The availability of oxygen tanks for home use often confuses the general public because different types of oxygen products exist. While ambient air contains about 21% oxygen, certain health conditions require supplemental delivery of a much higher concentration. This necessity creates a distinction between oxygen intended for medical treatment and products marketed for general wellness or recreational purposes. Understanding these differences is the first step in knowing how to legally and safely acquire an oxygen supply for home use.
Medical Oxygen Versus Non-Prescription Oxygen
The primary factor determining whether you can simply buy an oxygen tank is its intended use and concentration level. Medical-grade oxygen is classified as a drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because its use affects the structure and function of the body. This strict classification means that medical oxygen, which must meet a purity level of 87% to 95.6% or higher, requires a prescription from a licensed physician. The prescription ensures that a healthcare provider has evaluated the patient’s needs, determined the correct flow rate, and chosen the appropriate delivery device.
This prescribed oxygen is obtained through a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier, not a standard retail store. Insurance providers, including Medicare, cover the cost of oxygen equipment and refills only when a medical necessity is established by a doctor’s prescription. The FDA’s regulation also ensures the oxygen is produced in registered facilities following strict quality control standards, minimizing the risk of harmful contaminants.
In contrast, non-prescription or recreational oxygen is available over-the-counter in small canisters at retail or sporting goods stores. This product, often marketed for athletes, altitude sickness, or general energy, is not approved by the FDA for treating medical conditions and does not require a prescription. While it contains a higher concentration of oxygen than ambient air, its purity level varies and is not subject to the same stringent medical standards as prescribed oxygen. This recreational oxygen should not be considered a substitute for medical therapy for individuals with diagnosed respiratory illnesses.
Types of Home Oxygen Systems
Once a prescription for medical oxygen is obtained, the patient receives one of two primary home delivery systems: compressed gas tanks or oxygen concentrators. Compressed gas tanks, often referred to as cylinders, store oxygen under high pressure and are one of the oldest delivery methods. These tanks contain a finite supply of pre-purified oxygen and must be regularly refilled or exchanged by the supplier when they run out. Smaller, portable versions allow for mobility outside the home, but their weight and limited supply mean users must closely monitor the remaining gas.
Oxygen concentrators, the other main system, operate by drawing in ambient air and filtering out nitrogen and other gases through a process called pressure swing adsorption. This process generates a continuous supply of medical-grade oxygen, typically between 87% and 95.6% purity, which is then delivered to the user. Because they generate oxygen in real-time from the surrounding air, concentrators never run out, provided they have a reliable power source. These devices are available in larger, stationary home models and smaller, battery-powered portable units, offering greater independence compared to the constant need for tank refills.
Essential Safety Guidelines for Home Use
Regardless of the type of device used, handling supplemental oxygen requires specific safety precautions, as concentrated oxygen actively supports combustion. The presence of extra oxygen in the air, furniture, and clothing makes it easier for a fire to start and causes it to burn hotter and faster. Therefore, all sources of heat and open flame must be kept at a minimum distance of five to ten feet away from the oxygen unit and tubing.
This distance rule applies to gas stoves, fireplaces, candles, lighters, and heat-producing electric devices like hair dryers. Smoking is strictly prohibited while using oxygen; patients should wait at least ten minutes after turning off the supply before smoking outside. Flammable products like petroleum-based creams should be avoided on the upper body, with water-based alternatives preferred. Tanks must be stored upright and secured to prevent falling, which could cause a leak in the valve. Concentrators should be kept several inches away from walls or curtains to ensure proper ventilation and prevent overheating.