Oxygen Tank: Types, How to Use It Safely, and When to Call a Doctor
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is an oxygen tank?
An oxygen tank is a medical device that stores supplemental oxygen for people with a lung condition or trouble breathing. The three main types are compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, and oxygen concentrators. A prescription is required, and tanks must stay at least 10 feet from flames, smoking, and heat sources. [1][2]
What the research says
Long-term oxygen helps most when blood oxygen is severely low at rest. After a systematic review of the evidence, an official clinical guideline panel strongly recommended long-term oxygen for adults with COPD (moderate-quality evidence) or interstitial lung disease (low-quality evidence) who have severe chronic low blood oxygen at rest, and conditionally recommended against it for COPD with only moderate resting low oxygen. (Jacobs et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2020) [2]
Oxygen does not help every person with COPD. In a randomized trial of 738 people with stable COPD and moderate oxygen drops (89–93% at rest, or dips during exercise), followed for 1 to 6 years, long-term oxygen did not delay death or first hospitalization (hazard ratio 0.94; 95% CI 0.79–1.12). (Long-Term Oxygen Treatment Trial Research Group, N Engl J Med, 2016) [3]
Oxygen-related fires and burns are rising. A 2026 burn-care review reports that a national analysis found oxygen therapy injuries increased by 14% per year over a 10-year period, with household ignition sources driving fires that burn hotter and spread faster. (Klas et al., J Burn Care Res, 2026) [4]
Key takeaways
An oxygen tank delivers extra oxygen through a nasal cannula or a face mask.
There are three main types: compressed gas, liquid, and concentrator.
You need a prescription to get or refill one.
Oxygen is not flammable, but it makes fire burn hotter and faster — keep a 10-foot (about 3-meter) clear zone.
Dizziness, confusion, headache, or nausea while on oxygen can signal oxygen toxicity. Call your doctor.
What is an oxygen tank used for?
An oxygen tank is used to give your body extra oxygen when your lungs cannot take in enough from room air. It is one part of oxygen therapy. [1][6]
The air you breathe every day is only about 20% oxygen. The rest is mostly nitrogen. An oxygen tank delivers a much higher concentration straight to your airways. [1]
Tanks come in many sizes:
Large tanks are heavy and hard to move. They stay at home or in the hospital.
Small, portable tanks fit in a carrier so you can take them outside. [1]
You breathe the oxygen through one of two devices:
A nasal cannula — a soft plastic tube with two short prongs that sit in your nostrils.
An oxygen mask — a plastic mask that covers your nose and mouth. [1]
Oxygen tanks are common. More than 1.5 million adults in the United States use supplemental oxygen at home. [1][5]
What are the 3 types of oxygen tanks?
The three main types of oxygen tanks are compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, and oxygen concentrators. Each one stores or makes oxygen in a different way. [1]
Feature | Compressed oxygen | Liquid oxygen | Oxygen concentrator |
How oxygen is stored | Gas under pressure in a metal cylinder | Very cold liquid in an insulated tank | Not stored — made from room air |
Oxygen purity | At least 99.5% | 100% | Purified, nitrogen removed |
Power needed | No | No | Yes — wall outlet or batteries |
Refills | Yes | Yes | No refills needed |
Main caution | Heavy; can fall and break | Cold burns or frostbite on contact | Needs backup batteries for power cuts |
Sources: [1]
Compressed oxygen
Compressed oxygen tanks hold oxygen gas squeezed under pressure. A gauge on top shows how much is left. A regulator releases oxygen when you breathe in and stops when you breathe out. [1]
Liquid oxygen
Liquid oxygen tanks hold 100% oxygen as a very cold liquid. Oxygen turns liquid at −297°F (−182.8°C). When it leaves the tank, it turns back into a gas. Touching liquid oxygen can cause cryogenic burns (burns from extreme cold) or frostbite. [1]
Oxygen concentrator
An oxygen concentrator pulls in the air around you, separates and compresses the oxygen, and removes the nitrogen. It runs on electricity, either from a wall plug or batteries. Unlike the other two types, it never needs refilling. [1]
What conditions are treated with an oxygen tank?
Oxygen tanks treat conditions that lower the amount of oxygen reaching your blood. These include: [1]
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Emphysema
Lung cancer
Chest injuries, such as a broken rib, collapsed lung, or bruised lung
Sleep apnea
Long-term oxygen is also used in scarring lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis when resting oxygen levels are severely low. [2]
You do not always need a lung condition to use oxygen. Some people, including athletes, use oxygen tanks when visiting high-altitude areas, where altitude sickness is a risk. [1]
How do you use an oxygen tank step by step?
To use an oxygen tank, secure it in its carrier, check the gauge, set the prescribed flow, open the valve, confirm oxygen is flowing, and attach your cannula or mask. Your healthcare provider will teach you the exact setup for your device. [1]
Secure the tank. Place it upright in its sleeve, carrier, or cart so it cannot tip over.
Read the gauge. The regulator on top shows how much oxygen is left. The needle sits in the green zone when the tank is full and moves into the red zone as it empties.
Set your flow. Turn the knob on the side of the regulator to the amount your provider prescribed.
Open the valve. Use the small wrench attached to the tank. Turn left to open and right to tighten.
Check the flow. Listen or feel for oxygen at the outlet on the side of the regulator. If you notice nothing, adjust the valve and regulator.
Attach and fit. Connect your nasal cannula or mask to the outlet. Loop the tubes behind your ears like eyeglasses, then rest the rest of the tubing under your chin or behind your head.
Turn it off. Close the valve whenever you are not using oxygen. [1]
All portable oxygen tanks share the same basic valve shape and size. Once you learn one, you can usually use others. [1]
How do you keep oxygen equipment clean?
Clean equipment lowers your risk of illness and infection. [1]
Task | How often |
Wash plastic tubing with soap and water | At least once a week |
Replace nasal cannula or mask | At least once a month |
Replace nasal cannula or mask | After you have been sick |
Have a provider check your tanks and regulator | At least twice a year |
Sources: [1]
How long will you need an oxygen tank?
How long you need an oxygen tank depends on the reason you use it. [1]
Short-term conditions: You may only need oxygen until you recover.
Long-term conditions: You may need oxygen for the rest of your life. Your care team will help you adjust so it fits into work, bathing, exercise, and travel. [1]
Many people live long, active lives while using oxygen. Your provider can give you a personal outlook based on your condition. [1]
What are the benefits of using an oxygen tank?
The main benefit of an oxygen tank is easier breathing. It is not a cure, and it may not fully remove shortness of breath, but it should make breathing easier. [1]
Other benefits include:
More energy. Low oxygen leaves your body and mind tired. More oxygen in your blood can raise your energy so you can stay active and exercise.
Better sleep. Higher blood oxygen helps you sleep better at night. [1]
What are the risks of using an oxygen tank?
The biggest risk of using an oxygen tank is fire. Oxygen itself is not flammable, but it makes fire burn hotter and faster and can lead to an explosion. [1][4]
Keep your tank at least 10 feet (about 3 meters) away from: [1]
Heat and flames | Flammable products | Electrical devices that can spark |
Cigarettes and cigars | Gasoline | Hair dryers |
Fires and open flames | Oil | Electric blankets |
Ovens | Paints and paint thinner | Space heaters |
Grills | Rubbing alcohol | Electric razors |
— | Oil-based products, such as petroleum jelly | Vape pens |
Simple steps that lower fire risk: [1]
Put "No smoking" signs at the entrances to your home.
Use water-based lubricants and skin products instead of oil-based ones.
Other risks to know
Falls. Tanks are heavy. A falling tank can cause injury or break. A broken tank can release gas so fast that it launches through the air. Always keep it in a carrier or cart.
Cold burns. Liquid oxygen on your skin can cause cryogenic burns or frostbite. Avoid contact.
Power cuts. If you use a concentrator, keep at least one extra set of fully charged batteries — enough to run it for a few days. [1]
How can you refill an oxygen tank at home?
You can refill some oxygen systems at home. A concentrator only needs electricity or batteries. Home refill systems can also fill compressed oxygen tanks by compressing room air, which can take up to a few hours per tank. [1]
You can also schedule tank deliveries through a hospital or a medical equipment supplier. [1]
Do you need a prescription for an oxygen tank?
Yes, you need a prescription from a healthcare provider to get or refill an oxygen tank. Oxygen tanks are not sold over the counter. For a new tank, contact your provider or a medical supply company. [1]
When should you call a doctor while using an oxygen tank?
Call your doctor if you have new breathing symptoms or any of these signs while using oxygen: [1]
Dizziness
Confusion
Memory loss
Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
These can be signs of oxygen poisoning (oxygen toxicity), which happens when breathing too much supplemental oxygen damages the lungs. [1]
Also call your provider if you think your tank or regulator is not working properly. [1]
Conclusion
An oxygen tank does one job: it gets more oxygen into your blood so breathing takes less effort. Whether you use compressed gas, liquid oxygen, or a concentrator, the same rules keep you safe — use only your prescribed flow, keep the tank secured, clean your tubing, and keep a 10-foot clear zone from flames, smoke, and heat. Using a cannula or carrying a portable tank can feel awkward at first, but most people return to many of their usual activities. If something feels off — a new headache, confusion, or equipment that seems faulty — call your care team.
Want to understand the condition behind your oxygen prescription? Read our guides to pneumonia, asthma attacks, and heart failure, and save this page to share with anyone who helps you at home.
FAQ
What is an oxygen tank?
An oxygen tank is a medical device that stores supplemental oxygen for people with a lung condition or difficulty breathing. You breathe the oxygen through a nasal cannula or a face mask.
What are the 3 types of oxygen tanks?
The three main types of oxygen tanks are compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen, and oxygen concentrators. Compressed tanks hold gas under pressure, liquid tanks hold very cold liquid oxygen, and concentrators make oxygen from room air using electricity.
Do you need a prescription for an oxygen tank?
Yes, an oxygen tank requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. You cannot buy one over the counter, and you also need a prescription to refill it.
How far should an oxygen tank be from flames or heat?
An oxygen tank should stay at least 10 feet (about 3 meters) from open flames, cigarettes, stoves, grills, and flammable products. Oxygen makes fire burn hotter and faster.
Can you refill an oxygen tank at home?
Yes, some oxygen tanks can be refilled at home. Home refill systems compress room air into compressed oxygen tanks, which can take up to a few hours, while concentrators only need electricity or batteries.
How do you know when an oxygen tank is empty?
An oxygen tank is empty when the regulator gauge needle reaches the red zone. The needle sits in the green zone when the tank is full and moves toward red as you use oxygen.
What are the signs of too much oxygen?
Signs of too much supplemental oxygen include dizziness, confusion, memory loss, headaches, and nausea or vomiting. Call your doctor if you notice any of these while using oxygen.
How often should oxygen tubing be cleaned?
Oxygen tubing should be washed with soap and water at least once a week. Replace your nasal cannula or mask at least once a month and after any illness.
How long does an oxygen tank last?
It depends on the tank size and your flow rate. Higher flow rates empty a tank faster, so your supplier can tell you how long your tanks should last.
Can you travel with an oxygen tank?
In a car, keep the tank upright, secured and away from heat, with air flowing in the car. Airlines do not allow personal oxygen tanks on board, so ask about a portable oxygen concentrator for flights.
Related Reading
Oxygen Concentrator: How It Works, Types, Who Needs One, and Safety Tips explains how concentrators make oxygen from room air.
Nasal Cannula: A Comprehensive Guide to Supplemental Oxygen Therapy shows how a nasal cannula delivers oxygen and how to use it comfortably.
What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Symptoms, Causes, Stages, and Treatment explains COPD, a common reason people need home oxygen.
Hypoxemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Emergency Management explains low blood oxygen, its symptoms and when it is an emergency.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Oxygen Therapy Tanks: Types, Purpose & How To Use. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated August 4, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25181-oxygen-tank
Jacobs SS, Krishnan JA, Lederer DJ, et al. Home Oxygen Therapy for Adults with Chronic Lung Disease. An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2020;202(10):e121-e141. PMID 33185464. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202009-3608ST
Long-Term Oxygen Treatment Trial Research Group; Albert RK, Au DH, Blackford AL, et al. A Randomized Trial of Long-Term Oxygen for COPD with Moderate Desaturation. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(17):1617-1627. PMID 27783918. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1604344
Klas KS, Coffey R, Sheckter CC, et al. Preventing Oxygen Therapy-Related Fires and Burn Injuries: A Comprehensive National Strategic Approach. J Burn Care Res. 2026;47(1):120-129. PMID 40736181. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/iraf125
Jacobs SS, Lederer DJ, Garvey CM, et al. Optimizing Home Oxygen Therapy. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2018;15(12):1369-1381. PMID 30499721. https://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201809-627WS
National Library of Medicine (US). Oxygen Therapy. MedlinePlus. Last updated January 26, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/oxygentherapy.html
American Lung Association. Getting Started with Oxygen in Metal Tanks. American Lung Association. Last updated January 28, 2026. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/oxygen-in-metal-tanks
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education and does not replace advice from your doctor. Always follow the oxygen prescription and safety instructions your healthcare provider gives you. If you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion, seek emergency care.
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