New to Oxygen Therapy? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Doctor's Appointment
Been referred for oxygen therapy and not sure where to start? This guide walks you through everything — how concentrators work, pulse vs continuous flow, what to ask your doctor, and a free printable checklist to take to your appointment.
First-Timer's Guide · 2026
You've just been told you may need an oxygen concentrator — or your appointment is coming up and you're not quite sure what to ask. Either way, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything, in plain English.
⏱ 10 min read🖨️ Printable checklists included✅ TGA-approved products
"Being told you need oxygen therapy can feel overwhelming at first. You might have a hundred questions and not know where to start. That's completely normal — and you're not alone. Thousands of Australians start oxygen therapy every year and go on to live full, active lives. This guide is here to make sure your doctor's appointment is as productive as possible."
Whether you're waiting for a referral, about to see a respiratory specialist for the first time, or your GP has just mentioned oxygen therapy as a possibility — this guide covers everything you need to understand. We'll explain how oxygen concentrators work, the difference between the types, what questions to write down before you go in, and which machines might be worth discussing with your doctor.
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Important: This guide is for information and planning purposes only. All decisions about oxygen therapy, flow rates, and equipment must be made with your doctor or respiratory specialist. Never adjust prescribed oxygen settings without clinical guidance.
1 What Is an Oxygen Concentrator?
The Basics
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that takes in ordinary room air, filters out nitrogen, and delivers high-purity oxygen (between 87–95%) to you through a nasal cannula — the small tube that sits gently under your nose.
Unlike the old-style oxygen cylinders (which ran out and needed refilling), a concentrator never runs out of oxygen. It runs on electricity and produces oxygen continuously from the air around you. Think of it like a smart air filter that concentrates the good stuff.
💡 How it works — simply
Pulls in room air (21% oxygen)
Filters out nitrogen using zeolite crystals
Delivers 87–95% pure oxygen to you
Runs on mains power or battery
No refills, no cylinders, no expiry
🏠 Who uses them?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Pulmonary fibrosis
Congestive heart failure
Sleep apnoea with low oxygen
Post-COVID respiratory conditions
Other chronic lung conditions
Oxygen concentrators come in two broad categories: stationary units (for home use, plugged in at the wall) and portable units (battery-powered, for out and about). Within portables, there are two delivery types: pulse flow and continuous flow. We'll cover all of these shortly.
2 The Three Types of Oxygen Concentrator
Understanding Your Options
Before your appointment, it helps to understand the three main types. Your doctor will prescribe whichever best suits your condition — but knowing the difference means you can have a much more informed conversation.
🏠 Stationary
Home Oxygen Concentrator
Plugs into wall power
Continuous flow, high output (5–10 LPM)
Ideal for home, rest & sleep
Larger and heavier — not portable
Most cost-effective for home use
From ~$997
🫁 Portable Pulse Flow
Portable — Breath Triggered
Battery powered, very lightweight
Delivers oxygen when you inhale
Great for activity, walks, travel
FAA-approved for flights (most models)
Not suitable for sleeping
From ~$2,299
🔄 Portable Continuous
Portable — Constant Flow
Battery powered, heavier than pulse
Delivers oxygen constantly
Can be used during sleep
Higher oxygen requirements
Some models FAA-approved
From ~$3,599
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Many people use a combination: a stationary concentrator at home for sleeping and resting, plus a lightweight portable pulse flow unit for daily activities and getting out of the house. This is very common and worth discussing with your doctor.
3 Pulse Flow vs Continuous Flow — Which Will I Need?
The Most Important Decision
This is the question we get asked most often. Here's the simplest way to understand it:
🫁 Pulse Flow — "On Demand"
The machine senses when you breathe in and releases a burst of oxygen at that exact moment. In between breaths — nothing. This makes it very efficient.
Best for:
Daytime activity and walking
Travel (especially flying)
Mild-to-moderate oxygen needs
People who are active
🔄 Continuous Flow — "Always On"
The machine delivers a steady, uninterrupted stream of oxygen at a constant litres-per-minute rate — whether you're breathing, exhaling, or sleeping.
Best for:
Sleeping and overnight use
Advanced respiratory conditions
Higher flow rate prescriptions
When pulse sensor won't trigger reliably
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Pulse flow is NOT suitable for sleeping. During sleep your breathing naturally becomes slower and shallower — the sensor may not trigger reliably, meaning you could receive less oxygen than prescribed. If you need oxygen overnight, your doctor will recommend a stationary or continuous flow machine.
A very common setup in Australia: a stationary concentrator at home for night use, and a lightweight pulse flow portable to take out during the day. Your doctor can prescribe both if your condition requires it.
4 Understanding Your Oxygen Prescription
What the Numbers Mean
When your doctor prescribes oxygen, they'll specify a number of things. Here's what each one means in plain English:
Term
What It Means
Ask Your Doctor
Flow Rate (LPM)
Litres Per Minute — how much oxygen is delivered. Common rates: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 LPM
"What is my flow rate at rest, and during activity?"
Hours Per Day
How long each day you should use oxygen — could be 8, 12, 15 or 24 hours
"How many hours a day do I need oxygen?"
Indication
When to use it — at rest, during exertion, during sleep, or all three
"Do I need it when I'm active, sleeping, or both?"
Delivery Mode
Pulse dose (POD) or Continuous Flow (CF) — which type of delivery
"Can pulse flow work for me, or do I need continuous?"
Duration
Short-term (e.g., post-surgery) or long-term ongoing therapy
"Is this a permanent prescription or will it be reviewed?"
5 Oxygen While Sleeping
Important — Read This
If your doctor indicates you need oxygen during sleep, this changes the type of machine you'll need. Here's what you need to know:
Pulse flow portables are not suitable for sleep — the breath sensor may not reliably detect your sleeping breath
A stationary concentrator is the most common choice for home sleep use — constant flow, quiet operation, no battery concerns
Some portable continuous flow units can be used for sleep — the GCE Zen-O and CAIRE Eclipse 5, for example, are suitable
If you also have Sleep Apnoea and use a CPAP/BiPAP machine, ask your doctor whether your oxygen should be integrated with that setup or run separately
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Good news: A stationary home concentrator is the most affordable option in our range — starting from $997. It's quiet, reliable, runs all night on mains power, and requires no batteries. Many people use one at home and a lightweight portable during the day.
6 Travel & Flying with Oxygen
Staying Mobile
One of the first questions people ask is: "Can I still travel?" In most cases — yes. Most of our portable oxygen concentrators are FAA-approved for use on commercial flights. Here's what you need to know:
You'll need a letter from your doctor stating your oxygen requirements for travel
Most airlines require 48–72 hours advance notice — contact them directly
The concentrator must be FAA-approved (most pulse flow portables are; some continuous flow models are too)
Airlines generally don't charge extra for medical equipment, but policies vary
For international travel, research the power outlet type and voltage at your destination
Always carry spare batteries for travel — aim for 150% of your estimated flight time
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Ask your doctor: "Am I cleared to fly? Do I need a letter for airline travel? What flow rate do I need during a flight?" Some conditions may require a higher flow rate during altitude changes.
7 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
🖨️ Printable Checklist
Take this list to your appointment. Tick each one off as you get the answer. You can print this page using your browser's print function — only this checklist section will appear.
RAPID MEDICAL SUPPLIES — rapidmedicalsupplies.com.au — 1300 758 613 Patient Doctor Appointment Checklist — Oxygen Therapy
Print this page and take it to your appointment. www.rapidmedicalsupplies.com.au
📋 Doctor Appointment Checklist
Tick each question off as you get the answer. Take this to your appointment.
What is my prescribed flow rate? (litres per minute — LPM) At rest: _____ LPM During activity: _____ LPM During sleep: _____ LPM
How many hours per day do I need to use oxygen? Answer: _____ hours per day
Do I need oxygen at rest, during activity, during sleep, or all three? Circle: Rest / Activity / Sleep / All
Is pulse flow suitable for me, or do I need continuous flow? Answer: ___________________
Is this a long-term prescription, or will it be reviewed? Review date: ___________________
About My Lifestyle
Am I cleared to travel by plane? Do I need a letter for airline oxygen use?
Can I still exercise or walk with oxygen? What activities are OK? What should I avoid?
Is driving safe for me with my condition? Do I need oxygen while driving?
Will I need oxygen both at home (stationary) and out and about (portable)?
About the Machine
Do I need a machine for home use, portable use, or both?
Is a pulse flow portable suitable for my daytime use, or do I need continuous flow?
What is the maximum LPM I might need in the future? (helps choose the right machine capacity)
Can you fill in a machine preference form so I can share it with a supplier?
About Funding & Support
Am I eligible for NDIS funding for my oxygen equipment?
Are there any Medicare or DVA rebates that apply to my situation?
Do you recommend I see a respiratory physiotherapist or lung nurse as well?
What do I do in an emergency if my oxygen runs out or the machine stops?
8 Doctor's Oxygen Prescription Reference Sheet
🖨️ Print & Bring to Your Appointment
Print this sheet and ask your doctor or specialist to fill it in. It gives us — or any oxygen supplier — everything we need to recommend the right machine for you. You can also fill in any details you already know.
🩺 Oxygen Therapy Prescription Reference
For patient to share with Rapid Medical Supplies — 1300 758 613 — rapidmedicalsupplies.com.au
Use this table to get a feel for what's available before your appointment. Take note of any models that interest you and discuss them with your doctor. Our team at 1300 758 613 can also help you narrow it down once you have your prescription.
✓ = Yes | ✗ = No | ◎ = Confirm with manufacturer | CF = Continuous Flow | Prices correct at time of publishing. View current pricing →
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Not sure which to shortlist? Bring the table above to your appointment and circle any that interest you. Once you have your prescription in hand, call us on 1300 758 613 and we'll help you match it to the right machine — no pressure, no hard sell.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
I've just been told I need oxygen. Where do I start?
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Start by not panicking — oxygen therapy is very common and manageable. The next step is your doctor's appointment, ideally with a respiratory specialist. Use the checklist in Section 7 of this guide to prepare your questions. Once you have a prescription, call our team on 1300 758 613 and we'll match you to the right machine.
Will I need to use oxygen forever?
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Not necessarily. Some people need oxygen therapy short-term (for example, after surgery or during an acute illness). Others with chronic conditions like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis may need it long-term. Your doctor will review your prescription regularly — ask them at your appointment what the expected duration is for your situation.
Can I still be active and independent while on oxygen?
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Absolutely. Many people on oxygen therapy live very full, active lives. Lightweight portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen Rove 6 weigh under 3kg and allow you to walk, shop, travel, and socialise freely. Oxygen therapy is about giving your body the support it needs so you can do more, not less.
Can I use a pulse flow concentrator while sleeping?
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Generally no. During sleep, breathing becomes slower and shallower, which can prevent the pulse sensor from triggering reliably. This means you could receive less oxygen than prescribed without realising it. For overnight use, your doctor will typically recommend a stationary home concentrator (most affordable) or a continuous flow portable unit.
Can I fly on a plane with an oxygen concentrator?
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Yes — most of our portable concentrators are FAA-approved for commercial airline travel. You'll need a letter from your doctor and advance notice to the airline (typically 48–72 hours). Most pulse flow portables are approved; some continuous flow models are too. We can advise on which models are FAA-approved when you call us.
Is an oxygen concentrator covered by the NDIS?
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Yes, oxygen concentrators may be funded through the NDIS under the appropriate support category. Rapid Medical Supplies is an NDIS-registered provider. Ask your NDIS planner or support coordinator, or call our team on 1300 758 613 and we'll help guide you through the process.
How loud are oxygen concentrators?
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Modern concentrators are much quieter than older models. Stationary home units typically run at 40–45 decibels — similar to a quiet conversation or a refrigerator hum. Most people sleep through them easily. Portable units are similar or quieter. If noise is a concern, ask us about the quietest models in our range.
Once you've had your appointment and have a prescription, our team is here to help you choose the right machine. No pressure — just honest, expert advice from Australians who know oxygen therapy.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or respiratory specialist regarding your oxygen therapy requirements.
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