Portable Oxygen: Understanding Cylinder Types & Sizes (A-E)

For the patient preparing for oxygen therapy, many questions arise. Portable oxygen options vary widely in size and type but offer something for everyone.

Function

• Portable oxygen cylinders require regulators attached to the top of the cylinder to regulate air flow in liters per minute. Oxygen flows through plastic tubing through a nasal cannula or mask into the patient.

Differences

• Portable oxygen cylinders are rated in size from A through E with A as the smallest and E as the largest. Portable oxygen tanks rated C hold 255 liters of oxygen and weigh approximated 3.7 pounds. D oxygen tanks hold 425 liters of oxygen and weigh 5.3 pounds.

Considerations

• To choose the right portable oxygen cylinder, consider the amount of oxygen you will consume in a day and week. For those patients who travel, a lighter, smaller tank may be easier to move in and out of a vehicle or cart around in a store.