When you have received a COPD diagnosis, it is often followed by a prescription for medical grade oxygen.

You are left feeling overwhelmed with a wealth of new knowledge you must retain. With COPD you may have a need for supplemental medical grade oxygen. Medical grade oxygen treatment is typically delivered through a tube with two nasal prongs. This is better known as a nasal cannula.

Nasal cannulas are designed to be inserted into your nostrils and attached to your portable or home oxygen concentrator. Meaning they become dirty very quickly and regularly. So you need to make it a top priority to regularly replace and clean your nasal cannulas.

Reading COPD forums and blogs, there are countless patients saying something along the lines of “my oxygen provider tells me to only change my nasal cannula after I’ve had a respiratory infection, such as a cold.” Or “with regular cleaning you should only replace your nasal cannula 1-2 times a month.”