Home Oxygen

The most common indication for home oxygen in premature infants is chronic lung disease or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Oxygen comes in the form of gas oxygen cylinders, liquid oxygen cylinders or oxygen concentrators. Parents are trained by the oxygen supplier in the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

Oxygen runs from the cylinder or concentrator via nasal cannulae (or nasal prongs). These are fine hollow tubes that fit just through the nose and need to be secured. Nasal cannulae require cleaning and need to be checked regularly throughout the day to ensure that there is a free flow of oxygen. If they become blocked, they need to be replaced.

Securing, replacing and maintaining the tubes or prongs, as well maintaining oxygen cylinders requires significant care/supervision.

A very small number of babies with severe disease may require home ventilation. It may be indicated in chronic cardiopulmonary disorders, neurological and skeletal disorders. This requires additional input at home from qualified nursing staff. The duration of home ventilation is variable.