Can you use Aquaphor with oxygen?

Which Aquaphor does this apply to?

This answer covers the US Aquaphor Healing Ointment with 41% petrolatum, not every product carrying the Aquaphor name. Read your package because formulas can change. Aquaphor describes the ointment as one solution for many skincare needs, giving one tub a fairly crowded job description.2

Why is an ointment a concern with oxygen?

Oxygen does not make emollients, the moisturising creams and ointments used for dry skin, ignite by themselves. It makes fires start more easily and burn faster and hotter. Ointment residue that builds up on clothes, bedding, towels or dressings makes those fabrics easier to ignite and increases how intensely they burn. A flame or another ignition source is still needed.4

Keep all emollients off oxygen equipment, including the mask and nasal cannula, the small prongs that sit in your nostrils. Do not handle oxygen equipment with greasy hands or put oil or grease on cylinder valves or fittings.45

What can you use for dry lips or nostrils?

1. 1Ask your oxygen nurse, care team or pharmacist to choose a water based product suitable for the exact area that feels dry.
2. 2Look for water as the first ingredient. KY Jelly is one example used in oxygen care instructions for dry lips and nostrils.
3. 3Confirm how much to apply and how often with your care team. Keep the product from contacting your mask or nasal prongs.
4. 4For a child using oxygen, inspect the cannula regularly. Replace prongs that become hard, discoloured or blocked with mucus, following the child's equipment instructions.

Water based does not mean free of fire risk. Even products without paraffin can leave residue on fabrics. Choosing a different moisturiser does not replace keeping contaminated fabrics away from heat and flames.37

What about Aquaphor on your hands or feet?

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is intended to protect and relieve dry, cracked skin, including hands and feet. The 14 oz tub is marketed as ideal for the whole family, which is quite a committee for one ointment.2

If an emollient has been prescribed for another body area, do not stop that treatment solely because you use oxygen. Ask the prescriber to assess the product, application area and fire risk. Oxygen use does not automatically rule out every emollient, but keeping an ointment away from your face does not remove the risk from residue on clothing or bedding.4

What precautions still matter?

• Change and wash clothes and bedding regularly, preferably daily when emollients are used frequently. Use the highest washing temperature the fabric allows; washing does not necessarily remove all residue.
• Do not smoke or let anyone smoke near you during oxygen use. Avoid vaping, cooking and open flames, and follow your oxygen service's instructions for the period after use. Some services specify at least 30 minutes.
• Keep oxygen equipment at least 3 metres from open flames and 1.5 metres from electrical appliances or heat sources. Keep the room ventilated and smoke alarms working.

Tell your healthcare team if reduced mobility, memory problems or new medicines that cause drowsiness affect your ability to follow the safety plan. Contact your oxygen provider or healthcare team if you feel worse or have equipment problems. Do not change your prescribed oxygen flow rate.7