Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyCOPDTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Good shower comments. I use portable oz. Very Awkward. Seems the steam is a problem for me.Does anyone find it a problem?

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
December 22, 2025
 · 
Be the first to react
A MyCOPDTeam Member

@A MyCOPDTeam Member Yes, the humidity in the shower really effects my breathing as well. So I leave the door cracked and then I freeze from the cold air -- It's always something. I have to leave my O2 on in the shower as well, but I use the home concentrator, Some days it is easier than others, like hair washing days are really exhausting.

December 27, 2025
A MyCOPDTeam Member

@A MyCOPDTeam Member I'm just wondering why you use your portable 02 in the shower?
You can just throw your cannula from your home concentrator over the shower door or curtain rod, and use a 7' cannula so the connector prevents the tubing from pulling. Hope this helps.

December 22, 2025 (edited)
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Humidity does not bother me much so no problem in the bathroom for me. You may need to run the vent fan, leave the door open, or turn the temperature down so there is no steam.
If you are using a portable oxygen concentrator it is taking in the air and humidity from the room and putting it in your lungs and will only make things worse. I use my home concentrator which is in the other room. Where it gets room temperature air to make my oxygen. Use a tank or put the concentrator out side the room.

December 23, 2025 (edited)
MyCOPDTeam

Does steam from the shower make breathing more difficult when using portable oxygen?

Yes, steam can definitely be a problem when showering with COPD and using oxygen. The warm, humid air from steam can make breathing feel harder for some people.

Here are some tips that might help:

* Wear your cannula backward and drape Show Full Answer

Does steam from the shower make breathing more difficult when using portable oxygen?

Yes, steam can definitely be a problem when showering with COPD and using oxygen. The warm, humid air from steam can make breathing feel harder for some people.

Here are some tips that might help:

* Wear your cannula backward and drape it over the shower rod to keep it away from direct water spray
* Use a bath chair to conserve energy and make breathing easier
* Add non-slip stickers to your tub for safety
* Try using your rescue inhaler (like levalbuterol) before showering to open your airways
* Consider lowering the water temperature to reduce steam
* Keep the bathroom door slightly open or run the exhaust fan to reduce humidity buildup

A MyCOPDTeam member shared that they use their oxygen in the shower or have it waiting right there if needed, and find that using a breathing treatment before showering makes it much easier.

The awkwardness of managing portable oxygen in the shower is a common challenge, but these adjustments can help make it safer and more comfortable.

December 22, 2025
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I am on oxygen 24/7 and don't have any issues with the breathing tube while showering, my showers are hot and the steam can make breathing difficult. I've found that when combing my long hair after the shower it's best to just comb the hair back, like I'm slicking it back with gel.

December 30, 2025

Related Questions

View All

Oxygen and stuffy nose.

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cottonwood Heights, UT
March 12, 2018

Tap Into the Power of Directness: Use "I"
What A COPD Diagnosis Is Like (Infographic)
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds...