Oxygen is essential for life. If you have a lung or heart condition that lowers the oxygen level in your blood, your body may not receive enough oxygen to function properly. This can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, and strain on vital organs such as the heart and brain.
Oxygen therapy helps by delivering supplemental oxygen to improve blood oxygen levels, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life. This guide explains who needs oxygen therapy, how much oxygen may be required, and the best portable oxygen options for an active lifestyle.
Do I Need Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is prescribed by a healthcare provider after testing your blood oxygen levels. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as:
- Asthma (in severe or acute cases)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Congestive heart failure
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sleep apnea (in specific situations)
Your doctor may assess your oxygen levels using a blood test (arterial blood gas) or a noninvasive pulse oximeter placed on your finger, toe, or ear.
How Much Oxygen Will I Need?
The amount of oxygen you need depends on your condition and activity level. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oxygen:
- Continuously, throughout the day and night
- Only during activity or exercise
- Only while sleeping
Oxygen flow is measured in liters per minute (LPM). It’s important to use oxygen exactly as prescribed, as too little or too much oxygen can cause health problems.
Oxygen Therapy Equipment Options
There are several ways to receive oxygen. The right choice depends on your medical needs, lifestyle, and mobility requirements.
Standard Oxygen Concentrator
A standard (stationary) oxygen concentrator uses electricity to pull oxygen from the surrounding air and deliver it through tubing.
- Typically weighs around 40–50 pounds
- Designed for home use
- Requires a backup oxygen source in case of power outages
Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)
Portable oxygen concentrators are ideal for people who want to stay active, travel, or run errands.
- Lightweight (typically 3–20 pounds)
- Battery-powered and often usable in cars or airplanes
- Delivers oxygen via pulse dose or continuous flow, depending on the model
Portable oxygen concentrators are a popular choice for patients who need oxygen therapy on the go.
Liquid Oxygen System
Liquid oxygen is stored at very low temperatures in insulated tanks.
- Takes up less space than compressed gas
- A large stationary tank is kept at home
- Smaller portable units can be filled for outings
These systems require regular refilling and are less commonly used today.
Compressed Oxygen Gas Cylinders
Compressed oxygen is stored in metal tanks under high pressure.
- Available in stationary and portable sizes
- Portable tanks provide oxygen for a limited time
- Tanks must be replaced or refilled when empty
Oxygen Delivery Methods
Oxygen can be delivered to your body in several ways:
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a soft plastic tube with two small prongs that fit into your nostrils.
- Most common delivery method
- Comfortable and allows you to talk and eat
- May cause mild nasal dryness
Face Mask
A face mask fits over your nose and mouth.
- Used when higher oxygen concentrations are needed
- Can make speaking and eating difficult
Transtracheal Catheter
This method involves placing a small catheter directly into the trachea (windpipe) through a minor surgical procedure.
- Delivers oxygen more efficiently
- Requires lower oxygen flow
- Carries risks such as infection and requires careful maintenance
Risks of Oxygen Therapy
When used correctly, oxygen therapy is safe. However, potential risks include:
- Reduced breathing drive in some patients with advanced COPD
- Oxygen toxicity with prolonged exposure to very high oxygen levels
- Fire hazards, as oxygen accelerates combustion
- Absorption atelectasis, where lung air sacs collapse when exposed to high concentrations of oxygen
These risks are minimized by using oxygen exactly as prescribed.
Oxygen Safety Tips
To use oxygen safely at home or on the go:
- Never smoke or allow smoking near oxygen equipment
- Keep oxygen away from open flames and heat sources
- Avoid oil, grease, petroleum-based lotions, or ointments on the face and chest
- Secure oxygen tanks in an upright position
- Use non-flammable cleaning products
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
- Inform your local fire department if oxygen is used in your home
- Notify your electric company if you rely on an oxygen concentrator
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right oxygen therapy solution is an important decision that should be made with guidance from your healthcare provider. The right equipment can improve breathing, increase independence, and enhance overall quality of life.
For reliable oxygen therapy equipment—including portable oxygen concentrators—it’s essential to work with a trusted medical supplier. Sky Medical Supplies provides high-quality oxygen therapy solutions for patients in Denver, Colorado, and surrounding areas. Contact us to learn more about your options and find the right oxygen solution for your lifestyle.