What other supplies will we need to supply oxygen to my child?

Suggested oxygen supplies to request from your DME

• It is often difficult to check for oxygen leaks in the tubing and to make sure your child is receiving all of the oxygen that is leaving the machine. The Litermeter is a convenient pocket-size flow indicator (aka ‘flow pen’) designed to validate flow rates of compressors, regulators, and flow meters. It is available in three (3) flow rate ranges 0-2.5 LPM, 0-8 LPM and 6-15 LPM. If your DME does not provide these, they can be found online and can usually be purchased for less than $10. These are extremely handy to have if you are using a humidifier or are using long tuning to ensure you have no major leaks and your child is getting adequate flow.

• When your child is connected to tubing longer than a few feet, a swivel connector is highly recommended. Reliable Oxygen Tubing Connectors swivel to reduce snagging and tangling of tubing and increase patient comfort and mobility.

• Security Clips may be used to attach the extension tubing to bedding and reduce the annoying tugging and pulling of the patient’s cannula. (Salter part number 1220)

• Most people who need oxygen supplementation use nasal cannulas to deliver the oxygen from the source to the nose. These are made of soft, light plastic tubing. They can be used with oxygen flows up to 6-8 liters per minute. Cannulas give oxygen even during eating, drinking, and facial/airway care. One end of the cannula connects to the oxygen source. The other end has two curved prongs that fit just inside the nostrils. There are many sizes of cannulas. Make sure that you request an infant or pediatric size cannula that fits your child well. If the prongs are too narrow or too wide they can irritate the child, which could cause them to pull off their cannula.