Oxygen Regulators

If you need to use an oxygen cylinder or concentrator to get supplemental oxygen, you may need to use it with a regulator.

An oxygen regulator sometimes referred to as a control valve or a flow meter controls the flow of oxygen to your airways.

The regulator also measures the oxygen flow rate and ensures the correct amount of oxygen is administered to your airways.

How an Oxygen Regulator Works

Oxygen regulators regulate the flow of oxygen to your airways. Most regulators will regulate oxygen flow from 1 to 25 liters per minute, depending on the oxygen flow rate prescribed by your physician.

Although regulators are available in different types, including two-stage and single-stage regulators, they all work the same.

The oxygen tank regulator has a clamp that attaches to the oxygen tank on one end and tubing that connects to the nasal cannula or oxygen mask on the other side.

A regulator for oxygen tank is a crucial device as it ensures you get the right amount of oxygen from your oxygen tank.

Breathing too much supplemental oxygen pressure can lead to oxygen toxicity, which is a condition that can harm your lungs. On the other hand, if you can’t get enough oxygen, then your oxygen therapy will be ineffective.

How to Attach a Regulator to an Oxygen Cylinder

An oxygen regulator may look like a complex device, but it’s easy to fix it onto your oxygen tank.

Before fixing the regulator to the cylinder, ensure it has the right prescribed flow rate. Also, set the flow selector on your concentrator to zero and tap the valve slightly to blow out any dust, moisture, or dirt that may get into your regulator.

Here are the steps to follow when fixing oxygen regulators for portable tanks:

• Use your hand to screw the regulator down onto the cylinder until you hear the click sound
• Set the flow rate on your regulator as prescribed by your physician
• Slowly open the cylinder valve to allow the oxygen to flow. When opening the valve, ensure the outlet isn’t aimed at you or others
• Ensure the fireproof iron or clamp that connects the gas outlet of your regulator to the gas rubber pipe is tightly sealed to prevent leaks
• Remove the oxygen regulator from the gas tank after use to eliminate gas loss

How to Maintain Your Oxygen Regulator

The oxygen regulator must be regularly checked to ensure it's not leaking. A leaking regulator is dangerous as the oxygen can pose an explosion or fire risk. Leaks can also cause your oxygen cylinder to deplete faster.

To determine whether your regulator is leaking, listen for any whistling sound when the regulator is connected to the oxygen cylinder. If you hear a whistling sound, it may be an indication that gas is escaping from the tank.

You also need to wipe your regulator clean in case you notice any grease or dirt on it.

Sometimes you may notice that your regulator is frozen after use. In such a case, don’t remove it by force, but leave it to thaw. You can also use steam to thaw it, but make sure to blow off any moisture left after the thawing process.

Remember, you should never use fire to thaw a frozen oxygen tank regulator.

Where to Get a Quality Regulator for Oxygen Tank

It’s important to buy your oxygen regulator from a reliable supplier.

At No Insurance Medical Supplies, we understand the importance of quality oxygen equipment to our oxygen therapy customers. We have functional and reliable oxygen regulators that are compatible with different oxygen cylinders and concentrators.

If you need a new oxygen tank regulator or need to replace your current one, reach out to us today to get one.