How to Prevent Dry Nose, Throat and Mouth Due to Oxygen Therapy

How to Prevent Dry Nose, Throat and Mouth Due to Oxygen Therapy

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If you are using oxygen therapy for more than a few hours a day, one of the problems you might encounter is an uncomfortable, dry feeling in your throat, nose, or mouth. Many people deal with these issues when they first start using oxygen therapy, and they either get used to them, or they find a solution.

You don’t need to deal with irritated skin or nose bleeds if you do a few simple things to prevent them. Simply keeping your oxygen concentrator, along with any accessories, properly clean can help remedy this problem.

When you first start using oxygen, the airflow may feel unusual. The feeling of using oxygen therapy is something that you will grow accustomed to over time. It’s important that you follow the flow rate prescribed by your doctor, do not lessen or increase your prescribed flow rate without consulting your physician. Remember, the most important part of oxygen therapy is getting your body the oxygen it needs!

Prevent Nose Bleeds

Nosebleeds can frequently happen for people using oxygen therapy. Nosebleeds often occur because the inside of your nostrils can dry out from the constant flow of air. The delicate skin inside your nose becomes irritated, and one little bump with the edge of the nasal cannula is enough to cause a tiny break in the skin. Bloody noses also happen if you are using a high flow of oxygen through a face mask instead of a cannula. Another normal occurrence is seeing blood in your mucus after you blow your nose while using your oxygen concentrator.

To prevent bloody noses and dry nasal skin in general, you can use a moisturizing balm. There are moisturizing balms on the market that are specifically made for dry nasal passages due to oxygen therapy, but you can also use sesame seed oil for the same effect. Sesame seed oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and can also protect you from germs that might be hiding in your nose. Apply the moisturizing balm or sesame seed oil to the inside of your nostrils with the tip of a cotton swab, or with a clean finger. A thin coating is enough, you don’t want to apply too much, or it may be uncomfortable.

Add Humidity

Dry nose and throat can often be treated and prevented by using a humidifier bottle with your oxygen concentrator. All home oxygen concentrators and continuous-flow portable oxygen concentrators have an optional humidifier bottle kit available. These particular bottles attach to your concentrator and force the oxygen through water. This process helps to add moisture to the oxygen provided to you so that it will not dry you out nearly as much.

If you are experiencing a dry mouth and throat while using a humidifier bottle, you can use a room humidifier to add even more moisture to the air you’re breathing in. You might find that you need this the most while you are sleeping when we tend to breathe through our mouths more. Make sure the water that you are using in your humidifiers is distilled.

Prevent Dry Nose Due to Oxygen Therapy with a Humidifier Bottle

Keep it Clean

Wash out your humidifier, as well as the rubber tubing and nasal cannula, with a mild detergent and water once a week. You will need to replace your tubing every couple of months and your nasal cannula at least once per month.

Prevent Dry Nose Due to Oxygen Therapy By Keeping Humidifier and Nasal Cannulas Clean

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mucous membranes moist. Thus, helping you with dryness.

Use a saline spray

Saline nasal sprays add moisture to the nasal passages and prevent dryness.

As always, make sure to speak to your physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition and your treatment. Following these simple steps can help reduce the dryness that can come when using oxygen therapy.

Related Information

Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information, talk to your doctor or primary care provider.

Updated: April 12, 2023
Published: April 9, 2013

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

101 thoughts on “How to Prevent Dry Nose, Throat and Mouth Due to Oxygen Therapy

  1. What about a dry throat? My brother had throat surgery a few years ago and they have put him on 24 hour Oxygen. It drys his throat out.

    • Add Humidity
      Dry nose and throat can often be treated and prevented by using a humidifier bottle with your oxygen concentrator. These particular bottles attach to your concentrator and force the oxygen through water. This process helps to add moisture to the oxygen provided to you so that it will not dry you out nearly as much.

      If you are experiencing a dry mouth and throat while using a humidifier bottle, you can use a room humidifier to add even more moisture to the air you’re breathing in. You might find that you need this the most while you are sleeping when we tend to breathe through our mouths more. Make sure the water that you are using in your humidifiers is distilled.

      • What can I use for my dry nose because I’m on oxygen all the time. What can I do to be able to breathe with being on oxygen all day and night.

        • My Inogen technician recommended Ary for sore nose, dry/ chapped during oxygen use. Can be used for various conditions also. You can order it on Amazon for less than $4 or can be found in drug/department stores.
          Blessings to everyone!

        • Try Aquegel, it can be used with oxygen, cpap, and more. It works very well! Does NOT burn when you use it and helps prevent nose bleeds! Very good product! Can be found on Amazon for about 12-13 dollars. Last a long time because you just use a little at a time. Aquegel.

        • Try lowering your water in the bottle. if that doesn’t seem to help make sure the tubing is not close to the machine as the machine puts out heat while the oxygen is room temp.

        • Filling your water bottle to high can be a cause. Make sure do don’t over fill you humidifying water bottle. Good luck and Merry Christmas… Bill

      • Unfortunately, the humidifier that attaches to a home concentrator did not resolve my severely dry nasal passages, probably because my oxygen flow is 4+ when I am moving around, 6+ when going up stairs (live on 2nd floor). I can’t use sesame oil – allergic to sesame seeds. So, I’ll talk with a pharmacist for suggestions.

    • ask them to use the humifidier attatched to the oxygen it helps with the dryness i also drank on a regular basis small sips and that helps good luck

  2. I’ve been on O2 therapy at night while I sleep for about 10 months now. I have had nosebleeds and now I’ve noticed that I have a small (feels bigger than it is, I’m sure, since it’s inside my nose). It gets dry and if I blow my nose, it will bleed. Idk what a humidifier for it would look like and my Pulmonologist wanted me to call he equipment company n tell them that he wants it added, but they won’t call me back. What do I do?

    • Thank you for your comment, Eileen. Please contact one of our Oxygen Specialists at 877-774-9271; they are available Monday-Thursday 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, and Sunday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.

    • I know how uncomfortable this can be because I to am on oxygen 24/7. I have tried the sesame oil but even better I use Ayr nasal spray as much as I can, with the nasal spray and a humidifier on my concentrator for the night it helps to keep things moist. It is not perfect but it is the best I have found. Good luck.

    • My air supply company said to have my Dr. forward a prescr[ption to them, because they cannot give one out without it. He did, and I had no more problem. Call your supplier, talk to a customer rep. that knows what they are doing, they should be able to set you straight on getting one.

    • Thank you for your comment Bob. Our blogs are written by a number of our staff here at AMSR. We use our collective knowledge and lean heavily on our experienced Oxygen Specialist veterans for information, questions, and tips to feature in our blog posts.

  3. I am on oxygen everyday all day long lately I have been having nose bleeds I am going to try the sesame seed oil I hope it works

  4. I didn’t get a nose bleed until the provider was changed, I want my old one back. The humidifier on the
    unit does not work for me. My doctor suggested Vaseline and it helps some. The nasal cannula that goes in the nose is to long, so I cut it to make shorter and that has helped.

    • Do not use Vaseline in your nose while on Oxygen, Vaseline is a Petroleum Jelly & can burn the inside of your nose, cause sores & bleeding.
      I use Sedaris Lubricant nasal gel.

    • My husband has been on 24/7 oxygen for 19 months and will continue on it. He has never had a nose bleed and does not use a humidifier on his machine, though I do not know why. Our home health nurse advised us that K-Y Jelly was a great lubricant for the nose that was safe with oxygen. That is all he has ever used. Probably 2-3 times a day.

    • I’m sure you’ve probably been told this before, by now, that Vaseline should never be used when on oxygen. Never use any oil-based product.

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Doug. As far as your oxygen concentrator is concerned there is no issue with using a nasal spray. We do however recommend that you consult with your doctor first before using any medications that you have not already discussed with your doctor.

  5. I’ve read that vaseline and petroleum based things should not be used on your face with oxygen – safety. I am going to try sesame oil – smelling like Chinese food is ok! I also get some relief with a cotton swab wet with water – but it’s temporary.

    • Vaseline will not catch fire in your nose. You will note that it is not marked ‘flammable’.
      You will not smell Chinese food if you use the appropriate(fresh) sesame oil. It is toasted sesame oil that is used in cooking. You might be faintly reminded of tahini.

  6. I hope this will help someone. My cannula prongs were too long and especially while I slept the prongs would go so deep in my nose it was clogging the prong up from pressing into the back wall of my nasal cavity. It was also clogging my nose up because the prongs were plugging up the back of my nose. I would wake up feeling like I was suffocating. What I done is to ask my provider to let me try pediatric size cannula. While its not a 100% fix the difference in the oxygen I’m getting through my nose has improved significantly. Hugs to all.

  7. I am on oxygen therapy 24 hrs a day. The mucus my nasal passages dry and blocks the nasal passage making it even more difficult to breath.
    This a chronic problem. I would love some advise.

    • You might want to try a daily nasal rinse in the morning and see if that helps. You should also talk with your doctor if this is something that is preventing your oxygen levels from staying where they need to be.

    • Hi Cheryl…I have the same problem. I have end-stage emphysema, no.4 setting. I use a nasal spray 3 or 4 times a day. .I also use my nettie pot 1 or 2 times a day. The rinse helps the most to loosen the wet/dry scabs, or globs of mucous so you can blow it out. Sorry bout your problems, not much fun.

    • Hello, I’m on oxygen 24 hours and my nose stay stuffed up and it bothers me so bad to where I feel like I can’t breath. My anxiety is so horrible and when I get stuffed up it gets really crazy. ☹️

  8. I have a couple questions –

    1. The homecare company I’m with said there’s no such thing as a “humidifier” for the oxygen concentrated I have. Besides using diffusers with water and essential oils is there any way to make more moisture in the air?

    2. At night I always pull my cannula off while asleep. I’ve tried a small bit of paper tape and other adhesives I’m not allergic to but I still manage to pull it off. I have continuous flow of oxygen day and night but for whatever reason I can’t seem to get through a night without pulling it off.

    3. The dryness that everyone has. I try oil every day and night but still get a dry nose throat and mouth. I have other factors contributing to this as well, but sometimes I get a very sharp and cold pain going up my nasal passage up to my eyebrows. Does anyone else have this? Is this common with patients on oxygen?
    Thank you so much

    • 1. You can look into getting a room or home humidifier.
      2. In addition to using tape, you might want to try tightening the cannula around your neck with the fastener.
      3. It seems that a lot of patients have dryness. If you feel that something is wrong consult with your doctor about additional possible solutions.

  9. My oxygen company specifically said not to use any oil as it is combustible does that include sesame oil. The bleeding in my nose is heavy with large clots. And it is fairly consistent.

    • Sesame oil in your nose should not cause a combustible reaction. You can also speak to your doctor to see what other options they may have for you to help with your bloody nose.

      • Not liking the wording…… Sesame oil “should not” cause a combustable action …instead of “will not” cause a combustable action! So, to me that means there “IS” a chance of combustable action with Sesame oil. Is that correct.

  10. Besides the sesame seed oil treatment for dry nasal passages, I have success with aloe vera gel – applied with a clean fingertip. My doctor rejected using any product with a petroleum base due to its possible flammability.

  11. I’ve been on 24/7 oxygen for 5 years. I am retired and have time to use a Q-tip, with warm water, several times a day ,or however neccassary, to gently swab out my nostrils as they plug up. It seems to have slowed down the nosebleeds considerably,as long as I maintain the daily swabs. The most important one is the first one in the morning. Be patient,swap gently,continuously cleaning the tip under warm running water,and using as many Q-tips, as needed . Blow nose gently.one nostril at a time, to remove the softened,overnight build-up . TThe sesame oil sounds like a good idea. I’ll try it.

  12. I don’t have a question, however, I would like to say that this has been very interesting reading. Thanks to everyone for their input.

  13. I have been on oxygen since my surgery (triple by pass). my skin tingles, my noise is dry, after taking a shower have to put lotion all over my body, thought it was my statin medication, took a four day dry holiday, started taking med again skin still dry, nose not as bad I am miserable, is it really my oxygen? I bought a very big humidfier use the stuff for the water, new tubing, went to my NP surgeon, and cardiologist NP, say to use lotion not helping much, what is the answer? Live in Colorado.

    • A high oxygen-flow can cause a dry nose. We suggest using a humidifier bottle with your oxygen solution. Sorry, we cannot give any medical advice regarding medication or changes in oxygen therapy. Please, consult with your doctor.

    • Hi sondra, i have had dry skin for 30 years, you never said your age, (im- 85), i have been using (per my doctor) Cetaphil, then a coating of Aveeno. and i dont itch for at least 3 days. then its time to take another shower(,I wash in private areas in between showers ) (dont take a bath) as that will dry your skin more, and be sure the water is not real hot, The doctor told me dry skin also come with ageing, and medication, (im on also Statin meds) . And<<< I living in Colorado.<< im a native of Colorado. Hope this helps

    • Hi Sondra, i also live in Colorado and am on oxygen. The dry skin has been my problem, but my doctor said, its the Colorado air, and polution, when i get out of the shower i put on Aveena, and the touch it up with Olay of Oil. and that helps alot, How ever that said im 85 and its common as you grow older.I also use both products 3 times a week. and it helps. My problem along with oxygen, is i wake up with a very stuffy nose and sore throat, but after i drink lots of water, and use my nasal spray it goes away. Its not going to bet any better here in Colorado, with the dry air and polution. sighmaril

  14. I was in ICU for 9 day with pneumonia. I do have a block and dry nose and struggle to breath throw my nose. I received oxygen 24/7 in hospital. What can I use to make make my nose better.

  15. I appreciate all the comments on dry nasal pro – but what about dry throat pls The humidifier doesn’t seem to help in this climate Any comments

    • Are you referring to only the throat, or also the mouth? I wake up in the night with a very dry mouth. My doctor recommended Biotene oral rinse. You drink a small amount, swish it around for about 30 seconds and then spit it out. It helps to produce saliva. I have also read to be sure to drink a lot of water (64 ozs.) a day to help with saliva production among other things. Another doctor said not to drink more than 6 ozs. an hour. In other words, don;t guzzle down 8-16 ozs. at one time, as many do to get through the 64 ozs. quickly. That is not good for a number of other reasons.

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  17. I have COPD I use a tregely inhaler once a day plus my pulmonologist suggested use of a concentrator as needed especially to sleep it really helps but I have lately started nasal congestion and after reading all the different articles it has given me some good advice thank you

  18. I have severe nosebleeds and am on 3 liters oxygen, 24 hours a day. I have had my nose cauterized 2 times with silver nitrate and place the nose gel keeping it wet to heal. It has not healed, I truly need help

    • We cannot give any medical advice; please consult with your physician or health care provider. They are the qualified experts to assess the condition and provide the treatment.

  19. I have used a CPAP with humidity (this is made to to attach to the CPAP) over 15 years with O2, and wear O2 now 24/7 with a humidity bottle attached. 12 years ago I learned to carry a small bottle of ‘Ayr ‘with me and use it daily to prevent nosebleeds and help with congestion. Ayr is a brand name for this SALINE SRAY or you can find a “house” brand for less at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens etc) it is inexpensive either way, no RX needed and they also have a water based gel you can use, I keep that on hand to. I use the spray every morning to clear my nose and at night before putting my CPAP on. When the weather is cold or just too dry I will use it more often. If I do get a nosebleed I still use it during the day, it helps clean the dry blood or gunk out. If you try the saline and have humidity on your unit and notice your nose is blocked or breathing harder, CHECK that bottle -it’s probably empty or needs adjustment but it is necessary to use it daily, all day, everyday.
    My personal opinion -when you are on supplemental oxygen the doctor should always order it with humidity but it must be on the doctor’s order. Of course if you use tanks or wear a Portable Concentrator like me, there is no practical way to attach a humidity bottle

  20. You do not mention one of the main PROBLEMS using Liquid Oxygen(COPD).
    The RUNNING NOSE it causes.
    This you must surely know about.????
    Please tell me(and others)what one can do to stop it(or at least to alleviate the flow of the nose Mucus.)when using oxygen.
    I presume it is caused by the very COLD OXYGEN.It really is a nuisance ,that the nose runs all the time,especially when active,
    I would very MUCH APPRECIATE an Answer.to my mail ID that is below to see.Online I FIND no real genuine info to this specific problem.

    • We do not have much information on liquid oxygen as we deal in Oxygen Concentrators that produce their own oxygen (which is not liquid or cold). Please contact your healthcare provider for remedies for cold oxygen or alternative oxygen solutions. We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at (888)572-5831.

    • The same with me, my runny nose, I think is Rinitis but I have to go to my Dr to confirm this.
      I hate this oxigen therapy, the nose etc driving me crazy.

  21. Nosebleeds can frequently happen for people using oxygen therapy. Nosebleeds often occur because the inside of your nostrils can dry out from the constant flow of air. The delicate skin inside your nose becomes irritated, and one little bump with the edge of the nasal cannula is enough to cause a tiny break in the skin. Bloody noses also happen if you are using a high flow of oxygen through a face mask instead of a cannula. Another normal occurrence is seeing blood in your mucus after you blow your nose while using your oxygen concentrator.

    To prevent bloody noses and dry nasal skin in general, you can use a moisturizing balm. There are moisturizing balms on the market that are specifically made for dry nasal passages due to oxygen therapy, but you can also use sesame seed oil for the same effect. Sesame seed oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and can also protect you from germs that might be hiding in your nose. Apply the moisturizing balm or sesame seed oil to the inside of your nostrils with the tip of a cotton swab, or with a clean finger. A thin coating is enough, you don’t want to apply too much, or it may be uncomfortable.

    You guys are brilliant… I knew I would find an answer online about the moisturizing balm… I think I will try the sesame seed oil. Thank you, thank you, thank you !!!

  22. Good morning. I was recently hospitalized with Covid-19 Pneumonia and was on high flow oxygen for about 14 days then slowly weaned off the oxygen and sent home with room air only (no oxygen machine). Since I have been home, I have become more congested in my nasal cavity (it was happening in the hospital too but because I was on oxygen). When I blow my nose, it begins to bleed and/or hard pieces come out. I constantly have to use either flonase or a saline rinse which only provides limited relief. I have been off oxygen for a week today, shouldn’t these episodes start to go away now? Please advise.

    • We cannot give any medical advice; please consult with your physician or health care provider. They are the qualified experts to assess the condition and provide treatment.

  23. I use Carmex lip balm on a cotton swap. It also gives a bit of menthol to help keep sinuses clear. Cannulas get stiff and the nose piece gets hard. I change mine out every 10 days to 2 weeks. I buy them on Amazon, a carton of 50 at a time. A lot cheaper that the $7.00 a piece at the pharmacy.
    I am on 2 liters 24/7. The 50 foot hose gets replaced about every 3 months. I have used the humidifier bottle in the past. It required the use of distilled water. It tended to attempt to drown me at times. I just used the lip balm know. No nose bleeds.

    • I was recommended to use Carmex lip balm as well. My ear, nose, and throat doctor told me about it. I just use my finger and put a light covering of the balm in both nostrils every night at bedtime. I have had only two nose bleeds in the last 4 years since I started using it. I am on oxygen 24/7 and will start my 6th year this month. The first year I had a nosebleed at least once every two weeks. It was awful. I tried Ayr and it did help me a lot. However, occasionally I still got the nose bleeds. The doctor told me Carmex has some medication in it that helps heal the irritation and that’s why it can prevent the nose bleeds. He was right!!
      Hope this info helps.

  24. I’ll be sure to use balm to help with nose bleeds. That sounds like an inconvenience. But it wouldn’t bother me too much.

  25. What portable oxygen would you recommend? I am a small person so I want one that is quiet and light weight. I want to be able to take it shopping without much trouble. The more I read about them, the more confused I become.

    • We have got oxygen concentrators as light at 2.8 lbs. However, it depends on which one meets your medical requirements. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

  26. Has anyone had to use a water trap with their concentrator and humidifier, to prevent condensation getting to the patient sleeping? Need help on if the use is beneficial and fast, patient only a few months of life left, want to be as comfortable as possible in his last days here with his family.

    • Yes, a water trap can be used with a concentrator and humidifier to prevent condensation from getting to the patient. A water trap is designed to collect any excess water that may accumulate in the tubing or humidifier, preventing it from reaching the patient’s nasal cannula or mask. It’s also important to monitor the water trap and empty it regularly to prevent any bacteria or mold growth, which can be harmful to the patient’s health. In this case, it’s important to prioritize their comfort and quality of life, so consulting with a healthcare professional or respiratory therapist can be helpful in determining the best course of action.

    • I have been on my home oxygen concentrator for 3 years, and never (until a few months ago) did I have a problem with condensation building up in my breathing tubing. I believe the moisture was due to the faulty machine they brought me a few months ago. I am on oxygen 24/7; level 3. When a home Med Tech brought an exchange machine (just last evening), I was also given a water trap to connect to the tubing, just in case this machine started pushing condensation through the tubing. When I asked the Tech how to use the water trap, as I saw no way to empty it – his explanation was to throw it away. It cannot be emptied. What a waste of money..including the tubing that has to be changed each time condensation happens. I hear, more and more, about this condensation problem. Are we receiving faultier machines? Is no one checking them before they are placed in homes to be used to help keep people breathing?

      • We offer reusable water traps from Salter Labs that provide a solution to condensation buildup in breathing tubing. Here’s the usage instructions from the manufacturer:

        -Wash your hands and open the package to remove the Inline Water Trap.
        -Connect one end of the water trap to the supply tubing and the other end to the nasal cannula. If you cannot connect directly to the nasal cannula tubing, place the water trap as close as possible.
        -Empty the Inline Water Trap at least once a day, or more frequently if the water level reaches the end cap tubes. Ensure that the water level remains below the openings on the end cap tubes.
        -To empty the Inline Water Trap, remove one of the end caps and drain the water into a sink or container.

        Following these steps will help effectively manage condensation and ensure the comfort and effectiveness of your oxygen therapy.

        Shop now: https://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/salter-labs-inline-water-trap/

  27. I have ILD (Pulmonary Fibrosis). I am on oxygen 24/7. I get out of breath very easy. I thought that when I got on the oxygen therapy it would help. I can wear my
    oxygen either inside the house or outside and try doing small chores and the oxygen makes no difference, I have to have a chair nearby so that I can sit and
    catch my breath every few minutes. I really thought that the oxygen would help but it doesn’t seem to help. Why?

    WJ

    • It’s essential to discuss your specific situation and concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the most appropriate care and guidance.

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