It is important to use oxygen at the flow rate that has been prescribed. Never increase or decrease the flow rate without first consulting your child’s doctor.
If you care for a child or baby who needs oxygen therapy as part of their respiratory care, there are a number of important things you should know.
Low flow concentrators are available for children and babies. These deliver oxygen at much lower flow rates to a standard concentrator (flow rate settings for Millennium Paediatric concentrator: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 lpm).
Once your child’s concentrator has been locked at the prescribed flow rate, further adjustments should only be undertaken on the recommendation of your doctor. If your child has been prescribed a variable flow rate, you will need to adjust the flow rate.
Note
The flow of oxygen is very low. If you are concerned the concentrator is not delivering any oxygen, place the end of the supply hose onto some water and check for bubbles.
When your Air Products technician first installs your child’s equipment, you will be offered a piped oxygen system. This will allow your child to use oxygen in more than one room without the need to move the oxygen concentrator.
Portable oxygen cylinders are filled with oxygen to help you and your child go out and do everyday things. To set the flow rate of oxygen for your child from the oxygen cylinder, it may have been fitted with a flowmeter.
How long your child’s oxygen cylinder lasts is based on the type of oxygen cylinder you are using and the flow rate setting.
Type of cylinder: B1
This is the lightest weight cylinder. This cylinder is designed to be used by children or frail adults who need a lighter cylinder.
| Technical Data | |
| Weight full | 2.1kg (4.6llb) |
| Height | 43cm (16.9ins) |
| Diameter | 8.5cm (3.3ins) |
| Capacity | 208 litres |
Type of cylinder: B2 – This is our standard cylinder for those who need to get out and about.
| Technical Data | |
| Weight full | 3.2kg (7lb) |
| Height | 53cm (20.8ins) |
| Diameter | 10cm (3.9ins) |
| Capacity | 430 litres |
| Accessories | Bag available |
B10 Paediatric - this is the largest cylinder available. It is provided as a back-up supply for use in the event of a power cut or concentrator failure. This cylinder is not intended for use as a portable cylinder.
| Technical Data | |
| Weight full | 15kg (33lb) |
| Height | 71cm (28ins) |
| Diameter | 18.2cm (17.1ins) |
| Capacity | 2122 litres |
Caution:
It is very important to use the oxygen cylinder at the flow rate that has been prescribed. Never increase or decrease the flow rate without first consulting your child’s doctor or respiratory specialist.
Your child’s oxygen mask and cannula are important pieces of oxygen equipment.
A cannula can become easily blocked by nasal excretions and mucus. Both masks and cannula should, therefore, be kept as clean as possible using warm, soapy water.
You should also check oxygen tubing daily for any obvious signs of damage such as kinking, flattening or splitting. If you notice any damage, replace the tubing immediately.
It is important to keep spare masks and/or cannulae to hand at all times. If you are running short, please call our customer service team between 8.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday, on LoCall 1850 240202 (ROI only) or Freephone 0800 328 5875 (Northern Ireland only).
Take care that tubing does not become trapped, e.g. in furniture, doors, babies’ cots, infants’ high chairs etc as this will restrict, or even stop, the flow of oxygen.
| Caution! |
Never increase or decrease the flow rate on your oxygen
equipment
without first consulting your doctor or respiratory specialist. |
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