An older adult woman sits on the end of her bed. She has a nasal cannula in her nose and an oxygen tank beside her. She smiles.
People with lung conditions may be prescribed oxygen therapy. Oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks are two options for this type of therapy. Learn about the similarities and differences between these two devices here. Photo Credit: iStock.com/kali9

Supplemental oxygen therapy is used by over 1.5 million adults in the United States for different types of lung diseases. These include long-term conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and cor pulmonale. Supplemental oxygen can be life-changing for patients struggling with these diseases, as it may help them breathe more easily, improve their quality of life, and make them live longer. Oxygen therapy can be provided using different devices, such as oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks. In this article, we will compare these two types of oxygen devices and talk about some of the important factors that may guide you in choosing the best option for your medical needs.

What are oxygen concentrators?

An oxygen concentrator, also known as an oxygen generator, is a medical device that provides fresh, oxygen-rich air to the patient. It takes in room air and filters out dust, bacteria, and other small particles. It also removes nitrogen, which is the major component of the air we breathe, leaving behind air that contains a very high percentage of oxygen. Inhaling air with a high concentration of oxygen can be extremely beneficial for patients who have low blood oxygen levels, as it helps the different body organs get the oxygen they need to work properly.

There are two types of oxygen concentrators:

  • Stationary (home) oxygen concentrators: These concentrators can provide a constant flow of oxygen in your home. They run on electricity and are plugged into an electrical outlet. Stationary concentrators are usually bulky and heavy, with an average weight of around 22 pounds. However, they may have wheels on the bottom to move them from one room to another.  
  • Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs): These devices are smaller and lighter and thus can be carried with you in a backpack or a bag. Most POCs use rechargeable batteries and do not require an electrical supply. However, they are more expensive and cannot provide as much oxygen as a stationary concentrator due to their smaller size.

What are oxygen tanks?

Oxygen tanks or oxygen cylinders are large metal containers that store compressed oxygen at a very high pressure. These tanks are available in different sizes. The larger tanks can be very heavy and difficult to move but can store thousands of liters of oxygen that can last for several days. Smaller tanks are more portable but hold a limited amount of oxygen.

Oxygen tanks have a regulator attached to the top of the cylinder. This regulator can be manually opened or closed and allows the release of oxygen at the desired flow rate. A pressure gauge shows how much gas is remaining in the tank.

Key differences between oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks

Both oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks are used for the same purpose, i.e., to deliver supplemental oxygen to patients who have low blood oxygen levels. They also use the same oxygen delivery accessories, such as medical tubing, nasal cannulas, and oxygen masks, to transfer oxygen from the device into the lungs. However, there are some important differences between the two types of devices that are discussed below:

  • Mechanism: The main difference between oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks lies in how they work. An oxygen concentrator uses the room air to extract fresh, concentrated oxygen. On the other hand, an oxygen tank simply stores oxygen. Hence, an oxygen tank can only provide a finite supply of oxygen, while an oxygen concentrator can provide an unlimited supply of oxygen as long as a power supply is available.
  • Power requirements: An oxygen concentrator requires a consistent source of power via an electrical outlet or batteries. In contrast, an oxygen tank does not require a power source.
  • Safety: Both oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks are generally safe. However, oxygen tanks carry a risk of pure oxygen leakage, which can increase the risk of fire. There is less danger with oxygen concentrators, as they only filter the surrounding air.

Which oxygen device is better for you?

When choosing between oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks, you should think about your oxygen requirements and your general lifestyle. Some of the things that you should consider before making a decision are as follows:

  • Frequency of use: If you require supplemental oxygen only while sleeping, a stationary oxygen concentrator or a larger oxygen tank may be suitable. However, if you require oxygen therapy throughout the day, a portable device that does not need to be refilled frequently, such as a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), may be a better option.
  • Travel needs: You should choose a portable oxygen concentrator or a portable oxygen tank if you are a frequent traveler or spend a lot of time outdoors. However, keep in mind that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not allow passengers to carry oxygen tanks on airplanes due to the risk of fire or explosion. In contrast, many POCs that meet certain safety and performance standards are permitted onboard the aircraft.
  • Sound level: Oxygen tanks provide a quiet source of supplemental oxygen, while oxygen concentrators can produce a loud and disruptive sound as they process the surrounding air. The sound can be particularly loud in a quiet room and may be a problem for you if you require supplemental oxygen while sleeping. 
  • Cost: Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing between oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks. Oxygen concentrators may seem more expensive at first glance. However, after you have purchased one, you do not have to spend a lot of money to operate it. In comparison, oxygen tanks are cheaper upfront, but the ongoing costs for refills and tank replacements may make them more expensive in the long run. Medicare and Medicaid may offer coverage for oxygen therapy, depending on your situation.

Each of the two oxygen devices has its own advantages and disadvantages. Whether an oxygen concentrator or an oxygen tank is better for you depends on your personal needs and overall lifestyle. Understanding the differences between the two devices can help you choose the one that works best for you. Talk with your doctor about which choice best suits your medical needs and lifestyle.