I Need Supplemental Oxygen—What Should I Know? (2025)

Oxygen is necessary for life and health. When we breathe, oxygen from the air enters our blood. When blood oxygen levels are too low, it can damage the heart, brain, and muscles. Certain health conditions, like chronic lung or heart diseases, can prevent enough oxygen from entering the blood. In those cases, some people may need extra, or supplemental, oxygen.

Supplemental oxygen is a concentrated form of oxygen delivered through a nasal cannula (tubing to your nose). Devices come in all sizes, including metal tanks (often called cylinders), stationary oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, and rarely, liquid oxygen containers. Supplemental oxygen is delivered in 2 different flows: pulsed flow when you breathe in or continuous flow. Pulsed flow is usually a good starting option and helps tanks and concentrators last longer than continuous flow, but some people may need the higher support provided by continuous flow. Talk with your health care professional about which device provides the flow you need at the lightest weight to help you stay active.

To qualify for supplemental oxygen, you must have a low blood level of oxygen (<88%) measured at a clinic visit. Supplemental oxygen requires a prescription from your health care professional sent to a durable medical equipment company that delivers oxygen devices and supplies to your home. Normally you get 1 stationary concentrator, 1 large backup tank, and a few smaller tanks that are replaced periodically or refilled.

Supplemental oxygen is not addictive and will not weaken your lungs. Sometimes supplemental oxygen is needed temporarily while you recover from an illness. Other times you may need it longer. Oxygen needs can change depending on your health. Use oxygen as prescribed and reassess needs with your health care professional.

Supplemental oxygen is much more than “home oxygen.” Many people can work, travel, and thrive while using supplemental oxygen, and it can provide relief from symptoms like trouble breathing, anxiety, or fatigue. With a little planning to ensure that you have enough tanks or extra portable oxygen concentrator batteries, you may feel more confident going out. If you have difficulty walking, a walker with wheels and a seat called a rollator walker can help you carry the oxygen while keeping you steady on your feet.

Keep tanks away from open flames, heat sources, direct sunlight, or flammable items. Never smoke cigarettes while using supplemental oxygen. Use tape or ties to ensure tubing is not a tripping hazard. Avoid buying oxygen devices online without a prescription and when not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The JAMA Internal Medicine Patient Page is a public service of JAMA Internal Medicine. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be downloaded or photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, email [emailprotected].

Published Online: April 7, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0286

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Ms Kitlowski is the president and founder of Running On Air and receives no salary or compensation from Running On Air; she reported personal fees from the COPD Foundation, unpaid speaker fees from Inogen paid to Running On Air, and travel expenses from Running On Air. Dr Suen reported grant support from the National Institute on Aging and personal fees from Elsevier. Dr Iyer reported grants from the National Institute on Aging and the US Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as personal fees from AstraZeneca, Verona, and Medscape.

Disclaimer: The findings and positions in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the National Institutes of Health or the US federal government.