For millions of Americans with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or emphysema, home is a haven. It’s a place to breathe, rest, and recover. But what if the air inside your home isn’t as clean as it seems?
Many people see outdoor air pollution as the main risk to their lungs. But studies show indoor air can be up to five times more polluted. Dust, mold, pet dander, chemical fumes, and cooking byproducts can accumulate indoors, particularly in tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes.
If you use supplemental oxygen, poor indoor air quality can be more than uncomfortable. It can directly impact your therapy, safety, and long-term lung health.
At LPT Medical, we specialize in oxygen therapy equipment and recognize the importance of clean indoor air for optimal breathing. Let’s look at why indoor air quality matters when you use oxygen and what you can do to make your home safer and healthier.
Whether you use oxygen continuously or only as needed, your lungs are already working harder than most people’s. When the air inside your home contains pollutants, it adds an extra burden.
Common indoor air irritants include:
If you’re on oxygen therapy, these irritants can not only worsen breathing symptoms but also make your oxygen therapy less effective by reducing the quality of air your concentrator or tubing pulls in.
Your oxygen concentrator draws in the air around it, filters out nitrogen, and provides a steady stream of oxygen-rich air. But it can only use the air in your home.
If your home’s air has smoke, chemicals, or fine dust, your device’s filters can clog more quickly. This means your therapy air might have unwanted impurities.
Here’s how poor air quality can affect your oxygen system:
Dusty or smoky air makes your concentrator work harder. Over time, filters can clog, which reduces oxygen flow and concentration. This can cause your machine to overheat or give you lower-quality oxygen.
If your oxygen concentrator takes in polluted air, its filters and sieve beds have to work harder to remove contaminants. Over time, this can lower the purity of the oxygen or wear out parts more quickly, even though the machine is designed to clean the air effectively.
Oxygen isn’t flammable, but it helps things burn. When it mixes with indoor pollutants like aerosol sprays, cooking grease, or cigarette smoke, your home can become a serious fire risk.
Poor indoor air quality can irritate your airways, increase mucus production, and exacerbate conditions like COPD or asthma. You should use your oxygen more often or at higher flow rates if your lungs are exposed to these irritants.
If you’re using oxygen, you already know how critical every breath is. Because your lungs are more sensitive, even low levels of indoor pollutants can have a more pronounced effect.
Some key reasons oxygen users should pay extra attention to indoor air quality include:
Simply put, clean indoor air isn’t a luxury when you use oxygen. It’s an important part of your therapy plan.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire home to make a big difference. Start with these proven, practical steps:
Clean your oxygen concentrator’s vents often, replace filters on time, and wipe down surfaces. This helps keep dust and debris out of your airflow. Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance tips or ask LPT Medical for help.
Never smoke near oxygen. Candles, fireplaces, and incense can also release particles and fumes that stick to surfaces and increase fire risk. Set up a smoke-free area for your oxygen use.
A good HEPA air purifier can capture fine particles such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Put one in the room where you use your oxygen concentrator most. Make sure the purifier blows clean air away from your device’s intake vent.
Keep humidity between 30% and 50%. If the air is too dry, your airways may feel irritated. If it’s too damp, mold can grow. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed, and keep water reservoirs clean to prevent bacteria.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, aerosols, or scented sprays. Choose unscented, natural cleaners or diluted vinegar solutions instead. Never spray cleaners near your oxygen machine or tubing.
Even in cold weather, open windows for 5 to 10 minutes each day to help clear out indoor air pollutants. Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to reduce steam and fumes.
Have your heating and cooling systems serviced regularly and replace air filters every 1–3 months. Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters designed to capture fine particulates.
Gas stoves, carpets, and furniture can release VOCs over time. Using range hoods, sealing wood furniture, or choosing low-VOC paints can help improve air quality.
If you’re unsure whether your air is affecting your breathing, watch for these common warning signs:
If you notice these symptoms, check your air quality, clean your filters, and consider using air purifiers.
At LPT Medical, we know that safe, effective oxygen therapy depends on more than just the device. It also depends on the air you breathe.
That’s why we:
We care about every part of your respiratory health —not just your oxygen supply, but also the air you breathe every day.
For oxygen users, indoor air quality is not something to overlook. It is an essential part of effective treatment. Every breath you take should help you heal, not make breathing harder.
By taking simple steps to reduce pollutants, maintaining your equipment, and keeping your air fresh, you can protect your lungs, extend your equipment's life, and get the most out of your oxygen therapy.
At LPT Medical, we are here to help you breathe easier at home, at work, and wherever you go. If you have questions about safe oxygen use, concentrator maintenance, or improving your indoor air quality, our team is always ready to help.
Call us 800-946-1201