An Overview of Nasal Cannulas

Nasal cannulas are medical devices used when people are unable to get sufficient oxygen to keep their body functioning optimally, whether that's due to a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), another respiratory disorder, or an environmental change. Nasal cannulas (and the oxygen sources they connect to) are lightweight, easy to use, and affordable. They may be used in a variety of hospital settings, at home, or on-the-go.

How They Work

A nasal cannula is a small, flexible tube that contains two open prongs intended to sit just inside your nostrils. The tubing attaches to an oxygen source and delivers a steady stream of medical-grade oxygen to your nose.

The oxygen concentration used with nasal cannulas is between 1 and 6 liters per minute. High-flow cannulas are available, but their output is similar to that of a continuous positive airway pressure system (CPAP). Your healthcare provider will calibrate your oxygen supply to the proper level for your needs.

Nasal cannulas are less invasive than other oxygen delivery systems, most of which involve a face mask. In contrast, nasal cannulas generally don't prohibit regular eating and talking, and they are pretty portable.

When They're Used

Using a nasal cannula means you'll have increased oxygen levels, and hopefully increased energy and reduced fatigue, as you'll be able to breathe easier during the day and sleep better at night.

Your healthcare provider may recommend you use a nasal cannula if you have any of the following conditions:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Sleep apnea
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pneumonia

A nasal cannula may also be used in newborns with underdeveloped lungs (bronchopulmonary dysplasia), as well as acute cases such as heart failure, trauma, or when you're in high altitudes, as oxygen levels are naturally lower.

Risks and Considerations

One side effect of using a nasal cannula is ensuing nasal dryness (dry nose), which is fairly common as cold, dry oxygen is streamed into your nostrils. However, some oxygen units come equipped with warming humidifiers, or these may be available as a separate attachment. Warm, moist air combats the effects of dryness.

In addition to nasal dryness, other possible side effects of long-term oxygen therapy include:

• Dry mouth
• Congestion or runny nose
• Increased tiredness
• Reduced sense of taste or smell
• Cough
• Difficulty sleeping
• Reduced mobility or physical activity and increased risk of falls due to being connected with tubing

Although unlikely to occur with a low-flow nasal cannula, receiving too much oxygen (oxygen toxicity) is associated with more severe side effects, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, muscle spasms, seizures, and lung injury. The risk of oxygen toxicity is far greater with high-flow therapies, like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Oxygen is highly flammable, so care must be taken to avoid encountering flames and flammable objects, such as:

• Cigarettes
• Candles
• Stoves
• Hair dryers
• Heating pads
• Fire pits
• Vaseline-based skin products

Oxygen canisters should be kept in an upright position at all times. If you are using any form of supplemental oxygen, it's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your home, and make sure you feel comfortable dispatching it.

Cost and Insurance

Standard nasal cannulas typically cost around $3 to $6 or less if bought in bulk, although these prices do not include the cost of the oxygen supply and/or delivery fees.

The cost to purchase an oxygen concentrator for your home ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on battery capacity and accessories. Concentrators can also be rented for about $200 per month.

The cost of an oxygen delivery service varies, but you can expect to pay between $60 to $200 per week for the oxygen cylinder plus delivery and service fees.

With sufficient proof, most insurance companies and Medicare will cover nasal cannulation. Generally, the following criteria are assessed:

• Your healthcare provider can prove that your health would improve with oxygen therapy.
• You have severe lung disease and oxygen may help.
• You have arterial blood gases within a certain range.
• Alternative measures have failed.

In these cases, insurance will likely cover the cost of the oxygen-supplying system, the oxygen containers, and any necessary tubing/attachments required to deliver the oxygen. Medicare may require you to rent the oxygen equipment/systems for 36 months before continuing to supply them to you for up to five years.

The cost covers routine maintenance. Check with your insurance company to discuss your personal benefits and inclusions.

Maintenance

Most manufacturers advise that patients change their nasal cannulas once a week for regular daily use or up to a month for sporadic use.

Cleaning Your Nasal Cannula

You can prolong the life of your cannula by taking proper care of it and washing it regularly. The biggest danger in not doing so is a buildup of bacteria, which may lead to infection.

After each use, clean the cannula with an alcohol wipe. If you use oxygen continuously, take a break to disinfect the cannula at least once or twice a day (or more if you are congested). Getting sick can be very dangerous for people with respiratory conditions like COPD, so you need to be vigilant about this.

For a deeper clean, soak the tubing in warm water with a small amount of dish soap and white vinegar, which is a good bacteria killer that won’t eat away at the tubing material.

Once you have thoroughly washed the cannula, rinse it well in cold water to be sure all the soap and bacteria have been removed. Hang the cannula to dry before using it again.

Changing the Cannula

Likewise here, change your cannula any time you have been sick or feel like you may be coming down with something to avoid exposure to bacteria.

Be sure to keep extra supplies on hand so you can change the cannula whenever necessary. Make sure you take stock of your supplies and order replacements long before you run out.

As always, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for how often you should change your nasal cannula and the proper care and maintenance of your equipment.

A Word From Verywell

Nasal cannulation is a relatively noninvasive way of providing oxygen that may greatly improve your quality of life. Having sufficient air to breathe can make a world of difference in performing your daily activities, giving you more energy, and helping reduce fatigue. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether nasal cannula-delivered oxygen is right for you and your condition.