If oxygen levels are low, a healthcare professional may prescribe home oxygen therapy. Low oxygen levels can be associated with conditions such as premature birth, cystic fibrosis (CF), or neuromuscular disease (NMD). Oxygen therapy may be required continuously or for short periods, depending on the child’s needs.
When oxygen is prescribed for use at home, regular sleep studies are carried out to check oxygen levels overnight and ensure that the treatment remains appropriate.
Oxygen is not addictive. However, too little oxygen may be ineffective, and too much can be harmful, so oxygen prescriptions should not be changed without medical advice.
Going home on oxygen
Once the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team is aware that a child will be going home on oxygen, arrangements usually take around a week to complete. This includes:
- a home assessment
- parent and carer teaching
- basic life support (BLS) training
- ordering and setting up the oxygen equipment
Before oxygen is installed, the community nursing team conducts a home assessment to confirm that the environment is suitable. A consent form is completed, and a Home Oxygen Order Form (HOOF) is submitted.
Full training is provided prior to discharge. This covers safe use of the equipment, emergency procedures, and basic life support (BLS).
Oxygen supply
Baywater is the company responsible for supplying home oxygen. The company arranges installation, which typically occurs within three working days of the order being placed.
Baywater will:
- install the oxygen equipment
- provide an emergency backup cylinder for concentrator users
- offer an emergency call‑out service
- reimburse electricity costs for concentrator use
- supply nasal cannulas and tubing
- provide a carry bag for portable cylinders
Safety and daily life
Oxygen is not flammable, but it significantly increases fire risk. Smoking near oxygen, using it near naked flames, or allowing grease or oil to come into contact with the equipment must be avoided.
Using home oxygen does not restrict normal daily life. Modern equipment enables easier travel and mobility, and oxygen provision can also be arranged for holidays within England and Wales.
Holidays in England and Wales
Baywater provides a free holiday oxygen service across England and Wales. For travel outside the Baywater contract area, oxygen is arranged through the local supplier, and equipment may differ slightly.
Steps required include:
- contacting the nurse specialist as early as possible, ideally with four weeks’ notice
- completing a repeat HOOF with holiday details
- receiving confirmation of arrangements from Baywater
- informing accommodation providers (such as hotels, guesthouses, or caravans) that oxygen equipment will be used
Holidays abroad
There is a cost associated with oxygen provision outside the UK. For further information, please see the below.
Department of Health travel advice
NHS Health Care Abroad
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Paediatric Respiratory team on:
For information about your oxygen supply, please see the below:
- Baywater Healthcare
- 0800 136 603 (Baywater customer services)
Last reviewed: 06 March 2026