At all times, the body is taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. If this process does not happen adequately, the oxygen in the blood will decrease, and the person may need supplemental oxygen. There are three ways to dispense oxygen in the home. Compressed oxygen gas and liquid oxygen are two ways to have oxygen delivered to the home. Oxygen gas can be compressed and stored in tanks or cylinders of steel or aluminum.
Liquid oxygen is made by cooling the oxygen gas, which changes it to a liquid form.
It is often used by people who are more active because larger amounts of liquid oxygen can be stored in smaller, more convenient containers. The disadvantage is that it cannot be kept for a long time because it will evaporate. In addition, oxygen concentrators are available to deliver higher concentrations in the home. An oxygen concentrator is an electric device about the size of an end table. It produces oxygen by concentrating the oxygen that is already in the air and eliminating other gases.