Home Oxygen Concentrators — When You Need One And How To Choose

When A Doctor Recommends Home Oxygen

Home oxygen is a prescribed treatment, not a retail purchase. It is usually recommended after a severe chest infection, for COPD patients, or during palliative care.

The doctor will set a flow rate in litres per minute, for example "2 LPM". Never raise that setting yourself without medical advice — too much oxygen can be harmful for some patients.

Concentrator Or Oxygen Cylinder

Both deliver oxygen, but they work very differently and that affects the long-term cost.

	Concentrator	Oxygen Cylinder
Source	Filters room air	Compressed oxygen
Supply	Continuous while powered	Needs refilling
Recurring cost	Electricity bill	Refill charges
During a power cut	Stops working	Still works

Many families run a concentrator as the main supply and keep one small cylinder as an emergency backup.

Choosing The Right Capacity

Concentrators are sold by maximum flow. Pick a model whose maximum comfortably exceeds the prescription, so the machine is not running at its limit all day.

• 5 LPM — enough for most home use
• 8 to 10 LPM — for high-flow requirements
• Portable models — for patients who still go out

Safety And Maintenance

1. No smoking or open flame within two metres
2. Keep the machine at least 30cm from the wall for ventilation
3. Wash the external filter weekly and dry it fully
4. Check the tubing is not kinked or trapped under the bed
5. Use a distilled-water humidifier if the patient’s nose gets dry

Stand the machine on a level floor away from thick carpet, which can block the air intake underneath.

See oxygen machines and other accessories on our products page. For families providing long-term care, read our palliative care guide and the room preparation checklist too.

We deliver hospital beds nationwide, including Kuala Lumpur, George Town and Seremban.