When we breathe we spend most of our time breathing out. When an oxygen cylinder is used with a continuous flow, most of the oxygen is wasted. A conserver cuts out that waste by providing a precise amount of oxygen at the point of breathing in.

A conserver should only be used with ambulatory cylinders. A conserver could make the cylinder last up to three times longer, although this will vary depending on the user’s breathing rate and activity. This device can only be used with a nasal cannula.

Connecting your conserver

1. Put the cylinder into the portable carry bag provided
2. Put the conserver into the pocket at the front of the bag
3. Connect the female end of the coiled tubing to the outlet connector on the oxygen cylinder
4. Secure the female end with the tube clamp
5. Then connect the quick connect end of the coiled tube to the oxygen cylinder connection on the conserver
6. Finally connect the cannula tubing to the cannula connection on the side of the conserver

Caution
Please note that conservers are not suitable for patients under seven years old
Conservers must never be used whilst sleeping
Do not shorten your oxygen tubing
A mask cannot be used with a conserver

Setting your oxygen supply

1. Put the cannula on the patient
2. Turn the flow rate wheel on the conserver to the flow rate that the Healthcare Professional has ordered
3. Turn the oxygen cylinder onto a flow rate of 4 litres per minute (lpm)
4. Begin breathing through the cannula
5. It is very important to remember that the cylinder must be set to a flow rate of 4 lpm and the conserver set to the flow rate ordered
6. You should also be aware that if the conserver does not seem to be working you must attach the tubing and cannula directly to the oxygen cylinder, but you must adjust the flow rate of the oxygen cylinder from 4 lpm to the flow rate ordered by the Healthcare Professional

Turning the supply off

1. Slowly turn the On/Off valve on the cylinder clockwise to the off position
2. Continue to breathe through the nasal cannula until you feel no more oxygen coming through (this releases the pressure in the tubing)
3. Take the cannula off
4. Turn the flow rate wheel on the conserver to the off position
5. If the patient uses the oxygen cylinder without the conserver on another occasion, always remember to set it back to the prescribed flow rate

Checking your conserver’s battery

With normal use the conserver battery should last over 4weeks. Always check the battery’s power level before using a conserver.

• Move the flow rate wheel at the top of the conserver to the ‘BAT’ position
• The battery level light will show how much power is left by the following colours:

Green	The battery is full
Amber	The battery’s level has gone down, but there is no need to change it yet
Red	The battery is running low – you should have a spare handy
Flashing red	Replace the battery immediately

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Note:
If the conserver battery runs low and needs to be changed, the red light will flash on any setting. In this case, oxygen will still be received, but it will not last as long. The conserver will be provided with a battery, once this has depleted it is your responsibility to replace it.  Always carry a spare battery.

Changing your battery

The conserver needs a single 1.5 volt C-size alkaline battery. To replace the battery first remove the battery cover, safely discard the current battery then insert a replacement into the slot. Once you have replaced the battery, check its power level.

Caution
Only use alkaline batteries with a conserver.
The use of rechargeable batteries is not recommended.