by Susan Kliebenstein

Created on: November 13, 2007

There are several considerations which need to be factored in when buying oxygen equipment. Briefly they can be summarized as "How much? How long? How Portable? How affordable? And what extras will you need? A brief look at each of these and you will be well prepared to make decisions about the purchase of home oxygen equipment.

1. How much oxygen is required?

Hospital Oxygen systems supply up to 15 liters per minute (LPM) to the patient when needed. But this much oxygen is seldom needed in the home. In most instances 2-3 LPM is all that's needed. In many cases more than 3 LPM could endanger the patient. So the first thing you'll want to know is what level of oxygen support is needed. Oxygen concentrators are generally rated at 3 LPM, 5 LPM, or 10 LPM. Each of these systems can easily be adjusted downward. The designation indicates the highest output which it can produce. In some cases it may be advantageous to purchase a 3 LPM system in order to insure that the user does not turn the oxygen above a limit which is safe for them.

Small oxygen tanks can be used for more mobility. They require a regulator to dispense oxygen at the desired level. Some regulators allow oxygen flow up to 15 liters; however at 15 liters a 5.5 pound/9" tank will only provide oxygen for about 15 minutes. If you will need more than 10 liters of oxygen routinely you should probably look for a central oxygen generating system.

2. How long will the equipment be needed?
If the need for oxygen is likely to be temporary it may be wise to rent equipment rather than purchase. Depending upon your insurance provider, you may be able to rent equipment for a year or more at less than it will cost to purchase an oxygen unit. If you will use the equipment for only a short time and feel it is to your advantage you may purchase the equipment during one year and deduct it as a medical expense. The following year, if you no longer need it, you may be able to donate the equipment to a worthy cause.

3. How portable should the equipment be?
Many people use oxygen only at night. For this purpose a less expensive but sizable unit may be very practical. This use does not require a battery pack. Even if electricity goes off the user will be OK if they sit up in a chair until the current comes back on. People who use oxygen around the clock may also be able to use one of these larger units at home since they have wheels, and extension tubing can allow for considerable mobility around the house. You may prefer a unit

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