If you’re struggling with a chronic illness like COPD, heart failure, or sleep apnea, increasing your oxygen at home can help improve your symptoms. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source But even the healthiest people can benefit from improving air circulation and removing pollutants from the air at home. We’ll show you how to increase oxygen levels in your home, get more oxygen into your body, and offer an overview of some common medical equipment used to treat low oxygen, as well as an overview of blood oxygen levels in general.
Things You Should Know
- Improve the oxygen levels in your home by opening a window for about 10 minutes at a time. Or, step outside for 10 minutes to get a quick boost.
- Introduce house plants like orchids or succulents to boost oxygen levels in your home, and run an air purifier to filter out air pollutants.
- Get more oxygen immediately by inhaling through your nose for 2 seconds, and exhale through pursed lips for 4 seconds. Repeat this for 10 minutes.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Consult your doctor if you have shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or are interested in your oxygen intake. Your doctor is able to analyze your needs and provide a treatment appropriate for you. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
Warnings
- Always use oxygen safely. Never smoke or allow others to smoke near your oxygen tank, and stay at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the following: any fire (including candles), the stove top and oven, electric motors, electric blankets, electric baseboards, and all electric household items (hairdryers, electric razors, etc.). Always keep a fire extinguisher in your home, and ensure your smoke detectors work properly. [26] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20204923
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22447-blood-oxygen-level
- ↑ https://kk.org/cooltools/pollentec-clean-air-window-screen/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/improving-indoor-air-quality
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating
- ↑ https://extension.sdstate.edu/four-benefits-houseplants
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230460/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22447-blood-oxygen-level
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9443-pursed-lip-breathing
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/mdot/challengeme/topics/2020/06Jun/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-and-nutrition-you-asked/there-any-point-drinking-oxygenated-water
- ↑ https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/CMS-Documents/Patient-leaflets/Coronavirus/6628-1-Coronavirus-how-lying-on-your-front-to-can-help-get-more-oxygen-into-your-body.pdf
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22447-blood-oxygen-level
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cg/using-oxygen-safely.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20204923
- ↑ https://patient.info/doctor/use-of-oxygen-therapy-in-copd
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/home-oxygen/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/diagnosing-and-treating/supplemental-oxygen.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/home-oxygen/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cg/using-oxygen-safely.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22447-blood-oxygen-level
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/pulse-oximetry
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22447-blood-oxygen-level
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22447-blood-oxygen-level
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000049.htm
About This Article
If you want to increase oxygen levels in your home, install a fan or filter, or add some indoor plants. Try to open your windows for a few minutes 3 times a day, even in winter. This helps to circulate fresh, oxygen-rich air around your home. If you haven't already, get extractor fans fitted in your kitchen and bathroom. Extractor fans help to draw moist and bad-smelling air out of your house. You can also get an air filter installed, which brings fresh air inside your home. There are many indoor plants that produce oxygen and help to purify the air. Get an aloe, English ivy, peace lily, or spider plant. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to use a portable oxygen tank in your home, read on.
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