What is oxygen tank used for?

Are you familiar with the feeling of not being able to breathe properly? It’s like a fish out of water, right? Well, if you have ever experienced such breathing issues, then you would know how crucial it is to have access to oxygen. Yes! That component we begrudgingly “exhale” on any day that ends in “y”. And since we are already discussing it, might as well shed light on its usage and importance.

Oxygen tanks are no less than a savior for those who suffer from respiratory problems. This handy device stores medical-grade oxygen at high pressure making it easier to breathe when people cannot get enough air naturally. In this article, let’s find out what oxygen tank is used for and why it always stands tall as an individual’s superman.

So…What Exactly Is an Oxygen Tank?

An ‘oxygen tank’ or cylinder – Simply put- is a metal container that holds compressed gas containing 99% pure oxygen under high pressure. These metallic tanks come in various sizes from small ones carried around by patients themselves to substantially larger options employed within healthcare facilities or ambulances.

While most Respiratory Therapists can explain their significant role in detail; however (sorry RTs), I’ll try my best here!

The Importance of Medical-Grade Oxygen

Medical grade pure oxygen comes in handy when individuals suffer from any respiratory illnesses including Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Bronchitis etc. With the help Of an Oxygen tank which releases concentrated pressurized medical-grade O2 into one’s lungs helps the body receive enough oxygen dose needed (without depending solely on ambient atmospheric air). Hence preventing organ damage due to low blood oxygen levels caused by insufficiency of natural inhalation process alone.

Who Needs It More Than Anyone Else?

Generally speaking, people who have respiratory illness such as asthma or COPD are the primary users of oxygen tanks. These medical-grade compartments tend to deliver immense relief throughout Asthma and Allergy season when breathing can become increasingly difficult even more so during humid climates (I mean WHY GOD WHY!).

People who undergo surgery, may also require an oxygen tank for some time post- operation if it’s extremely challenging to breathe naturally after intubation/ anesthesia wears off.

Do Not DIY Your Own Oxygen Tank

We’ve said this once but we’ll say it again: please do not attempt to make or refill your own O2 tanks at home (we know how you roll internet!). People often try filling up compressed air with a cheap imported device hooked onto their electric powering system – This is where things get dangerous!

Several factors, including the flow rate and pressure inside the cylinder, need precision adjustment pre-patient use. Even slight miscalculations could lead to inhalation difficulties, which might support organ damage or exacerbate existing lung problems. Hence always purchase only medically backed tanks from licensed retailers/medical providers; because let’s face it folks- rest assured that funny prank will blow up in “everyone’s” faces…yours included!

Worry Not While Travelling With Medical Equipment on Flight

Suppose you’re concerned whether carrying Assembled Portable Oxygen Concentrator devices made by reputable companies like AirSep in checked-in baggage permissible under airline regulations? You’re fine! The good news is…While airlines may have specific rules regarding transporting batteries and lithium-ion cells onboard flights worldwide most airlines don’t prohibit storing lifesaving equipment handy-much-needed ones compromising a traveler’s health.

However,please feel free, out of respect for those around us not using lit signs indicating our latest “accessory” – Just stick with Clear packing tapes & more importantly follow instructions on all flight documentation/GuideBooks.

Hospital Grade Tanks Can Only Be Refilled by Trained Personnel

We’re not ones to flex some knowledge; but here’s a piece of Golden insight. Don’t expect any random roadside mechanic to refill your oxygen tank (from questionable sources), like you would do for a gas cylinder for instance! The mechanism/ maintenance involved in keeping the purity level high while refilling an oxygen cylinder requires professional training and expertise. Hence, we can only imagine how hard it is to be one (RESPECT DOCs & Skilled Staff).

It makes sense when hospitals purchase ethylene fillers with auto-fill systems that reformulate compressed gaseous air before use pre-filling process compared to single conversions which are more error-prone – reason enough why getting them filled at actual medical facilities alone preferably certified/companies/makers themselves.

Oxygen Tank comes With or Without Regulator

There are two types of tanks, namely those that come fitted with regulators or demand-valves integrated into the body and standalone tanks without these additional components attached.

A regulator ensures consistent flow rate at all times, hence enables precise delivery through each breath session. Such equipment design helps patients get optimal comfort as they transition during daily actividades; Standing, Sitting, Sleeping etc.

Patients tend to rely on Standalone Types ‘sometimes’, which serve best when people forget their mains unit charger inside (Sound Familiar..?).

In case of Self-manoeuvrable breathing apparatus’ – doctors often recommend usage of cylinders used in tandem along with electric-powered concentrators facilitated via nasal tubing this setup aims supporting slow steady home therapy sessions and sometimes life-saving supplementation pre-ambulance.
With portable concentrator technology improvement worldwide —an external power source no longer necessary nowadays thanks air sep/amigo series- providing stand-alone devices reliable energy backup.

Types Of Tanks Available

Various levels existing committed coping respiratory issues among different individuals require differing sizes and diverse capabilities needed from O2 tanks.

  • D..? Size or Jumbo Tank
  • E…Relatively Bigger
    (Size does matter folks!)
  • M4, M6 – Smaller ones used in transit via ambience/multiple hourly treatments on the go.
    The type of tank and size depends solely on individual requirement needed to reach desirable oxygen saturation pre-treatment; hence its always better to consult a doctor for proper guidance.

The Oxygen Tank Refill Frequency Is Dashable

Anyone using medical-grade O2 knows this well – a frequent habit of wondering how long we can sustain before needing another fill-up (Paranoia induced OCD tendencies beware!).

How often are refills required?? This may vary based upon individual usage/Location conditions (say living most time spent residing at high altitudes- COUGH COUGH HIMALAYAS!) or simply due to physical exertion level anyone under more strain than someone rested , gets operated more often out!

Generally speaking, one cylinder’s average lifespan could span anywhere from 3 hours → 21hrs>> depending upon flow rate prescribed by healthcare providers alongside frequency.

Do You Need A Prescription To Get An Oxygen Tank?

This questions seems like rockstar Qs ;so just dropping it here because …why not? Yes!! Most certainly YES!
Moreover, only qualified physicians with world approved certification can prescribe an oxygen therapy regimen. It is paramount that you discuss your breathing problems with one for assessment of severity & determining the correct arrangement tackling respective health issues target specific concentrations.

From Asthma patients seeking relief during scorching summers …to CPAP/BiPAP users combating sleep apnea optimizing slumber quality…all these versatile individuals rejoin once again under a broad umbrella encompassing nothing else but ‘breathing properly’. Hence emphasizing healty respiratory functioning as essential whilst making our funnies along the way didn’t hurt ,right?

Now that we have delved into the use and necessity of oxygen tanks – let’s appreciate how vital a role they play in ensuring we breathe easily when facing respiratory complications. So, whether you’re a patient using them for medical reasons or accidentally inhaled too much helium at your last bachelorette party (guilty as charged!), remember to thank our heroes providing “Air within an Airless Mirage”… O2 Tanks!

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