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Oxygen Mask instead of Cannula with Oxygen Concentrator?

Posted by grrranny @grrranny, Nov 4 6:11am

Are any of you using an oxygen mask instead of a nasal cannula with your stationary and/or portable oxygen concentrator? My husband and I are wondering if it might help prevent the nasal irritation that he's been experiencing from the cannula which has been a possible contributing cause of his recent nosebleeds.
Will any brand of mask sold on Amazon, for instance, fit an Inogen POC? Do you have any recommendations?

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pam6426 | @pam6426 | Nov 4 12:02pm

Changing from a nasal cannula to a mask is not that simple. The doctor has to order such and then he needs to prescribe the correct liter flow. The. Oxygen company has to make sure that your oxygen source is adequate for the mask and required liter flow. I would start with contacting the respiratory therapist at the oxygen company to help you through this.
I am a retired respiratory therapist who used to do home care so my info should be correct for you.
Have a blessed day

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1 reply
grrranny | @grrranny | Nov 4 9:47pm
In reply to @pam6426 "Changing from a nasal cannula to a mask is not that simple. The doctor has to..." + (show)
@pam6426

Changing from a nasal cannula to a mask is not that simple. The doctor has to order such and then he needs to prescribe the correct liter flow. The. Oxygen company has to make sure that your oxygen source is adequate for the mask and required liter flow. I would start with contacting the respiratory therapist at the oxygen company to help you through this.
I am a retired respiratory therapist who used to do home care so my info should be correct for you.
Have a blessed day

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Thanks so much for sharing these details, Pam!

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1 reply
sparky55 | @sparky55 | Nov 5 8:08am

I use a cannula so I also use a saline nasal gel I apply on my nostrils at night. It’s called Ayr and can be found at Walmart and most drug stores.

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pam6426 | @pam6426 | Nov 5 1:00pm
In reply to @grrranny "Thanks so much for sharing these details, Pam!" + (show)
@grrranny

Thanks so much for sharing these details, Pam!

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As an addendum, the oxygen concentrator may not have a high enough liter flow to flush the collected carbon dioxide from the mask. This could cause further and dangerous results
Btw my email is pam6426@gmail.com but my name is Pat. ☺️. Have a blessed day.

REPLY
grrranny | @grrranny | Nov 7 9:13pm

ENT cauterized a blood vessel in hubby's nose today, and that seems to have fixed the problem. Hurray!

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