Walgreens provides CPAP and oxygen equipment for respiratory therapy

CPAP for sleep disorders

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be managed effectively using continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. For patients with OSA, a CPAP device delivers a prescribed amount of air pressure through a mask placed over the nose. This airway pressure acts as a splint, keeping tissues in the throat from blocking air movement in and out of the lungs.

Benefits of CPAP treatments include:

• Breathing interruptions and snoring no longer occur
• Sleep patterns return to normal
• Patients feel more rested and alert during the day
• Adequate blood oxygen level may be restored, reducing the serious health risks associated with OSA

Oxygen concentrators

The most commonly used home oxygen system, an oxygen concentrator is an electrical device that filters nitrogen from room air, leaving nearly pure oxygen to be delivered to the user. It is the ideal device for use while at home, as long as the liter flow prescribed is relatively low. Physicians prescribe many users to use about 2 liters per minute of flow.

Oxygen concentrators require very little maintenance and will provide oxygen as long as there is electricity to power it. During a power failure, back-up tanks of compressed oxygen are used. If an individual travels outside the home frequently, some sort of portable oxygen system must be used. Many individuals who use oxygen concentrators will note an increase in their electric bill: A concentrator uses about as much electricity as a small air conditioner or color TV that is running continuously.

Oxygen-conserving devices

Recent technology has allowed for more efficient use of portable oxygen systems. An oxygen-conserving device works by turning on the prescribed liter flow when the user is inhaling and turning it off when exhaling. As a result, a substantial amount of oxygen is saved, which dramatically increases the length of time a tank of oxygen will last.

Oxygen-conserving devices do not work for everyone. Since it must be able to sense inspiration to start the flow of gas, the physician will want to test a user to make sure that the device will work safely and provide enough oxygen to the user. Typically, using a conserving device with an E-tank at 2 liters per minute flow, the tank will last about 7 hours or so. Many people using conserving devices opt to use much smaller tanks that will not last as long, but is less weight to carry around.

Portable oxygen

The most commonly used method of providing oxygen outside the home, portable oxygen tanks contain pure oxygen, which is compressed to more than 2,000 pounds per square inch. This allows more oxygen to be carried in the tank. The size of the tank determines the volume of gas contained. You then can estimate how long that tank will last at a prescribed liter flow.

Portable tanks are heavy and can be carried in a cart. Smaller tanks are lighter, but do not last as long. While steel tanks are still used, most home care patients prefer lighter-weight aluminum tanks. A device called a regulator is attached to the tank, which reduces the pressure of the oxygen and lets it out of the tank at a pressure that is safe. The regulator also allows the user to adjust the flow to the prescribed liter flow. Filling oxygen tanks is a complex and regulated process, so, in general, once a tank is empty, it must be returned to the oxygen supplier to be refilled. An E-tank will last about 5 hours when used at a flow of 2 liters per minute. Smaller tanks are available, but do not last as long.

Nebulizer support

A nebulizer creates a mist from your prescribed liquid medicine, which is placed in the medicine cup. These droplets are then small enough to allow them to be delivered deep into your lungs through a mouthpiece/mask each time you inhale.

Walgreens provides nebulized equipment and will provide you with complete instructions on the proper method for placing your medicine in the equipment and how to properly inhale the mist. We also will instruct you on how to clean your equipment between treatments. To get the most benefit from your medication, cleaning your equipment properly is just as important as taking your treatment as prescribed.

Nebulizer medication program for Medicare Part B recipients

If you are a Medicare Part B recipient, you can enjoy the benefits of our Nebulizer Solutions(SM) program:

• No hassle with claim forms: We file all the paperwork with Medicare Part B and Medigap or supplemental insurance claims for you. You and your family do not have to worry about completing lengthy claim forms.
• Free shipping: Your medication is shipped directly to your home free of charge. We make it easy and convenient for you.
• Convenient reordering: We send a postage-paid reorder card with each order. We also keep track to verify that you do reorder. If you forget, we will remind you so you never need to worry about running out. No order is shipped without your authorization.
• Pharmacist availability: A pharmacist is always available to speak to if you have questions about your nebulizer medications or treatment.
• Exceptional service: With a century of pharmacy experience, the Walgreen name is synonymous with exceptional service and care.

These medications are prescribed most often and are covered by Medicare Part B:

• acetylcysteine
• albuterol
• cromolyn
• ipratropium
• metaproterenol
• DuoNeb®

Nebulized medications are available for dispensing when accompanied by a prescription from a licensed physician.

Call us at 888-906-6746 to learn how we can help you.

More about Walgreens services

Walgreens offers a wide range of services to treat acute and chronic conditions. Through our integrated pharmacy platform we can offer solutions to assist you with your oral, inhaled, infused, injected and topical medications.

If your physician has ordered a medication that requires administration by a nurse in your home or in an alternate treatment site, Walgreens can provide infusion services.

If your physician has ordered a medication that you will be self administering or receiving in a physician's office, Walgreens can provide specialty pharmacy services.