Oxygen Therapies

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:

Cylinder oxygen
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’ PA2 cylinder for example weighs 3.2 kilos when full. It can be carried over the shoulder or as a backpack using a specially designed carrier. Each cylinder delivers over 3 hours of oxygen (at 2 litres per minute at 200 bar). Most patients find it possible to wear a PA2 cylinder in comfort for this length of time. Lightweight cylinders are provided with integral headsets for easier use, and conserving devices can be used to increase the duration of the cylinder

Both the traditional oxygen cylinders and the Air Products lightweight portable cylinders are available on the NHS with a doctor’s prescription and can be supplied by your local pharmacist.

Air Products’ medical oxygen cylinders meet European Pharmacopoeia standards.

Oxygen concentrator 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 on the NHS with a doctor’s prescription. The GP 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. Air Products’ medical liquid oxygen meets European Pharmacopoeia standards.