CYLINDER OXYGEN
Most common for pediatric use (< ½ lpm)
Close to 100% oxygen
Heavy and ugly, but durable and very reliable
Commonly used for base/stationary units, portability, and as back up for concentrators
Variable sizes available, corresponding to literflow needs

OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS
Best for flows ½ to 4 lpm
Electrically powered, draws in 21% O2 from room air and "concentrates" to ~92-95% O2
Not 100% oxygen, not portable units, for in-home/stationary use only
Unlimited supply of gas (new units even allow filling of portables from base unit)
Require maintenance at regular intervals to assure adequate oxygen delivery
Units are now equipped to alert patient/caregiver to malfunctions

LIQUID OXYGEN
Best for high flow (>4 lpm) or very active patients requiring increased portability.
Slightly more expensive for small providers, requiring up to weekly service.
Portable container is filled from stationary system. Usually only one portable is issued.
Liquid O2 is stored at -300°F in thermos-like tank, turns to gas when warmed in coils on its way to the patient.
Cannot be stored for long periods, as liquid evaporates, requiring refill of container.
Occasionally vents or drips condensation.
Unit must remain upright. There is a danger of thermal burns if liquid spills.
Bulk systems are available for very high flow use, or for ventilators. BIG oxygen containers must be placed outdoors and the home "piped" with gas.

CONSERVING DEVICES/DEMAND CANNULAS
Provide oxygen on inspiration only-not for every patient!
Available for cylinder gas and liquid oxygen systems
Specifications vary from manufacturer to manufacturer
MUST have saturation guidelines from physician prior to setup.
Best for patients on <4 lpm, each patient must be considered individually.
Very small systems are available for lower flow patients.
Respiratory rate dictates duration of cylinders/containers.
Not useful for infant and children with small inspiratory flow rates, as sensing mechanism will not activate to begin flow of oxygen.

Oxygen Administration Devices

LOW FLOW DEVICES
Do not meet the patient's total inspiratory flow demands, and require entrainment of room air.

• Cannulas - nose tube, comes in a variety of sizes and lengths
  
• Transtracheal cannulas - invasive cannula placed much like a tracheostomy tube
  
• Biflow nasal masks - "enlarged" cannula, or "small" mask, sits just on tip of nose
  
• Simple mask - covers mouth and nose. Good for patient's with obstructed or irritated nose. Requires a flow of >4 lpm to flush CO2 from mask.
  
• Oximizer Pendant-a type of cannula with a large reservoir

HIGH FLOW DEVICES
Provide all inspired gas to the patient. Must provide enough total gas to meet or exceed inspiratory flows. These require very high oxygen literflows, or special venturi valves to mix air and oxygen into precise blends.

• APNebs (All-purpose nebulizers)-high humidity devises used for trachs or irritated airway in need of moisture. Prescription is needed for O2%. It is difficult to obtain >40-50% oxygen in the home setting.
• NRBMask (Non-rebreathing mask)-used to deliver the highest % oxygen available. Can get close to 100% oxygen, so not frequently used in the home.
• Tents-not seen much these days at home. "Cube" tents are used with APNebs.