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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Oxygen Question
        
(Message started by: Kathy_P on Feb 8^th, 2008, 10:14pm)

Title: Oxygen Question
Post by Kathy_P on Feb 8^th, 2008, 10:14pm

Hello, I need a little help. I have a script for oxygen that says 15 L with a mask. I work at a home health agency so they gave me an E tank but said it would only go to 7L and I should not use a mask with it. I'm not sure exactly what to ask them for. They offered a concentrator but that doesn't go to 15L either.
I tried Oxygen before and it wasn't very effective.

Kathy

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by Jimi on Feb 8^th, 2008, 10:20pm

They make all kinds of regulators that fit an E tank. For me, 02 won't work until I get up to the 12-15 range. For some it works at a 10. 7lpm is too little though. It sounds like the regulators that they have there are 7's. If they can't get you a 15, you need to find some place that will. They all will fit an E tank

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by Guiseppi on Feb 8^th, 2008, 10:21pm

You can find regulators on the internet that'll go higher, 7 LPM probably won't do it. The only way 02 is effective is if you get pure oxygen to the lungs. No outside air, no re breathed air, just pure oxygen. Other wise you do not get the "vasoconstricting" effect you need.

You need a "non re breather" mask, and a high flow regulator. Check out the oxygen link on the left. Batch has done a great job of laying out the set up for effective oxygen treatment. Concentrators can't provide the level of pure oxygen you need to provide relief of a CH. Good luck to you!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by DennisM1045 on Feb 9^th, 2008, 6:10am

You could try to find another supplier. 7lpm isn't going to get it done.

Suppliers are also nervous about the mask because of the elastic strap. If you leave it on your face, fall asleep and then run out of O2, you suffocate. We don't want that to happen. Just cut the elastic strap off. That way if you do nod off it'll just fall off your face leaving you to breath room air.

Good luck Kathy.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by BarbaraD on Feb 9^th, 2008, 6:34am

This is just something I don't understand. I've NEVER laid down when sucking O2. I CAN'T lay down when getting hit, so what's the problem with the non-rebreather mask?

But by all means cut off the strap and hold it in place while you pace. It's just never been a problem for me. Get about 50 feet of hose so you CAN pace.

But 7L isn't going to do you much good. Get another supplier and get at least 15L. AND a non-rebreather mask!!

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by totka2 on Feb 9^th, 2008, 11:31am

Buy a 15 LPM regulator

http://health-beauty.listings.ebay.com/Respiratory-Aids_Oxygen-Cylinders-Accessories_W0QQdfspZ2QQfromZR4QQlopgZ1QQsacatZ75080QQsocmdZListingItemList

Higher flow and better mask work better.

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by Linda_Howell on Feb 9^th, 2008, 6:55pm

Kathy,

Give me your address in a PM and I will send you a brand new regulator that goes to 15 lpm.

Linda

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by Kathy_P on Feb 10^th, 2008, 10:25pm

Thanks for all the help. I came home from my new doctor with Imitrex shots, Verapamil and the script for
O2.
Kathy

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by Varmin on Feb 16^th, 2008, 5:39pm

on 02/08/08 at 22:21:50, Guiseppi wrote:

I still don't understand why CH sufferers don't utilize concentrators at home and save tanks for backup.
As long as you keep the system serviced and filters clean then the concentrators CAN provide the level of pure O2 needed to abort an attack.
I have a high output concentrator that provides a consistent stream of 97% O2 at a maximum flow rate of 16 LPM.
Most concentrators have a max level of 5 to 8 LPM flow...you have to find the high output type. They usually look the same as the lower output models but have duel 8 LPM outputs that are connected to a "tee" and then to the non-rb mask. They can be found but you'll need to call around to find em.
It has been a lifesaver for me!!

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by seasonalboomer on Feb 16^th, 2008, 5:53pm

because most people don't get access to a 16 lpm concentrator........

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by Varmin on Feb 16^th, 2008, 6:03pm

Seen em on Ebay several times. If you have a script for 10 or 15 LPM all you have to do is find a medical supplier that has one. You would be surprised at how many O2 suppliers have one or two of the high output units laying around and don't even know it!

Title: Re: Oxygen Question
Post by DennisM1045 on Feb 17^th, 2008, 8:25am

I'm glad the concentrator works for you. You are the first that I've heard of. So I have some questions.

When I first got O2 I looked into using a concentrator. What scared me off was the concentrator O2 level deminishes with time until an alarm goes off for servicing. That alarm is set for 87% concentration. How do you maintain 97%? Is your alarm more sensitive? Or do you just keep a more aggressive service schedule? 3% might not make much of a difference. 13% most certainly would.

Also, why do you consider the concentrator better for home use than tanks? After all, tanks don't need servicing. Just refills.

Thanks...

-Dennis-