The short answer to whether you can purchase your own oxygen tank is yes, but the process is highly regulated and requires specific authorization. Home oxygen therapy supplements the air you breathe with a higher concentration of oxygen gas. Because supplemental oxygen is categorized as both a drug and a medical device, its sale and use are overseen by federal agencies. Consequently, any purchase or rental of medical oxygen equipment requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Medical Requirement for Home Oxygen Systems
Medical oxygen is classified as a prescription drug, meaning a qualified physician must authorize its use for patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. This regulation exists because both too little and excessive oxygen can be harmful, potentially leading to oxygen toxicity and lung damage. The prescription process begins with a medical assessment, typically involving testing blood oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter or an arterial blood gas test.
The physician uses these diagnostic results to determine the specific flow rate, duration, and delivery method required for the patient. This detailed prescription is legally required before a supplier can dispense the equipment or gas. Medical-grade oxygen must meet strict United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards, requiring a minimum purity of 99.0% oxygen by volume.
This high standard ensures the gas is free from harmful contaminants, such as carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons, which could cause serious health issues when inhaled. Industrial oxygen lacks the same rigorous quality control and sterility protocols. Industrial tanks do not need to be evacuated between fillings, raising the risk of residual contaminants unacceptable for human respiration.
Understanding Oxygen Delivery Devices
Patients needing supplemental oxygen typically use one of three primary types of delivery systems.
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed Gas Cylinders are the traditional “tanks,” storing oxygen gas under high pressure in metal containers. These cylinders are beneficial for portability and emergency backup. However, their supply is finite, requiring regular refilling or replacement from a supplier.
Oxygen Concentrators
Oxygen Concentrators are electronic devices that continuously produce oxygen by filtering ambient air instead of storing gas. These machines draw in room air, pass it through filters to remove nitrogen, and deliver concentrated oxygen, usually between 90% and 95% pure.
Stationary concentrators are larger, plug into a standard electrical outlet, and can deliver a high, continuous flow of oxygen. Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are smaller, battery-powered units designed for mobility. POCs offer a continuous flow or a pulse dose, which delivers oxygen only when the user inhales, conserving the supply and extending battery life.
Concentrators are often preferred because they eliminate the logistical challenge of constantly refilling tanks, providing an unlimited supply as long as power is available.
Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
Liquid Oxygen (LOX) is created when oxygen is cooled to an extremely low temperature, turning it into a compact liquid form. LOX takes up significantly less space than gas, allowing a large volume of oxygen to be stored in a small stationary reservoir. This system is often used for patients with very high oxygen requirements or those needing a light, portable supply they can fill before leaving home.
Essential Safety Protocols for Home Oxygen Use
Concentrated oxygen significantly increases the risk of fire because it supports combustion, causing materials to ignite more easily and burn much faster and hotter. Oxygen equipment must be kept a minimum of six to ten feet away from any potential heat source or open flame. This includes gas stoves, candles, fireplaces, electric heaters, and sparking electrical devices like hair dryers or electric razors.
Smoking is strictly prohibited near the oxygen equipment or the patient using it. Certain common household items also pose a hidden fire risk, such as petroleum-based products like petroleum jelly or oil-based lotions and creams. These substances can react violently with concentrated oxygen, so only water-based alternatives should be used on the skin and lips.
Proper storage and placement are critical to mitigate hazards. All oxygen tanks must be stored upright and firmly secured to a cart or stand to prevent tipping over, which could damage the valve and cause a sudden gas release. Concentrators must be placed in a well-ventilated area, away from walls or furniture, to ensure sufficient airflow and prevent overheating.
Patients and caregivers should regularly inspect all tubing for kinks, cracks, or wear, as damaged lines can leak oxygen and increase the gas concentration in the surrounding air. Attempting any repairs or modifications to the oxygen equipment is extremely dangerous and compromises the system’s integrity. Maintenance or service issues should be reported immediately to the oxygen supply company.