While oxygen concentrators come with a great many benefits for their users, there are a few unfortunate side effects that you may experience. Things like sore ears and scratchy throats may not sound like much of an issue, but these annoyances can compound over time. Thankfully, we’ve made a list of ways to avoid discomfort while on oxygen.

Use a Portable Concentrator

If you’re using a 50-pound tank as your oxygen concentrator, chances are you’ve struggled to lug it around with you. Wheels or not, those tanks are cumbersome and incredibly heavy. Instead, consider speaking with your doctor about a portable oxygen concentrator. They have the same function as the large tanks but with a fraction of the weight (and are no larger than a purse)!

Put Cushions Underneath Tubing

When you loop your tubing over your ears and wear it all day, you’ll experience the uncomfortable sensation of the tubes grating against the tops of your ears. If you work out while using oxygen, you may find this constant friction to be unbearable. Instead of gritting your teeth and bearing it, put cotton underneath the tubing to keep your ears comfortable.

Utilize Lotions

Water-based lubricants and lotions can come in handy when combatting dry lips and nostrils. Avoid oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, which fill your pores and can cause acne breakouts. You can use lotions on your ears if your tubing rubs them too harshly.

Attach a Moisturizer

You can equip many oxygen concentrators with a hydrating bottle so the oxygen you breathe doesn’t cause your throat to get scratchy. This also helps you avoid a dry mouth which often comes along with oxygen therapy. If you can’t equip your machine with this, you can instead purchase a humidifier for your home.

Now that you know the best ways to avoid discomfort while on oxygen, enjoy the benefits of breathing deeply without unpleasant side effects.