What type of devices are used to administer oxygen therapy?
Carmichael’s provides a wide variety of home respiratory therapy equipment, supplies and services, primarily to patients with severe and chronic pulmonary diseases. Respiratory therapy products and services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Oxygen concentrators. An oxygen concentrator provides extra oxygen for a patient who has a health condition that causes a low oxygen level. It delivers oxygen to the user’s nose through a tube connected to the tank at one end and to an oxygen mask at the other.
Portable oxygen cylinders. A portable oxygen cylinder (or tank) is like an oxygen concentrator. The difference is that an oxygen cylinder is a metal tank containing a fixed amount of pressurized oxygen, which requires replacement or refilling. It is usually mounted on a cart, trolley or other device for easy transport.
Nebulizers and inhalers. A nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a mist that is inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece. An inhaler is a medication that is breathed through the mouth, into the lungs Both devices are used to treat asthma and COPD.
Do I need a prescription to buy an oxygen concentrator?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically indicates that “oxygen concentrators are medical devices required to be sold and used only with a prescription.” Carmichael’s locations require a doctor’s prescription to purchase any home oxygen respiratory therapy equipment. Our respiratory therapists coordinate the prescribed therapy with the patient’s physician and train the patient and caregiver on how to use the equipment correctly. Our pharmacists also work with the patient and the patient’s prescribing doctor to ensure the correct prescription is administered. Contact a Carmichael’s representative for additional information and to request any respiratory therapy equipment products and supplies services.