Home oxygen therapy is prescribed for people with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions whose oxygen levels are persistently low. It can improve how long you live, reduce symptoms like breathlessness, and support daily activity and independence.

It’s important to remember, oxygen is given to treat low oxygen levels in your blood rather than to manage breathlessness.

This page explains who may benefit, how oxygen is delivered, and how to use it safely.

What is home oxygen therapy?

This treatment helps people whose bodies don’t get enough oxygen. It’s used for conditions like:

• Lung diseases (like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis)
• Heart problems
• Muscle or chest conditions that affect breathing.

Extra oxygen can help you sleep better, feel less tired, and stay active.

Here are the two common types of oxygen therapy, including who they would be suitable for:

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)

• Your oxygen level is very low, even when you’re resting. To assess whether you are suitable a blood sample called “Capillary Blood Gas” is taken twice to assess your oxygen levels. This will be repeated on oxygen if you meet the criteria.
• You need oxygen for at least 15 hours a day, including while sleeping.
• This type can help you live longer and feel better.

Ambulatory oxygen therapy

• Your oxygen level drops only during movement or exercise. This is measured through a walking test.
• Portable oxygen can help manage your oxygen levels when you exert yourself, enabling you to be more active.
• This will initially be a trial to see if the oxygen can help you walk further or be more active.
• You might use this on its own or with LTOT.

How will I get oxygen?

Oxygen can come from:

• Concentrators: A small machine that produces oxygen from the air. You will also be given a cylinder in case there is a power cut or fault with the concentrator.
• Cylinders: Small tanks you can use at home or take with you.

Your healthcare team will set the right flow rate for you. You must use the oxygen as advised. Do not change the flow rate.

Home oxygen is provided through a private company called (Baywater Healthcare).

They will contact you in the morning of the delivery date to advise you of a delivery time slot. Please be aware this could change if they receive urgent orders.

When your cylinders run out, you can order replacements by contacting Baywater. You do not need to contact your healthcare team, unless you need additional equipment.

Safety first

Oxygen is safe if used correctly, but it can increase fire risk. Here are important tips:

• Don’t smoke near oxygen, in Leeds we do not give oxygen to someone who smokes, including using e-cigarettes. This is because smoking and using e-cigarettes significantly increases the fire risk when using oxygen.
• Avoid open flames like matches, lighters, or candles during oxygen use and for at least 30 minutes afterwards.
• Do not cook while using oxygen or within 30 minutes after using it.
• Avoid using paraffin or oil-based creams on your skin if you’re using oxygen. These can be flammable. Instead, ask your healthcare professional or carer about safe water-based alternatives.

More information about safety advice can be found on the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s safety advice

Safe practices to follow

• Turn off your oxygen equipment when you’re not using it.
• Keep oxygen equipment away from heat sources:
  • At least 3 metres (10 feet) from open fires.
  • At least 1.5 metres (5 feet) from heaters, ovens, TVs, hairdryers, and fans.
• Open windows while using oxygen to keep the air fresh and reduce fire risk.
• Store oxygen cylinders in well-ventilated areas, never in enclosed cupboards.
• Let your healthcare professional or carer know if your health changes in a way that might affect your safety, such as:
  • New medications that cause drowsiness.
  • Reduced mobility.
  • Memory problems.
• Share this safety advice with your family and friends to help keep everyone safe.

Your oxygen supplier will show you how to use everything safely and do a fire safety check.