Portable oxygen tanks are smaller cylinders that can be used when leaving
the home.
They can be wheeled, attached to a wheeled walker
or wheelchair or may be carried in a bag or backpack.
Transporting portable tanks
Ask your supplier for instructions on how to safely transport your oxygen tanks.
Check with the airline or travel provider to ensure they will allow your tank/s on
board as luggage.
Alternatively, arrange to hire tanks at your destination.
Portable tanks should not be taken overseas, as other countries may not be able to
fill them.
Many airlines do not allow you to take your own portable oxygen tanks on board.
Instead, you may need to hire an aircraft approved oxygen tank or arrange in-flight
oxygen through the airline. These arrangements can take time.
If you are using the airline’s own in-flight oxygen equipment, they may not allow you to
take it off the plane. So, if you have a stop-over on your journey, you will probably need
to arrange a different oxygen supply for the time you spend on the ground in between
flights. Direct routes are easier for this reason.
Accommodation considerations
Try to avoid places that cannot provide smoke free restaurants and accommodation.
Check that your accommodation provider will allow oxygen cylinders to be delivered
and stored on their premises.
Check access to the room. Do you need to climb flights of stairs to get there, or
there is a lift
Portable oxygen tanks
Oxygen tanks are metal tanks that store compressed oxygen and can be used in and out of the home.
The smaller the tank, the less oxygen it holds.
Portable oxygen tanks
are smaller cylinders that can be used when leaving
the home. They can be wheeled, attached to a wheeled walker
or wheelchair or may be carried in a bag or backpack.
Choosing a portable oxygen tank
How long am I going to need this equipment?
Are you going to need portable oxygen for a short time or for the longer term? You may also wish to have portable
equipment for use on a holiday or other situation where it is impractical to take your concentrator.
Do I need a back-up plan for my home oxygen?
If you are a long term oxygen user, you may wish to have some form of back-up oxygen supply that you can use
if your home concentrator fails or there is an emergency. This is commonly a large portable oxygen tank. You
may already have received one as part of a funding package, but if not, then you can arrange for one yourself.
Portable oxygen tanks can also be used instead of the home concentrator if there is a power failure.
What size tank can I manage?
Base your decision on what you can either wheel, carry or attach to a wheeled walker or wheelchair.
If mounting the tank to a wheeled walker, consider your need to continue using the seat. Larger portable
tanks may rest across the bars under the seat if they are appropriately secured.
Make sure that you can lift the tank into the car or onto the bus or train. The smaller the tank
the lighter it will be, but the sooner it will be empty.
If you are going out on your own, make sure the effort of taking a tank with you does not create more difficulties than being out without the oxygen.
Determine how long you will be out for and how much of this time you may wish to use tank oxygen. The
bigger the tank the longer it will last, but the heavier it will be. Choose the biggest tank you can easily manage.
Oxygen Cylinder On Line
Portable oxygen cylinder for Covid