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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Oxygen and humidity
        
(Message started by: SchwarzenSchafe on Aug 21^st, 2006, 1:45am)

Title: Oxygen and humidity
Post by SchwarzenSchafe on Aug 21^st, 2006, 1:45am

I'm in the process of sorting out the best way to deliver oxygen. I have very little cash to spend. I'll have to spend money on the mask (clustermasx, theres goes my budget!). I understand it's safe to use welding grade oxygen, and thankfully I have an oxy-acetylene set up already.

The oxygen is 0% humidity. I probably don't want to "just deal" with the dry air, right? I was thinking I could fill a glass bottle with distilled water and run the tube from the bottle down to the bottom, and attach the hose for the mask to the top so I'm bubbling the air through water before it reaches the mask. Does anyone have experience with ghetto style home made oxygen gear? I'm assuming a commercial humidifier is pricey and probably not worth the time to find... maybe I'm wrong? A nice side benifit is a big glass of distilled and freshly oxygenated water as soon as my headache is gone.

If I were to use tap water instead of distilled would contamination/reacton with the oxygen cause any problems? Any advice welcome, if my plan is downright stupid please set me straight.

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by zanychef on Aug 21^st, 2006, 2:23am

try mr happy for o2 rigs but what you are saying seems about right:)
ian

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by Margi on Aug 21^st, 2006, 10:16am

There was some information here a few years about about how to hook up a bubbler to your O2 setup....

However, my hubby has used O2 for years (started off with welders' oxygen then got a script for medicinal O2 and our insurance fully reimburses the $38 that it costs for enough oxygen to kill 30 headaches). He's never used a bubbler and he's ok without one. You don't stay on the oxygen all that long, really - you'll know within 10 - 15 minutes if it's going to abort for you. I know it's dry in SK, but it's dry here in AB too. Keep drinking that water, that will help as well, if you are unable to hook up a bubbler for yourself.

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by vietvet2tours on Aug 21^st, 2006, 4:48pm

just huff that o2

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by TxBasslady on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 12:27am

I don't use a bubbler either.

Like Margi says, usually you're not on it that long.

My 02 provider refused to set me up with one...said they had instances when the bubbler exploded. I had never heard this, but took their word for it. I know several here use the bubbler with no problem.

When I got my clustermasx, my time on 02 was cut in 1/2. I can kick a CH in a couple minutes....I love that clustermasx!

Jean

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by SchwarzenSchafe on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 2:01am

Sounds great... I'll probably make a bubbler just because I like to fiddle with things and it seems easy.I'll definately have to research the explosion potential though, I don't see where the ignition source would come from though.

I had a look at my tank today and realized something. I was confusing my MIG regulator with the oxygen... the guage on the oxy tank shows only pressure and not volume. Is it critical that I know the actual flow rate, or can I adjust it using the bag as a gauge? I would think I could open the valve to reach the point at which the bag stays inflated (ie. if the bag collapses open the valve a little more). Is that correct? I've never seen a non rebreather mask. I don't need a regulator that shows me LPM flow rate (or whatever they measure it in)?

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by chopmyheadoff on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 3:34am

make a bubbler man !!

it will be just like making a bong when u were a kid !!!

[smiley=smokin.gif] [smiley=smokin.gif]

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by TxBasslady on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 5:41am

There's a few here who have homemade set-ups.

You do need a regulator that delivers 12-15 lpm. You should be able to get a non-rebreather mask from a medical supply. They're not as expensive as the Clustermasx....but they're not as good either.

Check out the link on the left of this page..."Oxygen Info", for more information.

Jean

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by Squanto on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 7:16am

About O2 humidity:
Most folks here tend to forget (or never knew) that military "fast-jet" pilots breathe non-humidified 100% oxygen for hours at a time without significant problems. You are only going to be using it for 15-30 minutes at a time. Breathing room air in between uses. If you find that your nose is very very sensitive to low humidity - then later on you can build your home-made "bubbler."

I really doubt that the difference in cost between a non-rebreather mask and a clustermasx is all that much. I was pleasantly surprised at how reasonable the cost of the clustermasx (and I'm really a penny pincher!) It shouldn't be difficult for you to confirm the price(s) including cost of delivery before you buy. You will eventually make up any small additional cost of the clustermasx with the money you will save in more efficient and effective use of your oxygen.

Do a google search for "non rebreather mask" and you'll get several respiratory therapy references that carefully describe the physical differences in O2 masks. here's one:
http://www.jlenterprise.com/hfDevicex.html

I've been using welder's O2 without a bubbler for more than a year now. Other than my hair falling out and gaining weight I haven't noticed any problems. (That's a joke folks!)

Send an IM to member "Mr Happy" and he'll set you straight about O2 regulators. I forget the nomenclature (numbers) of the regulator - he knows - but many months ago several could be found on eBay a LOT cheaper than you can buy one in a store.

Squanto

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by Margi on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 9:48am

Just a reminder that non-rebreather masks are 'prescription only' items in Canada. Don't ask me why. You can buy enough aspirin off the shelf to seriously harm yourself but let a clusterhead get a mask that will work for him and all holy hell breaks loose. ::)

However, non-rebreather masks are about $4 at Medigas. Clustermasx is $25 U.S. via the internet and ships within a week or so - without a prescription but....shhh...don't tell anyone.

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by SchwarzenSchafe on Aug 22^nd, 2006, 11:41pm

My doctor told me this afternoon that non rebreather masks ARENT prescription only items... my confidence in my doctors opinion of anything is between very little and none. No matter, I'm going to order the clustermasx tomorrow.

Stilla little unclear on whether I need a volume gauge for my regulator, I think I'll ask "MrHappy", thanks.

Title: Re: Oxygen and humidity
Post by Margi on Aug 23^rd, 2006, 3:02pm

I hear you. Our doctor (neuro) didn't realize the NRB masks are prescription either. It was the guy at Medigas who wouldn't supply it without one who told me that. I had to phone the neuro to get her to fax over a prescription before they would release one to me.
Unbelievable.

You can get regulators at Medigas as well, they rent them by the month.