Oxygen Flow Regulators

If you are on oxygen therapy and need an oxygen tank, you need to verify that you can regulate the flow - using an oxygen regulator.

Generally, this is a part of the original oxygen tank setup, however, if not, you have to attach the oxygen regulator to make certain that you are making the best of the oxygen therapy. Oxygen regulators are an essential piece of equipment that are used to deliver the oxygen your doctor has prescribed. 

Here are a few things to make note of:

What Does An Oxygen Flow Regulator Do?

The first thing you'll want to understand about your oxygen regulator is their importance. These devices are attached to an oxygen tank or cylinder in order to regulate the amount of oxygen that flows through the hoses connected to the nose cannula (or oxygen mask, as the case may be).

An oxygen regulator controls the amount of oxygen (the flow) that goes from the tank to you. What it does is that it only allows the amount of oxygen that is pre-set, to escape, by means of a valve. The oxygen is stored as a gas at high pressure so a regulator is vital as oxygen flowing at high pressure can cause serious damage.

What happens is that the oxygen regulator controls the pressure of oxygen gas by mechanical means. The valve opens or closes according to the settings allowing the specific amount of oxygen to flow out.

The oxygen is stored in a cylinder as a gas, and under high pressure, at 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi), while patients measure their oxygen needs in LPM (liter per minute)  where for example oxygen delivered through a nose cannula will be between 2 and 6 litres per minute (LPM).

When you increase the setting, the patient receives additional oxygen; as you turn it down, a lesser amount is supplied. By following the doctors instructions, you will get a stable flow of oxygen that's calculated to supply your lungs and hence your blood stream with the amount of oxygen prescribed. This is the main point: Setting the oxygen flow at the rate prescribed. If the flow setting is too low, as reflected through the actual oxygen regulator, you will not be receiving enough oxygen.

Effective Use Of The Oxygen Regulator.

When you first receive the oxygen tank with its own oxygen regulator, be certain that the dealer provides you with a detailed explanation concerning how to use this kind of equipment accurately. You will then know how to connect everything up and which is the best way to fine-tune the oxygen flow. If you have more than one tank, it is possible they use different types of oxygen regulators  so try to make sure you have one standard oxygen regulator model for all of them. Be sure to you call your provider if you have any question and study any literature that comes with the tank in addition to regulator. The same thing goes if you buy a new regulator.

Different Types of Oxygen Regulators

There are many different types of oxygen regulators, depending on the tank you possess. In general terms, from the users point of view, they work pretty much the same (the internal side of things can vary). For smaller oxygen tanks, you should choose one that is as light as possible and small - there is no point in going through all the trouble of finding a light weight tank if your own oxygen regulator is heavy or cumbersome.

There are digital regulators, where the reading is digital, to make it easier to keep track of your oxygen flow levels. There are bigger ones should you have a larger stationary tank at home. Check with the tank supplier to see just what oxygen regulator you should use.

The idea of fiddling about with the regulator may make you nervous (you may worry about making a mistake), but remember they were made to ensure you receive the most out of your own oxygen tank.

By understanding the way they work you'll be guaranteeing your oxygen supply, at the correct level.