Home oxygen therapy
What Is Home Oxygen Therapy?
Home oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that provides supplemental oxygen when a person’s body is not receiving enough oxygen from the air they breathe. It may be prescribed for use at home, during activity, while sleeping, or at other specific times based on an individual assessment.
✓ Respiratory therapist support
✓ Equipment education
✓ Ongoing patient assistance
At a glance
Home oxygen in simple terms
It is medically prescribed
Oxygen should be used according to an individualized prescription and clinical assessment.
It is individualized
The oxygen amount, delivery method, equipment, and schedule can differ between patients.
It can be used at different times
Some people use oxygen during activity or sleep, while others need it for longer periods.
The basic idea
Home Oxygen Therapy in Simple Terms
The air around us contains oxygen that the body uses to support cells and organs. Certain health conditions can make it difficult for the lungs or circulation to maintain enough oxygen in the blood.
Home oxygen therapy provides additional oxygen through prescribed equipment. The goal is to help the body receive the oxygen support identified by the patient’s healthcare team.
An important distinction
Shortness of breath does not automatically mean that oxygen therapy is needed. Testing and medical assessment are required to determine whether supplemental oxygen is appropriate.
Why oxygen may be considered
Why Might Someone Need Supplemental Oxygen?
A patient may be assessed for home oxygen when testing shows that their blood oxygen is lower than the level considered appropriate by their healthcare team.
○
At rest
Oxygen levels may be measured while the patient is sitting quietly or completing low-effort activities.
↗
During activity
Walking or exertion testing may show that oxygen needs change during physical activity.
☾
While sleeping
Overnight assessment may be used when a healthcare provider needs to understand oxygen levels during sleep.
+
During recovery or illness
Some people may require oxygen temporarily, while others may need longer-term therapy for an ongoing condition.
Important: Having a particular condition or experiencing breathlessness does not automatically mean that home oxygen is needed. Testing, diagnosis, and an individualized prescription are required.
From source to patient
How Does Home Oxygen Therapy Work?
A home oxygen system supplies supplemental oxygen and delivers it to the patient through prescribed equipment.
1
Oxygen source
A prescribed system provides supplemental oxygen. The source may be a concentrator, oxygen cylinder, or another suitable system.
2
Tubing and delivery device
Tubing carries oxygen from the source to nasal prongs, a face mask, or another delivery device selected for the patient.
3
Prescribed oxygen reaches the patient
The patient uses the system at the prescribed setting and during the activities or periods identified by the healthcare team.
Different prescriptions for different needs
When Might Home Oxygen Be Used?
The timing and duration of oxygen therapy depend on the patient’s assessed needs and prescription.
During rest
For someone whose prescribed oxygen needs require support while sitting or completing quiet activities.
During physical activity
For patients whose oxygen needs change while walking or completing everyday activities.
During sleep
For someone whose healthcare team determines that supplemental oxygen is needed overnight.
For shorter or longer periods
Oxygen may be prescribed temporarily or as longer-term therapy depending on the underlying reason.
Assessment and prescription
How Is the Need for Home Oxygen Determined?
Home oxygen is based on a clinical assessment rather than symptoms alone. The specific process depends on the patient’s condition and healthcare provider.
1
Clinical assessment
A healthcare professional reviews the patient’s health condition, symptoms, and oxygen needs.
2
Oxygen measurements
Measurements may be taken at rest, during activity, while sleeping, or under other selected conditions.
3
Individual prescription
The prescription identifies how, when, and at what prescribed setting the oxygen should be used.
4
Oxygen provider support
The provider supplies suitable equipment and provides education based on the prescription.
Understanding the treatment
What Oxygen Therapy Is—and Is Not
Home oxygen therapy has a specific role and should not be confused with other respiratory treatments.
Oxygen therapy is:
- A prescribed medical treatment
- A way of supplying additional oxygen
- Individualized to assessed needs
- Delivered using specialized equipment
Oxygen therapy is not:
- The same treatment as CPAP
- The same as a ventilator
- A treatment to start without assessment
- Something patients should adjust independently
Oxygen may sometimes be connected to other prescribed respiratory equipment, but oxygen therapy itself serves a different purpose.
A brief equipment overview
What Equipment Is Used for Home Oxygen?
The equipment supplied depends on the prescription, clinical needs, home environment, mobility, and available options.
H
Stationary oxygen systems
Primarily support oxygen use within the home.
P
Portable oxygen systems
Can support mobility when appropriate for the prescription and patient needs.
O₂
Oxygen cylinders
Store compressed oxygen and may be used for portable, backup, or other prescribed purposes.
+
Delivery devices
Common examples include nasal cannulas, tubing, masks, and other prescribed components.
Where to go next
Continue Learning About Home Oxygen
Explore the next topic that best matches your needs.
Next steps
Getting Started With Home Oxygen
Understand assessment, prescriptions, setup, and what to expect.
Equipment
Home Oxygen Equipment
Learn about concentrators, cylinders, portable systems, and delivery devices.
Daily life
Living With Home Oxygen
Learn how oxygen may fit into routines, activities, sleep, and everyday life.
Safety
Home Oxygen Safety
Review essential precautions for using and storing oxygen safely.
Home oxygen support
Have Questions About Home Oxygen Therapy?
MedPro’s respiratory care team can help you understand the referral process, equipment setup, and available support after home oxygen has been prescribed.