I am getting desperate.  I tried O2 years ago with a small amount of relief but rebound headaches when I wasn't using it.  I have now read and know that I didn't use it according to what is described on this site.  I am thinking of trying it again but my husband and I are smokers and we also have a gas heat/air system.  So, when I read the caution about open flames and clothing saturation, it really scares me.  My question is...how safe is it to have this in your home and how far away does the tank have to be from smokers (even when it is not in use).  Could someone give me a run down on how you store and use 02?  I greatly appreciate it. :-/

Just use common sense, Joni.

Don't smoke when you have been breathing O2 - give yourself time to air out a bit. This is the primary danger - your clothes can become saturated with O2 when you don't realize it.

The overall O2 level in your home will not increase to a dangerous level simply from breathing O2 for the relatively short durations that Clusterheads need.

Storage is not complicated either. Keep in mind that O2 doesn't actually burn - it just makes everything else burn easily and rapidly. As long as your tank isn't leaking, it isn't the least bit dangerous. (You will easily hear any leak that could be dangerous)

Again, just apply common sense.

Joni, as Marc says, just use common sense, and you will be fine!

A LARGE number of us oxygen huffers are smokers.  I smoke between 2 and 3 packs a day (Yah, I know, pretty dumb of me!).

As I am sitting here, right now, with a lit cigarette sitting in the ashtray, to my immediate right.  I glance over to the oxygen tank sitting about 2 feet to the right of the ashtray.  I have more tanks, in their holder, right next to my recliner.  I have another tank, in its stand, right next to the archway to the kitchen, where I walk by, smoking, a gazillion times a day.

In my car, which I do smoke in, I have my "E" tank sitting on the console between the two front seats.  I keep at least two other tanks, on the floor, in the back seat.

Are the above practices according to Hoyle?  Probably not.  Is there a chance of fire?  Possibly.  But I probably have just as much of a chance of setting my waste paper basket on fire, that is also right next to me.

I have the warnings at the bottom of my window to make you aware of the possible risks, not to scare you.  As long as you make sure you don't have a leak, you should be safe.

BTW, if you ever suspect that you do not have a tight, leak free connection to your tank, simply use a quick spray of Windex (or some other bubbly cleaner) at the connections.  If there is a leak, you will see bubbles continuously forming.

And I wouldn't even consider your heating/air system as a problem.

Speaking of your heating/air system, are you afraid to smoke with the gas system in your house?  The gas is MUCH more dangerous than the oxygen is!

So, just use the common sense that Marc mentioned and GET THE OXYGEN!

Good luck!

Chuck

Thank you, Chuck!  That is the kind of info I needed.  I know what the instructions say, but I wanted a real world situation (that's what we call it in the education field).  I saw your info too late for my appointment yesterday, but it is so good to know for the future!  Thanks again. :)