Oxygen
How long will I have to be on oxygen?
Oxygen is prescribed for many diagnoses. Some patients, such as those who have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may need oxygen indefinitely. Your doctor will make the final decision on how long you will need the therapy.
Is my being on oxygen dangerous?
When used properly, oxygen is not dangerous. Oxygen is not flammable, but it does support combustion so it is very important to keep it away from sparks and/or open flames. As long as you follow the safety rules outlined in your “O2 Safety in the Home” handout, your oxygen is safe.
Why do I need to display no smoking signs?
Smoking and oxygen are a dangerous combination. Posting the signs informs anyone entering your home that oxygen is being used and they cannot smoke. In addition, displaying the signs assists CHS Home Support Service delivery personnel in finding your home and it informs the fire department that oxygen is being stored in your home.
Is oxygen addictive?
No, oxygen is not addictive.
How much will oxygen therapy cost me?
Most insurance companies will cover home oxygen. You will be responsible for any co-insurance and/or deductibles.
Will I be able to leave my home with oxygen?
CHS Home Support Services has a variety of options to ensure that your oxygen therapy will not limit your ability to leave your home or travel.
What do I do if I am having a problem with my oxygen or have a power outage?
CHS Home Support Services has a 24-hour on call service to assist patients with a problem or emergency. Also, all oxygen patients are given an emergency back up system in case of equipment problems or a power outage.
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Home Ventilators
How often do I need to change the ventilator circuit?
A CHS Home Support Services Respiratory Therapist will take care of all maintenance and servicing needed and will change all circuits for you.
What should I do if the power goes off?
Your ventilator has an internal battery that will continue to power the unit for about 1 hour. As needed, an external battery will be provided in your home. Talk to your CHS Home Support Services Respiratory Therapist about your battery needs.
What do I do if the ventilator stops
working or I have forgotten how to do something?
All patients are provided with a
back up ventilator system. Whenever you have questions
or concerns about you ventilator, call your CHS Home
Support Services Respiratory Therapist who will be able
to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
What if my ventilator settings need to be changed?
Your CHS Home Support Services Respiratory Therapist will confirm all changes with your physician and will make a visit to your home to make any necessary adjustments.
Can I leave the house with my ventilator?
Yes, almost all home ventilators are portable and can be taken outside the home, provided they are equipped with the appropriate external battery. Talk to your CHS Home Support Services Respiratory Therapist about your portability needs.
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CPAP
Will I always have to use a CPAP machine?
Your CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) unit is a therapy, not a cure. As long as your condition remains unchanged, the CPAP will most likely need to be used.
Do I need to use my CPAP unit every night, all night?
You doctor has prescribed this therapy for you, and you should use it as it has been prescribed. CPAP should be used every night and the whole night for maximum benefit. A period of adjustment and getting used to your CPAP unit is common and may last 4 to 6 weeks. You may need to get used to it by wearing it a few hours more each night until you are able to use it all night long.
How often should I clean my mask? When should it should it be replaced?
Your mask, headgear and other components should be cleaned on a regular basis. Your CHS Home Support Services Respiratory Therapist will give you instructions on routine maintenance.
We recommend you replace your mask every 6 months and most insurances will cover mask replacement every 6 months.
I experience dryness in my throat
and nose when using my CPAP. Is there anything I can
do about this?
Call and discuss any discomfort with
your CHS Home Support Services Respiratory Therapist.
Your options may include: humidification or over the
counter saline nasal spray.
My CPAP mask sometimes leaks air.
Sometimes, it just feels uncomfortable. What can I do
to fix these problems?
Your CPAP unit should be turned on
before the mask is applied. If you position the straps
on the headgear while lying down this will give you
an optimum fit. Over-tightening the headgear could make
leaks worse and cause redness or sores on the skin.
A small leak at the sides and/or bottom of the mask
is acceptable, but air leaking at the top of the mask
can cause sore or dry eyes. Please call and discuss
any mask fitting issues with your CHS Home Support Services
Respiratory Therapist.
When I use my CPAP, I sometimes feel
as if there’s too much or too little pressure. What
can I do?
It may take 4 to 6 weeks or more
to get used to your CPAP. Relaxing while using the CPAP
may help. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths through
your nose with your mouth closed. If you still have
trouble, contact your physician or your CHS Home Support
Services Respiratory Therapist.
Who do I call to order CPAP supplies or report broken equipment?
Call your CHS Home Support Services CPAP representative at 631-656-1624.
Are there support groups for people who have sleep apnea?
The American Sleep Apnea Association can direct you to groups in your area. You can contact them at (202) 293-3650 or asaa@sleepapnea.org, their website is www.sleepapnea.org.
Your sleep testing lab may also sponsor a support group. Check with the lab that you had your sleep study in for more information.
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Home Infusion Therapy
How do I arrange for Home Infusion Therapy?
Have your physician call our office to make a referral. If you are in the hospital, you can have your nurse, social worker or case manager call 1-877-227-4641 or (631) 940-3350 to make a referral. You can even call our office directly, however, before beginning service our pharmacist must speak to your physician to get medication orders.
How is the service paid for?
Many insurance companies will reimburse for these therapies in the home. Our intake staff will check your insurance coverage at the time of the referral and tell you what is covered and any out of pocket expenses you may have.
How do I get supplies?
Our deliveries are made Monday to Friday during regular business hours. One of our trained PSTs (patient service technicians) will bring the delivery to your place of residence. After hours and emergency deliveries are handled through our on-call team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is it safe to do at home?
Yes. Home Infusion Therapy has been safely provided in the home since the early 1980s with excellent clinical outcomes and a high level of customer satisfaction.
Will a nurse come to my home to give me my medication?
No. A nurse, specially trained in home infusion therapy, will come to your place of residence and teach you, or a responsible adult, how to give the medication. After you and the nurse are comfortable with the training, the nurse will follow up based on your infusion therapy needs. A nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer a question or to visit for an emergency with the infusion.
How can I speak to a pharmacist?
You can call our office during routine business hours and a pharmacist will be available. A pharmacist is also available after hours through our on-call system.
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