Showering with oxygen concentrator cannula

I have been showering with a cannula for 6 to 8 months. I wear the cannula standing and sitting in the shower with no problems. When I wash my face and shampoo my head I often take the cannula off and hang it on one of the dials for hot or cold. By the way, I am 82.

I started noticing that when taking a really hot steaming shower, I would have a little difficulty breathing and would open the shower curtain slightly to allow better air circulation. After that I started using my oxygen cannula while showering. I only take it off for washing my face and I just hang it on the shower curtain hooks. I’m sure that he feels that he needs the oxygen and it certainly can’t hurt the cannula or interact with the oxygen.

I asked my provider of oxygen about showering with a concentrator. They just said it is ok if it’s not too close to the shower. Would need to use extra tubing with the cannula. I am currently just using my portable concentrator that I have a cart for with 7’ extra tubing with my 4’ cannula. I turn the POC up to the next level setting, because I need more oxygen when showering. Since showering takes me longer these days, I make sure the battery is sufficiently charged for this.

@isa8 I have a stationary home O2 concentrator with a 50’ hose that reaches anywhere in my house. It is in the living room and I believe 50’ is the maximum recommended length.

@stevelc Yes, 50’ is the maximum. What I use with my home concentrator are multiple tubing hoses in different rooms. During the day my concentrator is in my bedroom with tubing that goes from there to my living room where I usually sit. Overnight the concentrator is in the room next to my bedroom with a separate length of tubing. This allows me to minimize the concentrator noise and keep some sanity in my household. I do use my Portable Oxygen Concentrator when I need to get up to use the bathroom or grab food from the kitchen. I have a cart for it and it has about a 12x15” space for things. I use it for my water bottle (I use a zip tie to keep it upright) and miscellaneous stuff. I even put my laundry basket across the top of the cart to do laundry. I always like hearing how people adapt with their oxygen. I hope that there are people inventing ways to minimize the oxygen machine noise. My POC is loud too. They need mufflers! Good luck with your oxygen use.

It would be an additional precaution to clean the shower
head weekly if possible using a plastic bag with vinegar and rubber band to soak it occasionally for a few minutes.
Spritzing it with Lysol or peroxide can help reduce
buildup of waterborne bacteria and mold that can be harmful for pulmonary patients.

@isa8
I have a shower stool in shower. The best though is the attached manual hand sprayer from shower. It allows me to conserve energy and direct water where needed. I do hair / rinse. Then body / rinse.
Takes shorter time - no water & soap all over face & nose. My hand sprayer has button on it for pause water, easy to use.

@suzcape I use a shower chair, too. It’s not that big, which I like. It was a life saver when I got out of the hospital for non-related lung issue. It’s great for anyone with balance issues. I have a hand sprayer but not one with a pause feature. If you like yours, could you share what model you have. I wish my sprayer had a wider spray.