Oxygen storage? and ideas on supplies

Mom2TwinsPlus1 · #1 02-21-2009, 07:54 PM

Ok so I am so excited with our move. We have a hall closet right outside the girls that should be used for linens but I am using it for supplies! Except of course the bare min that I have to have in the girls room.

I have a question. Can on oxygen tank be stored on its side? Or used while layin\g down? I know when 911 comes they put their tanks on the bed laying down, so I am almost certain it is safe.

I ask because if they won't let me just keep a few small tanks on hand, I am considering sliding the big tank under Emma's bed (still very accessiable since her bed is a hospital bed sits high. We never ever use oxygen. Not even when she has a cold anymore. She hasn't used a drop of it in about a year. Not even a quick little boost or anything. I will keep small tanks if they let me, I would like to have them on hand. Thing is if Emma is sick enough to be on oxygen she usually isn't at home. The small tanks would get us by until the brought a big one out anyway. I also don't want a large tank in the room if Ella could possibly get to it and knock it over. If I can lay it down that would solve that.

Also any tips on hiding a vent, pulse ox (well we have to have the pulse ox where we can see it, but can we make it look prettier LOL??)and fedding pump to make the room less medical? Normally I don't care but since she is sharing with Ella I would like not to have to use the iv pole, its bad enough we are in a hospital bed with the vent hanging out next to her! I don't to have to buy a bunch of new furniture to hide things so simple tips or inexpensive ideas would be great.

kirafaesmom · #2 02-21-2009, 09:13 PM

Our DME company told us it was totally ok to store the tanks either upright, or laying down. We keep Kira's big backup tank under her bed with the hook up at the end of the bed.

Mom2TwinsPlus1 · #3 02-21-2009, 09:20 PM

Thanks Michelle. I was thinking it was probably ok, when we move I will have them bring the new oxygen to the house so I will double check to make sure (our company is kind of picky/odd) but I was just wondering ahead of time so I could get some ideas planned in my head on how to stick the girls in a room together for the very first time since they were babies

Kate · #4 02-21-2009, 09:47 PM

Our DME actually said that they require they be stored laying on their side unless they are sitting in a holding case. SO-we have ours laying on their sides all the time.

Hiding stuff...you know someone really had a cute cute room...I think it was either Tess (Abby) or Sarah (Keturah) I don't remember who it was but they did some really clever things to "cuten" (sorry know that isn't a word) up the equipment. And-I may have totally gotten it wrong...but I think it was one of them.

I'll think about it though.

drct1245 · #5 02-21-2009, 09:50 PM

We too store laying down and upright.

How about some type of armoire to store the vent, etc? We bought big drawers from target and had under Ayden's crib, would they fit under Emma's or Ella's bed for a little more storage? Or how about just a little screen for in the corner? If you or someone in your house is handy, you might be able to make one....??

Are you getting excited for the move?

ericnrosesmom · #6 02-21-2009, 11:46 PM

You might try looking at Hobby Lobby if you have one. Ours has a bunch of decorative screens (the kind you see people go behind in old movies to change clothes).

Alex's mom · #7 02-22-2009, 08:24 PM

We use a kids insulated lunch bag to hold our pump and food bag. We hang it on the handle of the vent stand. I couldn't stand the iv pole in my house. It seemed so big for a little pump. You could probably use the backpack that your pump came in, too. I didn't care for the grey and blue and I wanted something cute. Alex is on a continuous feed so I fill the food bag to the top, stick in one of those refreezable freeze packs and it's good for most of the day and it's ready to go if we go out somewhere. I saw some really cute ones last season at the Disney store for $5 on sale. There is always a lot of them around during the back to school sales.

Mom2TwinsPlus1 · #8 02-22-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex's mom

We use a kids insulated lunch bag to hold our pump and food bag. We hang it on the handle of the vent stand. I couldn't stand the iv pole in my house. It seemed so big for a little pump. You could probably use the backpack that your pump came in, too. I didn't care for the grey and blue and I wanted something cute. Alex is on a continuous feed so I fill the food bag to the top, stick in one of those refreezable freeze packs and it's good for most of the day and it's ready to go if we go out somewhere. I saw some really cute ones last season at the Disney store for $5 on sale. There is always a lot of them around during the back to school sales.

We dont have a backpack for our pump. And since we dont have a vent stand we have her vent on a dresser, which means we have to hang her water somewhere. I am actually thinking of putting a hook on the wall for the vent water and then maybe just putting her pump in her bed with her, since the bags don't have to hang but just be level or a big higher than the pump. I might check on a cute little bag for the pump though, never really thought about that. We aren't on continius feeds, but we do interval ones at night and I set the pump to feed her every 4 hours so that would come in very handy since I have been having to put her food in for the night at midnight, it might be nice to go to be early and have the milk on ice.

WeAdoptKids · #9 02-22-2009, 09:44 PM

I am of no help. Joseph's stuff just all shows. I guess I figure that if you are sleeping in a huge hospital bed then the rest does not really matter. Of course that being said, Joseph is in our living room so that he is always with us and never just hanging out in his room. Oh well. We all have different needs and ideas.

Mom2TwinsPlus1 · #10 02-22-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeAdoptKids

I am of no help. Joseph's stuff just all shows. I guess I figure that if you are sleeping in a huge hospital bed then the rest does not really matter. Of course that being said, Joseph is in our living room so that he is always with us and never just hanging out in his room. Oh well. We all have different needs and ideas.

Well I have always showed all of Emma's its just diffrent now that she will be in a room with Ella. I am like you though big hospital bed kind of gives it away anyway LOL I have to show the vent and pulse ox because i need to see them. But I guess I just want to girly up the room some, on Ella's account since I dont want her feeling like she is in a hospital room, I do want her to feel invited and warm in her own room. She wants it all "pretty"