Portable Oxygen Concentrator vs Tank

There's a few big differences between the Portable Oxygen Concentrators and Oxygen Tanks. Here we will dive into the key components of why portable oxygen concentrators give you the highest quality of life all around. 

What is an Oxygen Tank?

Oxygen tanks store highly compressed pure oxygen coming up to about 95%, contained in a steel or aluminum cylinder. These tanks are highly fragile in the fact that there is a higher risk of combustion, meaning no heat, flames, grease or other oils near the tanks.

Contents: They hold about 95% pure oxygen, which is highly concentrated compared to the 21% oxygen in our normal air. 

Pressure: The gas is stored under extremely high pressure often around 2,200 PSI needing a regulator to lower it to a safer level for breathing. 

Fire Hazard: Oxygen doesn't burn but makes things burn faster and hotter, keep all flames sparks and heat sources at least five feet away.

Handling: Secure tanks upright, do not drop them and never lift by the neck or valve on the tank. 

What is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

Portable oxygen concentrators are smaller and lighter than oxygen tanks. Their compact size and light weight make them ideal for easier activity or travel. By filtering oxygen from the air around you a portable oxygen concentrator provides medical grade oxygen in a compact portable form that supports an independent lifestyle. 

What Makes Portable Oxygen Concentrators better? 

Instead of being compressed the device pulls in room air which is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. 
Air passes through the filters that remove particles, dust and bacteria. 

Using something called a molecular sieve or zeolite, the concentrator traps nitrogen and removes it from the airflow. 

After nitrogen is removed the remaining oxygen becomes concentrated usually about 90- 99% 
The oxygen then travels to an oxygen outlet and through your mask or nasal cannula.

The differences of the two are drastic. Overall, portable oxygen concentrators give you the freedom, safety and accessibility everyone needs in their oxygen therapy. We have witnessed the remarkable difference POCs make in patients' lives compared to tedious oxygen tanks. They are safer, more convenient, and cost-effective in the long run. 

If you are ready to make the change to a Portable Oxygen Concentrator we have respiratory specialists ready to answer your questions!

Call us at 855-695-6036 for expert support!