Welcome to O2-THIS WORKS!!

Oxygen treatment for aborting Cluster Headaches has been proven to be an effective, safe, and relatively cheap method for many sufferers. Some people do NOT respond to this treatment, just as some do not respond to the many drugs prescribed. There are many reasons for this, including improper usage. As with any treatment, there are risks involved. Please read and follow the instructions in the SAFETY section.

We members of this family are not doctors, but we know what works and we are trying to give you good information and tools that you may use to help with your pain. You and your physician are ultimately responsible for your own care and the owner of this board cannot be held liable for misuse of the information provided. There is a wealth of information on this forum and you are encouraged to read it all. We are all looking for a "Cure"-not just a bandage to this debilitating condition-unfortunately, oxygen treatment is "only" a bandage. But it IS an effective one when used CORRECTLY. Good luck!

Equipment General Information

----some advice about the use of oxygen as an abortive for cluster headaches. It is VERY important that this be used correctly and safely, because there ARE risks and it is important that this is understood. The air we breathe is composed of approximately 79% nitrogen and 19% ambient oxygen-the other 1-2 % is rare gasses like argon, ozone, carbon monoxide (if you live in the city) , etc.

The benefits of oxygen therapy for sufferers of CH is clearly documented and can be a very great help in diminishing the horrible effect of this malady. It is important to start the therapy at the very first sign of an onset of the headache. The sooner, the better. If you wait, you will suffer more.

You must have a place that has NO open flames- NO SMOKING cigarettes, NO candles, NO fire! Oxygen can saturate your clothing, bedsheets, etc. and then catch on fire when you light a match. Be very careful and wait awhile before smoking.

You must have the proper delivery system: an oxygen supply (tank of oxygen--preferably medical grade), a NON-REBREATHER mask- the type that covers your mouth and nose and has a bag below to conserve the pure oxygen (NOT the tubes that go into your nostrils!),

A "bubbler" bottle that adds moisture to the oxygen will help your sinuses and throat from dryness and irritation. If you are ordering from a catalog or medical supply place, it is called a disposable humidifier.

A regulator that will deliver up to 15 liters per minute (10-12LPM is usually enough, less will not be as effective).

And it is important that you cut off any elastic band that will hold the mask onto your face--if you fall asleep with the mask attached, you may suffocate if the oxygen supply runs out. If this happens, it is important that the mask falls away so that you may breathe regular air. Your body will protect you to survive.
The amount of time to breathe the oxygen is important, also. If you do not get relief in 15-20 minutes of treatment, you will probably not get relief for that headache by further use. Keep trying! In respect to costs: medical grade oxygen is purified with filtration systems and can be very expensive. However, the companies that produce oxygen do not have separate systems for welders or for hospitals. Impure oxygen is not cost-effective. Welders need pure oxygen in the same way as do hospitals. The inspection of the tanks is the only difference. Impure oxygen makes bad welds--impure oxygen can also make you sick. Oxygen is SAFE...if used correctly.

In the USA, it is necessary to have a prescription from your doctor to use oxygen. In other countries, it may be the same. But this therapy is VERY effective. Please encourage your doctor to prescribe it and teach you to use it effectively. It is a blessing.

Another source for oxygen -in an emergency- is to go to your local Fire Station. There are EMT's (Emergency Medical Technicians) who are trained in giving oxygen. They are often willing to help you more than Emergency Room staff who regularly deal with "drug seekers" and may be ignorant of oxygen treatment for cluster headache.

Some CH sufferers and oxygen users you may contact for more help:

Jonny jonnymule@attbi.com
Mr.Happy jones16@comcast.net
Not4Hire nt4hr@netscape.net
roxy twasinger@msn.com
rumplstiltskin (den) doc2000@txucom.net
Cathy Lind catlind@twcny.rr.com