Oxygen concentrators vs liquid oxygen

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Bas

Joined: Mon, 30/08/2021 - 17:19

Last seen: 4 years 11 months

Submitted by Bas on

Hello,

Has anyone experience of using oxygen concentrators and liquid oxygen, please?

Our PCT/CCG won't permit the use of oxygen for cluster headaches. They're not convinced by the recommendations of NICE or the NHS (er... of which they're a part?!)

As I'm on a state pension, I cannot afford to buy oxygen for myself. And I don't like life.

I know that oxygen will help me. As a one-off, I was lent a small cylinder of it, yesterday. It was amazing and I feel well, today, for the first time in nearly a year.

I see that there are oxygen concentrators that can release 15 l/m.

1) Are they as effective as liquid oxygen (i.e. in a cylinder)?

2) There's a huge range of prices. Does this signify anything?

Many thanks,

Barry.

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beansprout

Joined: Sun, 23/01/2022 - 14:44

Last seen: 4 years 7 months

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Hi Barry.

The possible limitations of oxygen concentrators are firstly that the oxygen they produce is not as pure as that from a tank (so may not be as effective), and secondly that a device capable of producing 15 L/min close to pure oxygen will probably be quite expensive, noisy and use a lot of electricity. It might also need regular servicing to avoid risk of fire or contamination. It could still be effective for you but would be a risk, especially if you have to pay for it yourself. 

If I were you, I would be tempted to continue kicking up a fuss and write complaints to every possible person (practice manager, PCT, CCG, local MP, county council, local paper, health service ombudsman etc.) until they give in.

Best of luck.

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Dorothy

Joined: Sat, 15/08/2026 - 19:41

Last seen: 1 week 1 day

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Hi Barry

Ring your CCG and ask to speak to the Prescriptions Adviser about the use of oxygen. Give our Advice Line a call about getting oxygen 0800 6696 824 and check this oxygen info out
https://ouchuk.org/downloads

Good luck and don't give up!

Dorothy

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