How Long Can I Use OxySafe?

OxySafe has a lifespan of 4 years. Typically, providers choose to replace them more frequently, sometimes as often as they change the cannula. You should not attempt to wash the OxySafe and transfer it to another patient after it has been used.

Can OxySafe Be Transferred Between Patients?

No, OxySafe is intended for Single Patient Use, and should not be transferred between patients. Each patient should have thier own OxySafe devices.

How Do I Clean OxySafe?

Clean the exterior surfaces of the OxySafe using an alcohol or disinfectant wipe. Do not immerse the device in any fluid or allow fluid to enter through the hose barb connections during the cleaning process.

Can I Re-Use OxySafe After It Has Been Actuated?

No. OxySafe cannot be reset should be discarded once it has been actuated.

Can I use OxySafe with a Conserver?

Yes.

Does OxySafe make it safe to smoke? Won't it encourage patients to smoke while using oxygen?

It is never safe to smoke while around or using oxygen. There is no device that would ever make it safe due to the inherent nature of oxygen. OxySafe doesn't prevent a fire occuring, but helps prevent negative consequences of fire by stopping it before it reaches the patient or oxygen source.

An OxySafe is just like a seat belt. A seat belt doesn't prevent a car crash, and doesn't cause people to intentionally crash their cars.

Can OxySafe Be Used With Humidifiers?

Yes. OxySafe may be used with a humidifier. 

What Happens When Water Enters the Device?

Water entering the device does not effect performance, i.e. Pooling of water will not cause the unit to rust or detiorate. 

Can OxySafe Be Used With CPAP/BiPAP?

The OxySafe Cannula Valve can be used for this application so long as the oxygen flow is maintained within the device specification. Some CPAP devices may use as much as 30 L/min of oxygen but the OxySafe Cannula Valve is only advised for use up to a flow of 20 L/min.

What are the device specifications?

Is it true there is a new ISO standard  8359 that requires oxygen safety devices on all oxygen concentrators and at the point of the patient?

Yes, the International Standards Organization (ISO) has a standard  that would require oxygen safety devices on all oxygen concentrators and at the point of the patient. This is ISO 8359:1996 FDAM 1. You can read more about ISO 8359 here.

Why did the ISO develop standard 8359 to require oxygen safety devices on oxygen concentrators?

The home respiratory industry has long recognized the incidents of oxygen cannula fires which cause fatalities and serious injuries worldwide. The ISO is taking action by developing a standard requirement for oxygen concentrators to have an oxygen safety device that will help prevent fatalities and injuries from oxygen enriched fires.

Where can I get a copy of ISO Standard 8359?

ISO copyrighted the standard, so you will have to purchase a copy from their store.

How will an oxygen safety device in the cannula or concentrator prevent fatalities and injuries?

The safety device would work much like our OxySafe oxygen safety device by positively shutting off the gas flow which extinguishes the fire.

Should we start to comply with the new ISO standard now by adding an oxygen safety device to all our oxygen concentrators and will our accreditation agency require this soon?

The ISO standard is not required in the US currently, however many oxygen providers including several VA regions already require an oxygen safety device like OxySafe on the concentrator or in the breathing circuit.