"Nurse's Chat: Understanding & Caring for Yourself on High Flow Oxygen"
Last updated: 19 Nov 2025
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Hello everyone. Today, I would like to talk about the helper that is supporting your breathing right now: the "High Flow Oxygen" machine (the device with the large tubes in your nose).
It might look a bit intimidating with its large tubes, but today I will explain simply how to check if the equipment fits you well and how to take care of yourself to stay comfortable and recover quickly.
Part 1: The Right Fit (Equipment Check)
Usually, the doctor sets the parameters, but as the user, you should know what "Good" and "Suitable" feels like.
1. Nasal Cannula Size (Must be just right)
The Rule: The prongs inserted into your nose should not be too tight or fill the nostril completely. They should occupy about half (50%) of your nostril size.
Why? To allow the air you exhale to escape freely. If it is too tight, it will feel suffocating and can cause sores inside the nose.
Nurse's Tip: If it hurts or feels too tight, tell the nurse immediately. We can change the size for you.
2. Humidity and Temperature (The Key!)
High Flow is not just strong wind; it is "Warm and Humid Air."
How it should feel: The air entering your nose should not feel dry, stinging, burning hot, or freezing cold. The machine is usually set to body temperature (~37°C).
Nurse's Tip: If your throat feels dry or if water condenses in the tube and sprays into your nose, let the nurse know to drain the water or adjust the humidity. Don't suffer in silence!
Part 2: Self-Care (Easy Steps)
Once the machine is set up, your job is to maintain your "Comfort" and "Safety."
1. Protect Your Skin
Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of water-based lubricant or lotion around your nostrils and lips to prevent dryness and cracking from the airflow.
Watch for Pressure Sores: The head strap should not be tight enough to hurt your ears or press hard on your cheeks. Adjust the strap occasionally or use gauze pads where the strap touches your ears.
2. Eating and Drinking
Can I eat? Yes, you can eat because the cannula is in your nose, leaving your mouth free.
Caution: When chewing and swallowing, "DO NOT RUSH." Chew thoroughly and sip water slowly. The constant airflow can make you choke or aspirate more easily than usual.
3. Positioning
High Fowler's Position (45-60 degrees): Sit up in bed like you are in a beach chair. This is the best position for lung expansion and easier breathing. Try not to lie flat all the time.
Watch the Tubing: When turning or sitting up, make sure the oxygen tube is not kinked or crushed under you. If the flow stops, the alarm will sound and startle everyone.
4. Monitor Yourself (Very Important!)
Please press the call button immediately if you experience:
Increased shortness of breath or "air hunger."
Your chest is heaving or breathing requires a lot of effort.
Extreme discomfort or inability to tolerate the air pressure.
Oxygen saturation drops below the doctor's target (e.g., below 92-94%).
Final Encouragement
Wearing High Flow oxygen might be annoying at first due to the strong wind and the noise, but please be patient. This device helps "splint your airway open" and reduces the work your lungs have to do, allowing them to rest and heal faster.
Hang in there! We are rooting for your quick recovery so you can go home and breathe fresh air soon!
With care from your Nursing Team
It might look a bit intimidating with its large tubes, but today I will explain simply how to check if the equipment fits you well and how to take care of yourself to stay comfortable and recover quickly.
Part 1: The Right Fit (Equipment Check)
Usually, the doctor sets the parameters, but as the user, you should know what "Good" and "Suitable" feels like.
1. Nasal Cannula Size (Must be just right)
The Rule: The prongs inserted into your nose should not be too tight or fill the nostril completely. They should occupy about half (50%) of your nostril size.
Why? To allow the air you exhale to escape freely. If it is too tight, it will feel suffocating and can cause sores inside the nose.
Nurse's Tip: If it hurts or feels too tight, tell the nurse immediately. We can change the size for you.
2. Humidity and Temperature (The Key!)
High Flow is not just strong wind; it is "Warm and Humid Air."
How it should feel: The air entering your nose should not feel dry, stinging, burning hot, or freezing cold. The machine is usually set to body temperature (~37°C).
Nurse's Tip: If your throat feels dry or if water condenses in the tube and sprays into your nose, let the nurse know to drain the water or adjust the humidity. Don't suffer in silence!
Part 2: Self-Care (Easy Steps)
Once the machine is set up, your job is to maintain your "Comfort" and "Safety."
1. Protect Your Skin
Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of water-based lubricant or lotion around your nostrils and lips to prevent dryness and cracking from the airflow.
Watch for Pressure Sores: The head strap should not be tight enough to hurt your ears or press hard on your cheeks. Adjust the strap occasionally or use gauze pads where the strap touches your ears.
2. Eating and Drinking
Can I eat? Yes, you can eat because the cannula is in your nose, leaving your mouth free.
Caution: When chewing and swallowing, "DO NOT RUSH." Chew thoroughly and sip water slowly. The constant airflow can make you choke or aspirate more easily than usual.
3. Positioning
High Fowler's Position (45-60 degrees): Sit up in bed like you are in a beach chair. This is the best position for lung expansion and easier breathing. Try not to lie flat all the time.
Watch the Tubing: When turning or sitting up, make sure the oxygen tube is not kinked or crushed under you. If the flow stops, the alarm will sound and startle everyone.
4. Monitor Yourself (Very Important!)
Please press the call button immediately if you experience:
Increased shortness of breath or "air hunger."
Your chest is heaving or breathing requires a lot of effort.
Extreme discomfort or inability to tolerate the air pressure.
Oxygen saturation drops below the doctor's target (e.g., below 92-94%).
Final Encouragement
Wearing High Flow oxygen might be annoying at first due to the strong wind and the noise, but please be patient. This device helps "splint your airway open" and reduces the work your lungs have to do, allowing them to rest and heal faster.
Hang in there! We are rooting for your quick recovery so you can go home and breathe fresh air soon!
With care from your Nursing Team
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