How to Compare Oxygen Supplies

Supplemental oxygen is prescribed by physicians for a variety of medical conditions. Some ailments require long-term use of oxygen, while others necessitate use during particular activities only. Portable oxygen supplies are available with different features to meet your specific requirements.

Unit Type

• Choose the unit that best fits your needs. If you need to use oxygen on a full-time basis, choose a lightweight portable unit that's easy to manage while performing your typical daily activities. For intermittent use such as during sleep, a larger unit is more functional as it has the capacity to hold more oxygen and requires less maintenance.

Tubing

• Supplemental oxygen travels from the tank along a tube. The length of tubing can be increased or decreased based on your needs. If you're using a lightweight portable unit, the canister is carried close to your body and the tubing can be short. If you're using a larger tank at home, more tubing allows you to walk around without the need to continually move the tank. The tubing typically ends with a nasal cannula that's placed in your nose, but a mouth and nose mask may be required based on your medical condition.

Vendors

• If your insurance company does not require you to use a particular vendor, contact multiple vendors to compare prices for the oxygen unit you need. Compare the support services offered for setup assistance and ordering replacement parts.