Great question. I am on high volume (4 to 7 L/min) oxygen 24/7. I change my cannula at 4 weeks. I would prefer to change my cannula every 1 to 2 weeks but don’t because it takes so much time an oxygen to purge the cannula of residual ethylene oxide and ethylene chlorohydrin that burn my nose for days and that would otherwise end up in my already highly compromised lungs. Besides residual sterilizing agent I believe based upon my previous work background but without any supporting laboratory data, there may be residual plasticizers as well. FDA is actively working on reducing the levels of residual chemical or developing novel processes for sterilization. I purge 7 ft cannulas using the oxygen outlet on my liquid oxygen supply vessel. I purge it for days at 1 to 1.5 L/min.
Different story in that unlike you and over a period of 8 months, I have not been able to return to work or a “normal “ life. I remain on continuous oxygen at 4 to 8 lpm. I have survived, however, the perfect storm of a triple assault of Zoster, pneumonia and upper respiratory virus.
Anxiety remains a constant and breath taking event. I do get relief by taking a very modest dose of Lorazepam. Regardless, I focus on the positive and remain optimistic.
Report
There was a problem reporting this post.
Block Member?
Please confirm you want to block this member.
You will no longer be able to:
See blocked member's posts
Mention this member in posts
Invite this member to groups
Message this member
Add this member as a connection
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.