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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> oxygen 
        
(Message started by: Squale on Jun 15^th, 2002, 6:34am)

Title: oxygen
Post by Squale on Jun 15^th, 2002, 6:34am

As I posted in an earlier post I now have oxygen for about 1 week.It has helped abort my h/a 6 times already.I have an "e" tank with a rebreathing mask.The mask has two exhale ports with one covered by a thin rubber flap that opens and closes.I was told to set regulator at rate that keeps the bag inflated with my breathing.I do this and it seems when I exhale the bag fills with my exhaled air.Should I try a new technique like covering the holes with tape and gently squeeze the bag while I inhale and then remove the mask for exhale? I dont want to over do it with oxygen and hurt my lungs(which already arent to good from 2 packs of cigs a day).P.S. I am new here BUT not new to cluster headaches.Any help is truly appreciated

Title: Re: oxygen
Post by Ueli on Jun 15^th, 2002, 10:02am

Hi Squale,

There is a one-way valve between the bag and the mask too. If you inhale at a larger rate than the regulator is set, the bag will deflate, and it is filled again during the time you are not inhaling. It is possible for this valve to get stuck, but that is easily checked: With the oxygen turned off and the bag flat blow into the mask. If the bag stays flat the valve is ok, otherwise get a new mask.

Something else is the missing flap on one of the exhale ports. This is called a safety feature: if you fall asleep and the tank runs empty you still get air through this open port.

I think 100% pure oxygen for 10 minutes is less demanding on your lungs than 20 minutes of only 70 or 80%. And 100% oxygen is the fastest to abort an attack.
There are different tricks to prevent this open port from diluting the oxygen. (if you wet the side of your nose, you'll feel if air is streaming in while inhaling.)
1) Set the regulator high enough so never air comes in the open port - a waste of oxygen.
2) Gently squeeze the bag during inhaling.
3) The easiest way: Put a flap on the open port too (from an old mask, or make one of heavy plastic foil). If you defeat the 'safety feature' in this way it is best not to use the rubber band but to hold the mask to your face by hand.

Finally, if you not already have, get a bubbler to provide part of the moisture needed, your nose passages will feel less dried out.

Good luck with the oxygen,
Ueli

Title: Re: oxygen
Post by Svenn on Jun 16^th, 2002, 7:11am

100% pure oxygen at 10L/minute for some 15-20 minutes will do miracles for you.That work for me