Commonly Used Systems
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Combination 1
Oxygen Concentrator, E Cylinder and Cart with Standard Flow Regulator

Often referred to as the "standard oxygen setup," this is the most common modality combination used to deliver home oxygen. The oxygen concentrator can deliver oxygen with 50 feet of oxygen tubing. However, because the patient must stay close to the concentrator, it is not a good method for patients who are very active outside the home. An E cylinder pulled in a cart may be used when the patient leaves home, but E cylinders are cumbersome to handle and maneuver for many patients. Often, providers allow the E cylinders to serve as backup in the event of a power outage. One E cylinder running at 2 LPM will last approximately five hours. When used with a conserver, duration can be 15 hours or more.

Combination 2
Oxygen Concentrator and M6 or M9 Cylinder with Conserving Regulator

When a concentrator is used in conjunction with a smaller, lighter cylinder, such as an M6 or M9 with a conserving device, the patient is able to easily leave the house for most activities. Conserving devices fit most sizes of high pressure cylinders and regulate the flow of oxygen so that less is wasted, thereby making the cylinder last longer. Patients are still required to store cylinders and must know how to change a regulator. Most conservers extend use time 2 to 4 times that of continuous flow.

Combination 3
Oxygen Concentrator, Liquid Oxygen Stationary and Liquid Oxygen Portable (Combo System)

The combo system is intended for the highly ambulatory patient. This oxygen modality provides a concentrator for use within the home and a liquid stationary and portable unit for use away from home. The exclusive purpose of the liquid stationary is to fill the liquid portable system and is not used while the patient is home unless there is a power failure. The stationary liquid unit serves two purposes: to fill the liquid portable and as a backup unit in the event of a power failure. The liquid oxygen system allows patients to fill a portable unit at will and keeps them from having to store and handle cylinders. Using a concentrator in conjunction with the liquid system also reduces the frequency of deliveries required to refill the liquid system.

Combination 4
Liquid Oxygen Stationary and Portable

This traditional liquid oxygen setup is still used today. There is less equipment for patients to operate since they use the stationary unit for at-home use, and they have the ability to fill their portable when they desire. Patients using this combination are visited every 7 to 11 days so the stationary system can be refilled.

Combination 5
Liquid Oxygen Stationary, and Liquid Portable with Demand Conserving Device

Pneumatic conserving devices require no batteries and allow the liquid stationary system to last twice as long as without the device. This substantially reduces the number of trips to the patient's home for refill. This cost reduction, together with the savings realized by not purchasing a concentrator, makes this a good choice for very active patients. The conserver can be clipped to anything close to the patient and permits patient movement up to 100 feet from the base unit. Conserving devices added to an existing stationary and portable combination may not be covered under Medicare allowables.

Combination 6
Personal Liquid Oxygen System, Portable Unit and Reservoir

The personal liquid oxygen system is a modality that has brought recent change to home oxygen therapy and is appropriate for patients with a more active lifestyle. It is a single-device, low-cost oxygen therapy option that can be used 24 hours a day. Patient compliance and outcomes may be improved by its small size, portability and long-lasting duration. The portable unit worn by the patient is filled from the reservoir and can be connected to it during sleep or rest.

DME / Oxygen 101
DME / Oxygen
DME / Oxygen