What safety procedures should I follow while using my cylinder?

• ALWAYS use oxygen in a well ventilated area

• Stay at least 5-6 feet away from open flames or other heat and ignition sources

• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher close by

• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke within 8 ft. of your equipment

• Place a “NO SMOKING: Oxygen In Use” sign on the door of your house or in a highly visible window to alert fire department personnel that oxygen is stored and used in your home

• Do not drop or strike your cylinder or expose it to heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters or radiators

• Do not use flammable products such as aerosol sprays, paint thinners, gasoline or oil-based lubricants while using oxygen

• Use water-based lubricants on lips and hands. Do not use oil-based products like petroleum jelly, petroleum based creams or lotions

• While cooking, secure cannula behind head instead of under chin

• Do not allow children or untrained individuals to handle or operate oxygen equipment

 

What safety procedures should I follow for liquid oxygen?

• NEVER touch any frosted areas on either unit

• If liquid oxygen contents ever leak out, do NOT touch

• When filling the portable unit from the reservoir:

  • Wipe connectors before filling

  • Use appropriate operation of vent valve lever

  • Review proper sounds during fill

  • Determine when the fill is complete

 

What safety procedures should I follow for oxygen concentrators?

• NO SMOKING is allowed within 8 ft. of oxygen equipment

• Use only distilled water in humidifier to prevent clogs

• Make sure tubing is free of kinks and leaks

• Make sure tubing is not being pinched

• Never attempt to adjust your oxygen flow yourself. Your physician is the only person who can authorize a change in your flow setting

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What if I don’t feel like I’m getting any air out of my cannula?

• First, make sure the flow meter is at its proper setting, then check the tubing for any kinks or leaks, and if necessary, replace the tubing.

• Finally, remove the humidifier bottle and re-attach it. Be careful not to cross-thread; hand-tight is satisfactory.

 

What should I do if my concentrator alarm goes off?
First, make sure the unit is plugged into a working electrical outlet. Check to ensure the flow meter is at the proper setting, then turn off the unit and replace the humidifier bottle. 

 

What if I need to adjust something on my cylinder?
Never alter or modify your cylinder in any way, and never use your medical oxygen cylinder for applications other than medical oxygen. If your flow rate needs to be changed, talk with your physician.

 

How should I store my oxygen cylinder?
Store oxygen cylinders upright in a well-ventilated area, and secure them so that they cannot be knocked over. Turn the regulator off when it’s not in use. Never store cylinders in a car trunk, in a closet, under a bed, or in other confined, unventilated areas. When traveling with a cylinder, always open your car windows. Never stockpile extra tanks. Store tanks laying down, NEVER standing up.

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How should I treat my oxygen equipment while traveling?
Secure cylinders in the back seat with a seat belt; never allow your cylinders to roll. Keep your car windows open when travelling with a cylinder, and do not store your cylinders in the car.

 

Where can I get oxygen equipment and service if I go out of town?
Landmark Healthcare is a part of a nationwide network of independent dealers. If you decide to take a trip, we will refer you to a company that can help you find oxygen in the destination you are traveling to. Then we’ll contact you with the provider’s name and phone number so they can coordinate your travel plans with you and help you avoid any disruption to your oxygen service.  One Week Advance Notification Required. Please give us at least one week advance notice when you are traveling, in order to make proper arrangements. If you don’t provide us with a full one week notice, you may risk not having oxygen at your destination.

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Are concentrators and oxygen tanks available in travel size? Do I have to pay extra?
Small travel concentrators and oxygen tanks can be provided to you at no additional cost. The small, lightweight concentrator weighs about half as much as a standard oxygen concentrator, and is ideal for traveling by car. We also have a full line of oxygen tanks and conserving devices that you may take with you if you travel to a place without electricity, such as a campsite or a cabin. 

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Will my insurance company pay for me to travel?
No. Insurance companies (including Medicare & Medicaid) do not pay for a patient to travel. Should you decide to purchase tank refills or supplies, or rent additional equipment while on your trip, you will be responsible for paying any additional charges.

 

What if I fly or take a cruise?
Most major cruise lines and airlines now offer oxygen to their passengers. If you decide to take a cruise or travel by plane, be sure to call ahead and talk to the representative from the cruise line, airline or your travel agent about having oxygen provided for you on your trip.

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What if my question wasn’t answered here?
If you have more questions about your existing oxygen therapy equipment, or have received a prescription from your doctor requiring new oxygen equipment, stop by one of our locations or contact us at customerservice@landmarkhc.com or toll free at 877-693-0007.

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How should I store my supplies?

• Most supplies need to be stored at room temperature.

• Store  supplies in their original containers, where children can’t see or reach them, and they are protected from heat, humidity, or direct sunlight.

• Store nebulizers in a clean, dry, and dust free location

• Room Temperature means 67-78°F

• If unclear on storage conditions of supplies, call our customer service.

 

What are the delivery procedures for respiratory supplies?

The first delivery will be made by a Landmark service technician. Afterward deliveries will be made either by a technician or via UPS. Patients will be contacted prior to delivery to arrange a delivery time and check supply needs. A signature is required upon delivery. Packages will not be delivered if no one is available to sign for them.

 

What medications can I use in my nebulizer?

You should only use medications made specifically for nebulizers. When you use a nebulizer, only use medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration as manufactured by a pharmaceutical company or licensed agent only. These agents are sterile, contain no contaminants or unwanted particles, and are mixed in exact proportions.

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Do you offer custom mask fitting?
Yes. Mask fit is one of the most important factors leading to successful therapy and good sleeping. Our sleep therapy specialists have developed techniques to maximize therapy and comfort by custom fitting your mask to the unique size and contours of your face.

 

Can I exchange my mask if I don’t like it?
Yes. As part of our Mask Return and Resupply Program, if for any reason you are not happy with your current mask and wish to try another, we will accommodate your needs at no cost. While health insurance will usually pay for replacement masks every 3-6 months depending on your insurance plan, we do not make our customers wait this long for a replacement mask if the original fitting did not work.

 

What if I received my mask or machine from a different supplier?
It’s no problem. We can do anything from refilling your current prescription to refitting and retraining you on a replacement mask or machine - but with the added guarantee of our Return and Resupply program.

 

Will I have to be on the CPAP for the rest of my life?
Since there is not a cure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a CPAP can be used each night during sleep to effectively treat this condition.

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How often do I need to replace my mask?
Your mask is designed to last for a minimum of three (3) months, and a maximum of six (6) months with regular cleaning. We will show you how to properly clean your mask and look for telltale signs of issues with your equipment and supplies. You can also extend the life of your mask by washing your face each night to remove oil and dirt.

 

What does it mean if I wake up gasping for air?
This is a classic sign that you are still experiencing an obstruction. If this occurs more than once, notify your physician; you may need the pressure slightly increased on your CPAP.

 

What does it mean if I still wake up tired?
This is another classic sign that you are experiencing either obstructions or sleep apnea. You should notify your physician; you may need the pressure slightly increased on your CPAP.

 

Why do I wake up with dry, irritated eyes?
Typically, this occurs because of a leak between the mask and your face near the eyes; air is blowing in your eyes all night and dries them out. Try re-adjusting the mask while you are lying down. If the mask is more than six months old, consider having it replaced.

 

Why do I wake up with water in my mask?
If this occurs, please try the following tips:

• First, make sure you are not filling the humidifier chamber above the fill line.

• Condensation can occur when the temperature in your bedroom is cooler than the temperature in your tubing. Try decreasing your humidifier setting.

• If you require the increased level of humidity, then it may be beneficial to insulate your tubing. Contact us for further information.

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