This depends on many factors related to you as a patient and the type and condition of your wound when NATROX^® was started. Your clinical team will usually keep you informed of the progress they see whenever they change a dressing.

No side effects or risks are known at this current time for NATROX^® Oxygen Wound Therapy as the amounts of oxygen we need to enable wound healing are very low. Oxygen is a natural healer.

You should not feel any pain using NATROX^® Oxygen Wound Therapy, in fact patients have reported significant pain reduction occurring, but this will vary from patient to patient. If however you do experience an increase in wound pain, it is important to inform your clinical team.

Whilst it is possible that oxygen therapy will make some antibiotics more effective, it is highly unlikely that you will need to stop taking any medications due to using NATROX^® therapy. Your clinical team will advise you if that is necessary.

It would take far larger amounts of pure oxygen than NATROX^® produces to represent a fire hazard in all normal, ventilated situations. There is a concentration of oxygen under the dressing, so we always advise extra caution if there is any possibility that the user is close to naked flames near the direct treatment area.

There is a small green light on the device that will flash as soon as oxygen is flowing. As there is no on/off switch on the NATROX^® device, as soon as a fully charged battery is slid into position the device is triggered to start producing oxygen. A fully charged battery pack should run the NATROX^® device for at least 24hrs.

NATROX^® Oxygen Wound Therapy works best if you keep it on 24/7, and it is made as compact and lightweight as possible. The device is completely silent, and the small flashing green light that shows it is working, should not disturb you at night.

Position the NATROX^® therapy unit in the most comfortable position possible, and after a very short period of adjustment, the device should permit a normal night’s sleep.

We know that many people are restless during the night and therefore suggest that the NATROX^® unit is placed where you are least likely to sleep on top of it. If necessary there is a tube extension kit that your clinical team might advise you to use at night to give you greater flexibility around positioning.

Your clinical team will show you how to do this when they start you on NATROX® Oxygen Wound Therapy and check that you can manage the simple twist lock mechanism so you shouldn’t have any issues. To disconnect the tube, simply twist anti clockwise where the tube joins the NATROX^® device. When you need to reconnect the tube, place the tubing against the connector at the base of the NATROX® device and twist in a clockwise direction, gently pushing against the device.

There are a couple of occasions you might need to disconnect and reconnect the device:

• Changing clothing where you would like to route the tubing in a way that enhance your comfort. Remember when positioning the tubing, avoid areas that you may sit, stand or rest on, such as the lower thigh at the back of your leg, as we want to avoid any discomfort or prolonged pressures on your skin.
• Having a shower. It is possible to have a shower if you disconnect the NATROX® device beforehand. However, it is also important to check with your clinical team that the dressing they have used to cover the ODS is shower proof as well.

One effect of using oxygen therapy is some patients experience an increase in wound fluid in the first few days of treatment. This is just a sign that the oxygen is stimulating some of the cells within the wound. If you feel a build up of fluid below your dressing or your dressing starts to leak it is important to let your clinical team know. Furthermore, as with any wound, if you become aware of any changes in your wound you should inform your clinical team.

Safety trials at a major hospital have confirmed there is no trauma associated with ODS removal. It should not hurt during dressing changes if it is changed on a regular basis.

The NATROX^® dressing will need to be changed at least once a week, it is impossible to give exact guidance because dressing changes are very dependent on the size and type of wound as well as how long it has been treated with NATROX^®. However, your clinical team will modify your dressing changes to suit your particular needs.

Very simply; within your NATROX^® kit you will have a charging unit that plugs into a normal socket. The lead from the charger plugs into the circular hole in the battery unit that becomes visible when the battery is slid out from the NATROX^® device. The yellow light on the battery will flash whist it is being charged and will stay on when fully charged. One battery must always be on charge whilst the second battery supplied is working in the NATROX^® device. Have a set time each day or night to swap them over, so you develop a pattern of charging and using.

Simply hold the NATROX^® device firmly and placing your thumb on the battery slide upwards until disconnected.

NATROX^® is certified to IP22 regarding water ingress, this does not mean it is waterproof. If the unit is still working, just wipe it down with a dry cloth or tissues. Do not use anything on it other than a slightly damp cloth. Please remember this is an electrical device and we don’t want any fluids to get inside as it may stop it from working properly.

• If your charger gets wet in any way, and you can access the wall socket without touching the fluid, then switch it off at the wall. Do not use it again until the charger has been checked by a competent person.

If there is no flashing green light on the NATROX^® device, check that your battery is charged. If your battery is fully charged contact your clinical team and they will advise you further.

Yes, although choosing to travel during treatment should be done so in discussion with your consultant, doctor or healthcare profession responsible for the care of your wound. Click here to download an Air Travel Information document to be shared for Airport Security, if required