1. What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is an electrically powered device that takes room air and filters out nitrogen, delivering 90–96% pure oxygen to the patient. Unlike cylinders, it does not require refilling.

How It Works

• Sucks in room air
  
  

• Removes nitrogen using molecular sieves
  
  

• Provides continuous oxygen flow
  
  

• Works 24/7 with electricity
  
  

Best For:

• Long-term oxygen therapy
  
  

• Mild to moderate breathing issues
  
  

• Home use
  
  

• Elderly patients
  
  

Types:

• 5L concentrators (for normal oxygen therapy)
  
  

• 10L concentrators (for higher flow patients)
  
  

2. What is an Oxygen Cylinder?

An oxygen cylinder stores compressed oxygen and provides immediate delivery through a regulator. It does not require power supply, making it suitable for emergencies.

Best For:

• Emergency use
  
  

• High oxygen requirement
  
  

• Backup for concentrator users
  
  

Types:

• 5L small cylinder
  
  

• 10L home-use cylinder
  
  

• 47L jumbo cylinder (long usage)
  
  

3. Detailed Comparison: Concentrator vs Cylinder

A. Refilling & Convenience

Oxygen Concentrator

✔ No refilling needed
✔ Runs continuously
✔ Minimal maintenance

Oxygen Cylinder

✘ Requires frequent refilling
✘ Logistics and availability challenges
✘ Refilling cost adds up

Winner: Concentrator

B. Running Cost

Concentrator – One-time purchase, no refilling

Cylinder – Continuous refilling cost

Winner: Concentrator (90% cheaper long-term)

C. Oxygen Flow

Concentrator

• Suitable for 1–5 LPM
  
  

• High-flow models can give up to 10 LPM
  
  

Cylinder

• Can give high flow (up to 15 LPM)
  
  

• Better for critical patients
  
  

Winner: Cylinder (for high-flow)
Winner: Concentrator (for regular use)

D. Safety

Concentrator

• Very safe
• No risk of leakage

Cylinder

⚠ Risk of oxygen leakage
⚠ Needs careful handling

Winner: Concentrator

E. Availability in India

During COVID waves, cylinders were often in shortage.
Concentrators remained widely available.

4. Price Comparison in India (2025)

Oxygen Concentrators:

• 5L models: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000
  
  

• 10L models: ₹55,000 – ₹90,000
  
  

• Rental: ₹2,500–₹4,000 per month
  
  

Oxygen Cylinders:

• 10L cylinder: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
  
  

• 47L jumbo: ₹16,000 – ₹22,000
  
  

• Refilling: ₹250–₹600 per refill
  
  

• Rental: ₹400–₹800 per month (cylinder only)
  
  

5. When to Choose a Concentrator?

Choose an oxygen concentrator if:

• The patient needs long-term oxygen therapy
• Usage is more than 8 hours a day
• Oxygen requirement is moderate
• You need a cost-effective home solution

6. When to Choose an Oxygen Cylinder?

Choose a cylinder if:

• The patient needs emergency oxygen
• High flow (10–15 LPM) is required
• You need a backup for power cuts
• For temporary recovery (short-term use)

7. Best Solution for Home Care – Combination Setup

Doctors recommend:

Concentrator + Backup Cylinder

This ensures:

✔ Constant oxygen supply
✔ Emergency backup
✔ Cost-effective long-term therapy

Why Buy from Aarogyaa Bharat?

• 100% certified oxygen concentrators
  
  

• Budget-friendly rental plans
  
  

• Free demonstration & installation
  
  

• 24×7 emergency support
  
  

• Pan-India doorstep delivery
  
  

We aim to make home-care treatment safe, affordable, and accessible.

FAQs

1. Which is cheaper in the long run?

Concentrators are far cheaper because they eliminate refilling.

2. Which is better for elderly patients?

An oxygen concentrator is easier and safer for daily use.

3. Do concentrators work during power cuts?

You need a UPS or a backup cylinder.

4. Is cylinder oxygen more pure than concentrator oxygen?

Both provide medically acceptable purity.

5. Can I rent both together?

Yes. Aarogyaa Bharat provides both rent and buy options.

Conclusion

For long-term, daily oxygen therapy at home, the concentrator is clearly the best option. For emergencies or high-flow needs, cylinders play an important role. A combination of both offers the safest and most reliable setup.