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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2004 >> OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
        
(Message started by: bobkip on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:23am)
Title: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by bobkip on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:23am
I keep seeing a concept that oxygen (O2) is dangerous and must be used with extreme caution. That's a load of bullshit. O2 is not explosive, can not burn by itself and is very safe to use, given common sense precautions. O2 is an oxidizer and provides support for combustion (fire). Yes, you can saturate you flannel nightie with O2 and then try to fire up a smoke and fire yourself up instead but that is rarely the case. We mostly use non-rebreather masks and what O2 gets past it is almost immediately dissapated into the room and no longer concentrated around us.

Anyone that has hesitated to try O2 but has not because of the hyped up danger should put those fears aside and give it a go.
Kip
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by fubar on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:33am
All that is true Bob, and it's a great thing to point out.

The only caution I would add is that long-term use of 100% Oxygen (and by long term, I mean using pure O2 for hours at a time which should NEVER be necessary for treating CH, don't do it) can cause excessive oxidation of lung tissue.  This is somewhat like burning tissue and can cause serious problems.

Using pure O2 for the amount of time it takes to treat CH can make some people feel as though they've 'dried out' their lungs, and this can be avoided with a bubbler.  In reality though, it's not the dryness of the O2 but the oxidation that causes this feeling.  The bubbler can make it possible for you to breath pure O2 for as long as you'll ever really need it for a CH without any lung irritation at all for most people.

-Fu
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by BobG on Mar 12th, 2004, 3:03am
Well said Bob and Fu.
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by ClusterChuck on Mar 12th, 2004, 4:46am
Heck, I keep one tank right next to my recliner, and I smoke like a chimney.  The first thing I do after sucking O2, is fire up a cigarette!  I also keep another tank strapped right next to my seat in the van, and i smoek there too.

As long as both valves are shut off, I don't see any problem with it.  A little common sense is all it takes.  I would not recommend smoking WHILE you are sucking, but other than that, you should be fine.

Chuck
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 12th, 2004, 8:26am
LOL my mom was convinced I was going to set my apartment on fire...well unlikely at best! hehe

The only real danger of O2 that I've been made aware of is that you already have a lung/breathing condition, 100% O2 is not really a good idea because it has the ability to progress along the condition.  This would be something like severe asthma, COPD, emphysema, CF, and the other nasty lung diseases.  Eventually many of these diseases require the use of O2, but it generally is never at 100% and it should be put off as long as possible.

Lizzie :)
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by randal on Mar 12th, 2004, 8:49am
I am a newbie to O2 but allready no how great it has been to break up the clusters and I smoke also and see no danger as long as you turn the dam thing off. My only problem was having nose bleeds after using it for some time. I went out and got me some Saline nasal spray to keep the old  nose moist. Is there something out there beter for me to use?
Randal
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by JDH on Mar 12th, 2004, 9:18am

on 03/12/04 at 08:49:02, randal wrote:
My only problem was having nose bleeds after using it for some time. I went out and got me some Saline nasal spray to keep the old  nose moist. Is there something out there beter for me to use?
Randal


Randal, there's a device called a "bubbler?" It hooks on to your regulator and the air is filtered through water and that willl keep you from drying out so bad 'cause these things give you plenty of moisture in your air.
I don't know what the official name is (I think jonny calls them bongs,  :D) but you o2 supplier s/b able to hook you up.

Jim
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Mr.Happy on Mar 12th, 2004, 10:31am
You go, Kippper. Always glad to see a post about the _Lack_ of danger using O2. Couldn't agree more.

Speaking of Moore, if you can't find a "bubbler" locally, you can order some inexpensive models from Moore Medical. They're listed under nebulizers or humidifiers. Here's a direct shot:
http://www2.mooremedical.com/index.cfm?PG=CTL&CS=HOM&FN=ProductDetail&PID=676

Works great with glue, too.......
RJ
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Prense on Mar 12th, 2004, 11:03am

on 03/12/04 at 09:18:45, JDH wrote:
Randal, there's a device called a "bubbler?" It hooks on to your regulator and the air is filtered through water and that willl keep you from drying out so bad 'cause these things give you plenty of moisture in your air.


If you use a bubbler, you have to clean it regularly.  It provides a nice home to bacteria which I am sure you don't want to breathe.

Chris
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by randal on Mar 12th, 2004, 11:12am
Thanks for the advice-I will go seek one out.
Randal
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by JDH on Mar 12th, 2004, 11:24am

on 03/12/04 at 11:03:16, Prense wrote:
If you use a bubbler, you have to clean it regularly.  It provides a nice home to bacteria which I am sure you don't want to breathe.

Chris


Good point Chris.
I was recently advised to use mineral water in the bubbler. The idea being less sediment won't clogged it up as fast. Probably a good idea as well.

Jim
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 12th, 2004, 12:49pm

I'm glad you posted this Bob.

I can't remember her name but a while back some poor woman posted that she had  asked her Dr. for a script for 02 and he refused solely because she was a smoker.  That made me so angry, I was shouting at my screen when I read that.

I wonder if that ass thought about the fact that she probably had a gas stove, a fireplace, matches and candles in her house also.


I hope she reads this. And also has another Dr.

LindaH
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by jonny on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:36pm

on 03/12/04 at 02:23:19, bobkip wrote:
I keep seeing a concept that oxygen (O2) is dangerous and must be used with extreme caution. That's a load of bullshit.
Kip


Bullshit, Kip?

Care to tell the folks how you almost burned the house down and killed yourself with 02?

ROTFFLMMFAO ;;D

..................................jonny
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by echo on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:41pm

on 03/12/04 at 10:31:17, Mr.Happy wrote:
Works great with glue, too.......
RJ


Thanks alot butthead!  Used your advice and this morning I had to use a screwdriver and a hammer to pry the snot out of my nose.
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:45pm

on 03/12/04 at 10:31:17, Mr.Happy wrote:
Speaking of Moore, if you can't find a "bubbler" locally, you can order
RJ


Thanks Hap.

Just went to the O2 place and started with my script.  He was telling me that at that high of a flow the humidifier won't work properly and come off or something like that.  I said what DO you have that will work.  He said he'll include one in the delivery later today, but seemed adverse to the thought of it working.

Anyone have the same response to asking for a humidifer with O2.

I may be using your link Hap.  I see they are disposable, how many do you order at a time.  

 Thanks.

Kevin M
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by jonny on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:49pm
Thats just major fucking bullshit, Kevin

I not only use one I have sent out about a dozen of them (2 this week) to people using high flow regulators.

Let me know if you dont get what you need and ill have one to you within three day, Dude ;;D

...................................jonny
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by bobkip on Mar 12th, 2004, 2:56pm
jonny, your memory is failing. I did not almost burn the house down and only wanted to kill myself dammit When I got my first O2 setup all I had was a nasal canula  and often fired up a smoke when still on O2. That wass until the time I absentmindedly exhaled pure O2 thru the cigarette. Interesting little fire, didn't know a cig could explode like that. And that's the story.
Kip
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 12th, 2004, 3:06pm

on 03/12/04 at 14:49:53, jonny wrote:
Thats just


Dude ;;D

...................................jonny


I'll see how it goes.  I couldn't believe it.  What, am I the first cluster they've delivered to?  This is a major outfit and preferred with my insurance.  And the guy I talked with there respiratory "expert".  
 Maybe I'll tell my insurance company to bag the oxygen service, I'm going to just continue my $2000.00 a month imitrex scripts.  Ahole answers from med people.   Just get the damn setup right.  What am I, from Mars.
 You cracked me up jonny,  thanks bro.

Kevin M
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 12th, 2004, 3:13pm

on 03/12/04 at 14:56:43, bobkip wrote:
. Interesting little fire, didn't know a cig could explode like that. And that's the story.
Kip


Sounds serious enough to me, but the circumstances you explained were risky.  You made "what not to do" very plain.  That was a good story to add to here. 
 Yes, but your point though kip, that oxygen is safe, is well taken.  Glad you made the point to post this thread.

Kevin M
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Mikey on Mar 12th, 2004, 3:18pm

on 03/12/04 at 14:36:33, jonny wrote:
Bullshit, Kip?

Care to tell the folks how you almost burned the house down and killed yourself with 02?

ROTFFLMMFAO ;;D

..................................jonny


Hell, i almost burned my house down too!!!!

I use 02 24-7, and when i'm at home i use a concentrator.  Well i was sitting in my recliner with my 02 on, using my concentrator at a flow rate of 2 lpm.  I took the nasal canula off to light a cigarette, and dropped my lighter (a Zippo) and it landed on the hose.  Right away the hose caught fire, and it was like a really bright white flame, and it burned a hole in my carpet in my living room floor before i could get the machine turned off.

Mikey,  ;;D
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 12th, 2004, 3:46pm
Kip and Mikey,

It has become clear that oxygen is not dangerous, it's the cigarettes!  I see class-action suit.  ;;D

Basically, don't be ALWAYS playing with fire.  Breathe out that cluster, THEN rub the sticks together.  Or, for those walking more erect, then chip the flint.  

Cluster evolution from stories handed down...wait, Kip and Mike, we shall keep the experience in our genes now.  

Kevin M
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by BlueMeanie on Mar 12th, 2004, 7:12pm
The biggest problem with O2 is falling asleep with it ON. Stay awake and turn it off first. Filling a whole room is dangerous and could cause a BIG BANG.

The concern my doc had was falling asleep and sucking 12-15 ltrs. of O2 for TOO long of a time can cause drain bamage. oops. brain damage. Not sure if it's true, but i suppose i wouldn't want to try it. My brain is fried enough already.   :o
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 12th, 2004, 8:39pm

on 03/12/04 at 19:12:00, BlueMeanie wrote:
The concern my doc had was falling asleep and sucking 12-15 ltrs. of O2 for TOO long of a time can cause


That's probably why my doc would only prescribe 8-10Lpm with this being my first time.  Some liability thing she is watching her butt for.  Most likely has a similar concern.
 Some have mentioned to cut off any elastic from the mask, which will keep the mask from staying on in case you fall asleep.  I've fallen asleep with icepacks on my
head.  Yes, my noggin head.  Noo braiian damamagge heiere.

CKeivean......LMNOP, one of them anyway.
 
 
 
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by jonny on Mar 12th, 2004, 8:52pm

on 03/12/04 at 20:39:37, Kevin_M wrote:
That's probably why my doc would only prescribe 8-10Lpm with this being my first time.  Some liability thing she is watching her butt for.


LPM does not matter, Bro......fire is fire at any liter

Kip starts a fire and then screams about saftey without mentioning he almost torched his ass with 02........Nice!!!!!

02 is fucking dangerous...Never think it is not......EVER!!!!

...................................jonny

And i dont give a fuck what anyone says......Spark up with 02 even if you think the valve is closed and I wont be at your funeral.
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by pubgirl on Mar 12th, 2004, 9:07pm
The real reason behind the cutting the elastic off advice (extremely advisable if not imperative) is actually because if you fall asleep, or pass out with the mask on and the elastic holding the mask in place and the oxygen runs out, you could DIE!


Wendy
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by jonny on Mar 12th, 2004, 9:10pm
In American speak.....Cut the fucking strap off  or you will die ;;D
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Charlie on Mar 12th, 2004, 9:13pm
Everyone is so effen worried about everything today that I bet you don't remember the traveling science guys in school that gave our classes liquid oxygen demonstrations. When I was in Junior High (shortly after Joseph Priestly discovered O2) they would soak stuff like rubber in O2 and break it by banging it on the desk. We loved it when they'd light a cigarette after dunking it. Burned like hell. Not dangerous so far as we knew. Fun days  ::)

Charlie
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 12th, 2004, 9:28pm
jonny,

I can feel your concern.  While fighting the beast with it, we may not be at our brightest or most alert.  Forgetfulness, sleepiness, absentmindedness, many ways to get careless there.  Clusters won't kill us but fire can, and it only takes one mistake, one time.  The "safety first" law is always in effect, and we are vulnerable to lapses in what is important when being besieged by the beast.
 From the descriptions, it sounds like a HOT fire too.  I see now Mikey also was expressing what can go wrong.
 Quite sobering.  Has been good to hear these things before I start with it.  What to keep in mind, first.

Thanks,

Kevin M
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by pubgirl on Mar 12th, 2004, 10:17pm
OOOPS!
Sorry Jonny, too many words, forgot you speak different over here. ::)

W

How about:

Strap=Suffocate?
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Mikey on Mar 12th, 2004, 10:23pm

on 03/12/04 at 21:28:37, Kevin_M wrote:
jonny,
From the descriptions, it sounds like a HOT fire too.  I see now Mikey also was expressing what can go wrong.
 Quite sobering.  Has been good to hear these things before I start with it.  What to keep in mind, first.

Thanks,

Kevin M

Exactly Kevin, that's what i was trying to do!!  Like i said, i use it 24-7, and was going to smoke, and took the canula off of my face and thought i had put it safely away when that incident happened.  02 is very dangerous when not respected!!  I learned that the hard way!!

Mikey, ;;D
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 12th, 2004, 10:54pm

on 03/12/04 at 22:23:21, Mikey wrote:
Exactly Kevin, that's what i was trying to do!!  Like i said,
Mikey, ;;D


Not used to reading and responding to a lot of your posts Mikey, but now I catch the tone in your writing style.  When your first words are "Hell, I almost burned my house down too!!!!  
you'd think the obvious would have hit me on the head.  I'm slow, but reading it the second time I reassessed what you were saying.  Sure got it now.  Glad to know you.

Kevin M
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by CPM on Mar 12th, 2004, 11:25pm
My zip-lock bag is the greatest since I added a mouth piece from an old snorkel. No check valves to stick, no straps to worry about. Just hold my nose when inhale and let go when exhale. I Since I always sit up leaning forward when using it, it is unlikely that I'd fall asleep. But if I did, I wouldn't sufficate if the O2 ran out since I can't imagine holding my nose while sleeping. The O2 is tasting better now. Probably 'cause the rusty old tank has sat still for a few days. No - I'm not cheep - I just don't have any money to buy a mask or get med. I'm sure I can make a bubbler out of a tupperware container. So I watch McGyver.

Pete
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by jonny on Mar 13th, 2004, 7:04am

on 03/12/04 at 23:25:46, CPM wrote:
My zip-lock bag is the greatest since I added a mouth piece from an old snorkel. No check valves to stick, no straps to worry about. Just hold my nose when inhale and let go when exhale. I Since I always sit up leaning forward when using it, it is unlikely that I'd fall asleep. But if I did, I wouldn't sufficate if the O2 ran out since I can't imagine holding my nose while sleeping. The O2 is tasting better now. Probably 'cause the rusty old tank has sat still for a few days. No - I'm not cheep - I just don't have any money to buy a mask or get med. I'm sure I can make a bubbler out of a tupperware container. So I watch McGyver.

Pete


Am I the only dude with a med supply store in his fucking town?

Pete, IM me your address and ill set you up with what you need.

.............................jonny
Title: Re: OXYGEN, dangerous or not.
Post by Mikey on Mar 14th, 2004, 10:58pm
Kevin, NO prob Bro!!!

Glad to meet you too!!

Mikey,  ;;D


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