Oxygen therapy can be used to treat a number of patient conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), severe asthma and cystic fibrosis. Air Products provides oxygen therapy in the following ways:

As well as supplying traditional cylinders that require a headset, cylinder key and bayonet, we can also supply an integral valve cylinder with the headset permanently attached. As this method does not require headsets to be changed, patients find it both easier and safer to use. A gauge indicates the content of the cylinder and when empty the entire unit is simply exchanged.

Lightweight portable cylinders

New developments in manufacturing techniques and materials mean that cylinders can now be much lighter. Air Products supply lightweight portable cylinders that enable patients to leave their homes or move freely around the house or garden.

Air Products’ lightweight cylinders can provide up to 8 hours oxygen and be carried over the shoulder or as a backpack using a specially designed carrier. Lightweight cylinders are provided with integral headsets for easier use, and conserving devices can be used to increase the duration of the cylinder.






Two types of lightweight oxygen cylinder are available:

B2 cylinder
The B2 cylinder delivers up to 8 hours of oxygen - most patients find it possible to wear the cylinder in comfort for this length of time.

The B2:

• weighs 3.2 kilos when full
• delivers approximately 8 hours of oxygen at 2 litres per minute with a conserver (as standard)
• flow rate from 0.1 to 15 litres/min
• dimensions: Height 480mm (including valve)
  Diameter 100mm

B1 cylinder
Smaller and lighter than the B2 cylinder, the B1:

• weighs 1.8 kilos
• lasts approximately 4 hours at 2 litres/min with a conserver
• comes with an integrated regulator
• flow rate from 0.1 to 15 litres/min
• dimensions: Height 410mm (including valve)
  Diameter 86mm

Both traditional oxygen cylinders and Air Products' lightweight portable cylinders are available through the health service with a doctor's prescription. Both qualify for the Medical Card and Drug Refund Scheme.

Air Products’ medical oxygen cylinders meet European Pharmacopoeia standards.

Oxygen concentrators are best suited to patients who require long term oxygen therapy. The concentrator separates oxygen from the surrounding air to produce oxygen enriched air. This is delivered to the patient via a cannula or mask. With normal ventilation, the concentrator will not affect the amount of oxygen in the room.

Oxygen concentrators can be used in the home or in the ward, are inexpensive to operate and avoid the need to change cylinders regularly.

Oxygen concentrators are available through the health service on the recommendation of a consultant or with a doctor’s prescription. They qualify for both the Medical Card and Drug Refund Scheme. The GP or consultant will contact the regional concentrator supplier who will organise the installation of a concentrator in the patient’s home.


Liquid Oxygen (LOX)

Liquid oxygen is most appropriate for patients who like to get out and about for more than a couple of hours at a time, making it ideal for people who go out to work or who enjoy exercising. As the oxygen is in liquid form more oxygen can be stored in a small volume, meaning that small lightweight portable flasks can supply oxygen for up to 8 hours (at 2 litres per minute), or longer if a conserving device is used. Depending on the model, flasks weigh between 2.5 and 3.7 kilos when full meaning they are light enough to be carried using a shoulder strap.


Liquid oxygen is delivered via a combination of a liquid oxygen dewar (base unit) and a lightweight portable flask. The liquid oxygen dewar is stored in the home allowing the patient to refill the lightweight flask as and when portable oxygen is required. The dewar will need regular managed deliveries of liquid oxygen, which Air Products will schedule to suit the patient’s usage. Unfortunately liquid oxygen is not yet available on the NHS, contact Air Products if you would like more information on this service.

Air Products’ medical liquid oxygen meets European pharmacopoeia standards.

For more information call +353 (0)1 809 1800 or
fax +353 (0)1 829 3966 or email apmi@apci.com.