Understanding Oxygen Equipment
Home Oxygen Equipment
Understand the main types of home oxygen equipment, how stationary and portable systems differ, and the components that may be included in a prescribed oxygen setup.
✓ Equipment overview
✓ Stationary and portable systems
✓ Components and accessories
Equipment at a glance
Understanding Your Equipment
Stationary systems
Primarily support prescribed oxygen use inside the home.
Portable systems
Support mobility when the system matches prescribed needs.
System components
May include tubing, interfaces, power, and mobility accessories.
Understanding the system
Understanding Home Oxygen Equipment
Home oxygen equipment provides supplemental oxygen according to a prescription from an authorized healthcare professional. Systems may produce oxygen from room air or store medical oxygen for use when it is needed.
Some equipment is intended mainly for use inside the home, while other systems are designed to support mobility. A patient may use more than one type of equipment as part of the same oxygen therapy plan.
The equipment supplied should match the prescribed flow, delivery method, hours of use, mobility needs, home environment, and available service options.
Your Prescription Comes First
The smallest or most portable device is not automatically the right choice. Oxygen delivery capability must match the prescribed therapy.
Do not change an oxygen setting or substitute equipment unless directed by the appropriate healthcare professional or oxygen care team.
Equipment overview
Types of Home Oxygen Equipment
The equipment used in a home oxygen plan may include a primary home system, portable equipment, backup oxygen, or a combination of systems.
Primary home system
Stationary Oxygen Concentrators
A stationary concentrator is generally used as a primary oxygen source inside the home.
- Draws in room air and concentrates the oxygen
- Operates from household electrical power
- Commonly supports longer periods of prescribed use
- Usually remains in one main area of the home
- May be paired with portable or backup equipment
Mobility system
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Portable concentrators are designed to support mobility when the prescribed device and delivery method are appropriate.
- Uses rechargeable battery power
- Smaller and easier to move than a stationary unit
- Delivery capabilities vary by model
- Battery duration changes with the device and setting
- Not every model is suitable for every prescription
Stored oxygen
Compressed Oxygen Cylinders
Oxygen cylinders store medical oxygen under pressure and may be used for portability, backup, or specific therapy needs.
- Available in different cylinder sizes
- Used with an appropriate regulator or conserving device
- Requires monitoring of the remaining oxygen supply
- May use an approved cart or carrying system
- Replacement or refilling is coordinated as required
Equipment availability and suitability may vary by prescription, location, clinical requirements, and service program.
Comparing system roles
Stationary and Portable Oxygen Systems
Stationary and portable equipment can serve different roles within the same prescribed oxygen plan.
Stationary Equipment
Primarily designed to support prescribed oxygen use inside the home.
- Usually powered by household electricity
- Often supports longer periods of use
- Generally larger and less convenient to move
- May act as the main oxygen source
Portable Equipment
Designed to support mobility when the prescribed delivery method and device are appropriate.
- May use batteries or stored compressed oxygen
- Operating time depends on supply, power, and setting
- Smaller, but may have delivery limitations
- Often complements the primary home system
Portable equipment does not always replace a stationary oxygen system. Some patients use both as part of a complete setup.
Oxygen delivery
Continuous-Flow and Pulse-Dose Oxygen
The way oxygen is delivered matters just as much as the size and portability of the equipment.
Continuous Flow
Provides oxygen continuously at the prescribed flow while the equipment is operating. Stationary concentrators commonly provide continuous flow, and some other systems may also support it.
Pulse Dose
Provides a measured amount of oxygen when the device detects inhalation. Many portable concentrators and conserving devices use this delivery approach.
Pulse-Dose Settings Are Device-Specific
A pulse setting is not automatically equivalent to the same number of litres per minute of continuous flow. Suitability should be confirmed for the individual prescription and intended use.
System components
Parts of a Home Oxygen System
A complete setup can include the oxygen source, patient interface, tubing, flow controls, and accessories for power or mobility.
Nasal Cannula
Lightweight tubing with small prongs that sit at the nostrils to deliver prescribed oxygen.
Oxygen Mask
A face mask may be used in specific circumstances based on the prescribed therapy and clinical direction.
Oxygen Tubing
Connects the oxygen source to the cannula or mask and may be provided in different approved lengths.
Regulator or Conserving Device
Controls oxygen delivery from certain cylinder systems. The exact device depends on the prescription and setup.
Humidifier Bottle
May be used with selected systems when directed by the care team to add moisture to the oxygen flow.
Power and Mobility Accessories
May include batteries, power cords, vehicle adapters, carts, and approved carrying bags.
Cleaning schedules, replacement guidance, and troubleshooting are covered on the dedicated Equipment Care & Maintenance page.
Individualized equipment
What Determines the Right Equipment?
Equipment selection is based on clinical requirements and practical factors—not on portability alone.
Selection May Consider:
- Prescribed oxygen flow
- Continuous-flow or pulse-dose requirements
- Hours of oxygen use
- Needs during sleep, rest, or activity
- Mobility and daily routine
- Home layout and access to power
- Ability to safely handle the equipment
- Backup needs and regional availability
A complete oxygen setup
Why Some Patients Use More Than One System
Different equipment can support different parts of the same prescribed therapy plan.
1
Primary Home System
A stationary concentrator may provide the main oxygen source for use inside the home.
2
Portable System
A portable concentrator or cylinder system may support prescribed oxygen needs away from the main home unit.
3
Backup Oxygen
Backup equipment may be arranged for power interruptions, equipment concerns, or other approved contingency needs.
Continue learning
Learn More About Your Oxygen Equipment
Explore dedicated guidance for equipment care, safety, travel, and MedPro services.
Care & maintenance
Equipment Care & Maintenance
Find cleaning, inspection, tubing, filter, humidifier, and basic troubleshooting guidance.
Safety
Home Oxygen Safety
Review fire precautions, safe placement, cylinder storage, and emergency planning information.
Travel
Travelling With Oxygen
Plan for portable equipment, batteries, oxygen supply, transportation, and advance arrangements.
Services
Home Oxygen Services & Support
Learn about delivery, setup, education, equipment assistance, and ongoing MedPro support.
Home oxygen equipment
Have Questions About Your Oxygen Equipment?
MedPro’s respiratory care team can help explain your prescribed oxygen equipment, connect you with the appropriate support, and answer questions about your setup.