Oxygen therapy is often prescribed by healthcare providers to individuals who struggle to get enough oxygen naturally due to underlying respiratory conditions. It has proven to improve the quality of life by alleviating symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, sleep apnoea, and other breathing difficulties.

Oxygen therapy is commonly recommended for a variety of respiratory conditions, including:

- Asthma

- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

- Emphysema

- Pulmonary fibrosis

- Sleep apnoea

- Pneumonia

If you or your loved one are suffering from any of these conditions or something similar, supplemental oxygen may be part of the treatment plan. One of the key considerations is the type of oxygen delivery device to use – whether an oxygen tank or an oxygen concentrator.

The choice may vary from person to person, depending on factors like medical needs and doctor recommendations. But it helps to learn the benefits and limitations of these devices.

In this blog, we'll explore the features and benefits of both options to help you better understand their differences.

📝 Note: Consult your healthcare provider to learn about your respiratory condition and requirements to get the best therapy possible.

How Do Oxygen Tanks Work?

Oxygen tanks or cylinders are pressurised containers that store compressed oxygen gas that is delivered to the patient via a nasal cannula or face mask. The gas is regulated by a pressure regulator to ensure safe and consistent delivery. Other equipment like humidifiers or oxygen conservers can also be attached to improve comfort and efficiency during use.

How Do Oxygen Concentrators Work?

Unlike the cylinders, oxygen concentrators utilise the surrounding air, filter the nitrogen, and concentrate the oxygen to deliver a purer supply. Typically, they deliver 90% to 95% pure O₂, which is more than enough for oxygen therapy needs.

Types Of Oxygen Concentrators

There are two types of oxygen concentrators, stationary and portable. Both types have their own set of advantages and can provide unique benefits depending on the patient's lifestyle and therapy requirements.

Stationary Oxygen Concentrator (SOC):

SOCs are larger units that are designed for home oxygen therapy for patients who require continuous and high volumes of oxygen. Offering mobility within the home and an endless supply of oxygen, a high-flow oxygen concentrator makes a great alternative to traditional cylinders.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC):

POCs are compact units that are designed for mobility. Lightweight and easy to carry, these units allow patients to maintain an active lifestyle while receiving oxygen therapy. While they provide a lower volume of oxygen compared to stationary concentrators and cylinders, they are still highly effective for users with mild or moderate respiratory conditions.

Both types of oxygen concentrators have the same working principle and do not require regular refilling like oxygen cylinders.

Oxygen Concentrator Vs Tank: Benefits

Both cylinders and concentrators have their advantages and shortcomings. Here's a detailed comparison:

1. Safety

Safety is always of the utmost importance. It's crucial to keep in mind that both devices deliver a purer form of oxygen and should not be handled around open flames or sparks. That said, which device is safer?

It is a well-known fact that cylinders should be handled with extra caution. While being stored, transported, and operated, users should follow the proper procedures to prevent mishaps like leaks or falls. Also, any damage to the attached equipment, like the pressure regulator, can also lead to potential leaks.

On the other hand, oxygen concentrators are relatively user-friendly and safe to use for all patients. Nevertheless, users should avoid getting closer to fire sources while using the concentrator.

Verdict: Oxygen concentrators are relatively safer with basic precautionary practices.

2. Portability

When it comes to portability, we have a clear winner.

One of the major downsides of large oxygen cylinders is they are heavy, bulky, and occupy a lot of space. While there are smaller cylinders, they are limited by how much oxygen they can provide. Patients using tanks often feel restricted with little to no mobility.

On the contrary, the surging popularity of portable oxygen concentrators is because they offer freedom of movement to the users. They are the perfect choice for oxygen therapy on the go, allowing patients to be independent and outgoing. Manufacturers, like GCE Medical, even provide pull carts and backpacks for portable oxygen concentrators for easy transportation.

Verdict: It's in their name – "portable" oxygen concentrator.

3. Unlimited Supply

Oxygen cylinders rely on an external oxygen source and require regular refills. The logistics, time, effort, and cost of regular refilling can become quite tedious and cumbersome.

Concentrators don't have this issue. As long as there's a power source and access to ambient air, these units can deliver an unlimited oxygen supply.

Verdict: Oxygen concentrators are clearly better suited for uninterrupted oxygen supply.

4. Price

One of the key considerations when deciding between oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders is cost. For better understanding, let's break down the expenses into two categories: initial cost and ongoing cost.

Initial Cost

The initial cost of oxygen concentrators may be higher than that of oxygen cylinders. While some brands may offer the option to rent an oxygen concentrator, purchasing a unit may be an economical choice in the long run.

Ongoing Cost

While the oxygen cylinders are initially cheaper, they can get expensive over time due to the need for frequent refills. Conversely, an oxygen concentrator only requires electricity to operate and occasional maintenance. You don't have to worry about the added expense of refills.

Overall Cost Effectiveness

For long-term oxygen therapy, the price of an oxygen concentrator is worth the investment, as it is far more cost-effective than cylinders.

5. Power Dependency

Oxygen concentrators rely on a power source, like an electrical outlet or battery, to operate. POC users often carry spare batteries while travelling for a long period. Oxygen cylinders do not depend on electricity and can be used as long as the oxygen is available.

Verdict: Oxygen cylinders are the better choice for places without reliable electricity.

6. Travelling

Typically, oxygen cylinders aren't allowed to be carried on buses, ships, or flights due to safety concerns. In the past, these restrictions and the lack of options made travelling difficult for patients requiring oxygen therapy.

However, with the introduction of POCs, travelling with oxygen has never been easier. Many units come with DC adapters, allowing them to be easily charged in the car while travelling. Most airlines allow passengers to carry an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator, such as Zen-O or Zen-O Lite, with proper documentation and adequate backup batteries.

Verdict: While you can still travel with cylinders with robust precautions, concentrators make the journey much easier and flexible.

📝 Note: Always check airline and cruise guidelines and inform them of your oxygen therapy needs when booking.

7. Versatile Options

While oxygen cylinders come in a few standard sizes, oxygen concentrators offer a range of options, including different sizes, oxygen delivery methods, and advanced technological features.

While your healthcare provider will select the most suitable device based on your respiratory requirements and health condition, you can still communicate your preferences. While discussing options, oxygen concentrators offer more options for doctors to consider compared to cylinders.

8. Technology

Oxygen concentrators come equipped with features like adjustable flow settings, alarms, and more. With advanced options, patients can better manage their therapy with ease and comfort.

Oxygen cylinders, being a more traditional device, don't offer such advanced features.

Verdict: Being modern devices, concentrators can enhance the therapy experience with technological advancements.

Oxygen Concentrator vs. Oxygen Tank​: Which Suits You?

Choosing between a concentrator and a cylinder depends on your unique therapy needs, lifestyle, budget, and other factors. We hope the information we've provided helps you make an informed decision. No matter what option you choose, the key is to strictly adhere to the prescription from your healthcare provider for the best results.

Oxygen therapy may seem daunting at first. But with advancements in the medical field, support from numerous communities, and evolving medical professionals, managing therapy has never been easier.

At GCE Medical, we offer some of the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, the Zen-O and Zen-O Lite. Compact, lightweight, and FAA-approved, they're perfect for on-the-go oxygen therapy. If you are looking for home oxygen concentrators, our M50 and OC-E Series stationary units with quiet operation and convenient alarm systems will be ideal.

If you are interested in our offerings, contact your local homecare provider for more information.