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An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that takes in room air and delivers concentrated oxygen to a patient. It filters and separates oxygen from other gases, mainly nitrogen, so the patient breathes a higher oxygen concentration. Oxygen concentrators can be stationary for home use or portable for travel and movement. They are used only when oxygen therapy is prescribed or directed by a healthcare professional.
read more about oxygen concentrator ...An oxygen concentrator is used for people who need supplemental oxygen because their blood oxygen level is too low. It may be prescribed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe lung disease, heart-related breathing problems, sleep-related oxygen needs, or recovery from certain illnesses. The device can support breathing comfort and oxygen levels, but it does not treat the underlying disease by itself. The oxygen flow rate and schedule should come from a clinician.
The concentrator pulls room air into the machine and passes it through filters and sieve material. Nitrogen is removed, leaving oxygen-enriched gas for delivery through tubing. The oxygen flows to the patient through a nasal cannula, mask, or other prescribed interface. Some portable models deliver oxygen in pulses triggered by breathing, while others deliver continuous flow.
Stationary oxygen concentrators are larger units used mainly at home and often provide continuous flow. Portable oxygen concentrators are smaller, battery-powered devices designed for mobility. Some devices provide pulse-dose oxygen, while others can provide continuous flow. The correct type depends on oxygen needs at rest, sleep, and activity, as well as battery life, weight, and prescription settings.
Oxygen supports combustion, so smoking, flames, candles, and flammable products should be kept away from the device and tubing. The concentrator needs airflow around it and should not be covered or placed near heat sources. Filters, cannulas, tubing, humidifier bottles, and alarms should be maintained according to instructions. Worsening shortness of breath, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, or oxygen levels below the care plan range need urgent medical attention.
No. It uses oxygen from the room air, so it does not run out like a tank. It does need electricity or battery power to work.
No. The flow setting should follow the prescription or care plan. Changing it without guidance can be unsafe.
No. A concentrator makes concentrated oxygen from room air, while a tank stores compressed or liquid oxygen.
Some patients are prescribed oxygen during sleep. The device, flow setting, and tubing setup should follow the clinician’s instructions.
Oxygen Concentrators: Function, Settings & Results. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25183-oxygen-concentrators. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Supplemental Oxygen Therapy: Types, Benefits & Risks. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23194-oxygen-therapy. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Using oxygen at home. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000048.htm. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Oxygen safety. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000049.htm. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
21 CFR 868.5440: Portable oxygen generator. eCFR. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-868/subpart-F/section-868.5440. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.