Home oxygen equipment comes from your oxygen provider, but the everyday supplies that connect it to you wear out and need replacing. A typical setup has four parts: the oxygen source (a concentrator or a cylinder with a regulator), optional supply tubing to add length, a connector that joins tubing sections, and the nasal cannula that delivers oxygen at the nose. Your prescriber sets your flow rate. This guide covers how to choose compatible supplies; it does not change how your oxygen is prescribed.
Oxygen supplies at a glance
| Part | What it does | What to check | Options we carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal cannula | Two soft prongs deliver oxygen at the nose; tubing loops over the ears | Adult or pediatric size, tubing length, rated flow | Salter-Style TLCannula with ear cushions (7 ft); Extra Soft Adult Cannula (25 ft); Pediatric SofTip (7 ft) |
| Supply tubing | Extends the distance between the oxygen source and the cannula | Length, kink-resistant design, your equipment's maximum length | Drive No-Kink 25 ft; Salter Labs 50 ft |
| Connector | Joins a cannula to supply tubing, or two tubes together | Swivel or ridged style | Drive Swivel Connectors; Drive Ridged Connectors |
| Regulator | Attaches to a cylinder and sets the flow | Valve type: CGA 870 for post-valve D and E tanks, CGA 540 for H and M tanks | Chad CGA 870 0-8 LPM; Drive Mini CGA 540 0-15 LPM |
| Carrier or cart | Holds a cylinder while you move | Cylinder size | D/E cylinder cart; TOTE walker carrier for M6 |
Nasal cannulas
Cannulas differ in softness, prong shape, tubing length and size. The Salter-Style TLCannula is an adult low-flow cannula with foam ear cushions pre-installed, curved non-flared prongs and 7 feet of tubing; it is listed for flows up to 6 liters per minute. The Extra Soft Adult Cannula has curved prongs and 25 feet of tubing built in, so you may not need a separate extension, and comes 25 to a case. For children, the Pediatric Nasal SofTip Cannula has smaller curved prongs and an over-the-ear style with a slide adjuster. If your ears get sore, a cannula with ear cushions is worth trying.
Supply tubing and connectors
Extension tubing lets you move around the house while connected to a stationary concentrator. The Drive Medical No-Kink tubing is 25 feet long, latex-free, with a 3-channel design that keeps air moving if it bends; it comes 25 to a case. The Salter Labs 50 ft tubing has a star-lumen, crush-resistant design and is sold individually. Check your concentrator's manual for the longest total tubing length it supports before adding more. To join tubing, use a swivel connector, which turns to stop the tubing twisting as you move, or a ridged connector for a simple, snug fit. Shop all oxygen tubing and nasal cannulas.
Regulators and carriers for cylinders
If you use cylinders, the regulator must match the tank valve. The Chad CGA 870 regulator fits post-valve cylinders such as D and E tanks and offers 0 to 8 LPM. The Drive Mini Regulator uses a CGA 540 connection for H and M tanks with a 0 to 15 LPM range. To move a cylinder, the single-tank cart holds one D or E cylinder, and the TOTE carrier straps an M6 cylinder to a wheeled walker. Browse more in respiratory supplies.
Supplies checklist
- Keep at least one spare cannula and one spare length of tubing at home.
- Replace cannulas and tubing on the schedule your oxygen provider or equipment maker gives you, and sooner if they become stiff, cracked, discolored or dirty.
- Keep cannulas in the right size for each user, adult or pediatric.
- Route long tubing away from doorways and foot traffic to reduce trip hazards.
- Follow your oxygen supplier's safety instructions, including keeping oxygen away from open flames and smoking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my oxygen flow rate myself?
No. Use the flow rate your prescriber set. Supplies such as cannulas and tubing do not change your prescription.
Do these cannulas work with a concentrator and a cylinder?
Standard cannulas and tubing connect to the outlet on most concentrators and to cylinder regulators. Check that the rated flow on the cannula covers your setting.
Do you carry nebulizer supplies too?
Yes. See our nebulizers and compressors and the guide on how to use a nebulizer.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor, nurse or therapist about what is right for you.