Oxygen therapy for COPD can bring new daily challenges. At the same time, oxygen may reduce exacerbations and sudden shortness of breath. The cords may tangle, the parts must be washed, and a delivery schedule must be maintained. The ups and downs of oxygen are best dealt with among others with COPD who understand.

On MyCOPDTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with COPD, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Using oxygen is one of the top topics most discussed.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about using oxygen:

• Was put on oxygen 24/7 back in February when diagnosed with COPD. Has anyone been on oxygen & "improved" enough to go off oxygen?

• Do you sleep with oxygen? Any tips?

• Does anyone that's on oxygen get headaches from it?

Here are some conversations about using oxygen:

• "Most of us have figured out how to be as safe as we can in the shower...carefully wearing cannula backward and over the shower rod is one popular method. Adding non-slip stickers to the tub and or a bath chair."

• "Some good news the pulmonary rehab I'm going to seems to be working, Thursday they put my oxygen down to 2 liters from 3, and I was able to walk from the parking lot to rehab without getting out of breath."

• "I use my oxygen in the shower. Or its waiting for me right there if needed. I'm 24/7 on it. I use levalbuterol treatment before a shower. Breathing is much easier."

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MyCOPDTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.