Oxygen Therapy Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms—such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), coughing, and sputum production—resulting from abnormalities in the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema). These abnormalities lead to persistent and progressive airflow obstruction.

How can daily preventive measures be taken?

Refrain from smoking; avoid exposure to secondhand smoke; avoid inhaling harmful gases or fumes; engage in regular physical exercise; and get vaccinated against influenza to prevent colds.

Key points for home oxygen therapy care?

Indications for home oxygen therapy

Criteria for long-term oxygen therapy:

Resting arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) ≤55 mmHg or oxygen saturation (SaO₂) ≤88%; or PaO₂ between 56–59 mmHg accompanied by pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, or polycythemia.

Hypoxemia (SpO₂ <90%) occurring during physical activity or sleep.

Selection of home oxygen therapy equipment

1. Oxygen supply equipment:

(1) Oxygen concentrator (preferred choice): Does not require frequent refilling and provides continuous oxygen supply, though it relies on a power source. As a professional manufacturer, DEDAKJ offers a full range of oxygen concentrators, from home-use and portable models to medical-grade units.

For example, the DEDAKJ RE-Q1L home oxygen concentrator is designed for domestic use.

• It features an adjustable continuous flow rate of 1–7 liters per minute and integrates a nebulization function, allowing for dual-purpose use. Key features include:
• Oxygen concentration up to 93%, a large touchscreen display, and an infrared remote control for easy operation by elderly users.
• A built-in humidification tank to moisturize the oxygen and prevent nasal mucosal dryness; low operating noise (below 48 dB), making it suitable for prolonged use at night.
• A net weight of approximately 6 kg (13.2 lbs) and a built-in handle for easy portability within the home. 

(2) Oxygen cylinders: Suitable for backup use or during power outages (provides stable oxygen concentration and high purity, though long-term refilling costs can be high); requires periodic refilling.

(3) Portable oxygen concentrators: Compact and capable of continuous oxygen supply, making them convenient for outings. For example, the DEDAKJ RES-6 series is designed specifically for travel and offers the following advantages:

• Ultra-lightweight design: The unit weighs only 2.4 lbs (approx. 1.1 kg) and measures 5.9" × 2.9" × 6.3"; it comes with a portable backpack for easy carrying.
• Oxygen delivery: Available in versions with flow rates of 1–4 L/min, 1–5 L/min, or 1–6 L/min, delivering oxygen concentrations up to 93%.
• Built-in 10,000mAh high-capacity lithium battery: Provides 2–4 hours of operation on a full charge and supports three power sources—household AC (100–240V), vehicle DC (12–15V), and battery power—catering to home, in-car, and outdoor travel scenarios.
• Extremely low operating noise: Approximately 30 decibels, ensuring no disturbance when used in public or during sleep.

2. Oxygen delivery devices:

(1) Nasal cannula: Suitable for low-flow oxygen therapy; offers high comfort, though attention should be paid to protecting the skin at the contact points.

(2) Oxygen reservoir mask: Used when higher oxygen concentrations are required; however, be aware of the risk of CO₂ retention (use under medical guidance).

Guidelines for home oxygen therapy

1. Oxygen flow rate adjustment:

• Goal: Maintain blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) between 88% and 92%.
• Initial setting: 1–2 L/min (via nasal cannula); do not arbitrarily increase the flow rate (rates >5 L/min may suppress the respiratory drive).

2. Daily oxygen therapy duration:

Administer oxygen for more than 15 hours per day; oxygen therapy must not be interrupted during sleep at night, as continuous low-flow oxygen therapy can reduce mortality rates. Home Care Guidelines

1. Safe Usage:

• Fire and Explosion Safety: Keep away from open flames and heat sources (e.g., gas stoves, lighters); smoking is strictly prohibited.
• Equipment Maintenance: Oxygen filters and filter pads require timely replacement; oxygen tubing should be changed daily. Genuine accessories, such as air filter screens, are available via the official DEDAKJ website to ensure proper maintenance.
• Humidification Bottle: Change the distilled water daily to prevent bacterial growth. The DEDAKJ RE-Q1L model features a built-in humidification tank that requires regular cleaning.
• Backup Power: Equip the oxygen concentrator with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to handle power outages, and keep an oxygen cylinder as an emergency backup. For portable models (e.g., the RES series), the built-in battery serves as an emergency oxygen source during short-term power outages at home.

2. Daily Monitoring:

• Blood Oxygen Saturation: Monitor SpO₂ daily using a pulse oximeter (during rest, activity, and sleep).
• Watch for CO₂ Retention: If symptoms such as drowsiness, headache, or confusion occur, immediately reduce the oxygen flow rate and seek medical attention.

3. Comfort and Convenience:

• Extended Tubing: Use 5–7 meter long tubing to facilitate movement within the home.
• Nasal Care: Choose an oxygen concentrator with a humidification tank; humidified oxygen prevents nasal mucosa from drying out and bleeding. Apply Vaseline if necessary.

4. Safety Precautions:

• Fire and Explosion Safety: Keep away from open flames and heat sources (e.g., gas stoves, electric heaters).
• Fall Prevention: Secure oxygen tubing to prevent tripping hazards.
• Effectiveness Monitoring: Observe symptom improvement (e.g., reduced shortness of breath, disappearance of cyanosis) and undergo regular arterial blood gas (ABG) re-examinations (initially at 3 months and 12 months, then annually thereafter).

Additional Information on DEDAKJ Brand and Product Advantages

DEDAKJ is a professional oxygen concentrator supplier established in 1953. Its products hold international certifications such as ISO, CE, and RoHS, ensuring quality for home oxygen therapy.

Extensive Product Line: Offers a wide range of products, from 1–9 liter home-use concentrators to portable models suitable for travel; some models also integrate nebulization functions, offering multi-purpose utility in a single device. Quiet Design: Low operating noise (approximately 30–45 decibels for some models), minimizing disruption to nighttime rest.

User Feedback: Real users report that the device is easy to operate, provides stable oxygen concentration, and is lightweight yet durable, effectively improving quality of life.