Supplemental oxygen equipment can be a daunting topic for patients to think about and discuss with their providers. It represents a lifestyle change; one that many patients may feel fearful about. However, knowledge is power and learning about oxygen equipment can make it far less intimidating. Knowing what equipment, you should have, as well as what you do have, is the first step toward feeling empowered to use supplemental oxygen efficiently and effectively.

Under most insurance coverage, patients receive two main sources of supplemental oxygen: a stationary concentrator and a portable oxygen source. Standard-flow stationary concentrators can provide up to 5 liters per minute (LPM), while high-flow stationary concentrators can provide up to 10 LPM. In certain situations, two stationary concentrators can be connected to providing more than 10 LPM but this depends on available resources and safety guidelines set by the durable medical equipment (DME) provider. Stationary concentrators work by drawing in air from the surrounding environment, passing it through specialized filters, and delivering a stream of concentrated oxygen to the patient at a prescribed flow rate. In the past, stationary liquid oxygen systems were also available, but due to industry changes, they have become rare and are offered by fewer suppliers.

Portable oxygen options include either a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) or compressed gas tanks. It is important to note that, under insurance coverage, patients typically receive only one portability option -not both. Regardless of which portable option you use, you should always have a compressed gas tank at home for emergencies, such as power outages, when electrically powered oxygen equipment cannot be used. Let’s first dive into compressed gas tanks.

When patients think of compressed gas tanks, they often picture the silver and green tanks commonly seen in hospitals or clinics which are usually placed in rolling carts or attached to wheelchairs. However, compressed gas tanks come in a variety of sizes. Smaller tanks run out of oxygen more quickly than larger tanks, making some sizes more suitable than others depending on your oxygen needs. For example, a smaller “M6” tank (often referred to as a “wine bottle–sized” tank) holds about 164 liters of oxygen in total and may provide only about 30 minutes of oxygen, depending on your flow rate. In contrast, if you require 2 LPM with exertion, a larger “E” tank (which holds approximately 680 liters) can provide more than three hours of oxygen. Typically, the oxygen company delivers a set number of tanks to your home each week and picks up the empty ones. If you find that you are using more tanks than are being delivered, it is important to contact your care team, as an updated order may be required for the oxygen company to increase supply. In certain cases, patients may qualify for a “home fill system,” which allows them to refill a small number of tanks at home. This option is often best suited for individuals with lower oxygen needs who do not go through tanks quickly.

POCs are the second option for portable oxygen and can be an excellent choice for many patients. They function similarly to stationary concentrators by pulling in air from the surrounding environment, filtering it, and delivering concentrated oxygen through a nasal cannula. POCs vary widely in size, weight, style, battery life, and oxygen output, and not every POC is appropriate for every patient. Likewise, not every patient is a good candidate for a POC. Some POCs weigh as little as 3 pounds and can be carried over the shoulder, while others weigh up to 22 pounds and require wheels and a handle for transport. In general, the smaller and lighter the POC, the lower the amount of oxygen it can deliver. Most POCs can provide up to 3 LPM of continuous flow and up to 6–9 settings on pulsed dose, depending on the model. Patients who require higher oxygen settings may not tolerate pulsed-dose delivery, which many POCs rely on. Pulsed dose differs from continuous flow because oxygen is delivered only when a breath is detected, rather than continuously regardless of breathing pattern or depth. For example, a patient who requires 3 LPM of continuous flow with exertion may not tolerate a pulsed-dose setting of 3, as there are brief pauses between breaths during which no oxygen is delivered. If you are interested in a POC, speak with your care team—they can help determine whether it will meet your oxygen needs safely and effectively.

In summary, supplemental oxygen is a tool designed to help you do more, for longer periods of time, and in a safer way. There is a variety of other oxygen equipment available such as various types of tubing, masks, and nasal cannulas that can help address barriers to using oxygen. By using oxygen equipment as prescribed, you can help supply your body with what it needs to remain active and safe. Again, knowledge is power, and understanding your oxygen equipment can help you feel more confident, in control, and empowered to use it effectively.