Starting home oxygen
Getting Started With Home Oxygen
Starting home oxygen can feel unfamiliar, but the process usually follows several clear steps. Your healthcare team assesses your oxygen needs, provides a prescription, and works with an oxygen provider to arrange suitable equipment, setup, and education.
✓ Prescription-based therapy
✓ Equipment setup and education
✓ Ongoing MedPro support
The process at a glance
Your First Steps
1
Assessment and testing
Your healthcare team measures and reviews your oxygen needs.
2
Prescription and referral
Instructions are documented and sent to an oxygen provider.
3
Setup and support
Equipment is supplied, explained, and supported over time.
The home oxygen journey
What Happens When You Start Home Oxygen?
The exact process can vary, but most patients move through the following stages.
1
Assessment
Your healthcare team reviews your oxygen needs.
2
Testing
Oxygen levels may be measured in different settings.
3
Prescription
Your oxygen instructions are documented.
4
Provider referral
The referral is sent to an oxygen provider.
5
Equipment setup
Suitable equipment is supplied and explained.
6
Ongoing support
Questions, service, and follow-up support continue.
Step 1
Your Home Oxygen Assessment
A healthcare professional reviews your medical history, current respiratory condition, symptoms, existing treatment, oxygen measurements, activity needs, and other relevant health information.
The need for oxygen should be determined through clinical assessment rather than breathlessness alone. This page does not replace instructions from your prescribing healthcare professional.
Your assessment may consider:
- Medical history and diagnosis
- Current symptoms and treatment
- Oxygen measurements
- Walking and activity needs
- Sleep-related concerns, when relevant
- Home environment and mobility
Step 2
How Oxygen Needs May Be Measured
The exact tests used depend on the patient’s condition and healthcare provider.
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Pulse oximetry
A sensor placed on a finger estimates oxygen saturation.
+
Blood testing
A healthcare provider may use a blood test when more detailed information is required.
↗
Activity testing
Measurements may be taken while walking or completing another activity.
☾
Overnight testing
Some patients may be assessed while sleeping.
Step 3
Understanding Your Oxygen Prescription
The prescription provides the instructions that guide oxygen use and equipment setup. The details are individualized and should be followed exactly.
Important: Do not change your oxygen flow or setting unless instructed by your prescribing healthcare professional.
A prescription may identify:
- The prescribed oxygen flow or setting
- When oxygen should be used
- Whether it is needed at rest, during activity, or while sleeping
- The required duration of use
- The delivery method
- Additional clinical instructions
Step 4
What Happens After Home Oxygen Is Prescribed?
The prescription or referral is sent to an oxygen provider such as MedPro so the next steps can be arranged.
1
Prescription details
The provider confirms the oxygen instructions and required documentation.
2
Patient information
Contact details and the setup address are verified.
3
Equipment requirements
The provider reviews oxygen needs, mobility, and delivery requirements.
4
Coverage information
Funding, insurance, or private-pay arrangements may need to be confirmed.
5
Caregiver involvement
A caregiver can be included when helpful for setup and education.
Step 5
How Is Oxygen Equipment Selected?
Equipment selection is based on the prescription and the patient’s practical needs. The healthcare team and oxygen provider determine which system is suitable.
Selection may consider:
- The prescribed oxygen flow or setting
- Hours and timing of use
- The patient’s home environment
- Mobility and activity outside the home
- Backup requirements
- Funding or insurance rules
Step 6
What Happens During Home Oxygen Setup?
Setup is designed to make sure the equipment is installed correctly and that the patient understands the basics before using it.
What MedPro does
- Reviews the prescription
- Delivers or arranges the equipment
- Sets up the oxygen system
- Explains basic operation and alarms
- Reviews storage, positioning, and backup arrangements
What the patient should do
- Ask questions during the appointment
- Keep instructions and contact numbers available
- Follow the prescribed setting and schedule
- Involve a caregiver when helpful
- Confirm who to contact for equipment assistance
Before the appointment
How to Prepare for Your Oxygen Setup
A little preparation can make the setup appointment smoother and easier to follow.
1
Confirm your address and contact details
2
Have your prescription and health information available
3
Tell MedPro about stairs, elevators, or access concerns
4
Identify where the main oxygen equipment may be placed
5
Ask a caregiver to attend when helpful
6
Prepare a list of questions
7
Confirm whether power access is required
8
Keep pets away from the setup area during the appointment
Early adjustment
What to Expect During the First Few Days
Becoming comfortable with home oxygen often takes practice and a little time.
Wearing the delivery device
It may take time to become comfortable with a nasal cannula or mask.
Managing tubing
You may need to learn how to move around while keeping tubing organized.
Following the schedule
Build the prescribed oxygen routine into your day.
Using portable equipment
Portable systems may require additional practice and planning.
Adjusting daily routines
Small changes can make oxygen use feel more manageable.
It is normal to have questions. Contact your oxygen provider if you are unsure how to use the equipment or if something does not appear to be working as expected.
Getting the right help
When Should You Contact Your Oxygen Provider?
Equipment questions and medical questions should be directed to the appropriate member of your care team.
Contact MedPro when:
- You do not understand how to operate the equipment
- The equipment is alarming or appears not to work
- Supplies or tubing need replacement
- You are planning travel
- Your address or contact information changes
- You need clarification about deliveries or service
- Your healthcare provider changes the prescription
Contact your prescribing healthcare provider when:
- Your symptoms change
- Your oxygen use needs to be reassessed
- You have questions about the prescription
- You believe your prescribed requirements may have changed
For a medical emergency or immediate safety concern, contact local emergency services.
Before first use
Review Safety Before Using Oxygen
Oxygen does not ignite by itself, but it supports combustion and can make fires burn more intensely.
Do not smoke or vape near oxygen
Keep oxygen away from flames and heat
Follow provider storage instructions
Do not alter prescribed settings
Keep tubing clear of walkways
Use only approved accessories
Coverage and documentation
Funding and Coverage May Affect the Process
The referral, approval, and setup process may differ depending on the patient’s coverage arrangement. Program-specific eligibility and documentation are covered on the dedicated funding page.
The process may involve:
- Provincial home oxygen programs
- Private insurance
- Third-party coverage
- Private-pay arrangements
- Required eligibility documentation
Continue learning
Continue Your Home Oxygen Journey
Explore the next topic that best matches your needs.
Equipment
Home Oxygen Equipment
Learn about concentrators, cylinders, portable systems, and delivery devices.
Services
Home Oxygen Services & Support
Understand MedPro setup, service, education, and ongoing assistance.
Daily life
Living With Home Oxygen
Learn how oxygen may fit into routines, sleep, activity, and everyday life.
Safety
Home Oxygen Safety
Review essential precautions for using and storing oxygen safely.
Getting started with MedPro
Has Home Oxygen Been Prescribed for You?
MedPro’s respiratory care team can help review the referral process, arrange equipment setup, provide education, and explain available support.