Are you planning to go hiking anytime soon? Or do you suffer from a respiratory issue that makes it difficult to breathe? In both cases, you will require an oxygen supplementation system. In this domain, portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are considered superior to all other relevant products including the traditional oxygen tanks. This is, as the name suggests, due to their portability, lightweight, ease of usage, and high functionality. Let us dive into a detailed comparison of portable oxygen concentrators vs. traditional oxygen tanks to find out why the former are given preference over the latter.
“Approximately 1.5 million people in the United States are in need of oxygen supplementation.”
American Thoracic Society
Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Continuous Oxygen Therapy
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a small, compact, and portable instrument used for continuous oxygen supplementation in patients who cannot breathe on their own. The oxygen is supplied in the form of bursts called pulse doses which are adjusted based on the patient’s breathing rate. These systems are battery-powered and can be used for 3 to 16 hours after one recharge.
Working
A portable oxygen concentrator works by pulling air from the environment followed by the filtration and separation of oxygen from other gases like nitrogen. This separated and purified oxygen is then supplied to the user via a tubing attached to the nasal cavity.
Indications
Portable oxygen concentrators are ideal for use in the management of the following conditions:
● Flu
● Bronchitis
● Hypoxemia (Low blood oxygen levels)
● Asthma
● COVID-19
● Lung cancer
● Cystic fibrosis
● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Advantages
The portable oxygen concentrators provide the following advantages:
● The POCs can provide oxygen in two ways i.e. either continuously or as pulse doses.
● These oxygen concentrators are capable of supplying oxygen at high flow rates.
● Owing to their portability and small size, the patients can take their POCs wherever they go. The product also has clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
● With properly oxygenated blood due to the use of portable oxygen concentrators, the patients feel less anxious and remain calm. Moreover, sleep patterns also change in a positive way causing the patients to remain asleep for longer.
● Patients often report an increase in their agility, stamina, and ability to do exercise when the POCs are used continuously.
● People suffering from COPD can manage their symptoms easily with the employment of POCs.
● The use of POCs has been found to improve the quality of life of the patients as well as to increase their overall lifespan.
Oxygen Tanks: Conventional Oxygen Supplementation Devices
A traditional oxygen tank is a metallic cylinder that is used to store supplemental oxygen. The tank can be filled with either compressed oxygen or liquid oxygen which is supplied to the patient for supplementation therapy. Tanks with compressed medical-grade oxygen have 95% oxygen in them while the liquid oxygen tanks contain 100% oxygen.
Oxygen tanks are usually heavy and come in different sizes. The smaller ones are easy to carry but they have less oxygen in them while the bigger tanks are bulky and difficult to travel with. The following table summarizes the sizes of oxygen tanks as well as their oxygen capacity:
| Sizes of Oxygen Cylinders | Oxygen Capacity |
| Size B | 250 L (0.25 m3) |
| Size C | 570 L (0.57 m3) |
| Size D | 1,900 L (1.9 m3) |
| Size E | 4,300 L (4.3 m3) |
| Size G | 10,000 L (10 m3) |
Working
An oxygen tank comes with prefilled oxygen. One just has to put on the mask or nasal plug attached to the cylinder via plastic tubing. As soon as the cylinder is opened, the oxygen supply to the body starts which can last until the tank runs out of oxygen. The tank also has a regulator that remains open when you inhale oxygen but automatically closes during exhalation.
Indications
If you are suffering from any of the following conditions, the use of an oxygen tank is suitable for you (on physician’s recommendation):
● Asthma
● Emphysema
● Pneumonia
● Bronchitis
● Cystic fibrosis
● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
● Lung cancer
● Damaged or collapsed lung
● Injured ribs
● Sleep apnea
Advantages
Using an oxygen tank is linked with the following advantages:
● People dealing with respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma can breathe easily while using an oxygen tank as a high concentration of oxygen reaches their lungs with ease.
● If you are dealing with sleep apnea, the employment of an oxygen tank can help you sleep better.
● Poorly oxygenated blood causes you to feel less energized and sluggish. Therefore, an oxygen tank can fulfill your oxygen needs thus making you more energetic and active.
Comparison of Portable Oxygen Concentrators with Oxygen Tanks
The major difference between a portable oxygen concentrator and a traditional oxygen tank is that in the former, oxygen never runs out. As a POC works on the air from the environment which never runs out, the oxygen coming from the system also does not get depleted.
In comparison, an oxygen tank only works until oxygen is present in it i.e. usually up to 3 to 5 hours. After that, refilling becomes necessary. The following table shows a comprehensive comparison of portable oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders in terms of their features:
| Features | Portable Oxygen Concentrators | Oxygen Tanks or Cylinders |
| Size | Small and compact | Available in different sizes |
| Lightweight | ✔ | ✘ (Usually bulky) |
| Portability | ✔ | Less |
| Continuous Oxygen Therapy | ✔ (Can be used 24/7) | ✘ |
| Oxygen Concentration | 90 to 95% | 95% |
| Flow Rates | 4 to 25 liters/min | Can be adjusted based on the patient’s needs |
| Tailoring of Oxygen Concentration | ✔ | ✘ |
| Capacity | – | 250 to 10,000 liters |
| Need to Refill | ✘ | ✔ |
Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators Superior to Traditional Oxygen Tanks?
Keeping in view the above-mentioned comparison, it is evident that portable oxygen concentrators are better than traditional oxygen tanks. This is because the portable oxygen concentrators are:
● Easy to use
● Lightweight
● Portable
● Highly convenient
● High functionality
Portable Oxygen Concentrators vs. Traditional Oxygen Tanks at Health Supply 770
Oxygen supplementation has become a necessity for a lot of people since the incidence of respiratory diseases has increased. Brands are manufacturing newer and better oxygen supply devices all of which have their own merits and demerits.
Many of these include portable oxygen concentrators and the conventionally used oxygen tanks. The following are some of the best products from the wide range of Health Supply 770 oxygen therapy systems.
Portable Home Oxygen Generator 6L/Min Oxygen Car Travel Air Purifier Safety
Price: $579.99
Product Details
A portable home oxygen generator purifier is a product that has the capacity to provide oxygen to the patient at a flow rate of 1 to 6 L/min. Its touch control enables the user to understand and operate the device easily.
The LCD display is ideal for showing the flow rate as well as other necessary parameters. The system does not produce much noise while operating as it only generates less than 45 decibels (dB). Therefore, the product does not cause irritation to the patients when they are sleeping.
This oxygen concentrator can have an oxygen concentration of 30 to 90% which can be simply controlled by a one-button operation. Moreover, the remote infrared control function is also available.
Portable Oxygen Cylinder Tank Kit with Shoulder Bag Holder – Oxy-Uni-Pak
Price: $274.88
Product Details
Portable oxygen cylinder tank kit with shoulder bag holder – Oxy-Uni-Pak is a system that can provide oxygen therapy to a patient anywhere at any time. It is one of the best products which can be used on the go. The portability is high as the cylinder comes with a shoulder-carrying bag. The overall capacity of the cylinder is 425 liters.
D Cylinder Oxygen Tank Kit with Shoulder Carrying Case by Responsive Respiratory
Price: $281.88
Product Details
D Cylinder oxygen tank kit with shoulder carrying case by Responsive Respiratory is a portable oxygen cylinder that can provide oxygen therapy to patients dealing with respiratory issues. The cylinder is made up of aluminum which is reliable, long-lasting, as well as lightweight with a weight of only 10.23 ounces. The carrying bag has adjustable straps which makes it even more comfortable to lift the bag around. It is one of the best products which can be used at home or while traveling.
1L-4L/Min Portable Home Oxygen Generator Oxygen Car Travel Air Purifier Safety
Price: $399.99
Product Details
1L-4L/Min Portable Home Oxygen Generator Oxygen Car Travel Air Purifier Safety is a product that is portable and provides oxygen therapy to home-based patients dealing with respiratory problems. It comes with a 15 V (4 A) rechargeable lithium battery as a power source. The product does not produce much noise as it only generates a sound below 50 decibels (dB). The product has a nasal cannula, power cord, car charger, lithium battery charger, as well as an instruction manual in the carrying bag.
Aluminum Oxygen Cylinder Tanks By Responsive Respiratory
Price: $133.88
Product Details
Aluminum oxygen cylinder tanks by Responsive Respiratory are made up of high-strength aluminum alloy which is strong and durable. The clear protective finish also provides protection against damage during day-to-day use. Being cost-effective, these aluminum oxygen tanks by Responsive Respiratory are budget-friendly as well.
The product is available in different sizes which include D, M6, M9, and Jumbo D all of which have oxygen capacities of 425 L, 164 L, 225 L, and 647 L respectively. Moreover, the product has a warranty of up to 5 years. Furthermore, this aluminum oxygen cylinder tank by Responsive Respiratory is ideal for travel enthusiasts as it is built to last and is also lighter in weight so can be carried around easily.
Single Oxygen Tank Cylinder Stands By Responsive Respiratory
Price: $75.88
Product Details
Single oxygen tank cylinders stood by Responsive Respiratory are available in three different models intending to accommodate all different sizes of oxygen tanks. These stand can hold an oxygen tank in an upright and slightly elevated position with safety so these are perfect for in-home use as well as for storing the tanks.
Their 100% welded steel construction provides durability to the product. Moreover, the product is also scratch and damage-proof due to its powder coat paint.
*The prices mentioned in the above section are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary based on the vendor you choose for making a purchase.
The portable oxygen concentrators as well as the traditional oxygen tanks mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the links given in the article to check the wide range of oxygen delivery devices on the website.
Bottom Line
Considering their extensive use, portable oxygen concentrators as well as traditional oxygen tanks are often debated regarding their features and specifications. After comparing both from point to point, it is safe to say that the efficacy and utility of portable oxygen concentrators are unmatched.
The oxygen tanks have served the patients for longer but they also come with certain issues such as their heavy weight, inconvenience of transportation, as well as the frequent need for refilling. Therefore, the portable oxygen concentrators win owing to their exceptional features.
For purchasing the portable oxygen concentrators, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
