Your loved one with pulmonary fibrosis may have been prescribed oxygen therapy to help them breathe more easily. Oxygen therapy will change how they approach their day-to-day life. Getting around the house and going out may become more of a challenge.¹ However, with some advanced preparation, the transition can be made easier.

Oxygen at home

Because oxygen is stored in pressurised containers there are certain safety measures you will need to make sure are taken when oxygen is used at home. Encourage your loved one to follow these tips when using your oxygen to avoid any hazards.

There are four key considerations when using oxygen at home:

• Smoke detectors - make sure they are installed in every room

• Extinguishers - keep fire extinguishers in an accessible place

• Oxygen tank - store the oxygen tank in a clean, dry place- at least 2 metres (6 feet) from any heat, electricity or fire

• Smoking - ensure your loved one and others do not smoke near the oxygen tank

Your loved one’s pulmonologist or respirologist, as part of their treatment team, will have discussed which type of oxygen delivery system is best suited for them. They may have been given an oxygen concentrator, compressed gas, or liquid oxygen. Most importantly, the instructions and guidelines supplied with the oxygen, as well as local laws and regulations should be followed.

Travelling with pulmonary fibrosis

If your loved one with pulmonary fibrosis is on oxygen therapy and they’d like to travel, it is important to plan ahead.

Depending on how they are going to travel, certain arrangements might need to be made. For example, there may be forms to fill in, additional charges (e.g. from airlines), or special procedures for the storage and transport of the oxygen equipment.^1,2

You can use the following steps as a guide to help your loved one prepare for travelling:¹

1. The first step should always involve a discussion with your loved one’s treatment team about any plans, so they can discuss their fitness for travel

2. You can speak with your loved one’s travel provider on their behalf to guarantee that they can accommodate all of their treatments, especially supplemental oxygen therapy

3. Contact a travel insurance provider to ensure an insurance policy is in place to cover all eventualities, such as medical expenses, cancelations and personal equipment/belongings

4. Download our checklists for air, train and car travel to help guide you through the travel planning process

Although your loved one with pulmonary fibrosis may be prescribed extra oxygen over the long term, this doesn’t mean that they must limit their daily life. Often patients find that when a prescription of supplemental oxygen is made, it helps them to be more active.