Oxygen therapy equipment includes every device used to store, deliver, and monitor supplemental oxygen for patients who need it. From portable concentrators that fit in a backpack to hospital-grade high-flow systems, each piece of equipment serves a specific clinical purpose. This guide covers every major category: what each device does, when it is used, and what it costs.
Key Takeaways
- The three main oxygen sources are concentrators, compressed gas cylinders, and liquid oxygen systems. Concentrators are the most common for home use.
- Delivery devices range from nasal cannulas (24-44% oxygen) to non-rebreather masks (60-90% oxygen) to high-flow systems (up to 100%).
- Portable oxygen concentrators cost $2,000-$4,000 new. Stationary units cost $800-$2,000.
- Medicare Part B covers 80% of rental costs after the $257 annual deductible (2025 rates). Coverage requires a prescription and qualifying oxygen levels.
- Pulse oximeters, regulators, flowmeters, and humidifiers are essential supporting equipment.
Oxygen Sources: Where the Oxygen Comes From
Before oxygen reaches a patient, it has to be generated or stored. There are three main source types, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs.
Oxygen Concentrators
An oxygen concentrator draws in room air (which is about 21% oxygen), removes nitrogen and other gases using a molecular sieve, and delivers purified oxygen at concentrations of 87-95% or higher.1
Concentrators come in two forms:
Stationary (home) concentrators are designed to sit in one place and run continuously. They plug into a standard wall outlet and deliver oxygen at flow rates up to 10 L/min. Weight ranges from 30 to 55 lbs. These are the workhorses of home oxygen therapy. A typical stationary concentrator costs $800-$2,000.2
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) run on rechargeable batteries and weigh between 3 and 10 lbs. They are designed for patients who need oxygen while mobile. Most POCs deliver 2-5 L/min on continuous flow, or higher equivalent doses using pulse-dose technology (which delivers a burst of oxygen only when the patient inhales). Battery life ranges from 2 to 8 hours depending on the model and flow setting. New POCs cost $2,000-$4,000.2
Concentrators have one major advantage: they never run out. As long as they have power, they produce oxygen from the surrounding air. There is no tank to refill.
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders (“oxygen tanks”) store pure oxygen under high pressure, typically at 2,000 psi. They are the oldest and most straightforward oxygen delivery method.
Cylinders come in standardized sizes:3
| Cylinder Size | Capacity (liters) | Weight (full) | Duration at 2 L/min | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | 200 | 5 lbs | ~1.5 hours | Emergency/portable backup |
| D | 425 | 8 lbs | ~3.5 hours | Portable/transport |
| E | 680 | 14 lbs | ~5.5 hours | Portable/wheelchair |
| M | 3,000 | 63 lbs | ~25 hours | Home backup |
| H/K | 6,900 | 135 lbs | ~57 hours | Hospital/facility use |
Cylinders require regular refills or replacements. Refill costs range from $15-$25 for small portable cylinders to $25-$100 for large “H” or “K” cylinders, depending on your supplier and location.
The main advantage of cylinders is reliability. They do not need electricity. They are the standard backup oxygen source for patients who depend on concentrators.
Liquid Oxygen Systems
Liquid oxygen (LOX) is oxygen cooled to -297°F (-183°C) and stored in insulated containers called dewars. Because liquid oxygen takes up about 860 times less space than gaseous oxygen, LOX systems can store much more oxygen in a smaller, lighter package.3
A typical home LOX setup includes a stationary reservoir (holds 30-40 liters of liquid, equivalent to roughly 25,000-34,000 liters of gas) and a small portable unit that the patient fills from the reservoir. The portable unit weighs 5-10 lbs and can last 4-8 hours depending on flow rate.
LOX systems have become less common as portable concentrator technology has improved. They require scheduled delivery of liquid oxygen refills, and the liquid evaporates slowly even when not in use. However, they remain the best option for patients who need high continuous flow rates (above 5 L/min) while mobile.
Delivery Devices: How Oxygen Reaches the Patient
The delivery device determines how much oxygen the patient actually receives, expressed as FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen). Room air has an FiO2 of 0.21 (21%). Supplemental oxygen increases this based on the device and flow rate.
Low-Flow Devices
Low-flow devices deliver oxygen at a rate lower than the patient’s total inspiratory flow. The patient also breathes in room air, so the actual FiO2 varies with breathing pattern.
Nasal Cannula
The most common oxygen delivery device. Two small prongs sit in the nostrils. Flow rates range from 0.5 to 6 L/min, delivering an estimated FiO2 of 24-44%. At 1 L/min, FiO2 is approximately 24%. Each additional liter per minute adds roughly 4%.4
Advantages: comfortable, lightweight, allows eating and talking. Disadvantages: FiO2 varies with breathing rate and mouth breathing; flow above 6 L/min dries nasal mucosa and causes discomfort.
Cost: $1-$5 per disposable cannula. Reusable cannulas cost $5-$15.
Simple Face Mask
A plastic mask covering the nose and mouth with exhalation ports on each side. Flow rates: 5-10 L/min. FiO2: approximately 35-55%. Flow must be kept above 5 L/min to prevent CO2 rebreathing inside the mask.4
Cost: $2-$8 per mask.
High-Flow and Reservoir Devices
These deliver a higher and more controlled FiO2 by storing oxygen in a reservoir or delivering it at rates that match or exceed the patient’s inspiratory demand.
Venturi Mask (Air Entrainment Mask)
Uses color-coded adapters (jets) to deliver precise, fixed FiO2 levels: 24%, 28%, 31%, 35%, 40%, or 50%. Each adapter entrains a specific ratio of room air to oxygen, ensuring a constant FiO2 regardless of the patient’s breathing pattern. This makes it a “fixed-performance” device.4
Commonly used for COPD patients who need precise oxygen delivery to avoid suppressing their hypoxic drive.
Cost: $5-$15 per mask with adapter set.
Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB)
A face mask with a reservoir bag and one-way valves. The reservoir bag fills with 100% oxygen. When the patient inhales, they draw from the reservoir. One-way valves prevent exhaled air from re-entering the bag. Flow rate: 8-15 L/min. FiO2: 60-90%. At 15 L/min, FiO2 can approach 90%.4
This is the highest-FiO2 device available without intubation or specialized equipment. Used for acute hypoxia, trauma, and emergency situations.
Cost: $5-$15 per mask.
“High-flow nasal cannula systems deliver oxygen at flow rates up to 80 L/min with variable concentrations up to 100%, while providing heated humidification and a small degree of positive airway pressure.”
Roca et al., Respiratory Care, 2010
High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)
A specialized system that delivers heated, humidified oxygen at flow rates of 40-80 L/min through a wide-bore nasal cannula. FiO2 is adjustable from 21% to 100%. HFNC also generates a small amount of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), which helps keep airways open.5
HFNC requires a dedicated blender/humidifier unit (like the Fisher & Paykel Airvo 2 or the Vapotherm Precision Flow). These are hospital and clinic devices, not home equipment.
Cost: $5,000-$15,000 for the unit. Disposable circuits cost $30-$80 each.
Monitoring Equipment
Pulse Oximeters
A pulse oximeter clips onto a fingertip and measures blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate using infrared light. Normal SpO2 is 95-100%. Most patients on oxygen therapy target SpO2 of 88-92% (COPD) or 94-98% (other conditions).
Types:
- Fingertip pulse oximeters: Small, battery-powered, designed for spot checks. Cost: $15-$80.
- Tabletop/continuous monitors: Used in clinical settings for continuous monitoring. Cost: $200-$2,000.
- Wrist-worn oximeters: For overnight sleep studies or continuous home monitoring. Cost: $50-$300.
A pulse oximeter is essential for any patient on home oxygen therapy. It allows you to verify that your oxygen prescription is achieving the target saturation.
Regulators and Flowmeters
A regulator attaches to a compressed gas cylinder and reduces the high tank pressure (2,000 psi) to a safe, usable pressure. A flowmeter connects to the regulator (or is built into it) and controls the oxygen flow rate in liters per minute.
Types of flowmeters:
- Bourdon gauge flowmeters: Pressure-compensated, accurate regardless of back-pressure. Common in EMS and hospital settings.
- Thorpe tube flowmeters: Use a floating ball in a graduated tube. Simple and reliable. Standard in home setups.
Cost: $30-$100 for a regulator/flowmeter combination.
Humidifiers
Oxygen delivered at flow rates above 4 L/min should be humidified to prevent drying of the nasal and oral mucosa. A bubble humidifier attaches between the oxygen source and the delivery device. Water in the humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen as it bubbles through.
Cost: $10-$30 for a basic bubble humidifier. Replacement bottles cost $3-$8.
| Equipment Type | Approximate Cost | Medicare Covered? |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary Concentrator | $800-$2,000 | Yes (rental) |
| Portable Concentrator | $2,000-$4,000 | Yes (rental, separately from stationary) |
| Compressed Gas Cylinder (E-size) | $100-$200 + $15-$25/refill | Yes (as backup) |
| Liquid Oxygen System | Varies (typically leased) | Yes (rental) |
| Nasal Cannula | $1-$5 | Yes (as accessory) |
| Pulse Oximeter | $15-$80 | Sometimes (with justification) |
| Regulator/Flowmeter | $30-$100 | Yes (as accessory) |
| Humidifier | $10-$30 | Yes (as accessory) |
Prescription Requirements
In the United States, supplemental oxygen is a prescription item. You cannot purchase or rent oxygen equipment for medical use without a doctor’s order. The prescription must specify:6
- Flow rate (L/min) at rest and during activity
- Whether continuous or as-needed
- Qualifying diagnosis (ICD-10 code)
- Results of qualifying arterial blood gas (ABG) or pulse oximetry test
For Medicare coverage, the patient must have a documented resting PaO2 at or below 55 mmHg, or SpO2 at or below 88%. Patients with certain conditions (cor pulmonale, polycythemia) may qualify with slightly higher levels.
Medicare and Insurance Coverage
Medicare Part B covers supplemental oxygen equipment as durable medical equipment (DME) under specific conditions.6
What Medicare Covers
- Stationary oxygen concentrators (rental)
- Portable oxygen concentrators (rental, billed separately)
- Compressed gas cylinders and refills
- Liquid oxygen systems and refills
- Tubing, cannulas, masks, and related accessories
- Equipment maintenance and repair
How Coverage Works
Medicare pays the supplier a monthly rental fee for up to 36 months. The patient pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). After 36 months, the patient typically takes ownership of the equipment, and the supplier continues to provide maintenance.7
Typical monthly costs to the patient (after deductible): $30-$80 per month for the 20% copay.
Private Insurance
Most private health insurance plans cover home oxygen therapy similarly to Medicare, though specific terms vary. Check with your insurer for pre-authorization requirements, preferred suppliers, and coverage limits.
Choosing the Right Equipment
The right oxygen therapy equipment depends on your prescription, lifestyle, and budget. Here is a practical framework:
- Homebound patient, low flow (1-5 L/min): Stationary concentrator + backup E-cylinder
- Active patient, low flow: Stationary concentrator for home + portable concentrator for outings
- High flow requirement (above 5 L/min) + mobility: Liquid oxygen system with portable fill unit
- Nighttime-only use: Stationary concentrator
- Emergency/travel backup: Small compressed gas cylinder (B or D size)
Your DME supplier and prescribing physician should help you select the right combination based on your oxygen needs, activity level, and insurance coverage.
The Bottom Line
Oxygen therapy equipment ranges from simple $5 nasal cannulas to $15,000 high-flow systems. For most home patients, the core setup is a stationary concentrator, a portable unit or backup cylinder, a nasal cannula, and a pulse oximeter. Medicare covers the major equipment costs for qualifying patients.
The most important factors in choosing equipment are matching the device to your prescribed flow rate, ensuring reliable oxygen supply (with a backup plan for power outages), and monitoring your oxygen levels regularly to confirm the equipment is doing its job.
Sources
- Hardavella G, Karampinis I, Frille A, et al. “Oxygen devices and delivery systems.” Breathe. 2019;15(3):e108-e116. doi:10.1183/20734735.0354-2019
- Jacobs SS, Lindell KO, et al. “Characterization of Prescription Patterns and Estimated Costs for Use of Oxygen Concentrators for Home Oxygen Therapy in the US.” JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2129973. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.29973
- American Lung Association. “Oxygen Delivery Devices and Accessories.” Lung.org. Accessed May 2026.
- UCSF Health. “Your Oxygen Equipment.” UCsfHealth.org. Accessed May 2026.
- Roca O, Riera J, Torres F, Masclans JR. “High-flow oxygen therapy in acute respiratory failure.” Respir Care. 2010;55(4):408-413.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Oxygen Equipment & Accessories.” Medicare.gov. Accessed May 2026.
- Solace Health. “Medicare Coverage for Portable Oxygen Concentrators.” Solace.health. Accessed May 2026.
Medical Disclaimer
The content on BaricBoost.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Author
Seph Fontane Pennock is the founder of BaricBoost.com and Regenerated.com, a clinic directory for regenerative medicine serving 10,000+ providers across the United States. He previously built and sold PositivePsychology.com, which grew to 19 million users and became the largest evidence-based positive psychology resource on the web. Seph brings direct experience as an HBOT patient, having completed protocols at clinics across three continents while navigating mold illness, systemic inflammation, and autoimmune conditions. His treatment journey includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, peptide protocols, NAD+ therapy, and consultations with specialists from Dubai to Cape Town to Mexico. This combination of entrepreneurial track record and lived patient experience shapes everything published on BaricBoost.com. Every article is grounded in peer-reviewed research, informed by real clinical encounters, and written for patients making high-stakes treatment decisions. Seph's focus is on bringing transparency, scientific rigor, and practical guidance to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy space.
