therapy.

Don’t give up! Compliance with wearing your oxygen equipment is very important for your health. Always know that there is a support for you here at Frontier—we are a phone call away.

Your Oxygen Prescription

In addition to saying that you are medical in need of supplemental oxygen, your oxygen prescription may also include how often you should wear oxygen therapy and how much supplemental oxygen your body needs. Continuous or pulse flow indicates how often; liter flow or pulse dose indicates how much.

Continuous Flow

This is oxygen therapy that is delivered at a constant rate of flow, called Liters Per Minutes (LPM). It works with CPAP and BiPAP sleep therapy and is compatible with humidification.

Pulse Flow

This is oxygen therapy delivered in pulse doses, in other words, oxygen is delivered with each breath. Oxygen delivery is an appropriate amount based on activity during sleep, rest or activity. This setting can be good for active lifestyles as that devices may be travel-friendly.

Oxygen Tanks

Frontier will be there every step of the way. We will be there to set up the tank and demonstrate its proper function. If you have questions or concerns, contact your local Frontier location. 

Oxygen Tanks

Oxygen tanks offer reliable oxygen therapy. Never needing electricity and available in portable and at-home sizes, oxygen tanks can deliver the oxygen your body needs. Mounted to a wheeled cart, this oxygen can go where you need to go—plus, it’s is almost silent! For use at home or on-the-go and for continuous flow or pulse dose.

What does your oxygen tank include?

Your oxygen tank has everything you need to start your oxygen therapy. This includes your tank, flow device, cylinder wrench and cart stand. We will also supply a cannula and tubing.

How does the oxygen tank work?

Room air contains about 21% oxygen. Oxygen tanks deliver air with up to 60% oxygen. The compressed gas is sealed and under pressure inside of steel or aluminum containers. Your dose is controlled and adjusted with a flow regulator or conserving device and can last many hours, depending on usage and tank size.

Quick Tips

• NO SMOKING. Do not smoke when using an oxygen tank. Keep all matches, lit cigarettes, candles or other sources of ignition at least 5 feet from the device.
• Note: Oxygen tanks are NOT FAA-approved for flights.
• Oxygen tanks must be stored at least 5 feet from electrical outlets.
• Medical oxygen has an expiration period of three years.
• In the event of an emergency, it is best to keep a backup tank on hand. Frontier Home Medical recommends that you have an additional E-tank on hand for unforeseen circumstances such as power outages and weather-related emergencies.
• If you are without supplemental oxygen in an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Flow Devices

To properly dispense oxygen from your tank, you will need to connect the tank to one of two flow devices: a flow regulator or a conserving device. These both allow your oxygen therapy to be dispensed from the tank at a set flow amount. Flow Regulators are used for continuous oxygen and are available in pediatric, standard and high flow. Conserving Devices are used for pulse dose oxygen and are available in 3:1 and 5:1 conservation flows. 3:1 delivers one compression for every three breaths; 5:1 delivers one compression for every five breaths.

Caution: Do not change settings unless prescribed to do so. If your doctor has prescribed a flow rate change, please contact us.

Flow Device Safety

• DO NOT direct the flow of oxygen at any person, animal or flammable material when cracking the tank.
• Hand tighten the t-handle; NEVER use tools to tighten.
• Flow devices contain magnetic, ferrous material. It may affect the results of an MRI.
• Ensure connections are tight and leak-free.
• Prior to handling the flow device, be sure your hands are free of oil, grease or any other contaminants.
• DO NOT use with a missing or damaged washer.
• Always inspect the flow device for damage before use.

Tank Durations

Oxygen tank durations are based on your Liters Per Minute (LPM) prescription and a full tank of oxygen. Things like temperature, tank pressure and usage can affect the actual duration.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Routine maintenance will be taken care of by your Patient Care Technician at Frontier Home Medical. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your equipment working smoothly:

• Replace your cannula and oxygen tubing every 2 weeks.
• To clean the tank, use a water-dampened cloth to wipe down the tank cylinder. Do not wipe down the valve.
• NEVER spray water onto the tank or flow device.
• NEVER use dish soap or alcohol-, chlorine- or oil-based products.
• To clean the exterior of the flow device, disconnect it from the oxygen tank. Wipe down outside surface with Sporicidin® wipes, or equivalent. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Oxygen Concentrators

Offering new levels of convenience, versatility and independence, welcome to the world of oxygen concentrators! An oxygen concentrator produces highly concentrated oxygen gathered from surrounding room air, which contains about 21% oxygen. After it travels through the unit’s filters, the air that comes from the unit now contains up to 96% oxygen. You breathe in the higher concentration of oxygen to increase respiration. Better breathing is better life.

Concentrators are available with multiple functions, various benefits; you can choose a unit designed for in-home stationary use, on-the-go portable use or a unit that does both. Choosing just the right oxygen concentrator for you or your loved one is where Frontier comes in. We will work alongside your health needs, healthcare provider and budget to get you the device to fit your exact needs.

Stationary & Portable

This is the best of both worlds—these oxygen concentrators are designed to work in the home and on the go. With options to plug the device in, run it on battery power or via a car adapter, when you need mobility and flexibility with your oxygen therapy, you’ll find it here.

Stationary

Ideal for in-home use, these concentrators offer great value and benefit when you need oxygen therapy. Each device is very user-friendly, includes wheels and can deliver continuous oxygen.

Portable

Great devices when you need to get out of the house! These portable oxygen concentrators will be your go-to for on-the-go. They are lightweight and portable and can provide pulse dose oxygen. Each device has optional bags, accessories and batteries, so you can have your oxygen therapy experience tailored to your own needs.

Home Fill

In-home oxygen filling stations fill oxygen tanks with gaseous oxygen supplied from an oxygen concentrator. The oxygen concentrator takes room air and feeds oxygen enriched air to the home fill device. The device then compresses oxygen into a cylinder at a very high pressure. Home fills work with concentrators; you cannot breathe oxygen gas directly from it.

Which concentrator is right for you?

You can rely on the oxygen experts at Frontier. Our team of respiratory therapists and customer service representatives is here to match you with your best device. We put into consideration how you’ll use the oxygen, your oxygen therapy prescription, your mobility and your budget. Consult with our specialists M-F, 8-5. Frontier is here for your oxygen!

Maintenance & Service

Just like any device, your oxygen equipment will need occasional maintenance. Refer to your device’s instruction manual for specific information on care, service and maintenance. Questions? We’re here for you!

Service

For service assistance, please call your local Frontier location. 

Concentrator Maintenance

Frontier Home Medical will schedule annual maintenance checks with you to service your oxygen equipment (based on its age). Every 12 months, we will ensure everything is working properly.

Five-Year Reasonable Useful Life

RUL, or Reasonable Useful Life, is the amount of time that medical equipment is expected to last. For oxygen equipment that amount of time is 5 years and your equipment rental contract is also for 5 years. You may choose to receive new equipment at any time after the end of the 5-year RUL for your oxygen equipment. This would begin a new 36-month rental period. It is recommended that Frontier remain your partner in oxygen therapy even after the 5-year mark.

If you elect not to receive new equipment after the end of the 5-year RUL (and Frontier Home Medical transfers the title of the equipment to you), then all accessories, maintenance and repairs are not covered by Medicare and become your own financial responsibility.

Supplemental Oxygen Safety

Oxygen is very safe to use when it is used in the proper conditions. Oxygen will not explode or burn, but it will cause anything that is burning to burn hotter and faster. Following safety guidelines will help you create a safe environment for using your oxygen.

• Store oxygen equipment at least 10 feet away from any lit source, space heaters, large windows or any source of heat.
• Keep equipment and tubing away from all flammable materials such as oil, grease, petroleum products, hair products, hand lotions or aerosol sprays.
• Use extreme caution while cooking. Use of a microwave oven is safe, but if you use the stove or oven, secure the cannula over the ears and behind the head instead of under the chin or secure the tubing to side of your clothing at your waist so that the oxygen tubing is kept away from the source of heat.
• Avoid creation of any spark near medical oxygen equipment, including sparks from static electricity.

Oxygen Concentrator Safety

• Never plug an oxygen concentrator into an outlet that is being used to power other major appliances, such as a space heater or air conditioning unit.
• Never use an extension cord with a concentrator.
• Do not allow a concentrator to come in contact with water. If using oxygen while showering or bathing, have the concentrator in a different room than the bathroom.
• Do not use a humidifier in the same room as your oxygen concentrator.

No Smoking

Because oxygen molecules can cling to clothing, beards/hair, curtains, furniture and carpeting for up to 30 minutes, you should never smoke near your oxygen equipment.

• Do not permit smoking in the same room as your oxygen equipment or yourself.
• If you smoke, the concentrator and/or portable oxygen needs to be turned off and the cannula removed from your face. Smoking must be done outside.
• Any damages to equipment due to smoking are your responsibility.
• Place “No Smoking” signs on all exterior doors of your residence and also in the room where your oxygen is stored. Download a FREE “No Smoking” sign to print in black and white or color and then post around your home. 

If you smoke, these 3 steps may save your life:
turn off the oxygen concentrator,
take off the cannula and
leave the room where this device is located.

Basic Home Safety

Fire Safety

• • • Install smoke detectors in the home. Test monthly and change batteries twice a year.
    • Identify doors, windows or alternative exits that may be used in a fire.
    • Post the fire department’s phone number by each phone.
    • Purchase a fire extinguisher and ensure that family members know how to use it.
    • Be careful with smoking materials.
    • Never use oxygen in the presence of smoking materials or open flames.

Electric

• • • Use approved surge protectors rather than extension cords when possible.
    • Do not stretch electrical cords across walkways where they may present a tripping hazard.
    • Arrange furniture so that outlets may be used without an extension cord.
    • Do not set furniture on top of electrical cords.
    • Do not run electrical cords under carpeting as it may cause a fire.
    • Do not overload outlets.
    • Use a light bulb of the correct type and wattage to avoid overheating and potential fire hazards.
    • Keep heaters away from passageways and flammable items (e.g., curtains).

Lighting

• • • Make sure stairways are clearly lit from top to bottom so that each step is visible.
    • Install light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.
    • Keep a flashlight close at hand.
    • Motion sensors that activate lighting in outdoor environments may offer safety and security.

Floors

• • • Remove loose carpeting or throw rugs that slide.
    • Secure rugs and runners by attaching double-faced carpet tape or rubber matting to
    • the underside.
    • Be sure that handrails run from the top to the bottom of a flight of stairs.
    • Make sure there are no bulges in floor coverings.

Telephones

• • • Phone with lit keypads and large numbers may be recommended.
    • Place a phone where it would be accessible in case of an accident where the client/patient is unable to stand.
    • Post emergency numbers and the residence address near each phone.

Kitchens

• • • Do not store non-cooking equipment (e.g., towels, plastic utensils) near the stove top as it may present a fire or burn hazard.
    • Do not let loose-fitting clothing drape over burners when cooking.
    • Use rear burners when possible.
    • Turn handles on pots and pans in towards the back wall to avoid accidents.

Bathrooms

• • • Install a night light in the bathroom.
    • Apply non-slip strips on shower and bathtub floors.
    • Avoid water temperatures higher than 120 degrees to avoid scalding.
    • Install grab bars to help get in and out of the tub and shower.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is oxygen made and stored?

There are two common methods for obtaining pure oxygen:

Oxygen Tanks: The oxygen gas is compressed and stored in various-sized steel pressurized tanks.

Oxygen Concentrators: Room air is pumped through a fine filter (sieve bed) that traps all but the oxygen, which is allowed to pass through. Available in home and portable versions.

Home Fills: Unit that fills oxygen cylinders with gaseous oxygen supplied from an oxygen concentrator.

How can I tell if I am getting enough oxygen? Too much?

You might anticipate that some of the symptoms you had before using the oxygen will start to go away as your blood’s oxygen level returns to normal. The only way to be sure you are getting the right amount of oxygen is to have the oxygen level in your blood measured while using the supplemental oxygen. If new symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, increased sleepiness, etc., appear, you might be getting too much oxygen. Notify your physician.

Can I become addicted to oxygen?

Oxygen is not addicting. We all need oxygen to live. If your lungs and/or heart are diseased and cannot supply enough oxygen to your body from normal room air, you need to breathe supplemental oxygen. Should your condition improve, you may no longer require supplemental oxygen.

Can I use electrical appliances while using oxygen?

Electrical appliances that get hot or spark during operations should be kept at least 10 feet away from the oxygen system.

Can I cook and eat while using oxygen?

You can carry on your normal activities as long as you use common sense while you’re using oxygen–don’t cook on an open flame; don’t smoke; and be careful that your oxygen tubing does not come in contact with hot burners, pots, pans or anything that could cause the plastic tubing to melt. Using oxygen while eating may well be beneficial in reducing the shortness of breath that many patients experience during and after eating.

Is there anything I cannot do while using oxygen?

You can do anything that you would normally do, except for those things that would bring you within 10 feet of an open flame, a burning cigarette or an electrical appliance that sparks. Actually you may find that you will be able to do some activities while using oxygen that you could not do without it.

How do I shower while using oxygen?

It is fine to wear your oxygen in the shower and bath. Wearing oxygen can help you avoid fatigue while you complete what could be a strenuous bathing experience, thus making it safer, too. Be sure to vent the bathroom with a fan, an open window or a bathroom exhaust fan. Never expose your oxygen tank or concentrator to direct water or excess steam.

Why do I need to post oxygen warning signs?

Smoking and oxygen are a dangerous combination. Posting the signs informs anyone entering your home that oxygen is being used in your home and that they cannot smoke. In addition, displaying the signs in prominent locations assists delivery personnel in finding your home and it informs emergency responders that oxygen is being used and stored in your residence.

Nasal Cannulas & Tubing

Your supplemental oxygen is delivered into your nose by way of the cannula (a small, adjustable plastic tube placed under the nose). The cannula is attached to tubing that connects you to your oxygen concentrator or tank.

Instructions for use include:

• Attach the oxygen tubing to the outlet connector on the concentrator or tank flow device.
• Place an oxygen adapter between the supply tubing and nasal cannula.
• If you have experienced a recent illness, we recommend replacing your cannula and tubing.
• For optimum performance, follow the advice of your Respiratory Therapist or Patient Care Technician as to how far your tubing should reach based on your flow rate.
• During set-up, Frontier will provide a cannula and tubing. Usage levels determine how often you need to change the cannula and tubing; however, the rule of thumb is to switch out every 2 weeks.
• If you experience increased dryness, gently apply a water-based lubricant where the cannula rests. NEVER use petroleum-based lubricants, such as Vaseline® products.

Oxygen & Sleep Therapy

Do you use a CPAP or BiPAP for sleep therapy? If so, this can be done in conjunction with your oxygen therapy—continuous or nocturnal. Note that portable or pulse oxygen cannot be used with sleep therapy.

CPAP or BiPAP adaptors can simultaneously provide oxygen therapy and sleep therapy. Adaptors with built-in oxygen ports allow for you to get both the oxygen flow and air pressure that you’ve been prescribed.

Traveling with Supplemental Oxygen

Frontier Home Medical has some helpful tips on traveling both short and long distances. Remember, before long-distance travel, alert your Frontier team at least 30 days in advance. We will need to assess your oxygen needs while away from home.

Helpful Oxygen Travel Tips

• When traveling in the vehicle with oxygen, open the window slightly to allow for ventilation.
• If using oxygen tanks, secure the cylinders in the vehicle to keep them from rolling around.
• Know how long your portable supply will last and plan your trip accordingly.
• Take your oxygen prescription along with you in case you need to replenish your supply.
• Contact airlines, trains and bus companies well in advance to ask about any travel restrictions, including the necessity of a doctor’s note.
• Some oxygen concentrators are FAA certified. This could be ideal for frequent flyers.
• When planning to travel, contact us anytime you are traveling outside of our service area. We can help make arrangements for your oxygen needs.
• Have important phone numbers with you such as your physician and Frontier Home Medical.
• Be responsible for taking your oxygen equipment and all oxygen accessories when traveling.
• You are responsible for any shipping charges incurred for any oxygen equipment being shipped to your destination.

Download manuals for oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators and more. Are you looking for another oxygen device manual not listed here? Email us at FHM@frontierhomemedical.com.

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