Introduction
When Doctors Prescribe Home Oxygen
Many elderly Malaysians need supplemental oxygen after COVID, lung infections, or chronic conditions like COPD. Doctors typically prescribe "1-3 LPM" (litres per minute) for home use. 🫁
An oxygen concentrator pulls regular air and filters out pure oxygen. No tanks, no refills. See our oxygen concentrators.
What Is an Oxygen Concentrator?
Different from an Oxygen Tank
Tanks need weekly refills. A concentrator runs on electricity and produces oxygen continuously — perfect for patients needing oxygen 24 hours a day.
How It Works
The machine pulls in regular air, filters out nitrogen via a zeolite filter, and outputs 90-95% pure oxygen through a nasal cannula. The patient simply wears the cannula. ✅
Pick the Right Flow Rate
3 Litres Per Minute (LPM)
For mild cases — post-COVID or pneumonia recovery. Enough for most home needs.
5 LPM
The clinical standard. Our most popular pick for COPD, lung-cancer, or post-stroke patients.
10 LPM
For severe cases — typically only prescribed by a pulmonologist. Bigger and louder; rarely needed at home.
Portable vs Full Size
Portable
Carry-on size, with backup battery, suitable for doctor visits. Capacity is usually 3 LPM only.
Full Size
Larger — like a small cabinet. Stronger (5-10 LPM), cheaper to rent, and built to last. The main pick for bedridden home patients.
Safety Tips
1. Keep Away from Open Flames
Oxygen accelerates combustion. Keep at least 3 metres from gas stoves, candles, and cigarettes.
2. Allow Airflow Around the Machine
Don't push it tight against a wall or into a closed cupboard — the machine needs ambient air.
3. Clean the Filter Weekly
The outer filter needs wiping weekly. The inner filter is reusable but should be washed monthly — we'll show you how at delivery.
4. Watch for Hypoxia Signs
Blue lips, blue fingernails, or sudden drowsiness — signs of insufficient oxygen. Increase LPM per the doctor's prescription and call for medical help.
WhatsApp to Rent
Daily, weekly, or monthly rental. Delivered within 24 hours to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Ipoh. See also our post-discharge equipment checklist.
FAQ
Do I need a doctor's prescription?
For rental we recommend a prescription so we set the right LPM, but it isn't mandatory. For mild recovery, most families use 3 LPM safely.
How long does the machine run?
Modern machines are built to run 24 hours non-stop. You can leave it on continuously.
Will my electricity bill spike?
No. A 5 LPM machine uses about 350W — the same as a laptop. Monthly bill usually adds only RM30-50.
Are oxygen machines noisy?
Moderate — around 45 dB, similar to a fridge. Most patients adjust within 1-2 days.
What about power outages?
Standard models stop during a blackout. Portable models have backup batteries; for full-size machines we recommend a UPS or generator.